Only Admins can see this message.
Data Transition still in progress. Some functionality may be limited until the process is complete.
Processing Attachment, Gallery - 186.58038%

Ludwig age Last viewed: 16 seconds ago

Loading...

Hi All,

Been a while since I've been on here and I apologize if this has been asked before.

I recently acquired an old B/O Ludwig kit. I believe it is a mixed kit with drums from the late 70s or early 80s. Can the age of each drum be determined from the SNs on the name badges?

Thanks a bunch

John "Cali" Calhoun
Late 70s Ludwig Classics (red sparkle)
1999 Yamaha Maple Customs (turquoise maple)
2008 Pearl MCX Customs (bronze glass)
Zildjian cymbals
Posted on 9 years ago
#1
Posts: 2010 Threads: 19
Loading...

You can guestimate the age from the serials but nothing very precise. Ludwig stopped date stamping drums in the early 70's so the data gets extrapolated a bit after that point. Ludwig themselves kept no records of serial numbers back then nor is there any sort of info encoded within the numbers. Some other production details can also be helpful in determining approximate age.

Posted on 9 years ago
#2
Loading...

Thank you K.O.

I thought that may be the case but I wasn't sure.

I got the kit and it was advertised as a 70s or 80s kit, but the seller wasn't really sure of the year either, as he bought it used.

Nonetheless, I bought the kit as a player kit (I play in an oldies band) and they have the sound I'm looking for, so the year was really not a deal breaker. I was just curious.

Again, thanks.

John "Cali" Calhoun
Late 70s Ludwig Classics (red sparkle)
1999 Yamaha Maple Customs (turquoise maple)
2008 Pearl MCX Customs (bronze glass)
Zildjian cymbals
Posted on 9 years ago
#3
Posts: 2010 Threads: 19
Loading...

Are they 3 ply or 6 (or a mix of the two)?

Posted on 9 years ago
#4
Loading...

All are 6 ply

John "Cali" Calhoun
Late 70s Ludwig Classics (red sparkle)
1999 Yamaha Maple Customs (turquoise maple)
2008 Pearl MCX Customs (bronze glass)
Zildjian cymbals
Posted on 9 years ago
#5
Loading...

22, 12, 14

John "Cali" Calhoun
Late 70s Ludwig Classics (red sparkle)
1999 Yamaha Maple Customs (turquoise maple)
2008 Pearl MCX Customs (bronze glass)
Zildjian cymbals
Posted on 9 years ago
#6
Posts: 1880 Threads: 292
Loading...

I'd say they're 80's. If there are no re-rings and the interiors are clear, then they're most definitely 80's, then again i could be wrong ..

Posted on 9 years ago
#7
Loading...

Human71, that is exactly the case. No Rering and clear interiors. Muffles are round (not ball bat type).

John "Cali" Calhoun
Late 70s Ludwig Classics (red sparkle)
1999 Yamaha Maple Customs (turquoise maple)
2008 Pearl MCX Customs (bronze glass)
Zildjian cymbals
Posted on 9 years ago
#8
Posts: 2010 Threads: 19
Loading...

Six ply shells started around 1977. The corners of the B/O badge were rounded off around 1980. That can be another clue as to age. Ludwig was riveting the wrap seams from around 1980 to 83-84 so that can be another clue. By 1982-83 most sets seem to have had power sized toms so that's another potential clue.

Posted on 9 years ago
#9
Loading...

This kit has rounded edged B/O badges. No riveted wrap. And the toms are standard sized (12X8, 14X14).

John "Cali" Calhoun
Late 70s Ludwig Classics (red sparkle)
1999 Yamaha Maple Customs (turquoise maple)
2008 Pearl MCX Customs (bronze glass)
Zildjian cymbals
Posted on 9 years ago
#10
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action Something else here