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Hello and an introductory question! 1920's barn find Last viewed: 1 day ago

Posts: 3 Threads: 1

Hello there to everyone, and I hope you don't mind but I have a question right off the bat. I recently found a 1920's Ludwig 8 lug snare in the loft of a barn in Upstate NY. I'm sure it hasn't been played in decades...the woman I bought it from was in her '60's and selling of her fathers estate, which was the family home she grew up in. She said she had never seen it, so it must have been before her time!

Based on this site, I believe it is a 1923 - 1929 Ludwig Professional. The only marking is the word Ludwig on the side. I would like to sell it, but would like to learn a bit more about it. I am uncertain of the width because I'm not sure exactly how to measure it.

Another question, is whether or not to clean and polish the drum. It is in good shape, no dents and all the pieces present as far as I can tell, but it has no shine, and there are a couple small drops of white paint on it. My gut tells me to leave it to the next owner to dismantle and clean it all. I have several guitars, and I wouldn't touch them, but know nothing about vintage drums. I will post pics.

Thanks and what a great site you have here. Tom C

Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 70 Threads: 13

email me some pictures, i would be interested

[email]justinhdrums@gmail.com[/email]

2002 DW Collectors Blue Pearl 22,10,12,14,16,14 Snare
1940 Radio King WMP 24,13,16,14 Snare
1970 Ludwig Classic Silver Sparkle 20,13,16,14 Snare
1972 Ludwig Hollywood Blue Oyster Pearl 22,12,13,16
1941 Ludwig & Ludwig White Duco 24,13,14,14 Snare
1973 Ludwig Clear Vistalite 22,12,13,16,14 Snare
1948 Leedy Custom Painted 28,15,16,14 Snare
1988 Pearl Black Paisley 28,13,14,16,14 Snare
Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 1132 Threads: 43

Welcome to VDG, Tom! I look forward to seeing pics.

To get the diameter of the drum, measure across the head. Or, the inside diameter of the hoop will be only slightly larger than the outside diameter of the shell, if you want to measure that way. As for cleaning, if you don't feel comfortable disassembling the drum, don't try. It would be tragic if you lost a part of a drum that old. You may be able to gently pick off the paint drops with a fingernail, but be careful to not scratch the drum shell. I would recommend leaving the deep cleaning to your buyer.

Lynn

I'm no guru, just a vintage drum junkie!

Psalm 150:5
1945 Slingerland RK sparkling gold pearl 26/13/14/16/early 50s 5.5x14 Krupa RK
1967 Slingerland green glass glitter 20/12/14/Hollywood Ace
60s Slingerland 24/13/16/7x14 project
24/13/16/7x14 project RKs
60s 5 & 6.5 Sound Kings
1942 7x14 WMP Krupa RK
1930s Slingerland Universal
1967 Ludwig Hollywood sparkling blue pearl 22/12/13/16
1967 Ludwig Supraphonic 400 & 402
1965 Ludwig Jazz Fest sparkling blue pearl
1923 Ludwig 5x14 NOB
Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 1118 Threads: 30

If you are even remotely a drummer (sounds like you're a guitar player), then you just SCORED! Those snare drums are kinda like a 50s Strat or Les Paul. Even if you're just starting out on drums, hold onto it--you'll find the value of it as an instrument soon enough. If you just bought it to flip it, then you've come to the right place!

Depending on condition (how DARE you tell the snare story without pics! :P ), your drum could be worth anywhere from $200 to $1000 if it's PRIMO(!).

We need to know if it's 14" or 15" in diameter, the depth (minus the rims), and, of course, see some PICS!!!

1970 Ludwig Downbeat
1965 Ludwig Hollywood
1970 Ludwig Jazzette
Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 3 Threads: 1

You are right, I am a guitar player, but I know we're all the same in that finding a vintage instrument, any vintage instrument, is COOL, RARE and what we live for! I can only imagine where this thing has been in it's lifetime. Seems like a wide price range, but I think (not being an expert) that it's a good one, and has potential.

I uploaded pics, I apologize for being so inconsiderate!

Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Posts: 6583 Threads: 644

Closer to 1923 then 29...

"Always make sure your front bottom BD lugs clear the ground!"
Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

it's probably a 1923 model here take a look at mine. the one I own is a rare 10 lug model due to the year 1924 model, your drum value is in the $500.00- + range.

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Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 12 years ago
#7
Posts: 38 Threads: 3

Looks to me to be a Nickle over brass in a 14 x 5. Not sure about that hole in the pic. Could be extra or possible missing a muffler or something. I'm no expert though, but I have a drum a lot like this being delivered to me today, and I think the 500 estimate is right on

Posted on 12 years ago
#8
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

From Jckludwig

Looks to me to be a Nickle over brass in a 14 x 5. Not sure about that hole in the pic. Could be extra or possible missing a muffler or something. I'm no expert though, but I have a drum a lot like this being delivered to me today, and I think the 500 estimate is right on

the hole is the vent hole these drums do not have mufflers.

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 12 years ago
#9
Posts: 38 Threads: 3

From vintagemore2000

the hole is the vent hole these drums do not have mufflers.

Thank you. Was curious about that myself and now I know. :)

Posted on 12 years ago
#10
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