Ludwig's standard heads for kit drums were coated Medium weight, top and bottom. The medium heads had a 750db designation, which were actually 7.5mil thick, the same as Remo's Diplomat head. However, Ludwig's coating was a bit thicker and actually resembled a Remo Ambassador. Slingerland's own brand of heads for toms were also 7.5mil, but were considered to be Ambassador weight. I use modern Ludwig coated Medium heads for all my Ludwig snare drum refurbs. I also just received my new Ludwig Classic Maple kit, Downbeat sizes, and had the factory use Medium Coated over Medium Clear.

Hope this info helps!

Thanks very much for the info.

Two more question.....the clasdic Ludwig logo front kick head...was it always smooth?

And did they use a coated head on the batter side?

Thanks again in advance.

-LedBelly

Both heads were smooth white. I've got a very nice 1971 Super Classic kit with original bass drum heads. They are 1000 weight (10mil) and equivalent to Ambassador weight. Both heads are smooth white.

i think the 65 ludwig heads were the black three ring models and were coated. the bass heads were both still smooth.

mike