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What to look for when buying 70’s Ludwig Vistalite kit

Posts: 6524 Threads: 37
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From jonchos

That’s a great idea. I’ll have to do that to the next kit I restore. I agree though, I need that silver sparkle inlay. Hard to come by.

The kit would look so much more uniform with metal chrome BD hoops.

But it`s yours and if you like the wooden,...you`re doing a great job so far.

Once again friendly reminder, DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN ANY FASTENERS....

It`s a drum,.....Hit It !!

.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Posted on 7 years ago
#21
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Thank you all for the kind words. Sometimes I feel more of a drum gear geek than a drummer lol.

I am enjoying the process of restoring the kit and there’s something about vintage/older drums that keeps me motivated to continue to do it.

I found the silver sparkle inlays today from Jammin Sam. Spoke with him on the phone and I will be sending some measurements to him so he can ship the inlays to me.

As always, I’ll keep you all posted.

Posted on 7 years ago
#22
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Those mounts on the toms might be Ludwig Elite mounts-which if I recall have a slightly different hole spacing. They could be Gibraltar or another brand obviously too. Do the holes look (on the 2 rack toms) look dug out at all (enlarged)?

Posted on 7 years ago
#23
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From bonzoleum

Those mounts on the toms might be Ludwig Elite mounts-which if I recall have a slightly different hole spacing. They could be Gibraltar or another brand obviously too. Do the holes look (on the 2 rack toms) look dug out at all (enlarged)?

My same thoughts exactly. The mounts look more like Gibraltar. The double tom stand that came with the kit it’s a Ludwig, so I don’t know if the mounts were included with the stand or not. Mistery indeed.

The holes are not dug out or enlarged. So that was a big relief for me. I didn’t want to compromise the structural integrity of the shell.

The thing I noticed with the floor tom is that the legs make slight contact with the bottom hoop. I am guessing the hoops were replaced with thicker ones at some point or the floor tom mounts are different than the high tom mounts originally. (The latter seems unlikely)

Posted on 7 years ago
#24
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Quick update.

Nothing too crazy today. Just some light sanding with finishing sand paper. Making sure that flat edge is flat and that round edge is round. The bass drum hoops were neglected the most from the previous owner. I might do some minor wood filler in some of the bigger dents.

[IMG]http://i65.tinypic.com/2wmpgg3.jpg[/IMG]

Also, I didn’t get to order the inlay strips today because I started second guessing myself when I was asked if they were in fact Ludwig hoops and if the inlay groove was exactly 1/2 inch or slightly bigger.

I could have sworn I measured them at 1/2 inch, but they are in fact 1/16 of an inch bigger than 1/2 inch. Very glad I came back and measure again.

So the inlays will be ordered tomorrow morning.

Posted on 7 years ago
#25
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Good morning everyone!

Off to a great start. I ordered the inlays. Vintage silver sparkle is what I ended up buying. I will post pictures once they arrive. Should be soon. Only two hours away from where I live.

Also, I had a chance to fill in some of the bigger dents and holes with wood filler. This stuff works awesome. Used it before and it is strong, bonds great and sands very nicely.

[IMG]http://i66.tinypic.com/wlq2pc.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i64.tinypic.com/2vboa9u.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 7 years ago
#26
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Blood, sweat and sawdust.

[IMG]http://i66.tinypic.com/2arqs9.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 7 years ago
#27
Posts: 5295 Threads: 226
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Looking good!!

Cheers

1976 Ludwig Mach 4 Thermogloss 26-18-14-14sn
1978 Ludwig Stainless 22-22-18-16-14-13-12 c/w 6-8-10-12-13-14-15-16-18-20-22-24 concert toms
1975 Sonor Phonic Centennials Metallic Pewter 22-16-13-12-14sn (D506)
1971 Ludwig Classic Bowling Ball OBP 22-16-14-13
1960's Stewart Peacock Pearl 20-16-12-14sn
1980`s Ludwig Coliseum Piano Black 8x14 snare
1973 Rogers Superten 5x14 & 6.5x14 COS snares
1970`s John Grey Capri Aquamarine Sparkle 5x14 snare
1941 Ludwig & Ludwig Super 8x14 snare
Posted on 7 years ago
#28
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From grantro

Looking good!!Cheers

Thank you.

I’ve been taking my time to make sure it turns out looking great!

More pictures to come after the weekend.

Posted on 7 years ago
#29
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Today was the day to paint, but it’s been raining. Going to hold on for better weather conditions.

On the bright side though, the inlays came in the mail just now. They are a perfect fit for the groove and the length if the hoop.

What are your thoughts on the inlay color?

[IMG]http://i65.tinypic.com/iq8psn.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i67.tinypic.com/sfz7yv.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i66.tinypic.com/v6n62r.jpg[/IMG]

Posted on 7 years ago
#30
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