There was a fellow here in town that had collected some of the most interesting SS Ludwig's I'd ever seen. The thing that impressed me was that he had SS floor toms in 16, 18 and 20 inches. He found the 20 inch one down in LA, and drove down there to pick it up as soon as he heard it was available.
This was all 25 years ago, but it still intrigues me. That 20" SS floor tom was not so much a cannon, as a nuclear explosion.
Craig, you not kidding got to play one myself. the lowend and projection on that hing could neuter cats for blocks! I had a chance to buy one at a reasonable price, but they take up so much real estate. probably should have bought it anyway. funny come from one who owns a 14x26" bass drum.
Sound travels so much faster through steel than anything else, you simply can`t compare it to air, wood, water, or galss !i
That's funny! And so very true.
This guy had a huge SS kit he had put together over the course of a few years. Two 24 or 26 inch basses, about every rack tom made, and the floor tom collection. My memory is a bit fuzzy on this, but I think none of the rack toms were concert toms... one sided. I'm fairly certain they all had reso heads. Heck, I'm not even sure concert toms were made in SS... at any rate, there was a plethora of drums facing you when you got behind the kit and put it in gear. Actually, plethora is not the right word... you were driving a poop load of drums from the drivers seat.
That's funny! And so very true.This guy had a huge SS kit he had put together over the course of a few years. Two 24 or 26 inch basses, about every rack tom made, and the floor tom collection. My memory is a bit fuzzy on this, but I think none of the rack toms were concert toms... one sided. I'm fairly certain they all had reso heads. Heck, I'm not even sure concert toms were made in SS... at any rate, there was a plethora of drums facing you when you got behind the kit and put it in gear. Actually, plethora is not the right word... you were driving a poop load of drums from the drivers seat.
Craig, you can get concert toms in stainless steel, you can even get a bongo set. Man I would have loved to seen that bad boy. Hey do you have a 16" floor tom, if not they are a little easier to find, but they go for good money also. If I hear of either a 16" or 18" i'll pass it your way. I would love a 14x22" bass drum to add to the kit I already have 14x24" 14x26" 9x13" 10x14" 12x15" 16x16" and 16x18"
So, is the 18 FT the only size that's astronomical while the rest of the "'s bring mediocre $? Checked ebay & it sort of looks that way. Have yet to cross paths w/ a steel kit but would like to be prepared if one materializes,
Ciao! Chris
No I can only dream, I saved photo`s to show they exist to people like me who used to think they didn`t !i
It`s forum member Henk`s !i Sold to him at a good deal because he`s the one guy in Eurpoe that will preserve it !i I doubt they ever made it to the States.
I`ve had several opportunities to play Luwig`s kits and loved the projection and volume. I`ll probably end up with a luddy, knowing Bonham had one makes it easier !i
So, is the 18 FT the only size that's astronomical while the rest of the "'s bring mediocre $? Checked ebay & it sort of looks that way. Have yet to cross paths w/ a steel kit but would like to be prepared if one materializes,Ciao! Chris
knobbs, since when have they brought mediocre dollars? they bring top dollar, the 16" you referenced needs work, good examples will set you back $400.00+ all day long. from the auction, Vintage Drum ~
LUDWIG STAINLESS STEEL
16" Floor Tom
This is a genuine blue/olive badge 70's drum that was built as a floor tom. It is not a converted marching shell or any other sort of jimmy-rigged situation. HOWEVER, this drum is not in round and will need to be fixed before it is playable. I have no idea how to fix drums or service this issue, so I am selling the drum as-is.
This floor tom comes with all 3 of it's original legs. There is one hoop included, as well as all the hoop lugs that are Ludwig-threaded. Not sure if the hoop and lug screws are original to the drum.
The diameter of the shell measures about 1/16th of an inch out of round, in either direction (meaning some measurements straight across are right at 16", others are 1/16th of an inch above or below). There are light bends visible in the bent-over lip of the shell. I have included a photo of that.
Cosmetically, the drum is actually quite nice. A lot cleaner than most you see for sale. There are some marks on it, but no heavy cosmetic dents or any of the heavy cosmetic issues you see with many of the metal shell drums from 30-40 years ago. If you are capable of fixing the structural issues of the drum, it will be really cool addition to the Bonham kit you've been trying to assemble.
These drums are worth a pretty penny in good shape. This one needs work before it's playable, so the starting price is very low with no reserve. Sold absolutely "as-is" with no returns. If you have any questions about the drum, I strongly advise you ask before bidding. I'll be happy to answer everything honestly and to the best of my ability.
