Hi,

This drum just came to me from Idaho. I found out about it via one of the drum forums, emails were sent, the deal was struck and the owner was going to be in the SF Bay Area anyway so he hand-delivered it to me.

1930* LUDWIG & LUDWIG 6.5x14 EMERALD GREEN/CHROME SUPER-SENSITIVE MODEL

*I am calling it 1930 for a few reasons: 1. Emerald Green was only around from 1928-1930...2. The Super-Sensitive Model was first introduced in the Fall 1929 Ludwig Drummer with the engraved "Super-Sensitive" on the bottom rim and the later versions (1930-on) had the stamped "Super-Sensitive" on the bottom rim as does this drum...3. Chrome was invented in 1929 but was first offered as an L&L hardware option in 1930.

The Shell:

The Emerald Green was very dirty and looked like it was never cleaned in all of its 82 years. I used GooGone first in order to get the dirt, grime and assorted schmutz off of the shell. Next was a few passes with Maguire's #17 Plastic Cleaner and finally a few passes with Maguire's #10 Plastic Polish. This was a lot of work but I'm happy with the results as the Emerald Green came back to life but does look its age in a few areas though. The white interior was also very dirty and grimy so a shot of GooGone took care of this; the interior is now much cleaner and still looks its age. The brass oval badge is clean with a tight grommet but somewhere along the line someone must have snagged the right side of the badge with something like a towel or whatever as that area of the badge was lifted a tad. Not a deal-killer but definitely a minor annoyance in my picky world of restorations. Fortunately my good friend Al Schneider, the original Drum Doctor, was able to remedy the situation without having to remove or glue down the badge.

The Hardware:

Since chrome plating was new to the scene in 1930 the chrome plated hardware option was offered at a 15.00 up-charge over the standard nickel plated hardware option. I think chrome adds a little more value to the drums of that era as chrome plated hardware is more scarce on drums of that era. All of the chrome hardware on this drum is in very good condition and was much easier to clean and polish than the shell. The Super mechanism and Sensitive mechanism both work perfectly, are intact...and...dear diary...both original sets of wires are present and accounted for and are in perfect condition.

A nice set of Ludwig & Ludwig calf heads rounded out this restoration.

Lastly, I paired this drum up with my 1930s Ludwig & Ludwig 6.5x14 Emerald Green Super-Ludwig.

Enjoy!

Mike Curotto