Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 14" x 6.5" Snare Drum | Imperial Lugs

Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 14" x 6.5" Snare Drum

The Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 14" x 6.5" Snare Drum is one of the most iconic professional snare drums ever made. Combining Ludwig's seamless aluminium shell with a chrome-plated finish, classic Imperial lugs and a deeper 6.5" shell, the LM402 delivers the unmistakable Supraphonic combination of crisp attack, sensitivity, projection and body.

Made in the USA, the LM402 is the deeper counterpart to the classic 5" deep LM400 Supraphonic. The additional shell depth gives the LM402 greater body and low-end presence while retaining the articulation and controlled response that has made the Supraphonic a favourite for generations of live and studio drummers.

From huge rock backbeats to sensitive ghost notes, the Ludwig LM402 is an exceptionally versatile snare capable of covering an enormous range of playing styles and tuning ranges.

The Legendary Ludwig LM402 Sound

The Ludwig Supraphonic has earned its reputation through a beautifully balanced sound that's remarkably easy to use.

At the heart of the LM402 is Ludwig's seamless aluminium shell. Aluminium produces a crisp and articulate response with a controlled metallic character, giving the Supraphonic plenty of attack without the excessive brightness sometimes associated with other metal snares.

The deeper 14" x 6.5" dimensions add weight and body to that classic Supraphonic character.

Tune it high and the LM402 produces a powerful, articulate crack with excellent sensitivity. Take the tuning down and the deeper shell delivers a fat, substantial backbeat while retaining the definition that makes the Supraphonic so useful in a mix.

It's this combination of body, sensitivity, control and projection that has made the LM402 such an enduring professional snare drum.

Seamless Aluminium Shell

The LM402 features Ludwig's famous seamless aluminium shell.

Unlike steel, brass or copper, aluminium has a naturally controlled and focused tonal character. It provides excellent sensitivity and articulation with a slightly drier response, while still producing enough resonance and projection to work beautifully as a main snare.

Ludwig's seamless construction removes the need for a welded shell seam, creating the distinctive shell at the heart of the Supraphonic design.

Finished in chrome plating, the result is one of the most recognisable snare drums in Ludwig's range.

14" x 6.5" – The Deeper Supraphonic

The LM402 measures 14" x 6.5", giving it considerably more depth and body than the 5" deep LM400.

That extra 1.5" of shell depth produces a fuller fundamental tone and more low-end presence, making the LM402 particularly popular with players looking for a substantial backbeat.

Despite its deeper dimensions, the aluminium shell keeps the drum responsive and articulate.

This means the LM402 doesn't have to be played hard to come alive. Ghost notes remain detailed, snare response is excellent and the drum can be tuned across a remarkably wide range.

Classic Ludwig Imperial Lugs

The standard LM402 Supraphonic features Ludwig's instantly recognisable Imperial lugs.

The smooth chrome-plated shell and Imperial lug design create the classic Supraphonic appearance that has remained closely associated with Ludwig for decades.

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

The current LM402 specification also uses Ludwig's P88AC throw-off and P35P butt plate, providing smooth and dependable control of the snare wires.

LM402 vs LM400 – Which Supraphonic Should You Choose?

The Ludwig LM400 and LM402 share the classic Supraphonic aluminium-shell design, but the key difference is shell depth.

The LM400 measures 14" x 5", while the LM402 measures 14" x 6.5".

The shallower LM400 generally provides a slightly quicker and more focused response, while the deeper LM402 offers additional body, depth and low-end presence.

For players looking for a big backbeat and a deeper snare sound, the LM402 is the natural choice. For those prioritising a faster, tighter response, the LM400 may be preferable.

Neither is necessarily better – they're two different versions of the classic Supraphonic sound.

A Legendary Rock & Studio Snare

The Ludwig LM402 has become particularly associated with powerful rock drumming, but describing it simply as a rock snare doesn't do it justice.

Its aluminium shell remains sensitive enough for detailed ghost notes and lower-volume playing, while the 6.5" depth provides the body and authority required for powerful backbeats.

That versatility makes the LM402 equally at home on stage or under studio microphones.

For rock, pop, funk, soul, blues and recording, the LM402 can cover an enormous amount of ground simply through changes in tuning, head choice and playing dynamics.

