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Newbie Ludwig question Last viewed: 1 day ago

Posts: 15 Threads: 4

Hi Guys,

My first post!

I'm based in the UK and recently got the vintage Ludwig bug.

Several snares (400's & Acrolites) and a 60's 3 ply kit later I decided to take a chance on a Ludwig 70's three piece kit on ebay (the item was in the U.S.).

I've previously bought a few Ludwig snares without problem from the U.S. and never doubted they are actual Ludwig drums. However I'm not 100% sure about these drums - not that I've a reason to doubt the seller. After a good clean, new heads and tuning the kit sounds good but I have this nagging doubt at the back of my head about the drums.

I guess it's partly because they've been re-wrapped (badly in the case of the floor tom) and also because I don't know what the tell-tale signs to look for are in a 6 ply Ludwig kit. The hardware (lugs, tom mounts etc) are all def Ludwig including Ludwig stamped mounting bolts on the inside of the bass drum. There are no date stamps on the inside of the shells although I've read that sometimes this is not unusual.

What should I be looking for to help me identify genuine Ludwig 70's 6 ply drums?

Here are links to a couple of photos, hope they help. (Hope the links actually work too!) I've only taken photos of the bass drum so far, but could always post the toms too.

http://s1161.photobucket.com/albums/q505/sensei_russ/?action=view¤t=IMG_0714.jpg

http://s1161.photobucket.com/albums/q505/sensei_russ/?action=view¤t=IMG_0718.jpg

One obvious point is that the shell doesn't really look like a 6 ply, not to my untrained eye at least.

Any help much appreciated.

Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 5550 Threads: 576

first welcome and nice to see your into old drums need to see pics of badge and wrap but seems to be 6 ply so far so good.

April 2nd 1969 scarfed pink champagne holly wood and 65/66 downbeat snare, and , supra same year very minty kit old pies
66/67 downbeat with canister
Super 400 small round knob
1967 super classic obp





once the brass ceases to glitter, and the drum looses its luster, and the stage remains dark, all you have left is the timbre of family.
Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 15 Threads: 4

Thanks jaghog.

Here are photos from the original ebay listing. Ludwig badges are present on the drums.

The bass drum hoops with inlay seem to be original too.

Hope these photos help.

http://s1161.photobucket.com/albums/q505/sensei_russ/?action=view¤t=KGrHqRHJCME635EJg2BO3vcRbkw60_12.jpg

Many thanks

Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

Welcome to VDF!

Looks legit to me...

However, if you're really into the vintage drum sound, scare up an older 3-ply kit. Either maple or mahogany, doesn't matter which. Either kit is going to have that vintage sound/warmth and mojo.The drums you purchased sound excellent, but nothing beats the sound of a good vintage Ludwig 3-ply.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 1597 Threads: 96

Look good to me I love 6 ply's I think they are louder and punchier and plenty warm.... nice kit...

Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 1 Threads: 0

Great Looking Set, Looks real close the the clear interior 24" white cortex I have. Floor tom looks good from the photo's don't see too much wrong with it.

Most early-mid 70's shells do have the clear interior, i think you have a winner...enjoy says.... the Dude.

Posted on 13 years ago
#6
Posts: 15 Threads: 4

Thanks for the welcome and feedback guys :)

Purdie, I do also have a 60's 3ply blue sparkle kit that I recently bought. I've gotten back into playing after a 20 year break and I've gone a bit Ludwig crazy, two kits and about 6 snares in the course of 6 months :D

Are there any distinguishing features I should be looking for on 6 ply drums?

Aside from a drum having the correct hardware attached, badges and no extra holes etc

Cheers

Posted on 13 years ago
#7
Posts: 1311 Threads: 9

They do look legit.The spurs should be 1/2" is the're 76 or later,which is when Ludwig went to 6 ply shells,but as with all things Ludwig,nothing is eched in stone.CheersWelcome

Steve B

Posted on 13 years ago
#8
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

From sensei_russ

Thanks for the welcome and feedback guys :)Purdie, I do also have a 60's 3ply blue sparkle kit that I recently bought. I've gotten back into playing after a 20 year break and I've gone a bit Ludwig crazy, two kits and about 6 snares in the course of 6 months :DAre there any distinguishing features I should be looking for on 6 ply drums?Aside from a drum having the correct hardware attached, badges and no extra holes etcCheers

You might want to try a set of clear black or silver dot Remo's. Try them on the floor tom first, see if you like the sound. I found the clear black dots really opened up the toms, (they are wonderfully resonant drums to start with,) and gave me a bit more attack. Matter of taste really, but I like the way 6-ply's sound with the clear black dots better than coated emperors/Ambassadors etc.

Best, enjoy the new/old kit!

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 13 years ago
#9
Posts: 15 Threads: 4

Thanks Tamadrm,

I've been reading up about the fluid nature of Ludwig manufacturing/badging process :) All adds to the fun I guess!

Purdie, I fitted Remo CS batters and clear ambassadors underneath on the toms when the set arrived. I figured it was a good starting point for getting that vintage sound. I guess I'm in the same ball park as you mention though?

Can anyone tell me by looking at the close-up of the bearing edge whether it looks like a 6ply or 4ply shell please? I can only seem to count 4 plys...

Cheers

Posted on 13 years ago
#10
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