As a MASSIVE Ludwig&JHB fan i REALLY couldn' give a rats arse whether or not he did or didn't use a "Rem-o" or "Ritchie ring".I've got a Ludwig Centennail 'Zepp" kit &on the 26" kick i use a Remo coated Emperor batter side&Ludwig factory installed front head WITH NO MUFFLING OF ANYKIND!.
As THAT'S what i've read in EVERY single drum magazine &book written about the bloke.THE BEST people to settle this argument once &for all would be either his 2 "drum roadies/techs" BEFORE Ocheltree, Glen Colson &Mick Hinton! :) &or Jason Bonham! :).I know someone who was close enough to view&know for sure at there ONLY Melbourne Australia(Kooyong) show.As he got the chance/opportunity to SIT behind his(JHB's) green sparkle kit! :).So i'll ask him &report in due cause! :).