Looks like the real whammy-jammy to me!

John

I don't think there are as many fakes as rumored. This seller goes by a few different names and overprices everything.

So this brings me to another question...this is my floor tom. Are these real? Are all vistas this flat on the bearing edge?

That's pOOder,under one of many pseudonyms,notorious drum stripper,and now it seems,guitar stripper also.They buy up perfectly good vintage drums,and sell all the parts seprately to maximize profit.

Steve B

It's not flat! That's a 30 degree round-over, Ludwig production-run bearing edges. Look and see if the inside seam on all the drums is a 'V' shaped channel. If so, all Ludwig shells. If it's a flat/level butt joint, then it's an RCI shell.

Look at it this way; you either have original Ludwig shells from the 70's, or more expensive and better made RCI shells with Ludwig hardware and badges. You win either way. Modern Ludwig Vistalite drums use RCI shells. When it comes to the shell itself, there is no such thing as a fake. Only RCI shells with Ludwig hardware, or Ludwig shells with Ludwig hardware. Win/win.

John

Don't get me wrong! I'm definitely not knocking it either way. I just want to be more informed. It is a v on the inside but it's so well filled you can barely see or even feel it. And I've seen earlier vista seams that were a bit rougher, so I was more or less wondering about factory consistency or quality control..

You got me there bud. I can talk about structural details, but talking about Ludwig quality control is above my pay grade, you'll have to get that from somebody else. Rest assured though, if the shells have a 'V' shaped channel at the seam, they're legit Ludwig shells.

John

HAHA!! I do thank you for your knowledge sir!