There really wasn't much difference, in terms of sound with Ludwig's 60's shells. Sometimes, the maple veneer went on the inside...Sometimes it went on the outside....Sometimes both inner and outer veneers were maple...Sometime both inner and outer veneers were mahogany. Most of the 60's Ludwig used a white paint to seal the interiors of the shells against moisture (like a humid environment) and also to cover up blemishes that might have been present in the veneer.People refer to these shells as Ludwig "3-ply" shells. I'm not sure of the exact date, but eventually Ludwig stopped making their shells the "3-ply" way and started using some other woods and methods of construction. The red drums look pretty nice. Of course you realize that it's just the three drums with no hardware like stands, pedals, etc. On many occasions, it is possible to find a nice vintage Ludwig kit with all the original hardware, too. I know you are itching to get a kit, but the trick to getting a vintage kit is to get one as complete as you can. And, when and if you score a nice kit, please make sure to be a good steward of it and take exceptional care of the drums. Never get lazy and lose the discipline of taking care of your "axe" -especially if it's a clean vintage one. They are much more special since they are no longer made the same way.Vintage drums sound great but they also require an extra bit of care and "nice treatment" -because if an important part breaks, replacement parts are not always something you can find quickly. It usually means you have to go back to Ebay again and play the waiting game for the right replacement part(s) to come along.You seem to be coming at this the right way, though. It's always better to collect as much information as possible before jumping into the vintage drum world! Peace.
I wouldn't mind a kit coming with a matching snare, but hardware, though convenient in many ways, is definately unnecessary. I'm fine with just getting three pieces, as well, because there's no shortage of vintage Ludwig snares. I'm sure a kit's more collectable with an original matching snare, but it's not really priority.
And yes, I am definately itching to get a kit. But I've been itching for a few months, so I'm being patient. Just an itchy kind of patience. I wouldn't buy a kit out of impatience.
Once I do have a kit, I will baby it. It would be such a shame to give vintage drums any but the best of treatment. Afterall, they don't make vintage drums anymore;) . Once I have a kit, I'll definately disturb you all with countless questions on how to keep it as nice as it can be.
Should I be concerned if a kit has repainted hoops or new old hoops?
