For original wraps that are still available, your options would be the usual sparkles or Precision Drum's 60's Oyster Black Pearl. (I do believe Burgundy Sparkle was available on Clubbies: it's listed in the '67 catalog, and the Club Date was advertised in the same catalog as being available with your "choice of pearl finish".)

Champagne Sparkle is no longer being made, and the other pearls that Ludwig offered look very different in their modern configurations. That said, I'm still tempted to wrap my Club Dates in Black Diamond Pearl. Even though the small chip pattern doesn't look much like the original BDP, I still love it.

Of the original finishes still available, Burgundy Sparkle is pretty classy and pretty unusual. It's expensive, but it would sure turn heads!

To clarify, my original post was asking for opinions on which of the wraps that were offered you guys think are the coolest. I'd like to wrap the drums in something that was actually an option back in the day. I don't mind suggestions outside of that either (creative licence)... makes for good discussion. I encourage coloring outside the lines now and then, its fun! Not everyone will agree with me all the time, and that's totally okay - I actually like it when people present an opposing point of view... I even sometimes learn a thing or three. That's what's great about this forum - it's all in good fun. That said, I appreciate your comment Ron - please feel free to suggest anything... might make me stand back, scratch the old beard and say hmmm.

Jckludwig - Yes, you got the intent of the post, and thanks for the suggestions. I do have a specific wrap in mind (2 actually), and I just wanted to get everyone's opinion just to see what the masses say.

JC - Yes, to clarify, they ARE Ludwig Club Dates. Those of you who know me know that I'm a bit of a Ludwig nut. When someone says Club Date I just assume it's a Ludwig, but you guys are totally right, people call the MIJ stuff CB as well as the Rogers Towers, Slingys and Gretsch center lug offerings.

Regarding the year, the shells are stamped 66-68 (they were not born together, and they all have white interiors). I'll have another look at the catalogs and charts as suggested.

Marko - I'm with JC! I'd love to see what your ducos look like. I think I could be swayed that way as well.

Fish and section2 - Yes, I definitely like the burgundy sparkle as an option. I think it looks really sharp.

> the wraps that were offered

I owned a 60's Keystone badge Club Date kit that was factory wrapped in (drum roll please...) Red Glass Glitter. I most certainly -did- recommend a "wrap that was offered."

After your "Not an original offering though, was it?" comment, I thought maybe you just needed a little time to figure out that my response was addressing your question.

I don't mind telling you that 'your intention' aside, I found the comment a little off-putting. I agree with Ron... "This type of comment will discourage recommendations." You asked, I responded.

I'm out...

John

Hey John - After reading your post and re-reading mine, I can now see how you might have been put off. My fault with my punctuation... "Not an original offering though, was it?" was not at all meant as a smartass remark, not in the least. Please have another look and you'll see what I meant - my comment was meant to be read as "yes, I think that's a sexy wrap, and I didn't know it was an original offering" as in, I was expecting an answer from you like "If you like it, you're in luck because it totally was an original offering".

My sincere apologies, I have nothing but the highest respect for you and would never intentionally insult you or anyone else on this forum for that matter. I really enjoy reading your posts and I'm always honored to have you chime in on my threads.

No worries... it's the fault of the medium we use to communicate. We can't see or hear each other, just dry words on paper. Interpretation can get wild and wooly when you can't hear a person's tone of voice or see their expressions.

No harm, no foul. I do appreciate your thoughtful response.

John

Burgundy Sparkle was offered by Ludwig on 60's Club Dates. I had a kit, that I sold a few years ago, which had spent many years covered in contact paper, so it had no fade at all. A beautiful combination.

Since Champane Sparkle (my favorite on Club Dates) is out of the question, I'd go for Burgundy or Sky Blue pearl.

I think either of these look great with the Club Date hardware.

MarkE

Too bad they don't offer a repo black galaxy wrap. I've tried to talk to precision to get some from delmar before, and she says she won't order any because the demand isn't enough to order the bulk, but I think it would sell like hot cakes. That is my favorite 60s finish.

Thanks John, I do appreciate your understanding - very well put. You've confirmed what I already suspected... You Sir, are a class act. Sincerely, thank you.

MarkE - Yes, too bad about the champagne, but I have to agree that the burgundy is really nice. SBP is always a great finish, but I have a trans badge kit in that finish, although it has faded to a silvery blue pearl at this point.

Jckludwig - YES! I agree, that was a really nice finish. I've seen pictures of clubbies in black galaxy and they look really sharp. I wonder what kind of volume Precision would have to order to make that work. I'm sure that enough people would buy it if it's out there.

I believe burgundy is the same price as red sparkle at Precision.