The Pioneer was Ludwig's 6-lug 5x14" snare through the 1960s, the Chicago-era drum that sat alongside the company's famous Keystone-badge kits during the height of its popularity. Ludwig used the Keystone badge with a stamped serial number from 1964 through 1969, and this drum's serial number and interior date stamp place it squarely in that era. Pioneers are known for a warm, open, articulate wood-shell snare sound, and well-preserved, all-original examples like this one are increasingly hard to find.
This one is in excellent, near-mint condition and remarkably original. It retains its original heads, strainer and throw-off, lugs, butt plate, and baseball bat internal muffler, and it comes with its case. The deep brown stain finish is clean and attractive. Comes with period correct hard shell case.
- Make: Ludwig
- Model: Pioneer
- Year: 1967 (interior date stamp December 1967)
- Size: 5x14"
- Finish: Deep Brown Stain
- Badge: Keystone, serial #549340
- Lugs: 6
- Original parts: heads, strainer and throw-off, lugs, butt plate, baseball bat muffler
- Condition: Excellent (near mint)
- Includes: Period Correct Case
Ships carefully packed and insured for full value. International buyers are welcome — please contact us for a shipping quote before purchasing.
About Mill River Music
Mill River Music is an independent, human-powered music shop located in downtown Northampton, MA, run by a team of players, enthusiasts, and certified repair technicians. Every piece of used gear we sell is personally inspected, tested, and set up before it ships — we don't list it until we'd be happy to play it ourselves.
As Martin and Taylor certified techs, we hold our guitar work to a high standard, and we're committed to full transparency about the condition of everything we sell. No surprises.
When you buy from Mill River, you're supporting an independent local business that genuinely cares — about gear, about players, and about doing things right. We're here every step of the way. Reach out anytime.
