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Help identifying/buying 70's Ludwig Last viewed: 9 hours ago

Posts: 373 Threads: 56

Hi everyone, I've been lurking around for awhile, but this is my first post. I'm new to vintage drums, and have been playing the same Yamaha Stage Custom for almost 10 years now. My playing style has matured a little, and I've come to love the sound of 70's Ludwigs. I found an offer for a kit, and was wondering if I could get a little guidance.

From the picture/description the guy could provide (he called it a 1970's Ludwig Classics kit), I've tried to more accurately date/identify it. Here's my theory: it looks like a 76 Deluxe Classic in black cortex. The badges are b/o with pointed corners, serial #'s are 9x13: 12536XX, 16x16: 12549XX, 16x18: 13008XX, 14x24: 12526XX. That would make it a 3 ply shell with reinforcing rings, correct? Also, could it be that the 18" was added later?

Are my guesses anywhere near correct? Any other pointers or details I should look for when I check it out? What would the approx. value be in good condition? Thanks!

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Posted on 14 years ago
#1
Posts: 5176 Threads: 188

1976 was the last production year of the 3-ply shells -so "yes" to that question.

But, with those dimensions, my guess would be that the kit was likely sold as a "Pro Beat"...

[img]http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/images/ludwig_sets/1975_ludwig_drumsets6.jpg[/img]

"God is dead." -Nietzsche

"Nietzsche is dead." -God
Posted on 14 years ago
#2
Posts: 5176 Threads: 188

-Would need to see the type of tom mount on the bass drum to determine if you are missing the 14" tom tom....

*Edit* I think it looks like a double tom mount....in which case, my vote is for a "Pro Beat" -sans the 14" tom tom (and Atlas hardware package -to be completely accurate)

"God is dead." -Nietzsche

"Nietzsche is dead." -God
Posted on 14 years ago
#3
Posts: 5176 Threads: 188

Value ? Generally, we recommend that people determine that by checking EBay for what similar items sold for. We would need lots of detailed pics before attempting to value something like this. Condition is everything and "in good shape" is VERY ambiguous. ;)

The 24" bass drum is a BIG bonus. They are currently very desirable.

Black Cortex is one of my personal favorites and it was a popular color back when the drums were made. But, subsequently, vintage enthusiasts seem to gravitate towards the "fancier" finishes, nowadays.

The missing 14" tom tom is essential to the value of a kit like this being "correct" for collectors to dish out any kind of money. You'd need the complete hardware package and cymbals to really get any attention from collectors.

Having said that.... the SOUND that those drums will make will take your breath away! Ludwig was known for its BIG drums during that era and the Pro beat was one of the production kits that had big sizes. So, it would behoove you to find the 14" tom tom

"God is dead." -Nietzsche

"Nietzsche is dead." -God
Posted on 14 years ago
#4
Posts: 373 Threads: 56

Thanks O-lugs! I don't know how I missed that one, but I agree it's probably the Pro-Beat minus the 14" tom. I'm not in love with the black cortex, but I'm sure it would look pretty good all cleaned up. I'm not a collector (hopefully I don't catch that disease), so I don't mind the missing hardware or even the tom. I'm just in it for the sound. Actually, I talked to the seller about having him keep one of the floor toms to get the price down to $550 (I know, gasp). He was asking $750 for everything. That sounds pretty fair compared to others on ebay. They are generally asking more, but most kits I found are the more popular pearl finishes.

Here's another question: were all the kits the same each year, just different configurations? For example: was there any difference in quality or shell between 1976 "Super Classic" and "Deluxe Classic"? I know there were some different lug options and concert vs. closed toms, etc... I want to make sure I'm comparing apples to apples when I look at prices.

Posted on 14 years ago
#5
Posts: 5176 Threads: 188

No differences in shell quality.

"God is dead." -Nietzsche

"Nietzsche is dead." -God
Posted on 14 years ago
#6
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