I'm finally almost done my Ludwig rewrap. Last summer, I picked up a 1965 Ludwig Combo (8x12 and 14x20) in red lacquer. It was in rough shape: the finish needed help, and someone had used the 12" tom as a planter. The seller didn't remove the potting soil before shipping it.

I found a 1966 bare 12x15 shell, grabbed a set of bowtie lugs, and gradually bought the missing hardware. I'll be replacing the double-braced monstrosity on the left with a Ludwig flat-based stand. And in addition to the invaluable knowledge I pick up every day on the forum, a couple of members helped with parts: Bernie (I can't remember his forum handle!) sent me the cymbal arm, and Crash is sending me a beautiful Acro to complete the set. Thanks, guys!

I've wrapped it in blue peacock satin. It's not a period-correct wrap, but I've always loved satin finishes.

It's taken me nearly a year to get it done -- not so much because there was a lot of work, but because I've got a little girl who takes up most of my time. (I wouldn't have it any other way.) I still need to finish the bass hoops, but I had the house to myself for an hour this afternoon and couldn't resist setting it up and playing it for the first time. And my daughter had a go at it when she got home!