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Tell me about these Ludwigs

Posts: 16 Threads: 2

I know this is intimidatingly long and terribly written, but please take the time to read it, you could be of much help right now!

Anyway, I've been looking on ebay and all over classifieds for a 60s/70s Ludwig kit for a few months and finally I thought I found the deal of a lifetime.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/dantheman2590/LudwigwithK2.jpg

It's a 5 pc Ludwig (22, 13, 14, 16) in Maple Cortex that includes a 14' acrolite snare, a 13x3 old ludwig piccolo, dw double pedal and hi-hat stand, throne, dw stands, 4 K cymbals, a Z custom, and an old A ride. I badly need new drums along with cymbals and hardware, so this was perfect. and all for 1400! But then I noticed something.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/dantheman2590/Bassdrumback.jpg

The badge is on the batter side of the drum. I had never seen this before, so I looked around and found the same thing on 80's kits. Then I found evidence on this website that confirmed it's 1979 or later- that is, the rounded edges on the badge. This is quite dissapointing, as the description said "70's, unsure of exact year" and now I find that this deal that was made for me has a potentially huge flaw.

Here are some more pictures of the drums

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/dantheman2590/Snares1413inch.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/dantheman2590/16inchFloorTom.jpg

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/dantheman2590/13inchTom.jpg

and here's the 14' tom with obviously bad bearing edges (as there's been no head on it for a long time. I would, too, use the kit as a 4-piece excluding this tom.) I'm showing this picture mostly to show whats inside the drums.

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y96/dantheman2590/14inchTom.jpg

Anyway, It'll be hard to address all my concerns because my mind's going about 120mph right now, but here me out. I wanted vintage Ludwig drums because I know they give just the sound I like, as about 75% of the bands I listen to (indie rock) play vintage Ludwigs. I'm also looking for the cool factor that comes with vintage drums. Anyway, tell me about this kit that I'm considering. Any ideas on the exact year? Is it worth anything? Does it have the vintage cool-factor:p ? Any information on the shells is also good. Will it sound like vintage Ludwigs? How do they compare to 60's luddys and the pre-rounded edges blue/olive badge drums? Are they "vintage" or "cheap 80's pieces of crap"? (I'm not even sure if they're 80's...) This is such a frustrating decision because all the new cymbals and hardware and everything included are VERY MUCH needed. If I pass this up, I'll go on ebay and my dad will get me a kit up to about 1100$. Then somehow I have to magically get money for new cymbals and stands and a throne and pedals. (the stuff i have now must not be mentioned....) Of course I could always go and get a 2006 Mapex pro M, but it really wouldn't feel special like vintage drums.

I know this is all a big jumbled, hard to answer, too long to read, wanna be thread, but my head feels pretty jumbled right now. Anyway, I figure this is the place for answers. Any replies are greatly appreciated!!! And if these things are just lame, don't hesitate to break it to me. I want honest input.

Posted on 18 years ago
#1
Posts: 3267 Threads: 715

I hate to say this but the answer is easy yet difficult.

Be patient....

Personally based on what you have already said I would stay away from the set mentioned.

Basically do you have drums at the moment to practice or play on???

David

Posted on 18 years ago
#2
Posts: 15 Threads: 2

Your instincts are sharp, Skywalker! Wait, be patient, and the force will be with you! OOPS, sorry, too many late night movies. But really, hang in there, keep asking and looking for the real thing. The additions are dressing up a mediocre kit on this one. You could get it, keep what you want and sell the basic kit to finance an older kit to rebuild. Rebuilds are fun and educational. Now I sound too much like being a teacher. Elbow grease is cheaper than paying someone else to do what you can do. GOOD HUNTING! wvhill

Posted on 18 years ago
#3
Posts: 1190 Threads: 86

If you're looking to get a vintage set of Ludwigs, look for sets from the '60s to the early '70s. Try to get a set in the 22, 13, 16 or 20, 12, 14(ft) or 22,12, 13, 16 configurations...those are the most collectible, especially the 20, 12, 14. Look for drums in original condition...no extra tom mounts, spur mounts or other extra holes. Try to get complete sets...certain parts are easy to find...but you'll pay for them. Getting a bass drum hoop with red sparkle inlay would be fairly easy to find or replicate...an odd finish would be much harder. Later Ludwig sets...the ones with shells that don't have "glue rings" are much less desirable. If you only want them for a "player," finding a set with an added double tom mount or extra cymbal mount can be a bargain. Always look for condition and desired sizes. The best deals can be found on "dirty" but original sets...there are tons of nice sets on ebay from $600 to $1200...

Posted on 18 years ago
#4
Posts: 16 Threads: 2

Okay. I think I'm gonna have to pass it up. I'll start watching ebay and craigslist again for a 22, 13, 16, or 20, 13, 16. and I'll consider a 06 Mapex pro-M, as well. I think I'll be okay :)

Thanks to all of you.

and yes, i currently have a cheap out of tune yamaha. it works until i find something, though.

Posted on 18 years ago
#5
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