I'm not sure if it was still the case in the Standard era (1968-1973) but there is video (available on youtube) taken in the Ludwig factory around 1964 showing the production line in action and in that video the worker drilling for the vent hole just eyeballs it and drills. If this was common practice then that could explain varying placement of vent holes (as well as those that are off center).

I think more than one guy was tipping the bottle at the Ludwig plant in those days. I've see some odd things on a lot of different kits. We all know Ludwig didn't have the best quality control then, so it's not surprising.Falling Do

Who had quality control in 1970? Hah!

But for all the talk about lack of quality from back then, I've never found bad stuff from then, that originated at the factory.....

I've seen a few un-centered badges on toms, but all of those were pre 1967, when they had 3 shifts working.....

I've never heard of a drum company sending out stuff with extra holes.

In 45 years no one else might have drilled an extra hole in your drum?

Thanks for the replies fellas!

Someone did drill 2 extra holes on the blue strata but the grommeted hole is the original from the factory as best I can tell. The extra 2 holes are a bit rough and line up perfectly for a Luddy tom/cymbal holder. So the grommeted hole I believe is it.

I have no doubt these will sound every bit as good as my other vintage 3 plies regardless I was just curious what the length between the top hole of the tom holder and vent hole was on other people's Luddy standards.

I'll get mine down from the top rack of my drum room, and let you know what the mesurement is. I have a hunch that ten people measuring our Standards for that particular measurement might get ten different numbers by as little as 1/16th of an inch to 1/2 of an inch.

I appreciate it Leedy! You are probably right with your hunch. I am just curious since the difference between the 2 of mine are nearly and inch and a half.

Thanks again!

And there you are... I've got three Standard's. Two have 20" bass drums, neither quite match. The 22" is the closest to 'normal' (whatever that is).

Mine are bagged, but if I have too, I'll drag 'em out.

I measured the distance (centerline - mount bolt to vent hole) on my 14x22 Standard as 2 1/4". The badge was off center about 1/2".

Thanks KC! So your distance is actually really close to my Blue Strata and no where near the distance of my gold strata as well. I would have thought the gold strata distance on my kick would have been closer to some kind of normal but appears they were just eyeballing and letting it rip. Thanks again