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1978-79 Ludwig USA kit - what's it worth? Help!

Posts: 7 Threads: 2

Hey Guys and Gals,

I inherited a 78-79 natural finish Ludwig USA kit, and I have no idea even of a ballpark of what it's worth. I'm asking because I am interested in selling it and getting something that more fits my style, possibly a newer Gretsch or something of the like. The serial number on the kick is 1927812, and it has 4 retractable legs that curve down to the ground instead of the usual two. Toms are 10, 12, 14, and 16, and all only have a top rim, open on the bottom. It has 2 crashes, a ride, a spash, and a set of hats, all of which I was told are the zildjians which were the top of the line in their day. The hardware is all there, including hi hat stand and a ludwig ghost pedal, and it has a Rogers dynasonic snare with it, serial number 47639. The kit is in perfectly good shape, just needs some dusting and polishing and general TLC. Anybody have any idea? I'm clueless when it comes to vintage drums. Thanks in advance and my apologies for being drum-ignorant... haha. :)

Mike

Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 541 Threads: 102

Sounds like you should maybe sell the cymbals and the snare separately. Open toms are not very popular these days and that's going to bring down the value a great deal. Without pictures it's hard to guess...maybe $500...

Get off! Get your f**in' clothes and get off! Right now! Pull the f**in' bus over! -Buddy Rich
Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 1311 Threads: 9

Photos please..that Dynasonic could be worth some money.The Zildjians if they were bought with the drums would probably be A Zildjians and are still made and top of the line.

Steve B

Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 313 Threads: 13

Don't dismiss the value or desirability of concert toms! Unfortunately, the drums are the thicker 6-ply shells, and not as much in demand as their 3-ply predecessors, or Classic Maple successors. They aren't bad drums, there's just not as much value placed on them.

My guess on the Ludwigs & hardware, $400-500.

The Dynasonic, if all original and in decent shape, can fetch $300 or more in today's economy. The cymbals could bring $400-500, depending on the sizes, and if they're A's or K's, not a lower line (I don't recall if they had budget lines back then.)

But pics would definitely be helpful.

Bermuda

Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 7 Threads: 2

Thanks for the replies guys, I'll post some pictures soon!

Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 2753 Threads: 132

If you are going to get a new set of drums, and, if the cymbals and other hardware from the inherited Ludwig set are goood, just sell the drums while using the cymbals and hardware with the new drums. Now, I'm out of breath from that long sentence uttered without pause for breath.

No matter how far you push the envelope, it is still stationery.
Posted on 13 years ago
#6
Posts: 1597 Threads: 96

no one knows what ply they are or any value till you post pics what badges do the drums have? pictures are what is needed... and if they are 6 ply don't count them out they are awesome drums they are what maple classics are made from today but pictures would be awesome to see..

Posted on 13 years ago
#7
Posts: 628 Threads: 14

If the year he gave is correct they are the 6 ply with inner and outer maple with inner plies of poplar. I think the 4 ply super classics came much later than 1980. The current Classic maples are all maple and have thinner shells.

That said, pictures would be necessary to pin down all of the details.

Posted on 13 years ago
#8
Posts: 7 Threads: 2

Okay guys, here are some pictures! Help at all? Thanks again for the feedback![IMG]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b195/bigolhoodie/DSC_0036.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b195/bigolhoodie/DSC_0033.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b195/bigolhoodie/DSC_0032.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b195/bigolhoodie/DSC_0031.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b195/bigolhoodie/DSC_0030.jpg[/IMG][IMG]http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b195/bigolhoodie/DSC_0034.jpg[/IMG]

-Mike

Posted on 13 years ago
#9
Posts: 313 Threads: 13

A pretty kit, but unfortunately not the most desirable Ludwig era. I still think $4-500 on the drums alone is about right.

Cymbals look nice, what sizes? Basically, classic '60/'70s Zildjians go for about $5-7/inch, with hats being more in the $100-140 range. So an 18" Zildjian crash - a very common cymbal - will fetch anywhere from $80-125*. Splashes will fetch less, maybe $4/inch, because there's a lot less metal overall.

Bermuda

* I just bought two '60s Zildjian crashes, one was $105, the other was $60, averaging $82.50 each. Both are very sweet!

Posted on 13 years ago
#10
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