'77 most likely. 3-ply to 6-ply transition occurred in the '77/'78 timeframe. OP's are likely right around this transition.

Ok, so from the info I've gathered, my newest assumption is that these are probably some of the final 3-ply, pointed-badges drums that Ludwig did. My best guess is '77 to early '78 because according to the Ludwig website, in '78 they started spraying the leftover shells with granitone and putting the Ludwig Combo badges on them (the badges look like Standards).

Thanks everyone!

Who created the chart in post #9? It looks like somebody combined information from a number of different sources, including Rob Cook's serial number chart from his 2003 book.

Interesting.

I'd like to see the interiors and, specifically, the badge grommet area and the bearing edges. I can't tell exactly what's going on from the pics.

Hi LudwigGuy,

So I went through some of my serials and I came up with this.

I bought a set in 1976 and they have 158XXXX serial's

1977 has 174XXXX serial's and 1978 has 182XXXX serial's.

All B/O pointy badges. Yours looks like they land somewhere in between 77-78.

Hope that helps on the serial's question.

Now for the shells, I can't help you there because mine are all Vistalites.

My theory on your shells would be someone might of asked if they still had 3-ply shells available and they ordered them that way, my guess.

Ludwig did have some that were used for the Combos until they ran out so they could of special ordered them before they sprayed granitone inside.

Wayne

I too can offer a small but accurate sample of Ludwig numbers in 1976. In June 1976, I ordered a Pro Beat kit via a local music store.

The snare was 1545938.

The toms/bass drum numbers were 1146011 to 1147553. They were pointy badge 3 ply with re-rings, granitone interior.....except the 13" tom. It was clear varnish interior.

I was a bit disgusted by this, as I wanted the option of removing the bottom heads from the toms, and I wanted the mounted toms to look the same on the inside....So I returned the 13" to Ludwig, thinking they would just spray the drum with granitone. No, after a frustrating month or two delay, Ludwig sent me a replacement tom with badge number 1590289.

All this occurred between June - August 1976.

Hope this helps narrow the search. Regards, Marty Black

Beautiful kit!Cool1