Ludwig Hammered Supraphonic LM402K 14" x 6.5" Aluminium Snare Drum
The Ludwig Hammered Supraphonic LM402K 14" x 6.5" Snare Drum takes one of the most iconic snare designs in Ludwig history and gives it a distinctive hammered aluminium shell.
Built around Ludwig's 1.7mm seamless aluminium shell, the LM402K retains the bright attack, sensitivity and unmistakable snare crack associated with the legendary Supraphonic, while the hammered shell gives you an alternative to the traditional smooth-shell LM402.
With its deeper 14x6.5 dimensions, 10 classic Imperial lugs, 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops and Ludwig P88AC throw-off, the LM402K is a serious professional snare for both studio and stage.
1.7mm Seamless Hammered Aluminium Shell
At the heart of the LM402K is Ludwig's 1.7mm seamless aluminium shell.
Unlike the standard smooth-shell LM402, the LM402K features a distinctive hammered shell surface.
You still get the fundamental characteristics that have made the Supraphonic famous: a crisp attack, plenty of sensitivity, a full resonant tone and the ability to work across an enormous range of musical styles.
But the hammered construction gives this version its own character within the Supraphonic family.
Deep 14" x 6.5" Dimensions
The 14" x 6.5" dimensions give the LM402K plenty of body and weight behind the backbeat.
Lower tunings can deliver a deep and substantial snare sound with plenty of shell character.
Medium tunings provide an excellent balance of body, attack and sensitivity.
Take it higher and you can still access the crisp, articulate response for which the Supraphonic is famous.
It's one of those snare sizes that can comfortably cover everything from big rock backbeats to much more detailed studio playing.
Classic Ludwig Imperial Lugs
The LM402K features 10 Ludwig Imperial lugs.
They're one of the most recognisable Ludwig hardware designs and give the drum a classic Supraphonic appearance against the chrome-plated hammered shell.
Ten tuning points also provide plenty of control over head tension, helping you make the most of the LM402K's broad tuning range.
2.3mm Steel Triple-Flanged Hoops
The LM402K features 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops.
These provide plenty of definition for rimshots and cross-stick playing while retaining the open and responsive feel associated with the Supraphonic.
They're an important distinction from Ludwig models fitted with heavier die-cast hoops.
Ludwig P88AC Throw-Off
The LM402K uses Ludwig's P88AC throw-off paired with a P35P butt plate.
It's Ludwig's professional snare hardware setup and provides smooth engagement and straightforward snare-wire adjustment.
LM402K vs LM402 – Hammered vs Smooth
This is probably the most important comparison for anyone considering the LM402K.
Both are 14x6.5 Supraphonics with 1.7mm seamless aluminium shells, Imperial lugs and 2.3mm triple-flanged hoops.
The difference is the shell surface.
The LM402 uses Ludwig's traditional smooth shell.
The LM402K uses a hammered shell.
If you want the definitive, traditional 14x6.5 Supraphonic, choose the LM402.
If you love the Supraphonic platform but want the distinctive appearance and character of Ludwig's hammered aluminium shell, choose the LM402K.
LM402K vs LM400K – 6.5" vs 5"
Ludwig also offers the hammered Supraphonic concept in the shallower LM400K.
The LM400K measures 14" x 5".
The LM402K measures 14" x 6.5".
Both feature hammered seamless aluminium shells and Imperial lugs.
The 5" LM400K gives you a quicker and more immediate response.
The deeper 6.5" LM402K provides greater body, fundamental depth and weight behind the backbeat.
LM402K vs LM402KT – Imperial vs Tube Lugs
The LM402KT is another variation on the hammered 14x6.5 Supraphonic.
The LM402K uses Imperial lugs.
The LM402KT uses Tube lugs.
Both use the same fundamental hammered 14x6.5 seamless aluminium Supraphonic shell.
For many players, the decision between the two will therefore come down to hardware preference and appearance.
Hammered Supraphonic vs Hammered Acrolite LM405K
The LM405K Hammered Acrolite is another interesting Ludwig aluminium comparison.
Both use hammered aluminium shells and 14x6.5 dimensions, but they're different Ludwig snare designs.
The LM402K gives you the chrome-plated Supraphonic platform with Imperial lugs and Ludwig's 1.7mm seamless aluminium shell.
The Hammered Acrolite offers the more understated Acrolite aesthetic and its own distinct aluminium-shell character.
If you specifically want the classic premium Supraphonic platform, the LM402K is the obvious choice.
LM402K vs Black Beauty LB417
The Black Beauty LB417 is another legendary Ludwig 14x6.5 snare, but its shell material makes it a very different instrument.
The LM402K uses hammered seamless aluminium.
The LB417 uses Ludwig's seamless brass shell.
The Supraphonic provides the crisp, controlled and highly versatile character associated with aluminium.
The Black Beauty gives you the additional warmth, harmonic richness and projection associated with brass.
They're both superb main snares, but they offer very different metal-shell voices.
LM402K vs Copperphonic
The Copperphonic provides another alternative if you're looking at premium Ludwig 14x6.5 metal snares.
