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Vintage Ludwig kit - is it worth it?

Posts: 136 Threads: 40
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So, I have recently discovered my attraction to vintage drums and among other interesting deals I found this Ludwig kit selling for 250euros, say 300usd. Judging from the wrap I think it's from the 70's, a Big Beat maybe? But seeing that the kit misses 2 of the lower hoops (tom and floor) I wonder if it's worth the price. For now I have only this one pic but I plan to go and see them for myself soon and maybe bring a few more photos.

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Posted on 15 years ago
#1
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Yep, '70s (psych red wrap, b/o badge)...if it's in good shape, it's worth that price. If the snare (Supra) and cymbals and hardware are included, it's a steal.

If insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results, is it insane to practice?
Posted on 15 years ago
#2
Posts: 5176 Threads: 188
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Lots of green in that psych red (a good thing). I can't see the tom mount, but if it's original and the bottom bearing edges are okay (noted the rims are off), then it's a good set of drums. By the way, what is the Euro in comparison to the US dollar these days?

"God is dead." -Nietzsche

"Nietzsche is dead." -God
Posted on 15 years ago
#3
Posts: 136 Threads: 40
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All right, so I went today to check them out. I must say that I was not really thrilled. Fist the snare is in a really really bad shape, the hoops and the shell are almost destroyed (lots of dents, pits and scratches), the original throwoff missing and all tension rods replaced by ordinary screws. The wrap on the kick drum and toms is in pretty good shape appart from each drum being stamped or rather engraved with some silly logo (not very large and in fact little visibile - but present). I managed to look at the interior of 2 toms and it also looked pretty good (with the grainy white painting, the shells are quite thick - I don't know how many plys). The bass drum has a few lugs replaced and the tom mounting is also home made. The guy is selling the set as pictured with all cymbals and stands but the hardware is obsolete (not originals). So, I thought that if I were to buy something I would stick with the bass and toms but I could not pay more than 150$ (he made me an offer of 250$ including the snare 'cause he has no use for it). Even so I am having my doubts. What would you do? :confused:

P.s. he has the bottom hoop for the smaller tom but not that of the floor tom.

Posted on 15 years ago
#4
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Offer $125 and see what he says....

Posted on 15 years ago
#5
Posts: 5227 Threads: 555
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I would go up to 200.00 to250.00 for that ludwig set..The ludwig is a far better sounding set than that PEARL set its...mike

Posted on 15 years ago
#6
Posts: 136 Threads: 40
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Don't know if you guys have noticed that the smallert tom has two metal inserts = 2 holes fitted with 2 larger screws (this is visible in the picture and I think the other tom has the same). When I saw those I had a feeling they would not supposed to be there so I have done more research and I cannot find any reference to such things. I now wonder iwhether these drums are worth all the fuss DOH

Posted on 15 years ago
#7
Posts: 136 Threads: 40
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I finally decided to tkae the set and paid the guy 200$ for the bass drum, toms, floor tom and a brand new Basix hi-hat stand. I have already begun a restoration job on them and I would kindly aske for your help there also :) (I opened a new thread in the restoration section). I will post some photos (especially showing the greatest problems) here also. Tell me what you think.

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Posted on 15 years ago
#8
Posts: 2628 Threads: 40
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F[COLOR="DarkGreen"]lx, that bass drum is scaring me a little...none of those lugs are Ludwig; the claws and rods don't look right, either. The badge LOOKS like it has the original grommet..so I am hoping that all of the Ludwig lugs and hardware were replaced at some time...and hoping that the bass drum is NOT just a Japanese shell....

please post more pics in the restoration section...[/COLOR]

www.2ndending.com
Posted on 15 years ago
#9
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It amazes me what some people wiill do to "fix" their drums...... DOH

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you paid way too much for these.....by the time you plug holes, fix the wrap and get the correct hardware you could have bought a much nicer kit that wouldn't have needed any work.....Hmmmm

More pics intitially could have helped us here in the forum steer you in the right direction on these......AWAY FROM.....

Some vintage drums are just too messed with to bring back....I would consider these in that catagory.....

Posted on 15 years ago
#10
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