Jeff - The drums are in the mail to Precision due to arrive tomorrow, so taking photos now is out, but here is a link to the original for sale ad that had a bunch of photos. You can see the condition of the wrap from the photos. No way to save it. It was also cracked and brittle all over. I think it was sun-baked for years.

https://reverb.com/item/476740-1958-59-vintage-ludwig-jazz-festival-black-diamond-drum-set

Jerry - 'Tone' is why I love these 3-ply mahogany Luddys so much. I can't wait. It's going to be a long week for me...

Glenn - Yes, it's a huge bummer. I was going to start a thread in the restoration section and try to bring the wrap back by sanding off the ca-ca layer, but it turns out ca-ca is all there is! LOL I'm excited about the new wrap. Photos as soon as I have em put back together. Fortunately, the lugs and other hardware is in really nice condition. It'll polish up looking new. With the new wrap on them, the drums will be back to their former glory and have another 50 years of life in them. They'll be around long after I'm gone that's for sure.

John

Those are some good before pics, I hope you snatch them up before that posting goes away. Pretty nice buy, I would have purchased it if I had seen it before you did, but that's hard to do, your pretty fast. Whats the plan for the hoops? Are you cleaning up lugs while you wait? Nice project, I don't like the wrap choice but that's just me, I'm weird. Good luck!

All hardware has been put through the tumbler and polished to perfection. Against the black background of the wrap the hardware will look killer. I have found 2 22" hoops and I'm getting the 10 Tees and claws I need to complete the bass drum from Vinny (vintagedrumbug.) I'm all set and ready to rock.

Hmmm, I guess finishes like Capri and Mardi Gras and Ludwig's Black Galaxy are an acquired taste. I just love them all. Especially this new Capri pattern. I think Delmar knocked it out of the park with this one! To each his own, Jeff. I'm not crazy about butcher block and there are guys that love that finish. Go figure. You're entitled to your own likes and dislikes. I just happen to love this new finish. Enough to dig deep to pay for it.

John

Oh ya thats right you have the tumbler.

Ya, I dont like butcher block either. I really like wmp, sbp, blue oyster, red oyster, Koa veneer, maple veneer, zebrawood veneer, stainless steel,, sound familiar, lol!

Your wrap might look good to me once I see it on the kit, you know what a difference that can make. Hope I did not upset you ( dont think I did) but you asked for opinions so I gave mine. Whatever the wrap is, the kit is being saved and used, that what is important.

I'm even weirder than you and would have left them as is. It would be a good kit for playing on the street, in the rain...in the country......in a ditch. lol

Seriously though I like the before pics - drums look "tough", like a battleship. But we both know John has the vision here; once that wrap is on it'll be the "aha!" moment for us.

Right John? :)

Mitch

Hope so anyway... that's why I shared it. I have a feeling the kit will look stomp-down killer.

I'm in my mid 60's Mitch, I don't have plans to do much 'street playing' or 'playing in a ditch' any time soon. :D

The hardware cleaned up like it's new. Against the new wrap I'll have what looks like a factory fresh 59' Ludwig kit. Not too shabby.

John

I have to admit I made myself laugh out loud picturing myself playing that kit in a country ditch in the rain. Well it's good to be able to entertain oneself I guess...:)

Truth be told I think I can see it already in my head and I think you're right!

Mitch

I got a call from Precision... they had a question about the rack tom. I got a progress report while I had them on the phone and all the drums are now stripped! They are going to wrap them, clean-up and true the bearing edges, open the holes and send them back to me. I hope to have them back by week-end. Fingers crossed.

John

Coming from a guy who has a '58 Ludwig...I know just how great these babies will sound! Looking forward to seeing them in the Capri wrap!

Cool! I bet your excited!