Here we have one of the Noble & Cooley /  Ludwig Limited Edition Tulipwood Snare Drums. This is an exceptional piece born from over a year of innovation and collaboration. This one of a kind drum is the result of a partnership between two iconic names in the drumming world: Ludwig and Noble & Cooley and was produced as a limited run of drums for Drum Centre Portmouth's 10th anniversary year, making it a truly rare find here in the UK.

The Ludwig Solid Ply Snare Drum Vision

Ludwig has built its legendary reputation on some of the most sought-after snare drums in the world, particularly their seamless metal models like the Supraphonic and Black Beauty. However, their wood snares, while equally impressive, don’t always get the recognition they deserve. This limited edition snare fills a key gap in the Ludwig lineup—offering a solid ply, steam-bent wood shell that delivers a rich, growling tone, similar to the classic Slingerland Radio King snares of the past.

Noble & Cooley’s Expertise

When it comes to steam-bent wood shells, few companies can match the craftsmanship of Noble & Cooley. As the oldest drum manufacturer in the United States, their mastery of woodworking has produced some of the most iconic snare sounds in history. In this collaboration, Ludwig worked closely with Noble & Cooley to test a range of their shells, ultimately choosing Tulipwood for its warmth and tonal character. Interestingly, Tulipwood was also the material of choice for drums built by Noble & Cooley during the Civil War era, making this choice a perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

A Timeless Investment

This snare drum is more than just a great-sounding instrument it’s a slice of American drum making history. Limited edition Ludwig snares have long been prized by collectors, and this model, with its collaboration with Noble & Cooley, is destined to be no different. Not only does it offer superior sound and craftsmanship, but it’s also a smart investment that will only appreciate over time. With proper care, this drum is sure to become a treasured piece in any collection.

Note: Each snare from this series is marked with a serial number on an internal label that includes the header “Classic Maple,” though the drum itself is made from Tulipwood.

Features

• N&C Steam Bent Solid Tulip Shell
  
• Ludwig Die-Cast Hoops (10 Lug)
• Ludwig Chrome Tube Lugs
• Ludwig Snare Strainer and Throw Off
• Ludwig Keystone & N&C Ltd Edition Badges
• Limited production, a huge future collectable
• Shell made by N&C in Massachusetts, USA 
• Hardware, Assembly & Finishing by Ludwig in Monroe USA
  
• New Heads Fitted
• PreLoved - 10/10 Condition, Very Briefly owned, no signs of use.