The "Spur-Lok" thing is a reference to the teeth on the heel part. Many different Ludwig hi-hat stands had the Spur-Lok heel, but not all were Atlas models. And there are a few different Atlas models depending on the year.

I thought we covered this for you over here once already....http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=19486

No my friend...I posted this question without a single response, maybe I placed it on an incorrect thread. My first thread was about the ATLAS cymbal stands. I simply cannot believe how utterly frustrating and confusing dating or specifying LUDWIG hardware can be. For drums it is much more clear cut, at least in reference to the 60's, 70's, they are simple to identify. I viewed your last response that touched on the hi-hat SPUR LOK as I was in the midst of posting this question. To simplify, I would at least like to narrow down the decades. I do not want any part of the 80's, and I do think ATLAS models that look identical to 70's models cross-over. I do appreciate the responses.:confused::(:

Ok...one more try....Spur-lok is the heel mechanism for the heel of the pedal on ALL Ludwig Hi-hat stands from 1962(ish) to 1987. All models of Ludwig hi-hat stands during that era use it. People who don't know drums or Ludwig products well that list these stands on ebay just assume that the stand is called a "spur-lok" because thats a name they see on the pedal. In fact, spur-lok mechanisms are found on the "flatbase" Classic series of hardware which dates from 1962(ish) to 1984 (yes they made them that late with slight variations throughout the years.) Then it was on the "flat-leg" Atlas (also known as the Big Beat) Hi-hat from the mid 1960's-1975. In 1976 ludwig changed to a tubular leg on all its Atlas stands and put the "swivel" feet on them and still called the series Atlas. Then in 1978 they came out with the Hercules series of stands where they went to larger diameter upper tubing with beefier tilters, large rubber feet, etc., which was basically an update of the old tube-leg Atlas series. The Hercules series lasted until 1984. To confuse things a bit (I researched a bit more after the last thread on the subject) Ludwig re-introduced the traditional "flat-leg" Atlas series in 1980 and killed them off again by 1982! Thes are identical to the early 1970's stands too! Then (are you still with me? :p) in 1983 they came out with the Atlas II series, which was basically the heavier Hercules hardware, but with single braced flat legs with large rubber tips. Somewhere in there (1980ish) they came out with the first generation of double braced Modular hardware, which also had the "spur-lok" foot boards.

So, basically.....because they were produced for so long with minimal changes within each series, it is difficult to pin hardware down to a particular year. You can only generalize. The hardest to determine the correct era is the Classic series, especially if an early 80's stand has been messed with. They used the large black plastic T knobs on those from the late 1970's to the end in 1984, but if you are a seller with zero scruples, you can easily swap those out for the 60's style "mickey mouse ears" wing screws, and bango! Instant "vintage 60's" stand! Same thing with the early 70's flat-leg Atlas stands. Very hard to determine them from the later "re-issue" stands from 1980-1982 if someone has swapped out the large black plastic T knobs like I mentioned on the Classic series.....

Hey Ludwig Dude....I truly appreciate the time and super detailed information you have provided. It has helped immensely. With that being said, I would have never figured people to swap those knobs to pose 80's stands for vintage ones.....it only adds uncertainty to the issue..lol. That being said, all one can be is informed to really move forward. Thanks.Bowing

No problem. As I said above, there really is no way to pin down a particular year, just a rough era timeframe. Hope it helped. Mallet Player2