Per Rick Gier's fine book that badge and serial would be expected to be late 70's to early 80's ('78-'82). Shells are expected to be 6-ply with clear interior.

None of the badges look to me to have been tampered with. If they have, they did a great job of it.

We should be able to see clean through it to the knurl on the other side. The one showed looks clogged up with something and usually indicates tampering.

Those cleaned up nice, look in great shape.

6ply will sound nice.

Enjoy and congrats

Wayne

Must have been a shadow or some "belly button" lint. I took the pic before the cleaning process. I double checked and they all look factory. Thanks for mentioning it though, I have missed things like that a few times and kicked myself.

Thanks to all who chimed in! If your lives are like mine, not too many people get excited hearing about my drum finds...most notably my wife.

AL

Lol about the wife, my wife couldn't give 2 poops about my vintage luddys,no-one to tell around my house either.. I just got some early 70's new beats never been cleaned, tried to tell her how cool they are... that's great dearCoffee Break2

Myk,

Enjoy those new beats even if those around you don’t quite “get it”. Life is short and although material things (like cool old drums) are not what is most important, they can help make us happy, renew our spirit, and make us more agreeable and compatible with those we live with.

AL

Be super careful cleaning them as even a paper towel will scratch them. There are threads here on experiences.

Those 6 ply maple drums are nice, and sound great. Heavy in weight too. Are the seams riveted or glued ?

Mine are riveted, I would think they all are, but this kit is my only experience with them. These things could survive a house fire and still be playable.