Please, Ludwig guys, I have recently purchased a made in the U.S.A. Ludwig Rocker, 6 1/2 inch deep snare drum (LR-719). It hasn't arrived yet. I was wandering what type of strainer it had. I play with a late 70's Supra and it doesn't look like a P-85 from the photos. Just very curious. I certainly am no Ludwig expert, but I am always learning. Thank you very much.
Brian
Hi Brian!
Are you absolutely sure it's a USA Rocker snare drum? Every instance of LR-719 I'm finding shows that it's an import snare drum. Other than the badge, there's not much that really looks like Ludwig on this. Hope you can confirm what you bought.
-Mark
Hi Brian!Are you absolutely sure it's a USA Rocker snare drum? Every instance of LR-719 I'm finding shows that it's an import snare drum. Other than the badge, there's not much that really looks like Ludwig on this. Hope you can confirm what you bought.-Mark
Hi, Mark!
Yep. In 1994, from what I have learned, these 6 1/2 inch Rockers were built in the USA.. The black and white badge number is 804331. Shortly after they were outsourced. From the pictures the seller posted, I just couldn't make out the strainer very clearly. Thanks for replying, Mark!
Brian
Hi Brian,
I have the 1994 Catalog and just scanned the LR-719 snare drum. If this is the one you are referring to, I doubt it was made in the USA. The shell appears to be your standard steel-shell import, as does the strainer.
Where did you purchase your drum? Is there anyway to see pictures? I'm just not finding an LR-719 that was built in the USA. I'd be interested to see a picture of the USA-built LR-719!
-Mark
Brian,
I did a Google search for "ludwig rocker lr-719 snare drum" and found quite a few on Reverb. Almost all of them had the same shell and strainer, but each one had different lugs; generic or Rocker/Standard-style lugs. I also found an early 90's Rocker, with Standard lugs and P-85 strainer. However, that drum was Chrome Over Wood...and made in the USA! Your purchase is confusing and without pictures, it's just too tough to tell what you bought!
-Mark
Brian,I did a Google search for "ludwig rocker lr-719 snare drum" and found quite a few on Reverb. Almost all of them had the same shell and strainer, but each one had different lugs; generic or Rocker/Standard-style lugs. I also found an early 90's Rocker, with Standard lugs and P-85 strainer. However, that drum was Chrome Over Wood...and made in the USA! Your purchase is confusing and without pictures, it's just too tough to tell what you bought!-Mark
You're right, Mark! This is getting confusing! When I went to The Vintage Drum Guide, punched in Ludwig Drums, went to the section Ludwig Rockers saw the drum listed under the black and white badge, but then noticed another drum in the set (bass I think) had that square sticker! Under the black and white badge there was another section for the Taiwanese made drums with the big badge. Next, I did a search for Ludwig Rockers. On page three, there was a post by gunnellett concerning Ludwig Rockers 2 .A reply by OldReliable states that these drums are definitely made in the U.S.A. I bought the drum on ebay from a gentleman in Maryland who seems to be a very reliable seller (Richard King of kingsmusic). Thanks again, Mark! Hopefully the mystery will soon be solved. I really appreciate your input and expertise! Brian
Hey Brian!
I did an eBay search for snare drums sold by Kingsmusic and came up with this one...
Is this the drum you purchased? Judging by the serial number of 804331, I believe it is!
-Mark
That's the one, Mark!!! Nice going! I'm so bad with computers, at best, I can email, google a bit and buy drum stuff! What do you think? Like I say, the seller seems really dependable and honest. The drum hasn't arrived yet, but it was mailed the next morning. I think the black and white badge with the serial number was what convinced me the drum might be American made. Sure hope so! Please let me know your thoughts! I really appreciate your expertise and efforts, Mark!
Brian
Brian!
I've purchased many drum related items from Richard King. Never had any issues with anything! He does have a knack for terms such as "brilliantly chrome plated", etc!!
That being said, the Rocker drum you purchased is, unfortunately, not made in the USA. Very sorry about that. As I had mentioned previously, it uses a standard, generic, steel shell. I honestly can't say if the the lugs are USA made, or if Ludwig licensed these to be made in Taiwan for these drums. However, don't fret about all this! Considering the purchase price, and reasonable shipping charge, you did good! I have a feeling that this shell will provide you with a good amount of "clank", so be prepared to make use of the internal muffler! Self-muffling heads should also go a long way to taming those steel overtones!
Please post your thoughts on the drum when it arrives.
-Mark
Thanks, Mark! I owe you, my friend! People like you make the Forum great! Your work is certainly appreciated, sir.
Brian
