early 70's shells were pointy blue olive badges,clear maple interiors that were 3 ply with re-rings. some say that these are the best sounding drums that ludwig ever made. sounds like what you have there to me...

mike

Thanks for the reply, Mike. Can someone answer my questions below?

Were the clear maple interiors slightly glossy? Or was that the work of a previous owner? Can you pinpoint a more specific date range (rail mount vs. post mount, etc.)? I did not see if the B/O badges were round or pointy. Also, I know certain Ludwig kits (like Standard's, for example) had post mounts in the late 60's/early 70's. How rare is it to see a B/O badge with a rail mount?

Based on what you know, and considering the faded wrap, 2 extra floor tom holes and slight wrap seam lifting, what do you think would be a fair price for this kit (what would YOU pay)?

Again, it comes with the three drums (8" x 12", 14" x 14" and 14" x 20"), shell mounted cymbal holder arm and 70's era Speed King.

Thanks.

WEll, I was trying to upload the interior photo of my early 70's Ludwig rack tom but cant get it to load.... mine is also clear coat lacquered over the maple, and also has the re-enforcement rings. In fact, my toms all have this same set up, the bass has re-rings but no clear coat. I believe it was Purdie who told me that sometimes Ludwig, during this era, mixed it up a bit with the clear coat... sometimes they would be coated, sometimes not. im going to play around with the photo for a few and see if i can get it to work!

Ok, i think I got the photos to load. This is the 12" rack tom. I originally thought these were 76's due to the serial #s... but the kind fellas on here pointed out that they were the 3ply maple, with re-rings, and pointy badge which put them early 70's.

As seen in the photo, there is a light lacquered coating on the interior of this shell. The other photo shows the pointy badge style.

Cant really answer for the other questions you have.... my full kit is a 22, 12, 13, 16 configuration. And yes, these 3 ply maple shells sound great!

Your idea of good condition, is gonna be different that sombody elses. Without pics. your question can`t be answered by me or anyone else wanting to help ya !!

My 1971 Ludwig 20/13/16 has all of the attributes you describe: semi-glossy clear shell interiors, curved spurs, B/O pointy badges and a rail mount. Without pics it's difficult to give you an estimate on price. But those are definitely desirable sizes and great sounding drums.

Early 70's Downbeat configuration (12", 14", and 20") shown in the '71 Ludwig catalog. If you look closely you'll see that the spur mounts have the "mickey mouse" wing nuts that you speak of. Rail mount and shell mount cymbal holder would be legit. The extra mount on the floor tom would have been an "add-on" or special order.

To me...the $500 asking price sounds decent. You could probably easily get that out of the hardware on the drums, cymbal holder, and speed king, railmount, etc.

Is there a snare included with the set you're looking at?

You can date those drums using the serial number chart on this site.Ludwig didn't start using a post type of mount on the classic series till late 70's ..79-80 I think,so the rail mount is correct for clear interior,pointy B/O badge drums.If the're 3 ply with rings,then pre 76.

Clear multiple pics(as in NO cell phone) are necessary to give you any idea on value.

Steve B

Thanks for all the info guys. I know it's tough without photos.

I called Guitar Center today, and they have already been purchased online.

I am not all that disappointed. The wrap was REALLY faded and kind of ugly, plus the floor tom had extra holes.

As an aside, could the people that work at Guitar Center be any dumber? I called the drum department and asked if this was the same guy who worked until close last night, because I was there just before closing time. He had to stop and think what day it was yesterday and I had to tell him what day it was yesterday! (How could you not know that you closed the store the previous night???). I told him I was the guy who was looking at them and we talked together, he helped me take the head off etc. He acted like he barely remembered me. He told me "There was some guy in here that I was looking at them last night that I helped". I had to tell him AGAIN that it was me. He than acted confused, even though I AGAIN confirmed he was the guy in the drum department that worked until close and had helped me.

His IQ is lower than the diameter of all the drums combined!