What do you guys think? I still cannot say 100% if it is a black beauty or not. Is there any definitive way? There is no "b" or "br" above the tone control (I read that Ludwig did not start doing this until 1980), there is no sticker in side the drum that says "brass." It's definitely black though and seems original but in pretty ****ty shape finish wise.

[IMG]http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/picture.php?albumid=32&pictureid=128[/IMG]

Better picture

Another better pic.

[IMG]http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/picture.php?albumid=32&pictureid=129[/IMG]

If the grommet's never been removed, you've 100% got a black beauty on your hands. Show us a close up of the grommet both front and back and we'll tell ya if it's been messed with.

As it is right now, I'm totally convinced. Only a messed up grommet would change my mind.

Pull a lug & scrape the inside of a hole with a sharp knife. You'll know if you get aluminum or brass shavings. I'm bettin' with everybody else--you just scored one cheap Black Beauty....marko

PS: I love the look of your drum; better than new.

I think the bearing edges look brassy enough to me. Clean that b!tch up and clean house on ebay. Or keep it.

I'm definitely keeping it!!!! I have had a lot of luck finding deals from Guitar Center. I bought a four pieceTama Star Classic Performer with matching snare for $100. I found a six piece Rogers BIG R Londoner for $349 (damn near mint condition). I found a four piece Ludwig kit in bowling ball Oyster Black Pearl (Black oyster Pearl? I cannot remember which) from August of 1970 for $380. And, I scored a four piece Mapex Mydentity Maple kit with matching snare for $349. To me it is all about pulling the emotion out of it. With the exception of the Ludwig set and of course the black beauty, I was not looking for any of the other kits. I just saw them priced much lower than I thought they would be worth. Guitar Center ships for almost nothing as well. Regarding this drum, they had it listed without a picture as a black magic snare drum. When I called the guy said he really did not know what to call it but that it was an old cheaper ludwig snare just like the one he had as a kid. I bought it as soon as the pictures came over.

awesome score congrats, after this thread guitar center wont make the same mistake twice!

Please keep us updated with pics as you clean it. I can't wait to see it all sparkly.

You really, really lucked out man. This is like finding a Super-ludwig at a garage sale. Except after you clean it up, this will actually be worth more.

Oooooo – I just remembered, the "b" or "BR" stamp sometimes ends up underneath the throw-off. That's where mine is, anyway.