Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 14" x 5" Snare Drum Imperial Lugs

Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 14" x 5" Snare Drum

The Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 14" x 5" Snare Drum is one of the most iconic and widely recognised snare drums in modern drumming. Made in the USA, the LM400 combines Ludwig's 1.7mm seamless aluminium shell with a chrome-plated finish, classic Imperial lugs and 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops to produce the crisp, articulate and incredibly versatile sound that has made the Supraphonic a studio and stage favourite for generations.

At 14" x 5", the Ludwig LM400 delivers a fast, sensitive response with a clear attack and plenty of snare definition. Its seamless aluminium shell produces a controlled, musical tone with enough body to sound full without becoming overpowering, making it an exceptionally versatile snare for recording, live performance and everyday playing.

From rock and pop to funk, soul and jazz, the Ludwig LM400 Supraphonic is a true all-rounder and an excellent choice for drummers looking for one professional snare capable of covering a huge range of musical situations.

The Classic Ludwig Supraphonic Sound

At the heart of the LM400 is Ludwig's 1.7mm seamless aluminium shell.

The aluminium construction gives the Supraphonic its distinctive combination of crisp attack, sensitivity and controlled resonance. Compared with the warmer and richer character of a brass snare such as the Ludwig Black Beauty, the aluminium LM400 offers a cleaner, more focused response with excellent articulation.

Ghost notes remain detailed and sensitive, while harder playing produces the sharp, authoritative crack that has made the Supraphonic such a popular choice for live and studio drummers.

Its wide tuning range is another reason the LM400 has become such a versatile snare. Tune it higher for a tight, articulate response or bring the tuning down for more body and openness while retaining excellent snare definition.

14" x 5" Smooth Aluminium Shell

The LM400 is the classic 14" x 5" Supraphonic configuration, featuring a smooth, seamless aluminium shell and Ludwig Imperial lugs.

The 5" depth gives the drum a particularly quick response, making it ideal for players who value articulation and sensitivity. Combined with the 14" diameter, there's still plenty of body and presence for backbeats and rimshots.

For players looking for additional depth and low-end body, Ludwig also produces the 14" x 6.5" LM402 Supraphonic, while the LM400 remains the classic choice for a faster and more focused 5" deep Supraphonic sound.

Classic Ludwig Imperial Lugs

The standard LM400 features 10 Ludwig Imperial lugs, giving the drum its unmistakable classic Ludwig appearance.

These are paired with 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops, helping the drum retain an open and lively response while providing plenty of attack and definition for rimshots and cross-stick playing.

The current LM400 specification also features Ludwig's P88AC throw-off and P35P butt plate, providing smooth and reliable control of the snare wires.

A Legendary Studio & Live Snare

Few snare drums have earned a reputation quite like the Ludwig Supraphonic.

Its combination of sensitivity, controlled overtones, crisp attack and versatility has made the Supraphonic an enduring choice for professional drummers and recording studios.

The LM400 works beautifully as a main snare for players who need to move between different styles and playing dynamics. It's sensitive enough for detailed ghost notes and quieter playing, but has the projection and attack required to cut through a full band.

If you're looking for a professional snare with a proven sound and unmistakable Ludwig character, the Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 14" x 5" deserves a place at the very top of the list.

Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 Specifications

• Model: Ludwig LM400

• Series: Supraphonic

• Drum Type: Acoustic Snare Drum

• Size: 14" x 5"

• Shell Material: Aluminium

• Shell Construction: 1.7mm seamless aluminium

• Shell Style: Smooth, beaded shell

• Finish: Chrome plated

• Lugs: 10 Ludwig Imperial lugs

• Hoops: 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops

• Throw-Off: Ludwig P88AC

• Butt Plate: Ludwig P35P

• Batter Head: Ludwig Weather Master Medium Coated

• Snare Side Head: Ludwig Weather Master Clear Snare Side

• Made in: USA

Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 FAQs

What is the Ludwig LM400?

The Ludwig LM400 is the classic 14" x 5" Supraphonic snare drum, featuring a smooth seamless aluminium shell and 10 Imperial lugs. It is one of the best-known configurations in Ludwig's Supraphonic range.

What is the Ludwig LM400 made from?

The Ludwig LM400 features a 1.7mm seamless aluminium shell with a chrome-plated finish. This aluminium construction is a major part of the Supraphonic's characteristic crisp, articulate and controlled sound.

Is the Ludwig LM400 aluminium or steel?

The Ludwig LM400 has an aluminium shell, not a steel shell. Its chrome-plated appearance can make it look similar to a chrome-over-steel snare, but underneath the chrome finish is Ludwig's seamless aluminium shell.

What size is the Ludwig LM400 Supraphonic?

The LM400 measures 14" in diameter by 5" deep. The 5" depth contributes to its quick response and crisp articulation.

What is the difference between the Ludwig LM400 and LM402?

Both are classic Ludwig Supraphonic snare drums with seamless aluminium shells. The main difference is depth: the LM400 is 14" x 5", while the LM402 is 14" x 6.5". The LM400 generally offers a quicker and more focused response, while the deeper LM402 provides additional body and depth.

What is the difference between a Ludwig Supraphonic and Black Beauty?

The biggest difference is the shell material. The standard Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 uses an aluminium shell, while the Ludwig Black Beauty uses a brass shell. The Supraphonic generally offers a crisp, focused and controlled aluminium character, while the Black Beauty tends towards a warmer, richer and more powerful brass sound.

Both are extremely versatile professional snare drums, but their different shell materials give them distinctly different voices.

Does the LM400 have Imperial lugs?

Yes. The standard Ludwig LM400 features 10 Imperial lugs. Ludwig also offers other 14" x 5" Supraphonic configurations with tube lugs and hammered shells, so checking the model number is important.

What is the difference between LM400, LM400T and LM400K?

The LM400 features a smooth shell with Imperial lugs. The LM400T uses a smooth shell with tube lugs, while the LM400K combines a hammered shell with Imperial lugs.

There is also an LM400KT, which combines the hammered shell with tube lugs.

What snare throw-off does the Ludwig LM400 use?

The current Ludwig LM400 is fitted with Ludwig's P88AC throw-off and P35P butt plate.

What hoops are fitted to the Ludwig LM400?

The LM400 features 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops. These contribute to the Supraphonic's open response while providing plenty of attack for rimshots and cross-stick playing.

Is the Ludwig LM400 good for recording?

Yes. The LM400's sensitivity, articulation, controlled resonance and wide tuning range make it an excellent studio snare. It can produce everything from detailed ghost notes to powerful backbeats while remaining clear and defined in a mix.

What styles of music is the Ludwig LM400 suitable for?

The Ludwig LM400 is extremely versatile and works well for rock, pop, funk, soul, jazz, blues and many other styles. Its wide tuning range and responsive aluminium shell make it a strong choice for drummers who need one snare to cover multiple musical situations.

Is the Ludwig LM400 made in the USA?

Yes. The Ludwig Supraphonic LM400 is a USA-made Ludwig snare drum.