3-ply shell...white-painted inner veneer is either maple or mahogany...outer veneer seems to be mahogany or possibly a stain over an outer veneer of maple...the inner core-ply is poplar...

I have said it before and I'll say it again...Ludwig 3-ply shells are essentially a solid-ply poplar shell. The inner and outer veneers are so thin -yes and they DO influence the sound, too (somewhat)...but the thicker core-ply of poplar is what makes those shells do what they do.

I don't know the model name of it, but I'm sure someone around here will. It's a nice-looking drum and should definitely come up with the goods insofar as sounding "fat". The P-83 is the best throwoff in existence (in my opinion).

NOTE: The badge number indicates that it was made in 1968... The red felt on the tone control (muffler) indicates a drum from 1964 or slightly earlier. It could be that the tone control was replaced or that the badge was replaced. I would need to see more detailed pictures of those areas.

NOTE #2: The butt-assembly looks like a new one...from what little of it I can see. I know it's definitely not the one that goes with a P-83.

NOTE #3: I am not all that familiar with 15" snare drums, but it appears that the wire set on that drum is for a 14" drum. Maybe that's the way Ludwig did their 15" snare wire sets...but I kinda doubt it.

I've become very leary with buying Ludwig drums on EBay.

O-Lugs - an expert like yourself is only verifying my fears about drums on EBay. I'm glad you were able to point out the inconsistencies on this drum.

As I learn more - I'm finding inconsistencies on drums left and right. I know the history of Ludwig drums somewhat - enough to know that all Ludwig Standard drums didn't get the coat of Granitone everytime at the factory...etc.

This one guy who sells Ludwig drums on EBay - is always making purchases from another guy who must strip Ludwig drums - because he's always selling badges, grommets and grommet installation tools, etc...I noodled around on there and made the connection because I was suspicious of a drum he was selling.

I think some of those drums on EBay are bits and parts spliced together - from different eras, new parts, old parts - and most are pawned off as vintage. Some of the drums I think are complete phonies - other shells painted inside to look like Ludwig and badges added and such.

Each time I buy a drum from EBay I'm worried it's a fraud.

I've wanted to post links in here for some time to get opinions prior to purchasing drums from EBay and would value the incredibly knowledgeable opinions of those of you who are the guardians of this forum and vintage drum history.

Would anyone mind giving me an opinion or pointing out inconsistencies in the drums I attempt to purchase from EBay prior to me buying such from this point on ?

The Band

This is "The School Festival Model" it came in 14" and 15"

Hey JohnTEARWAVESdrummer

You might want to PM someone prior to posting it here so you can get some behind the scenes info...

Nice to have you on the board...

David

Thanks again Dave for welcoming me to the board.

It's best to PM someone the link to drums that are for sale to get their opinions privately ?

Personally I see that being the best way for you, but for me it does not matter and I will help out either way..

David

Wow, thanks O-Lugs and David! I wouldn't have known about all those details if I didn't post here.

JohnTEARWAVESdrummer is right though. I will probably ask some of you guys before I make another eBay purchase.

When the drum is shipped to me, I'll take more photos to see if we can id all the "Frankenstein" parts. :)

Number one thought: Ask about a drum here or on another reputable forum BEFORE you bid or purchase the drum.

Buying vintage Ludwigs or any other drum(s) on eBay requires a little bit of knowledge about the drum shell, the hardware, the inner shell, the badges and finishes and wraps; Not to mention eBay experience which helps you spot a slick, less than honest seller. Again, Take advantage of the knowledge on this forum and ask about a drum BEFORE you bid on it. If the pictures are not clear and detailed, ask the seller for more pictures and more info. Many sellers are not experts and they frequently call a seventies drum a fifties drum and the like. There are guys selling nothing but drums, there are guys selling all kinds of things and they've stumbled on the drum and put it on eBay. This can work to a buyer's advantage if he can get a good email conversation going, and doesn't make the seller feel like a dummy. . I bought a '67 Jazz Fest a couple weeks ago, originally listed as a '61. the drum was in excellent, unmodified condition but he was pricing it way high, partly because he thought it was a '61, and partly because he thought BDP was BOP. The badge clearly showed the serial number, #500441, making it a '67. SO I contacted him and politely enlightened him and he still thought it would bring close to $500.00. It didn't and I wound up getting it for $290.00 shipped. Inside the shell was a date, Feb 14, 1967. The seller never saw that.

Matt

Yes Sir

This is actually my first time scouting on eBay for vintage stuff. Learnt quite a lot on the way on how to id the badge, the throw-off and the muffler. But still, not quite there yet.

I've been following this snare's seller's auction and he seems quite a knowledgeable and decent guy. And he did say he doesn't really know much on the drum and all he can comment is the tone of it.

I guess I'd learn even more from this episode now. I was sold on this drum cos of the advertised "fatness" and how the wood has chipped as it is satin-finished. Have a thing for those old wood chippers.

I just re-read the auction. His wording is very careful as to not state that the drum was all-original or that it was of any specific age.

NOTE #4: The 2.3 mm rims are also modern replacements -because the original Ludwig rims would have been 1.6 mm.

What does it mean where he states, "You can use this Rare DW for whatever your heart's content..."? DW?

It's a lesson that we all have learned about EBay -"caveat emptor" = "buyer beware".

I'm sure that snare drum will sound good -even if it holds no collectible value, as such.

Stick with a proven performer like an Acrolite or a Supra.