Only Admins can see this message.
Data Transition still in progress. Some functionality may be limited until the process is complete.
Processing Attachment, Gallery - 183.97495%

What to do with a 20/30's 26" bass drum? Last viewed: 3 days ago

Posts: 41 Threads: 24

I'm throwing myself at the mercy of the vintage community right now in hoping that merely having a semi-sacrilegious thought doesn't lead to being burned as a heretic.

I have a 1920's/30's 14 x 26 Ludwig Shell with the original badge, and a few pieces of the original hardware and hoops. The drum has been repainted, which is now flaking off, so it's more a less a project from the ground up.

My question to you guys is: Is there any demand/value for bass drums this old? I realize it's all relative, and that an early 70's B/O badge 14 x 26 could potentially have some people selling off their first-born for it, but I can't say I've ever seen the same demand for this type of drum earlier than something from the 60's. I would love to restore it to it's original condition (knowing that it would never be worth as much as if it were all original), and use it once in a blue moon for recording or just to look like I appreciate 'old' drums that much more.

However, and this is why I qualified this entire subject up front, I could convert this antique drum into a more functional, everyday bruiser by drilling holes for large classic lugs. Even typing that out feels wrong...But I would like your guys opinion on the matter.

If I do decide to go for a full restoration, can you guys point me in the direction for where I'd find the tension rods that are required for a drum like this. I haven't taken any photos of the drum that I own, but have found a few pictures online that are the same as what I have.

Thanks!

1 attachment
image006.jpg
20.8 kB
I don't take 'em for granted for a single second.

196x Ludwig Mod Orange Downbeat - 20, 12, 14
1969 Ludwig Blue Sparkle Super Classic - 22, 13, 16
1971 Ludwig Gold Sparkle Super Classic - 22, 13, 16
1972 Ludwig Green Sparkle Bonham Kit - 26, 14, 16, 18
1979 Ludwig Stainless Steel Kit - 24, 14, 16, 18
200x Ludwig Bonham Vistalite Kit - 26, 14, 16, 18
Posted on 14 years ago
#1
Posts: 5227 Threads: 555

From MrMojoRisin67

I'm throwing myself at the mercy of the vintage community right now in hoping that merely having a semi-sacrilegious thought doesn't lead to being burned as a heretic. I have a 1920's/30's 14 x 26 Ludwig Shell with the original badge, and a few pieces of the original hardware and hoops. The drum has been repainted, which is now flaking off, so it's more a less a project from the ground up.My question to you guys is: Is there any demand/value for bass drums this old? I realize it's all relative, and that an early 70's B/O badge 14 x 26 could potentially have some people selling off their first-born for it, but I can't say I've ever seen the same demand for this type of drum earlier than something from the 60's. I would love to restore it to it's original condition (knowing that it would never be worth as much as if it were all original), and use it once in a blue moon for recording or just to look like I appreciate 'old' drums that much more.However, and this is why I qualified this entire subject up front, I could convert this antique drum into a more functional, everyday bruiser by drilling holes for large classic lugs. Even typing that out feels wrong...But I would like your guys opinion on the matter.If I do decide to go for a full restoration, can you guys point me in the direction for where I'd find the tension rods that are required for a drum like this. I haven't taken any photos of the drum that I own, but have found a few pictures online that are the same as what I have.Thanks!

I would re-store the drum and Not change the hardwear to newer on the drum.The T-rod's and claw's you can fine with out a problem..Iam out of them tight now but when i sell them,i sell them for 7.50 each with claw's...Lug's i have complete they are 2.00 each.The only cost will be the head's 26"s cost alot but maybe you can kind some good used one's on the forum...or at a drum shop near you...When you get the drum back up and running it will sound good i have used one of these drum's in the studio from time to time.....Mikey

Posted on 14 years ago
#2
Posts: 6583 Threads: 644

Drum has been repainted?Looks like silver sparkle to me................

"Always make sure your front bottom BD lugs clear the ground!"
Posted on 14 years ago
#3
Posts: 4715 Threads: 299

From blairndrums

Drum has been repainted?Looks like silver sparkle to me................

Re-read the post, Blair...he did not take pix of his own, but posted one of the same era.

"Ignorance may be overcome through education. Stupidity, however, is a lifelong endeavor." So, educate me, I don't likes bein' ignant...
"I enjoy restoring 60s Japanese "stencil" drums...I can actually afford them..."I rescue the worst of the old valueless drums for disadvantaged Children and gladly accept donations of parts, pieces and orphans, No cockroaches, please...
http://www.youtube.com/user/karstenboy
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coffee...16613138379603
Posted on 14 years ago
#4
Posts: 10714 Threads: 579

There is a demand for these awesome bass drums from this era, and as the damage exterior wise is already there, Evaluate it this way, if you alter it by drilling for modern spurs you killed what value there was as restorable collectible, your correct on the 60's and 70's comparision to these early 26" and larger drums, the later ones bring big bucks the olders ones not so much,,Please just restore it, natural stain it, get a real set of clamp on bass drum spurs, I Play This year model bass drum a lot with clamp on spurs, I Love Clamp On Spurs, I'm a heavy and loud player.

