Hey guys,
I was browsing craigslist and found this thing. I've never seen anything even remotely like it. What is it?
http://cnj.craigslist.org/msg/4189400255.html
I've never even heard of a drum with a split shell like that. Is this authentic? When was it made? Anything you can tell me about it would be appreciated.
Thanks,
Jon
Early 80's era Coliseum model. 8x14 with 12 lugs. I have one of the "solid" ones that I bought new.
It's legit. Powerful snare drum. I think the reason for the split shell was to release more sound making it bigger and more powerful sounding.
These were from the early 80's. In the 1984 (75th anniversary) Ludwig catalog they were listed on page 31. They also came as standard equipment for the two biggest kits in that catalog: the Modular NO Limit kit on page 2 and the Modular High Rise kit ( which I own) on page 3. These drums were made to be LOUD......Bill Ludwig III has been quoted as saying that in the few years that they were produced, less than 200 of them were sold.
Options included triple flanged or twin channel die cast hoops and P-87 classic or P-85 strainers. Tension rod locknuts were standard on the top T-rods and they were supplied from the factory with clear Rockers heads.
The one in the ad has the P-87 strainer and the die cast hoops but is missing the tension rod locknuts. If you buy it and want the flanged hoops, I'm dying to find a set of the die cast hoops, I would supply the flanged hoops and pay well for the die casts.
Thanks for the information everyone. I have no plans to purchase the drum, I was just curious about it.
Thanks!
Jon
Bill Ludwig III has been quoted as saying that in the few years that they were produced, less than 200 of them were sold..
That seems to be the standard reply when a Ludwig family member is asked about any production statistics...not saying it's not true (but these don't seem to be all that rare...if there were only 200 in the whole world they'd certainly be harder to find) but it seems there were only 200 prototype acros, 200 OBP Jazz fests, 200 Slotted Coliseums, 200 this, 200 that, etc.
I recall seeing at least 10 or 20 of these new in various music store showrooms at the time...I guess I'm lucky that 5-10% of the total production made it to my small corner of the Midwest. :)
K.O......I hear ya. Bill Jr. Made that statement in later years, probably had lots of facts a little confused maybe. I do know that in 5 years I've only seen one other one like mine in the mahogany finish, glad I have mine.