LM402 Supraphonic vs Ludwig Black Beauty

Two of Ludwig's most famous snare drums are the LM402 Supraphonic and 14" x 6.5" Black Beauty.

The major difference is the shell material.

The LM402 uses a seamless aluminium shell, producing a crisp, focused and controlled character with excellent articulation.

The Black Beauty uses a seamless brass shell, generally producing a warmer, richer and more resonant sound with additional harmonic complexity.

If you want a controlled, articulate metal snare with plenty of body, the LM402 is difficult to beat. If you prefer a warmer and richer brass character, the Black Beauty may be the better choice.

Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 Specifications

• Brand: Ludwig

• Model: LM402

• Series: Supraphonic

• Type: Acoustic Snare Drum

• Size: 14" x 6.5"

• Shell Material: Aluminium

• Shell Construction: Seamless aluminium

• Shell Thickness: 1.7mm

• 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

• Manufacturer Product Code: LM402

Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 FAQs

What is the Ludwig LM402?

The Ludwig LM402 is the 14" x 6.5" version of Ludwig's legendary Supraphonic snare drum. It features a seamless aluminium shell, chrome-plated finish and classic Ludwig Imperial lugs.

What size is the Ludwig LM402?

The Ludwig LM402 measures 14" in diameter by 6.5" deep. Its deeper shell gives the drum additional body and low-end presence while retaining the sensitivity and articulation associated with the Supraphonic.

What is the Ludwig LM402 made from?

The LM402 uses a seamless aluminium shell with a chrome-plated finish. Aluminium is a key part of the classic Supraphonic sound, providing a crisp, focused and controlled response.

Is the Ludwig LM402 aluminium or steel?

The Ludwig LM402 has an aluminium shell, not a steel shell.

Its bright chrome-plated appearance can make the drum look similar to a chrome-over-steel snare, but underneath the chrome finish is Ludwig's seamless aluminium shell.

What is the difference between the Ludwig LM400 and LM402?

The main difference is depth.

The LM400 measures 14" x 5", while the LM402 measures 14" x 6.5". Both standard models use Ludwig's seamless aluminium Supraphonic shell.

The LM400 generally provides a slightly faster and more focused response, while the deeper LM402 produces additional body, depth and low-end presence.

Is the Ludwig LM402 good for rock?

Yes. The LM402 is an outstanding rock snare thanks to its combination of projection, articulation and deep 6.5" shell.

It can produce powerful backbeats and cutting rimshots while remaining sensitive enough for detailed ghost notes and dynamic playing.

Is the Ludwig LM402 good for recording?

Yes. The LM402's controlled aluminium character, sensitivity and wide tuning range make it an excellent studio snare.

It offers plenty of body without excessive uncontrolled overtones, helping it sit naturally within a recorded mix.

What is the difference between the Ludwig LM402 and a Black Beauty?

The biggest difference is shell material.

The LM402 uses aluminium, while the standard Ludwig Black Beauty uses brass.

The LM402 generally has a crisper, more controlled and focused character, while the brass Black Beauty tends to sound warmer, richer and more harmonically complex.

Does the Ludwig LM402 have Imperial lugs?

Yes. The standard LM402 features 10 Ludwig Imperial lugs.

Ludwig also produces other Supraphonic configurations using alternative lug and shell options, so the model number is important when comparing different versions.

What hoops does the Ludwig LM402 use?

The current standard LM402 features 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops, providing an open response with plenty of attack for rimshots and cross-stick playing.

What snare throw-off does the LM402 use?

The current Ludwig LM402 specification features the P88AC throw-off, paired with Ludwig's P35P butt plate.

What styles of music is the Ludwig LM402 suitable for?

The LM402 works exceptionally well for rock, pop, funk, soul, blues and studio recording, but its wide tuning range and responsive aluminium shell make it suitable for a much broader range of musical styles.

Is the Ludwig LM402 made in the USA?

Yes. The Ludwig Supraphonic LM402 is a USA-made Ludwig snare drum.

Why is the Ludwig LM402 so famous?

The LM402 has developed a legendary reputation because of its combination of a deep 6.5" shell, sensitive aluminium construction, powerful projection and versatility.

Its ability to deliver a substantial backbeat while remaining articulate and controlled has made the deeper Supraphonic design particularly popular among professional live and studio drummers.