There is an area here called the Vintage Drum Guide that will educate and astound you. Dig deep into it and learn. It's a wonderful tool in your quest for knowledge.

I would also suggest the Ludwig book, the Slingerland Book, etc. These are excellent sources of information. Check into those, also.

Good Luck!

Here's the link.

http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/painting_shell_interiors.html

The guide is good, but it's just a guide. I have two sets of original Ludwigs -- one date-stamped Dec 11, 1969 and the other date-stamped Sept 14, 1968 -- and they both have white interiors. The guide seems to suggest that all the interiors were clear by late '68. :2Cents:

It's a "guide", as in "generalities". One thing you can say as an absolute - there are NO absolutes where Ludwig is concerned. It's all "in general". If someone tells you that in 1968, the drums have clear interiors, then you can bet big bucks you will come across many drums dated 1969 with white paint. It's just how it was. Everything about Ludwig history is taken with a grain of salt. That's why you look at several items on a drum to get an ESTIMATE on date of manufacture. Even a date stamp is not totally conclusive.

Since the discussion seems to have turned to a more general discussion on Ludwig shells, does anyone here know when Ludwig stopped date stamping their shells? I ask because my recent Rock Machine kit has no date stamps and I'm curious as to why they would do this.

Thanks - Clark "Ludwig" Kent :)