Only Admins can see this message.
Data Transition still in progress. Some functionality may be limited until the process is complete.
Processing Attachment, Gallery - 186.98121%

Vintage Ludwig number confusion Last viewed: 4 hours ago

Posts: 6 Threads: 1

I'm new to this forum, so be gentle and kind! I am in the process of refinishing my late 1960's vintage Ludwig kit. Online I see may useful guides to dating my drums, however there are some major discrepancies. For example, my 14x22 bass has a number of 961..., which would place the manufacture date well into the mid 1970's. That is impossible since I purchased the kit (excluding snare) in 1970-1971 at the latest in Northern NJ. The badge is the Blue/Olive with serial numbers.

I am also looking to purchase an additional 16x18 floor tom to best match my kit (shell design) and most importantly sound quality. Any suggestions as to a retailer? By the way, I reside only 2.5 miles from the Ludwig Manufacturing facility in Monroe, NC. They DO conduct tours by appointment only, for those who have been wondering (from older posts to other forums).

Thanks, and I look forward to your responses.

Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 6288 Threads: 375

Are they Ludwig Standards ??

Badge...

1 attachment
ludwig_standard_thumb.jpg
14.7 kB
Kevin
Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 6 Threads: 1

From vintagemore2000

welcome to the forum, myself and another forum bud where just down there yesterday to pick up a kit, the New Factory will be of no help to you for your kit. what is the Interior clear or granitone?

The interiors are clear coated (heavy poly). Excellent condition for being 39 years old!! I know they won't sell to me directly, but I need help matching the tone of a new tom. Retailers don't have a clue about tones. The factory may be able to help set me up with a rep to test some of the different toms available. It's worth a shot.

Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 6 Threads: 1

From kevins

Are they Ludwig Standards ??Badge...

No. All are Olive and Blue with serial numbers, indicative of late 60's. The floor tom is a keystone badge with numbers relating to 1968. That one is correct, as I bought it in Union City NJ in early 1969. The rest of the kit was purchased shortly after through a different retailer.

Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 6 Threads: 1

OK. So let's move on to the refurbishing of my kit. First a question...Will replacing some corroded screws or the bass hoops take away from the "vintage" of this kit? I suppose I could just repaint the hoops a glossy black but I'm afraid the wood will be so dry that it will eventually break after so many years in storage. After ordering my new wrap and dismantling the floor tom, I see that the lug mounting screws are all corroded. I tried to treat them chemically but it turned the alloy black. Time for new ones. Will this take away from the vintage tag?

Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 6 Threads: 1

Having problems uploading pix from file. I'll work on it.

Posted on 13 years ago
#6
Posts: 114 Threads: 9

From duckman1

Having problems uploading pix from file. I'll work on it.

I can't post pics either

Posted on 13 years ago
#7
Posts: 5295 Threads: 226

You need to resize the pics to fit within the Forum`s restrictions...Some use paint to resize, but, I use this site:

http://www.shrinkpictures.com/

Hope this helps!!

Cheers

1976 Ludwig Mach 4 Thermogloss 26-18-14-14sn
1978 Ludwig Stainless 22-22-18-16-14-13-12 c/w 6-8-10-12-13-14-15-16-18-20-22-24 concert toms
1975 Sonor Phonic Centennials Metallic Pewter 22-16-13-12-14sn (D506)
1971 Ludwig Classic Bowling Ball OBP 22-16-14-13
1960's Stewart Peacock Pearl 20-16-12-14sn
1980`s Ludwig Coliseum Piano Black 8x14 snare
1973 Rogers Superten 5x14 & 6.5x14 COS snares
1970`s John Grey Capri Aquamarine Sparkle 5x14 snare
1941 Ludwig & Ludwig Super 8x14 snare
Posted on 13 years ago
#8
Posts: 1311 Threads: 9

From duckman1

OK. So let's move on to the refurbishing of my kit. First a question...Will replacing some corroded screws or the bass hoops take away from the "vintage" of this kit? I suppose I could just repaint the hoops a glossy black but I'm afraid the wood will be so dry that it will eventually break after so many years in storage. After ordering my new wrap and dismantling the floor tom, I see that the lug mounting screws are all corroded. I tried to treat them chemically but it turned the alloy black. Time for new ones. Will this take away from the vintage tag?

Screw replacement so long as its period correct is almost a non issue.Re wrapping them most certainly will affect their collectable value in a negative manner.

Being that some of these were purchased seperately and as such,not as a set,or born together,will affect their collectable value in a negative way.

Repainting bass drum hoops has been debated also,so its still a matter of opinion as far as influencing value either way.Detailed clear photos will greatly help,but it sounds like after you rewrap that kit,you will wind up with a restored players kit,not a collectable vintage set of drums.

Steve B

Posted on 13 years ago
#9
Posts: 6 Threads: 1

Unfortunately, Iif I want to play them, they need the upgrade. The current sky blue pearl wrap is browned and shrunken, as any wrap manufacturer will say happens over time. Who knows, maybe in another 40 years my girls will have a vintage kit to either play or sell.

I'll have to try that site for shrinking the pix, then I'll post.

Posted on 13 years ago
#10
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action
Something else here