I’d like to share with you all how I celebrated 8 years of being booze free.

This kit is my personal "holy grail" set and as a Ludwig collector/player is pretty much at the top of the vintage list and falls, as I was told, under the "go and try to find another" category.

FINALLY I have a 1960 Downbeat Outfit No. 988P in Oyster Pink Pearl.

I have not had much experience with this wrap since these drums rarely ever surface but I did talk to some very knowledgable folks.

And while this kit is not perfect, it really does not matter as the only flaws are what the hands of time have done.

And it's gonna get played.

A lot.

This is a born together Transition Badge set with the matching Downbeat snare and the following dates stamped in red ink in the drums:

14x20 bd dated Sept 20 1960.

8x12 tom dated Sept 20 1960.

14x14 FT dated Sept 22 1960.

4x14 snare dated Feb 17 1960.

This set was acquired from The Oyster King. Us older Ludwig folks know what page he is on in the Ludwig book. 1f609.png????

The drums are in fantastic shape with the only issue being the FT is not as faded as the other 2 drums. The 14x14 floor tom is quite pristine. These are the great late 50's shells and this little kit projects immensely but even played quietly still retains the great deep tone. The original resonant bass drum head and snare batter head are still on the drums. I used Remo Coated Vintage Classic Ambassadors and a coated Powerstroke 3 on the kick with one strip of felt. The first 3 gigs over last weekend.

And they sang.

Here's how I did it: I saved all my gig money for the past 5 months and sold a bunch of drums I just did not use. I was able because these days instead of my money being wasted on bar tabs, nights out, etc, it goes towards something way more meaningful & musical. These drums inspire me to be a better player & person. I realized it was time to change. And I focused all that former wasted energy, time & money into my vintage drum collection and becoming a much better drummer.

And if I can do it, really anyone can.

At 10 years I'm getting that 1920's 6.5 engraved Black Beauty..

And if you already saw on the other DF apologies..

I'm pretty dang stoked..Yes Sir