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What are the sizes?

The finish is known as "Oyster Blue Pearl"...but this later version of it is also known as the "Bowling Ball" finish. The "Mach" lugs appear to be original to the shells -interesting...as I don't remember too many drum sets with those lugs -possibly a custom order. It's definitely an early 70's kit. The interiors are clear -except with the mahogany ply on the inside instead of the maple -interesting for this era of shells. Usually during this period, the clear maple ply was on the inside. Also, the pointy-cornered B/O (blue and olive) badges indicate an early 70's kit.

You say they were FOUND by a dumpster? Wow! There sure have been some incredible finds this last year!

If it was me, I would take them completely apart and clean every square inch of them until they shined like new.

The model depends on what sizes they are. A "Big Beat" configuration would be a 12/13/16/22 -and would have likely come with a Supraphonic 400 snare drum. Since yours has the double tom tom holder, it may be a Big Beat with a "missing" a drum. In any case, it's a very nice, desirable kit and the drums should sound great! Nice find!

I'm not a Ludwig expert, but those may be one of the Ludwig "mach" outfits, like Mach 1 or Mach 5 or something...they were introduced in the early '70s. It was their first sets using the long lugs. They were a line "above" their top of the line Super Classics. Your drums are in the '70s version of oyster blue...referred to as bowling ball finish. The drums have the desired, sought after 3 ply shells with the maple interiors. (Rumor has it Ludwig will be coming out with a new version of these shells.) Replacing the missing pieces wasn't so bad as far as value...you can always find correct Ludwig rims. It's much better than modifying the drums. So , other than the missing parts (and it looks like you're missing a tom) the drums are in original condition. The top of the bass looks faded, but it could be the flash. The way they are now, I'm guessing they'd get 500-900; I think a couple of "days of beauty" could increase the value. (Disassemble the lugs and mounts from the shell. Clean the shells with a little soap and water and polish them with Novus #2. Clean all the chrome with Noxon or similar chrome polish. Avoid steel wool. Lightly sand and repaint the good bass drum hoop..don;t paint the inlay! Etc...

You scored a nice set!

Wow...when I entered this, O lugs had posted the same answer! We were writing at the same time...got a phone call before I hit submit. I guess we're both right! Rich

Thanks for the insight guys. I can't believe I forgot to add sizes, but yes, they are 12/13/16/22. And I do have the middle tom. I had it off for the photo because the carriage bolt that holds it to the tom mount was stripped. I have since gotten a replacement and have the kit back as it was intended. You'll have to pardon my poor housekeeping, as the bd is not faded, that's just dust. I have been looking for a suitable supraphonic 400 to go with it, not because I knew that's what it's supposed to have, simply because I like their sound. However, I recently scored a great deal on a new steel DW snare that was clearanced at Guitar Center, and plan to use that for now. I'm not horribly concerned with it being completely correct because I intend to play these drums; they sound great. So I will get some new heads and begin completely disassembly and cleaning as soon as I get the chance.

Damn your a lucky dude. I wish I found them... I've seen this finish recently on some craigslist postings. Good luck.

I think those sets were cataloged with super sensitive snare drums. However, I don't think finding one of those and adding it to the set would increase the value more than the value of the snare, and I think a supra (or modern drum) can be easier to deal with.

Those are gorgeous!

Someone directed me to this post on another forum, these happen to be my favorite vintage kit by Ludwig!

Ludwig started making these lugs available on kits in late 69 early 70. Yours is the "Mach 5" kit. There was a "Mach 4" as well, which was a four piece with a rail mount. The 70s kits with mach lugs and three ply with re-rings are becoming quite rare.

Definitely a good score, and I can't imagine why someone would put them out for trash other than trying to get back at someone maybe! I am exceedingly jealous! Enjoy them! Definitely spend some time polishing them up, I've never seen them in that finish!

Here's my kit, from June 1970. I have the matching 13" as well but don't really ever use it and my "floor tom" is actually a marching 15x12 from the same year. I happen to prefer a 15" floor, but also the 16" is missing from the kit anyway!

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imperialdrums,

Here is a kit that is in "mint" condition on Ebay. Granted, it's not a "Mach" kit like yours. I think the regular "Classic" lugs are more desirable, but this auction may give you some insight:

http://cgi.ebay.com/70s-Ludwig-Bowling-Ball-5-Piece-w-Supra-Snare-MINT_W0QQitemZ280136750880QQihZ018QQcategoryZ64440QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem