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Ludwig Standard kit restoration

Posts: 6 Threads: 4

Hello all, first time poster but long time lurker. I've gotten to refurbish several old drum kits over the years, and I just found this rough half-restored one on my local Craigslist to fix up.

[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6827667114_26b09be323_z.jpg[/img]

Most of the pesky bits and pieces were included (and polished up, no less).

[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6973785419_07bc879626_z.jpg[/img]

But wait, there's more!

[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6827668306_76bc8abd43_z.jpg[/img]

Could it be a...

[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6827669032_0a4444970f_z.jpg[/img]

Yes, it's a very clean keystone badge Acrolite with stand and case! All this, plus a Pearl kick pedal and some extra bits and pieces for the princely sum of $75! I think I did okay. The kit is a 1971 Ludwig Standard (12"/16"/20") that's been rewrapped in blue sparkle but the guy lost interest before putting them back together. Top bearing edges are good, but they were used without resonant heads for years so they've got some (fairly easy to repair) bruises. I have some hoops that should replace the missing resonant side ones nicely except for the bass drum. Here's the dinged-up badges:

[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6827669936_b77d56aea6_z.jpg[/img]

Thus far, I've been inventorying what was included. Also glued up some places where the re-rings were separating from the shell. Only needed parts I haven't sourced yet are a second 20" bass hoop and a Ludwig logo bass drum head. I have an idea for fixing the rough badges, but I'd be interested in some if it doesn't pan out.

Question... the interiors are a bit tired looking; is there any paint that will match the old Granitone? Does anyone know what finishes were offered on these in the '71 era? Might do something different than the blue sparkle eventually.

Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 1342 Threads: 71

Fantastic kit and an awesome deal! I'd just put coated heads on top and bottom and play the kit!

Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Posts: 6 Threads: 4

From Gerald Sterken

Fantastic kit and an awesome deal! I'd just put coated heads on top and bottom and play the kit!

Hah, I had the thought that no one will see the interiors anyway; guess it's a case of "while I'm at it".

Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Posts: 1819 Threads: 153

Micah,

Welcome to the forum!

I also "lurked" for quite some time, both before and after I joined. Then, as with many others on here, when I finally did start posting it became addicting very quickly (and I'm sure there's several on here who wished I wouldn't have started!!).

Your drums look good, even for a rewrap. Too bad on the badges, and I've not seen any Ludwig Standard reproduction badges out there either.

As for the Granitone, I'm sure there's some out there that would match pretty close. Wal-mart carries some that are similar, but you might check Home Depot, Lowes, or Menards if you've got any of them close. However, unless you're going to have clear heads on it won't make much differance.

Bill

Bill
Cherryvale, Ks
"Redrums - Ks" on FB and Reverb
(also "billnvick" on eBay)
Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Posts: 5227 Threads: 555

From Micah McDowell

Hello all, first time poster but long time lurker. I've gotten to refurbish several old drum kits over the years, and I just found this rough half-restored one on my local Craigslist to fix up.[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6827667114_26b09be323_z.jpg[/img]Most of the pesky bits and pieces were included (and polished up, no less).[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6973785419_07bc879626_z.jpg[/img]But wait, there's more![img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6827668306_76bc8abd43_z.jpg[/img]Could it be a...[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7069/6827669032_0a4444970f_z.jpg[/img]Yes, it's a very clean keystone badge Acrolite with stand and case! All this, plus a Pearl kick pedal and some extra bits and pieces for the princely sum of $75! I think I did okay. The kit is a 1971 Ludwig Standard (12"/16"/20") that's been rewrapped in blue sparkle but the guy lost interest before putting them back together. Top bearing edges are good, but they were used without resonant heads for years so they've got some (fairly easy to repair) bruises. I have some hoops that should replace the missing resonant side ones nicely except for the bass drum. Here's the dinged-up badges:[img]http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6827669936_b77d56aea6_z.jpg[/img]Thus far, I've been inventorying what was included. Also glued up some places where the re-rings were separating from the shell. Only needed parts I haven't sourced yet are a second 20" bass hoop and a Ludwig logo bass drum head. I have an idea for fixing the rough badges, but I'd be interested in some if it doesn't pan out.Question... the interiors are a bit tired looking; is there any paint that will match the old Granitone? Does anyone know what finishes were offered on these in the '71 era? Might do something different than the blue sparkle eventually.

Welcome...Micah to this great forum.Now onto your set and questions.First its a nice looking set even for a rewrapped one.Thats a great deal you got on the set.You asked if the Ludwig Standards came in other finish's yes they did 15 of them.They did come is a blue sparkle it was called blue mist its a smaller sparkle than whats on the set now.As far as you questions on the missing parts 20" hoops you are fine on this forum look under "For sell' you can always check Ebay they come up all the time.I know of no one that makes repo badges for these drums if you need the badges post on the forum under "Wanted" some members may have some i do have some.To fine a front logo head will be your hardest thing to fine i know of no one that makes the Ludwig Standard logo head stickers.Most guys will just used a Ludwig sticker logo head..The way i have fixed the badges is i place them on a 1/2" piece of glass but before i do i put tape on the printed side of the badge.Then i take a big wooden rolling pin and roll over the badge to flatin it out.When you go to put the badge back on the drum use your hand to round the badge out to fit the drum use double stick tape on the nack side of the badge..As far as the inside paint i would leave it and just used white heads on the drum....Mikey

Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Posts: 57 Threads: 3

Micah,The Ludwig Standard logo stickers are on ebay every day by this one seller and they are 5.00....... #270842445492 is the item number

Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Posts: 747 Threads: 37

Don't forget to check to see of any of the Acrolite hoops are brass. This can give a quite improved voice. Occasionally only one is brass, but if you have two, consider yourself very lucky.

Posted on 12 years ago
#7
Posts: 6 Threads: 4

From vinny

Micah,The Ludwig Standard logo stickers are on ebay every day by this one seller and they are 5.00....... #270842445492 is the item number

Cool, I'll keep those in mind. I'll either go with that or an old-school Ludwig script logo.

From tdennis

Don't forget to check to see of any of the Acrolite hoops are brass. This can give a quite improved voice. Occasionally only one is brass, but if you have two, consider yourself very lucky.

Wow, didn't know Acrolites ever had that! Just checked the hoops with a magnet; not brass, but it's still a sweet little snare.

I've collected a few other missing bits; will update when I've made some progress. I've got some vintage Ludwig Rockers white resonant heads left over from my last project, pics of which are posted over here. Thanks for all the information, everyone!

Posted on 12 years ago
#8
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