A shrunken, lifting seam is very common on Ludwig drums. It is usually an easy repair. Occasionally the edge is misshapen to such a degree that it does not lay perfectly flat anymore. (It's really no big deal, & probably not a cause for a return. However, each person is different in their toleration of flaws). I've repaired many Ludwig seams in the past, but now that the formula for Rubber glues have changed, I'm having trouble finding a replacement.

Head lice on Angela Jolie...I'm headed for the shower STATLoLoLoLo

Steve B

All those drums at that price, I think you got a pretty good deal. Still, it couldn't hurt to contact GC and put the squeeze on them for a little cash back. As for the black interiors, use some fine sanpaper to sand it out if you don't like it.

The best part of the kit to me is an old school Ludwig wood block and cowbell bass drum mount. I thought it was neat. I will keep them, I just wanted to make sure that warping wasn't causing the seam separation.

I was shocked at how light these shells are.

Given Ludwig's history of this issue, I think your shells are probably fine. However, it never hurts to check for yourself just to make sure.

I bet that mount is cool. The more I run into older hardware, the more intrigued I am with the ingenuity of the older stuff...and the guys that designed the stuff.

Congrats, by the way! Clapping Happy2 I hope they work out real nice for you!

Based on the pictures, does this appear to be the original wrap? Are there anyway methods to determine if it is a re-wrap?

Ludwig quit embedding the wrap in the late 60's. Your wrap looks original,with the right amount of fade.

Check around the grommets in side and out to see if the grommet looks original,and for any scratches on the badges where the grommet is,and on the finish inside .

You may be able to sand out the black paint and keep the granitone intact,if not you can leave the int clear,or redo the granitone,they sell spray product that looks just like it.

I think the 3 ply granitones sound as good as any 3 ply shell ludwig made,and I think you got a terrific deal for the money,considering the 24" kick,the amount of drums,and the fact that they are 3 plies,and if the seam separation is the worst flaw besides the black paint on the concert toms.

The grommets all look original, and I dont see any evidence that they were tampered with. For now, I am not concerned at all about the black paint. Once the bottom heads go on, no one will be the wiser. If I ever rewrap them in the future (doubtful), I will redo the interiors. I know its blasphemy, but the concert toms sound very, very thin. I am sending the 10 and 12 off to Jack to have lower hoops put on them tomorrow. I doubt I will ever use the 6 and 8 inch tom, so I will leave those as is and just store them in my closet.

Thanks for all the replies, this forum has been a vital part of my Ludwig quest Group Hug

Sounds like a good price for the amount of drums you got. I would just have the seam re-glued or do it yourself....not rocket science. Sand down the black paint and have a shop set you up with bottom heads on the other toms. Sounds like it will be a nice player and if you fix the issues the right way you may come out ahead if you ever sell....

What nails?