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Vintage Gretsch, Ludwig & K Zildjian Constantinople Cymbal plus much more Last viewed: 1 day ago

Posts: 5 Threads: 2

Good evening folks! I am a first time poster but have been reading quite a bit over the past few days. I have some vintage drums that were passed down to me. They were originally owned by my great-grandfather who was a band leader and drummer from the 1920's to the 1950's. I have a drum head signed to him by Guy Lombardo!

Anyway, I have quite a few pieces in this collection and I really need to know what I have. My great-grandmother wasn't too kind to them before I got them. It looks like someone before me was trying to clean them a little bit. I am hoping to either restore the good pieces or sell them to someone who will take care of them. At the moment, I am running out of room so they are in a storage area at my house.

I took some pictures today and setup a gallery. I am hoping to entice you with some attachments on this post which will peak your curiousity and look at the gallery. Maybe someone can give me tips on how to identify what I have and if it's worth restoring?

Here is what I can tell so far but I may be wrong:

I have 1 or 2 1950's Gretsch drum kits with 23" bass drums, 14" floor tom and multiple smaller toms. A 14.5" x 7.5" Ludwig snare. A 1929 all metal snare by Victor. A 28" Ludwig bass drum with my great-grandfather's band name on the head. At least 5 different Avedis Zildjian cymbals and at least 1 K Zildjian Constantinople cymbal. A heavy Bellotti cymbal too. (Sorry no weights or sound files yet) And tons of hardware in boxes. At this point I won't part with any hardware until I know if the drums need it for restoration, etc.

Right now I am trying to somewhat catalog what I have. Thank you very, very much for your time. I know you experts will know what this stuff is much more than I.

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

i would buy that front kick drum head

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 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 2349 Threads: 79

Oh my... Round Badge Gretsch and Constantinople's.

Don't attempt to 'fix' or clean anything. Let the experts do it. You have some real history there.

You will be busy answering questions very soon.

fishwaltz
Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 1142 Threads: 134

Some stuff looks pretty rough, but you are a lucky grandson. If that stuff could talk, especially those sticks. This is a percussion time capsule.

Like fishwaltz said above, you will be very busy replying to post responses and answering PMs this weekend. :p

Thanks for taking the time to post this wonderful collection.

Tim

Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 2433 Threads: 483

"True vintage gear"..I dont think a little light cleaning of the drums will hurt the value,but do not alter anything from where it is.You need an expert to look them over.I wonder how they made those round badges stay on the drums all these years?Mind Blowi

Hit like you mean it!!
Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 5 Threads: 2

Turns out I have another Ludwig bass drum and Slingerland Toms too! Anyone know someone in Orange County that is good at assessing this gear? What is the next step for me? Proper measurements, weights and sound files?

I am thinking of redo-ing my pictures with some numbering system or something to better catalog each item.

-Mike

Posted on 13 years ago
#6
Posts: 486 Threads: 18

Welcome Mike!

First of all, thank you for sharing this walk thru time with us! Every once in a while you get the opportunity to see something so special, that it leaves even a blow-hard like me speechless...well almost! LOL!

Secondly, you might want to hire an armed guard after posting those pics on this site! DOH...there's probably guys from all over the world buying ski masks, crowbars & making travel plans to the O.C.! LOL!

Thanks again for the view...nice way to start the day! Walking

Dan

"Play the drum...don't let it play you" - Max Roach

1968, 1974 & 1984 Rogers Dyna•Sonic COB
1971, 1976 Slingerland GK Sound King
1973 Slingerland Festival
1920's-40's Slingerland (US Military) Field Snares (6)
19?- Ludwig Field Snare (US Marines)
1960's Premier Gold Glitter Student Snare kit
1960's-? MIJ Snares (way-way too many)
Posted on 13 years ago
#7
Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

Wow! This is pretty cool. Great historic gear there - interesting stuff. This is the stuff that makes it so interesting and fun being a part of the drum Forum. I love that tacked reso head tom........all the gear actually.

Congratulations!

And....Constant cymbal.....very very nice!

As above = what a nice way to start the morning here in Nanaimo BC Canada

Posted on 13 years ago
#8
Posts: 1311 Threads: 9

From Mike_In_The_OC

Turns out I have another Ludwig bass drum and Slingerland Toms too! Anyone know someone in Orange County that is good at assessing this gear? What is the next step for me? Proper measurements, weights and sound files?I am thinking of redo-ing my pictures with some numbering system or something to better catalog each item.-Mike

First..thanks for shareing thoe little pieces of history with us.You had a good idea using the measureing tape,and brand stamp and drum badges in your photos.I'm afraid you will have to remeasure the drums though.Drums are measured from the actual size of the shell only,and the rims aren't included in the overall size.

Steve B

Posted on 13 years ago
#9
Posts: 966 Threads: 213

You have something very special and valuable on your hands. Take your time to determine the value and your next course of action.

Thanks for sharing.

jim

...
'68 Ludwig Ruby Red Strata
'68 Ludwig Mod Orange
'58 Gretsch Starlight Sparkle
'69 Ludwig Clubdate BDP
'60s Ludwig Clubdate Black Lacquer / Nickel
'67 Trixon Speedfire Red
COB Ludwig Supra
Many projects
Bunch o snares
Posted on 13 years ago
#10
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