So lets recap,

1-Restore to a Natural finish,

2-get a set of ludwig clamp on spurs from this era.

3-Play and smile!!!electricit

Your drummers not much good is he!? What you need is someone that's as good as me. ! John Henry Bonham !!
Posted on 14 years ago
#5
Posts: 6583 Threads: 644

From jonnistix

Re-read the post, Blair...he did not take pix of his own, but posted one of the same era.

Ahh...OK ................ better wake up before I read/post on here :-)

"Always make sure your front bottom BD lugs clear the ground!"
Posted on 14 years ago
#6
Posts: 6583 Threads: 644

From MrMojoRisin67

I'm throwing myself at the mercy of the vintage community right now in hoping that merely having a semi-sacrilegious thought doesn't lead to being burned as a heretic. I have a 1920's/30's 14 x 26 Ludwig Shell with the original badge, and a few pieces of the original hardware and hoops. The drum has been repainted, which is now flaking off, so it's more a less a project from the ground up.My question to you guys is: Is there any demand/value for bass drums this old? I realize it's all relative, and that an early 70's B/O badge 14 x 26 could potentially have some people selling off their first-born for it, but I can't say I've ever seen the same demand for this type of drum earlier than something from the 60's. I would love to restore it to it's original condition (knowing that it would never be worth as much as if it were all original), and use it once in a blue moon for recording or just to look like I appreciate 'old' drums that much more.However, and this is why I qualified this entire subject up front, I could convert this antique drum into a more functional, everyday bruiser by drilling holes for large classic lugs. Even typing that out feels wrong...But I would like your guys opinion on the matter.If I do decide to go for a full restoration, can you guys point me in the direction for where I'd find the tension rods that are required for a drum like this. I haven't taken any photos of the drum that I own, but have found a few pictures online that are the same as what I have.Thanks!

What is the exact length from tip to tip of the rods you need? I might have some.......

"Always make sure your front bottom BD lugs clear the ground!"
Posted on 14 years ago
#7
Posts: 172 Threads: 39

As one who gigs regularly with a 14x26 bass drum from the 40's I suggest restoring at and learn how to play it. Get a Fiberskyn PowerStroke head for the batter and find an old calf head for the reso. Invest in an old clamp-on muffler for the front and amaze your friends (and engineers) with low end that will make them crap their pants haha. Seriously those drums are amazing and you barely have to touch them to make them sing.

Posted on 14 years ago
#8
Posts: 41 Threads: 24

From blairndrums

What is the exact length from tip to tip of the rods you need? I might have some.......

With head and hoops on, the drum comes to 17" across. If you have the tension rods for that size, I'd be most happy to acquire them some how. Thanks!

I don't take 'em for granted for a single second.

196x Ludwig Mod Orange Downbeat - 20, 12, 14
1969 Ludwig Blue Sparkle Super Classic - 22, 13, 16
1971 Ludwig Gold Sparkle Super Classic - 22, 13, 16
1972 Ludwig Green Sparkle Bonham Kit - 26, 14, 16, 18
1979 Ludwig Stainless Steel Kit - 24, 14, 16, 18
200x Ludwig Bonham Vistalite Kit - 26, 14, 16, 18
Posted on 14 years ago
#9
Posts: 41 Threads: 24

From vintagemore2000

There is a demand for these awesome bass drums from this era, and as the damage exterior wise is already there, Evaluate it this way, if you alter it by drilling for modern spurs you killed what value there was as restorable collectible, your correct on the 60's and 70's comparision to these early 26" and larger drums, the later ones bring big bucks the olders ones not so much,,Please just restore it, natural stain it, get a real set of clamp on bass drum spurs, I Play This year model bass drum a lot with clamp on spurs, I Love Clamp On Spurs, I'm a heavy and loud player. So lets recap, 1-Restore to a Natural finish,2-get a set of ludwig clamp on spurs from this era.3-Play and smile!!!electricit

This is what shall happen. I'm going to work on getting the flaking paint off today. I'll take pictures along the way and post them if you guys are interested.

I don't take 'em for granted for a single second.

196x Ludwig Mod Orange Downbeat - 20, 12, 14
1969 Ludwig Blue Sparkle Super Classic - 22, 13, 16
1971 Ludwig Gold Sparkle Super Classic - 22, 13, 16
1972 Ludwig Green Sparkle Bonham Kit - 26, 14, 16, 18
1979 Ludwig Stainless Steel Kit - 24, 14, 16, 18
200x Ludwig Bonham Vistalite Kit - 26, 14, 16, 18
Posted on 14 years ago
#10
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action
Something else here