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1960s Ludwig SS Last viewed: 1 hour ago

Posts: 268 Threads: 44

Hi all,

I recently rescued a Ludwig Super Sensitive that was about to be thrown into a dumpster. The inside of the shell is stamped Oct 9 1968 with a handwritten "E" next to it. I'm familiar with the "B" and "BR" stamps but I'm unsure about the "E." The drum has a pre-1964 Keystone badge (pre-serial number date range), but the badge has a serial number consistent with the 1964-1969 era badge design and serial number range. It also has a trademark stamp.

The strainer mechanism is stamped with the newer elongated Ludwig logo (same with the butt side), as opposed to the script style on the badge. The aging of the snare and butt mechanisms is congruent with the rest of the instrument, suggesting that the mechanisms are original and not replacements.

The internal muffler is the round knob style as opposed to the baseball bat style. Snare wires are original (several missing) with the script Ludwig logo on both T-bracket ends.

It's set up and playable, crisp and delicate. The magnet doesn't like it, so I'm assuming it's aluminum. It's badly pitted and flaking and I'm considering having it rechromed, not sure though - it looks kinda cool and funky...

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thejohnlec
Ohio Valley
Posted on 8 years ago
#1
Posts: 1880 Threads: 292

Nice save !

Posted on 8 years ago
#2
Posts: 668 Threads: 39

Cool! Awesome find!

Posted on 8 years ago
#3
Posts: 586 Threads: 22

From thejohnlec

Hi all,The drum has a pre-1964 Keystone badge (pre-serial number date range), but the badge has a serial number consistent with the 1964-1969 era badge design and serial number range. It also has a trademark stamp.

The same basic badge was used for the pre-serial number badges and the with serial number badges. The trademark symbol was added in about 1964, so the progression is:

1. pre-serial (no ® symbol) [circa 1960-63],

2. early with serial number (no ® symbol) [circa late 1963-64],

3. later with serial number (with ® symbol) [circa 1964-69].

Yours has the right badge for the serial number range and the date stamp you have pictured.

Collecting information about the following for ongoing research projects:
Gretsch drums with serial numbers,
Ludwig Keystone and B/O badge drums with serial numbers and date stamps,
Ludwig Standards from 1968-73, and
Ludwigs with paper labels from 1971-72
www.GretschDrumDatingGuide.com
Posted on 8 years ago
#4
Posts: 1867 Threads: 179

Instead of a re-chrome, have it buffed and polished.

Have your plater do it.

Chrome and aluminium do not really get along well.

Thats why so many supras are pitted.

THAT.. and being left outside in a dumpster can contribute to the pitting also.

good save sir.

BLAEMIRE DRUMS
Thanks to Mr. Jerry Jenkins
Posted on 8 years ago
#5
Posts: 268 Threads: 44

From KCDrumDad

The same basic badge was used for the pre-serial number badges and the with serial number badges. The trademark symbol was added in about 1964, so the progression is:1. pre-serial (no ® symbol) [circa 1960-63], 2. early with serial number (no ® symbol) [circa late 1963-64], 3. later with serial number (with ® symbol) [circa 1964-69]. Yours has the right badge for the serial number range and the date stamp you have pictured.

Thanks - any thoughts on that "E", especially in the absence of a "B" or "BR" stamp?

thejohnlec
Ohio Valley
Posted on 8 years ago
#6
Posts: 99 Threads: 4

Yes. A previous owner added it. Not factory. (The "E")

Posted on 8 years ago
#7
Posts: 586 Threads: 22

Could be a mark from the factory. Many Ludwig drums have what some have considered to be an inspector's mark inside them. http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/showthread.php?t=41933&highlight=inspector

Collecting information about the following for ongoing research projects:
Gretsch drums with serial numbers,
Ludwig Keystone and B/O badge drums with serial numbers and date stamps,
Ludwig Standards from 1968-73, and
Ludwigs with paper labels from 1971-72
www.GretschDrumDatingGuide.com
Posted on 8 years ago
#8
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