My Ludwig's are mid 70's 3-ply natural finish and sound better than any kit I've own in the past. Any era Ludwig is fine with me.

ask 100 people,,,get 100 different answers....

I wonder how the 3 ply changes from late 50's (or earlier) to the early 70's which Ive heard numerous people say were ludwigs best drums ever. Anyone care to go into that?

Curtis - What I think you're referring to is the 70's 3-ply clear maple shells as opposed to the mixed ply shells from the 50's/60's. (mahogany/poplar/maple, or maple/poplar/mahogany, or mahogany/poplar/mahogany as well as, maple/poplar/maple.)

One difference is, for several years the 60's shells were painted white inside. The clear 3-ply maple shells from the 70's were natural wood inside. Other than the ply lay-up and interior coating, all the shells came from Ludwig and was made the same way in their shops. It all comes down to preference I think. Some drummers like how the 3-ply maple shells project, others prefer the warmer but quieter sound of the earlier mixed ply shells. I just don't think it can be said that one era's 3-plies were any better than that of another era. It's all just personal preference in sound. 'Almost' all of the shells from 50's, 60's, 70's (with the exception of a few years of heavy demand in the mid-60's where quality control went into the crapper sometimes -the Ringo years-) are high quality and great sounding drums. Some good kits, some bad kits, some really great kits... you have to play them and make the determination for yourself. The final arbiter is always your own ears.

John

I would vote for different years for different drums.

Bass drums and Snare drums: From prior to 1963, 3 ply with the clear African mahogany interiors.

Toms: From 1968 to 74 or so, 3ply maple/poplar/maple with the clear maple interiors.

I am one of those "Ringo" drummers.First set April,1964(fifty years ago)!I now have a nice Ludwig collection.I love all the ones I have played over the years.One set not yet mentioned is the Vistalite.I took my clear set on a job sevwral weeks ago and my bandmates looked with interest as I was setting up.The big surprise came after the first song.They were all "wowed",as was I.I had forgotten why I bought a set in mid 70's.Isn't it amazing how many people have different answers,but all have one thing in common."LUDWIG" Jim

Yes, your probably right. Saw a kit with rivets once. Wrap was tearing near them. Not the best idea.

Hmm ok, wraps incorporated in the shells or not. I think that sets a separation of time.

Early Ludwig's that had white slapped,on whatever they ran out of at the hardware store, shellack, clear coat, after , or beginning early 70's. Rivets, 6 ply, which I have a set of, and sound great! . I have all of the above. Its a tough call. Peaches and pears.

Yep, them's the ones… Good call Mike..

i love the early 70's shells, but with the right heads and tuning they all sound great.