Same date stamp and a SN only a few digits from my 14x22. That's cool!

-Mark

I have a Ludwig blue olive badge, no serial number, clearly dated Sept. 8, 1970. It is a super sensitive, deep dish 6.5 which may explain why I believe it is not a cut down badge.

No need to cut it down if there is room for the whole badge. Thanks for sharing information about your drum. I have added it to my list of blank badge drums.

When I get my 1970 Supraphonic, I will report the date. Thanks for all of the information contained

I just acquired 3 toms and I'm trying to date when they could have been made. All are 3 ply mahogany lacquer finish with maple interior and reinforcing rings and b/o badges: 9x13 s/n 805064, 13x13 s/n 805082, 16x18 date stamp Aug 11,1970 s/n 797755.

It has been stated to me by a few experts that these are "walnut" finish, but I believe they are most likely mahogany finish with a bit of aging that turned them slightly evenly darker, in other words not blotchy.

That is great that you have that census on Ludwig drums. I wonder if even Ludwig Co. has a record of these serial numbers.

The serial numbers on all three drums (assuming you missed a digit on the second one) and the date stamp you report are consistent with other serial numbers and date stamps on drums that I have recorded. Yours are all likely from 1970. I will not narrow that estimate down further, as my methods do not necessarily provide a higher level of precision than that.

I would not classify my list of drums is a census, but rather a sampling. I estimate that I have reports from under 3% of the drums made during the time period when both date indicators and serial numbers were both in use (very late 1963 through early 1972). It is generally thought that Ludwig does not possess a detailed record of its production by serial number.

Corrected 13x13 s/n is 805082. In March 1972 I ordered a new set of Ludwig's and they didn't have date stamps or paper tags. (sorry I never took any pictures)

I made a blend of Ludwig shells, rogers swiv-o-matic tom mounts & foot pedals, and Slingerland hi-hat & cymbol stands. I got mahogany finish & chrome 6 1/2" supersensitive snare. 12x8, 13x10, 14x12, 16x16, 16x18, & (2)-14x22 bass.

I got a super deal from a local music store, but was disappointed with the quality of the drums. With clear bottom heads, the inside finish had a few lacquer steaks that had run, and the maple reinforcing rings had some botched, crudely cut areas. It was an OK set with the 13x10 on a snare stand centered between the basses, and the other 2 mounted toms centered on either side of the 13x10.

Shortly afterwards I landed a great job with overtime, so I went a different direction from "rock star" drummer, so I sold the entire set to not burn the candle at both ends. After years of only occasional playing I recently began playing again, and most all of the techniques I used are still all there with a little practice.

That 1972 set sold real fast back then despite some manufacturing flaws. I distinctly recall the fellow that bought them off me couldn't contain his happiness as I helped him load the drums after I got the cash.