Built in 2002, this custom Ludwig pairs a shallow 4-by-14-inch Legacy Mahogany shell with a Green Emerald Pearl finish. Its proportions and period-minded wrap give it the appearance of a vintage Downbeat-era instrument interpreted through a more recent custom build.

I had the privilege of fostering a 1960s Downbeat snare for a few months, and it was one of my favorite snares I every played. So I solicited Ludwig about building the closest construction they could, with a limited-run wrap from their leftover scrap to boot.

The rich green pearl changes with the light, while the chrome hardware provides a crisp frame around the compact shell. It is a distinctive meeting point between Ludwig history and modern construction. Finished off with an aftermarket chrome-over-brass batter counterhoop, adding a hefty boost to an already incredible tone!