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Vistalite Tom Mount

Posts: 5 Threads: 1

Hey everyone,

New to the forum and have never done a post here - Looking forward to some helpful conversation!

I just got a late 70s Amber Vistalite kit (I'm assuming by the serial #). Really happy with it overall, just would like to switch out the old tom mount to something with wing nuts. It's currently a total pain in the ass to adjust.

Can anyone tell me what Ludwig hardware is compatible with the Vistalites? I've read the Rocker hardware will work? But I'm wondering if any Ludwig double rack tom mount with work on the bass drum or if there are only specific lines that work.

Anyway, I appreciate you taking time to read this and thanks in advance for any information!

Posted on 11 years ago
#1
Posts: 1041 Threads: 64

From MikeRobinson

Hey everyone,New to the forum and have never done a post here - Looking forward to some helpful conversation!I just got a late 70s Amber Vistalite kit (I'm assuming by the serial #). Really happy with it overall, just would like to switch out the old tom mount to something with wing nuts. It's currently a total pain in the ass to adjust. Can anyone tell me what Ludwig hardware is compatible with the Vistalites? I've read the Rocker hardware will work? But I'm wondering if any Ludwig double rack tom mount with work on the bass drum or if there are only specific lines that work.Anyway, I appreciate you taking time to read this and thanks in advance for any information!

Welcome to the forum Mike! I know what ya mean about being a pain in the ass! Ive got an early 70s Ludwig kit and I have to use two separate box end wrench to adjust the mounts. There should be a "t handle" replacement for the bass mount. I'm not sure about the upper portion where the tom mounts though... others on here will most likely be able to answer.

Have you ever thought of using a snare stand to mount the rack tom? ..assuming that you are playing a "one up" and one or two down set up...

-Justin

"People might look at you a bit funny, but it's okay. Artists are allowed to be a bit different."- Bob Ross

"After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music..." - Aldous Huxley
Posted on 11 years ago
#2
Posts: 5 Threads: 1

Justin,

Thanks for the info! Right now I am using a snare stand with the 13" tom, but would love to utilize the 2-up / 1-down setup. I don't currently have a setup like that so I'd love to incorporate that dynamic into this kit.

Such a rad set of drums though! Nothing quite like them.

Posted on 11 years ago
#3
Posts: 108 Threads: 15

Welcome

Hi Mike! Ludwig makes female thread wing nuts that thread to the nuts on the tom post but they probably don't have room to spin in that crowded area. Whatever you do….don't drill holes to add a more convenient mount!!! Part of the vintage vibe is having the antiquated hardware. I have a few vistalite kits and if I need the extra ummph to tighten the tom nut I just use a socket. I carry one to every gig in my tool bag. Enjoy the kit!!

Is it a big beat with double sided heads or concert toms?

Ludwig old school
Posted on 11 years ago
#4
Posts: 5 Threads: 1

From Bondo

WelcomeHi Mike! Ludwig makes female thread wing nuts that thread to the nuts on the tom post but they probably don't have room to spin in that crowded area. Whatever you do….don't drill holes to add a more convenient mount!!! Part of the vintage vibe is having the antiquated hardware. I have a few vistalite kits and if I need the extra ummph to tighten the tom nut I just use a socket. I carry one to every gig in my tool bag. Enjoy the kit!! Is it a new beat with double sided heads or concert toms?

Thanks for the info. I figured that's what I'd have to do... Maybe I'll just buy the wing nut for just the base of the tom post - Seems to be the most annoying part of the hardware to me and then I'll leave the rest so it's close to old as possible.

I figured I'd just go with the socket approach as well. I may try a different post as well so I can hold on to the original.

Thanks again!

Posted on 11 years ago
#5
Posts: 252 Threads: 37

Mike, welcome and congratulations on your good taste in drums!

I have a '73 kit and I use a short-handled socket wrench to keep from applying too much torque on the hardware. See the picture for an example.

The short handle also helps in tight spaces.

Happy drumming!

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My kit:
Ludwig Vistalite Big Beat set consisting of:
14” X 22” bass, 16” X 16” floor tom, 8” X 12” ride tom, 9” X 13” ride tom, 5” X 14” snare
Ludwig 201 Speed King bass drum pedal
Ludwig 1124 Spur-lok hit-hat with Ludwig Standard Paiste 14” cymbals (760 & 770 gr) with ching-ring
Two Ludwig Standard S-270 cymbals stands
18” Zildjian crash cymbal (1550 gr) and 20” Zildjian ride cymbal (2130 gr) with CAMCO sizzler
Gibraltar motorcycle seat-style drum throne with backrest
Posted on 11 years ago
#6
Posts: 5 Threads: 1

From Tinman

Mike, welcome and congratulations on your good taste in drums!I have a '73 kit and I use a short-handled socket wrench to keep from applying too much torque on the hardware. See the picture for an example.The short handle also helps in tight spaces.Happy drumming!

Hey, thanks!

This short-handled socket is a great idea! Thanks for that!

Posted on 11 years ago
#7
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