The LM402K uses aluminium, providing a crisp and articulate response.
The Copperphonic uses seamless copper, giving it a darker and warmer tonal direction.
For classic Ludwig versatility and attack, look towards the Supraphonic.
For something darker and more unusual, the Copperphonic is well worth considering.
A Legendary Studio Snare Platform
The Supraphonic has become one of the defining studio snare designs in Ludwig's history.
The LM402K builds on that same platform while offering the hammered-shell alternative.
Its combination of sensitivity, attack, body and broad tuning range makes it suitable for everything from controlled studio playing to much bigger backbeats.
If you want one professional metal snare capable of covering a huge amount of ground, the LM402K is an extremely strong choice.
Built for Live Performance
The LM402K isn't just a studio snare.
Its 6.5" depth provides plenty of body for live playing, while the aluminium shell retains the crisp attack needed to keep the backbeat defined within a full band.
From rock and pop through to funk, soul, jazz and heavier styles, the Supraphonic platform is famously adaptable.
Made in the USA
The LM402K is part of Ludwig's professional USA-made Supraphonic range.
It's a premium Ludwig snare built around the same fundamental seamless aluminium-shell design that has made the Supraphonic one of the most recognisable snare drums in the world.
Ludwig LM402K Hammered Supraphonic Specifications
Brand: Ludwig
Series: Supraphonic
Model: LM402K
Type: Acoustic Snare Drum
Size: 14" x 6.5"
Diameter: 14"
Depth: 6.5"
Shell Material: Aluminium
Shell Thickness: 1.7mm
Shell Construction: Seamless, Beaded & Hammered
Shell Finish: Chrome-Plated
Hardware Finish: Chrome
Lugs: Ludwig Imperial Lugs
Lug Count: 10
Hoops: 2.3mm Steel Triple-Flanged
Throw-Off: Ludwig P88AC
Butt Plate: Ludwig P35P
Batter Head: Ludwig Weather Master Medium Coated
Snare Side Head: Ludwig Weather Master Clear Snare Side
Manufacturer Product Code: LM402K
Made In: USA
Sound Character: Crisp, full-bodied, articulate and versatile
Ludwig LM402K FAQs
What is the Ludwig LM402K?
The LM402K is Ludwig's 14" x 6.5" hammered-shell Supraphonic with Imperial lugs.
It uses a 1.7mm seamless aluminium shell with chrome plating and a hammered surface.
What is the LM402K made from?
The LM402K uses a 1.7mm seamless aluminium shell.
Despite its chrome appearance, it is aluminium rather than steel or brass.
What does the K mean in LM402K?
The K identifies the hammered-shell version within Ludwig's Supraphonic model range.
The LM402 is smooth with Imperial lugs, while LM402K is hammered with Imperial lugs.
What is the difference between LM402 and LM402K?
Both are 14x6.5 seamless aluminium Supraphonics with Imperial lugs.
The LM402 has a smooth shell, while the LM402K has a hammered shell.
What is the difference between LM402K and LM400K?
The difference is depth.
The LM402K measures 14x6.5, while the LM400K measures 14x5.
The deeper LM402K provides greater body and fundamental depth.
What is the difference between LM402K and LM402KT?
Both use a 14x6.5 hammered aluminium shell.
The LM402K uses Imperial lugs, while the LM402KT uses Tube lugs.
Is the LM402K aluminium or steel?
The LM402K is aluminium.
Its chrome-plated appearance can sometimes cause confusion, but Ludwig specifies a seamless aluminium shell.
How thick is the LM402K shell?
Ludwig specifies a 1.7mm seamless aluminium shell.
What hoops does the LM402K use?
The LM402K uses 2.3mm steel triple-flanged hoops.
What throw-off does the LM402K use?
Current production LM402K snares use Ludwig's P88AC throw-off with a P35P butt plate.
How many lugs does the LM402K have?
The LM402K has 10 Ludwig Imperial lugs.
Is the LM402K good for recording?
Yes. The Supraphonic platform is renowned for studio use, and the LM402K combines that versatility with a hammered 6.5" aluminium shell.
Is the LM402K good for rock?
Yes. Its 6.5" depth provides plenty of body and the aluminium shell retains a crisp attack and strong snare crack.
Is the LM402K good for jazz?
Yes. The Supraphonic has a broad tuning range and enough sensitivity for detailed playing at lower dynamics.
LM402K or Black Beauty?
Choose the LM402K if you want the crisp, controlled and versatile response of hammered aluminium.
Choose the Black Beauty if you prefer the warmer, harmonically richer character of brass.
Is the Ludwig LM402K made in the USA?
Yes. Ludwig's current Supraphonic range is USA-made.
Why choose the Ludwig LM402K?
Choose the LM402K if you want a professional 14x6.5 Ludwig Supraphonic with a hammered seamless aluminium shell, classic Imperial lugs and a huge usable tuning range.
It's an excellent choice for players who love the classic LM402 concept but want the distinctive hammered-shell version.
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