Just for fun - and in all fairness to Mr. gutenberg's original assessment...

... a side by side of gutenberg's Ruby Strata (left) and the '68 Ludwig Catalog's Gold Strata (right)

yeah, it could happen to anybody Mister T

Those are Artichoke Strata.

I would take one set of drums that color over ten sets of black panther colored drums!!! That wrap is sweet!!Cool1

drumhack band3WalkingParty

I LOVE those Strata finishes. They are seriously cool. This is one of the best examples of Ruby Strata I've ever seen. I drove to Dallas to pick one up and it had faded to a muted pink. OBVIOUSLY, I left it sitting right where it was. Yuck. But, this one is very nice. I would take it in a heartbeat. Seriously, I really would. So, when do I get it?

Don't I remember something about a new house for you? I'm sorry, you won't have room after you get the new Rogers kit up and running. On the other hand, I've got plenty of room already. So, when do I get 'em? Excited

O reality! Why dost thou torment me so?

Tis only a modest drum upon which to thump.

Though rose-like in hue, a father's son will possess.

Once more into the coffers we shall swim, if it please the wife.

"If it please the wife" ... ay, the breath of fools do speak.

Indeed your prose, as plain as my nose

is well said, and I thank you.

However...

Continuing this way, this simple word play

and these pages will smell of poo!

Really??, because Black Panther is more rare than Ruby Strata, and its also worth more because of its rarity. It was only on the top of the line Ludwig drums rather than the standard series...:confused:

If I could add a bit of a wrinkle to this dirt clod fight...

I sincerely don't like black oyster. Never have. I didn't like the look of Ringo's finish. I still don't get that one. However, it is a HEAVILY hunted finish. I abstain. Not interested. I believe that every drummer has a reason they love the finishes they love. L-Dude loves his because of the connection to his dad. That is not only honorable, it's actually very cool. I love gold sparkle because of my childhood influences on the drums (odd as they may seem). We all have our magic color. What's interesting is that it usually has nothing to do with collectors value. Just something to chew upon.

If anyone's interested in the "Faded Ruby Strata" kit shown here, PM me -- I'll probably be selling it soon. I have 11 drumkits and running out of space!