Hi, Pretty much what would be found on these '60's Ludwig Bass Drums, would be the smooth White Plastic Ludwig Weathermaster Heads. At least that's what my '65 Ludwig Set with a 14x20 Bass Drum came with directly from Ludwig.

I'm almost sure that they are available still from ludwig as a re-issue head, with the Vintage Ludwig logo already applied, but don't quote me on this.

If not, no problem, Vintage Drum Logos (I think it's) www.vintagelogos.com sells the exact replicas in Black.

It should be noted that they sell two slightly different styles of '60's Vintage Ludwig Logos. I think one is just a slight bit larger than the other.

I believe the correct one would be the smaller of the two. For how inexpensive they are, just buy both to be safe. Mark

As an afterthought, I was thinking perhaps even Remo may make a similar smooth white plastic head that could be used also, and will look nice.

Generally, on all Ludwig built factory bass Drums from that era, they'd used a 4" wide White, or cream colored Felt Strip on both the Reso Head, and Batter Head, and the Felt Strip should be placed vertically in between the centerline of the drumhead, and the right outer edge of the drumhead.

Do the same to the Beater side of Drum as it faces you. (Mind you, the Felt Strips are optional, but this was how they came from the factory, and without them, the bass drum will sound awful boomy).

Lay felt strip over the drum shell first in the appropriate position, positioning it so that it is perfectly vertical to the way the bass drum will sit when it is on playing position, keep felt strip taught, lay the head onto the shell, and over felt strip, apply hoop, apply all lugs slightly tighten all lugs just enough to apply a very slight amount of tension to hold the head on, pull ends of felt strip tight,checking again for a proper good looking position, then continue tuning the head, making sure the felt strip remains taught, and against the inside of head. When done, and it looks suitable, only then cut excess of felt strip that is exposed at top, and bottom of the shell with a very small pair of scissors.

What we all used back in the '60's to protect the head from Beater wear, was a small patch of stick on Moleskin, available from any good Pharmacy (ie Walgreens)

Today, there are many more great options, as Evans makes a patch, as do Remo. I use the Evans, and have a Remo patch on hand as a spare.

If you use a wood beater head, or hard plastic beater head, this will keep the beater from tearing up the head, and does add just a slight touch of additional muffling.

Depending on the stytle you play, and the type of sound you are looking for, you may not need any more muffling than this. If you do, and wish to retain the vintage look, I then recommend some sort of further internal muffling. Perhaps do not cut the felt strips until you're happy with the sound. You may have to remove one of the heads again for additional muffling?

Either that, or the "old fashioned option" was the Spring Steel Mufflers w/pad that used to clamp onto the bass drum hoop. lol

Generally, most position their beater head just slightly below the center of the drum. Placing it in the center can give a bit of a dead sound, and feel. Try it first, get it where you personally like it, then apply the patch. mark

Also for further Bass drum muffling, another option would be a Muffled head on the Beater side such as an EQ3, or whatever. Being on the inside of the drum, it won't be readily seen from out front, and you'll still retain that vintage look you're after. Mark

Mark, thanks so much for the help. I bought a 65 set a while back and it came with the white or cream cloth strips just like you said, and they are the originals in there. I didn't know they came that way from the factory. Thanks for all the help. I do just like you said with this set. This is what I needed to know,adam

Hi Adam, I'm glad I can be of some help to you.

After I wrote my earlier reply to you, I checked on the Vintage logos Website, and examined their list of products, and did not see any listings for company drum logos? Hmmm? I bought Ludwig Logos from them in the past, and in fact still have two '60's logos that were never used still in the envelope from Vintage Logos.

Along with my decals was a Logo list, and they apparently made virtually every drum logo you can imagine, Rogers, Slingerland, Ludwig, Premier, Leedy, you name it!

Perhaps contact them on their site, and ask them for a free catalog. In my catalog, they show about 6-7 Ludwig emblems-logos alone! The one '60's logo I bought was $8, and the other was $10. I would think current prices shouldn't be too far off this mark.

When I replaced the Batter Head on my Slingerland Bass Drum with a new Evans Head, I found that the Drum Pad in Palatine, Ill. had the rolls of Bass Drum Felt, and I re-did both sides with all new felt. It may actually be closer to 3" wide, than 4" I'm sure other good Drum Shops carry, or can get the new Felt if you need it.

This was exactly how Ludwig Bass Drums used to come back then. Mark

hey Mark, thanks a million for taking the time out to answer my questions. I have not bought this stuff in over 3o years. Been playing bass for past 10 years and going back to drums because I'm getting more band time on bass{ probably cause I'm such a lousy bass player}. But this helps me out terrifically ,adam