A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to find a 1965 Ludwig Sky Blue Pearl (SBP) Downbeat kit. In order to purchase it, however, I would also have to purchase a Ludwig 80s SBP kit (22/13/14/16), since the owner wasn't willing to split the kits. Included in the sale would be several vintage A. Zildjian cymbals, two sets of vintage A. Zildjian hi-hats, a pair of matching cymbal stands, a vintage Slingerland snare stand and some sort of "hybrid" COB pre-serial KB Super-Sensitive snare.

This scenario presented quite a challenge since I had neither the interest nor the funding for anything but the Downbeat kit.

Both kits were definitely "projects". Parts were missing, other parts were in terrible condition, both functionally and cosmetically, and both kits needed some serious TLC. Nevertheless, I've been a sucker for the SBP wrap ever since I got my first SBP Clubdate kit new back in 1963.

The seller and I eventually agreed upon a price for everything (which was my only option!). I left a deposit with the understanding I would have a week to pay the balance. If I failed to do so, the drums would be going to a new home but it wouldn't be mine. Fortunately I had some excess items that I was able to sell rather quickly to cover the balance and we completed the transaction. Cool1

The real fun began once I got everything home. You can only imagine the tears of joy flowing from my wife's eyes as I brought in the "motherload." (RIGHT!)

I stripped both kits, cleaned and polished all the hardware as well as the shells and was fortunate enough to find the missing pieces that were needed to get both kits "up and running". I also had to gut and replace most of the heads.

The cymbals, as well as all the stands were in horrific condition so I had to spend a great deal of time cleaning them also. At this time I still don't have a clue what I'm going to do with the "hybrid" snare drum.DOH

The pic I posted shows the Downbeat kit after my cleaning and polishing efforts. I added a 16" SBP KB floor tom to the pic from another kit of mine. The snare in the pic is a SBP KB Jazz Festival. I've also got a COB KB snare that will work great with this kit.

This was one of my most time-consuming projects but I'm very happy with the end result. The great news is that I've recently sold the 80s SBP kit I was forced to buy with the Downbeat. As a result of that sale I basically got the Downbeat kit for free. Strange how things seem to work out sometimes!LoLoLoLo

THANKS for taking the time to view the kit and listen to my story!