Only Admins can see this message.
Data Transition still in progress. Some functionality may be limited until the process is complete.
Processing Attachment, Gallery - 184.57620%

First time Ludwig buyer tips Last viewed: 1 day ago

Loading...

Hey guys,

I'm a brand new member here, but I've been coming to the forum for a long time to learn what I can. I've been stashing away for years and now I'm finally going to start searching for my dream kit. Can any of you offer me some tips for a first time buyer? How do you guys find your kits without paying an arm and a leg through a dealer/flipper? CL Detroit is pretty rough and doesn't seem to sprout many nice vintage kits in the range that I'm looking for. Do I just need to sit tight and wait for one will pop up?

I'm also hoping I can give some specifics to see if my price expectations are reasonable. I'd like to keep it between $800 and $1200 on a basic 3 piece kit.

I'm specifically searching for a 1960 through 1967 Ludwig kit with 3-ply mahogany/poplar/mahogany shells. WMP, Gold Sparkle, Champagne Sparkle, or Blue Sparkle. So it doesn't sound like I want any hard to find wraps. 22, 16, 13 configuration. Seems pretty common. I would like all of the shells to be factory matched and it should be in good condition.

Thanks ahead of time for any advice you guys have!

Posted on 12 years ago
#1
Posts: 2212 Threads: 95
Loading...

check out Chicago Music Exchange, they have a Ludwig super classic, 1967 in blue sparkle, also a Clubdate in Champagne sparkle in your price range!

Posted on 12 years ago
#2
Loading...

Sounds like your budget is about right. You should be able to find one fairly quickly at that price point. Scour CL, look in pawn shops, check out music shops that carry used gear, etc. Put the word out to your musician friends that you're looking for a vintage Ludwig kit.

1970 Ludwig Downbeat
1965 Ludwig Hollywood
1970 Ludwig Jazzette
Posted on 12 years ago
#3
Loading...

First of all, Welcome

I notice that you didn't list Black Diamond Pearl among your preferred choices. However, if you do have any interest at all in that wrap there's a gentleman in Dearborn selling a kit from 1964, consisting of a 22" bass, 13" rack tom, acrolite snare, high hat stand and 3 cymbals. He claims that the kit never had a floor tom. I happened to see the kit in person about a year ago and it's in extremely sound condition. I was thinking that if you had an interest in the bass and tom that you could possibly sell the snare and the cymbals and use the money you'd get to pick up a matching floor tom. Here's a link to his CL post: http://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/msg/3369529539.html

Good luck in your search!

Posted on 12 years ago
#4
Loading...

Thanks for the advice so far!

My guitar player was actually at Chicago Music Exchange today, I should have had him take a look at the drums! I'm so used to buying straight from people that shops always skip my mind.

I actually live a couple blocks away from the guy in Dearborn. He always seems to have the stuff I'm not interested in haha. Plus I'm always a little worried with people that buy kits to take them apart and sell all of the individual components seperately. Really nice guy though!

Posted on 12 years ago
#5
Loading...

If you do a really good search I believe you will find what you are looking for. I'm actually surprised you haven't found it yet. Are you searching more than just Detroit CL?

The man in Dearborn has been very rude to me twice now when I've called to inquire if he had a certain shell. Probably why all of his items are still for sale!

Good luck with your search. If you want I can PM you some CL ads when I see them. Are you willing to drive a bit?

Posted on 12 years ago
#6
Loading...

Just be patient and be sure to look at and play more that 1 kit. It will come. Your budget is right in the wheelhouse of some great drums. Here's one near me.

http://cnj.craigslist.org/msg/3357983554.html

Keep us posted!

Aaron

Posted on 12 years ago
#7
Loading...

From ec_curtis

If you do a really good search I believe you will find what you are looking for. I'm actually surprised you haven't found it yet. Are you searching more than just Detroit CL? The man in Dearborn has been very rude to me twice now when I've called to inquire if he had a certain shell. Probably why all of his items are still for sale!Good luck with your search. If you want I can PM you some CL ads when I see them. Are you willing to drive a bit?

Absolutely! Thanks. I'd drive up to around 4 hours each way for the right kit.

I normally just search CL and eBay (by distance). Been using this site to search multiple areas: http://www.searchtempest.com/

Haha, he's very nice if you're buying. I purchased a snare case off of him for a pretty good price. I don't think he likes to budge from what he's asking though.

Sounds like I just need to hang in there and wait for them to pop up :)

Posted on 12 years ago
#8
Loading...

From facon

Sounds like I just need to hang in there and wait for them to pop up :)

Yeah, that's what we all had to do. Also, it might not hurt to put a "Want To Buy A 60s Ludwig Kit" ad on craigslist. It's so crazy it just. might. work.

1970 Ludwig Downbeat
1965 Ludwig Hollywood
1970 Ludwig Jazzette
Posted on 12 years ago
#9
Loading...

From caddywumpus

Yeah, that's what we all had to do. Also, it might not hurt to put a "Want To Buy A 60s Ludwig Kit" ad on craigslist. It's so crazy it just. might. work.

Already have!

Posted on 12 years ago
#10
  • Share
  • Report
Action Another action Something else here