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Are early 70's Downbeat kits rare?

Posts: 977 Threads: 124

ujdftbsyberbe5ybe5rybr

Posted on 6 years ago
#1
Posts: 334 Threads: 39

Rare? Well it all depends...

~ A true Gretsch & Camco fanatic ~
Posted on 6 years ago
#2
Posts: 1041 Threads: 64

I feel like I haven't seen a whole bunch of them.. With music changing so much during those days, many were playing larger size drums. I've seen several over the years, but not often.

-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 6 years ago
#3
Posts: 977 Threads: 124

ujdftbsyberbe5ybe5rybr

Posted on 6 years ago
#4
Posts: 1362 Threads: 229

I have seen them in sparkle, BDP, wmp, and thermogloss over the years. For some reason they don't command the same value as their Keystone relatives for whatever reason.

From interviews I recall hearing that the late 60's early 70's clear maple interior Ludwig shells were the best they made. I have had many Ludwig kits and orphans from this era and I tend to agree.

Sonor SQ2 10 14 18 American Walnut
L.A. Camco 12 14 18 Moss Green
Gretsch Round Badge 12 14 18 w/snare Champagne
Gretsch Round Badge 12 14 20 w/snare Burgundy

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HhdcpleTKlI

82nd ABN DIV OEF OIF Combat Infantry Veteran
Posted on 6 years ago
#5
Posts: 977 Threads: 124

ujdftbsyberbe5ybe5rybr

Posted on 6 years ago
#6
Posts: 410 Threads: 32

Here’s one. 1971 with clear shells. And as mentioned, they do sound great.

60's Gretsch Round Badge 22/13/16
'71 Ludwig B/O Badge 20/12/13/14/16
'72 Ludwig B/O Badge Jazzette 18/12/14
'65 Rogers Holiday 20/12/16
Posted on 6 years ago
#7
Posts: 977 Threads: 124

From gwm

Here’s one. 1971 with clear shells. And as mentioned, they do sound great.

Love BDP. Thanks for sharing (everyone else as well).

Posted on 6 years ago
#8
Posts: 621 Threads: 41

That's a nice one, gwm. Seems like what's been said is true--not too common, & kind of the sweet spot between KB's somewhat rougher construction & Ludwig's later stuff.

I've had just one, but it moved on kinda quick. Blue sparkle.......marko

Posted on 6 years ago
#9
Posts: 2010 Threads: 19

I suppose it depends on how you define "rare" Certainly 4 piece sets were less popular during that time so a lot more Hollywood and Big Beat sets probably were shipped out. I'd guess that of the four piece sets they did sell more of them were of the Super (or Deluxe) Classic variety than the Downbeat. Still they must have sold a fair number as the set did stay in the catalog almost until power toms took over.

I know that 14x14 toms from the B/O era seem few and far between.

Posted on 6 years ago
#10
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