I've been tearing through eBay and Craigslist lately just seeing what's around for nice Ludwig kits; and one thing I noticed on a lot of the mid-to-late 60s models (maybe more also) is that the rail is really positioned for the right-handed drummer... One of my thoughts that just sort of hit me was, 'flip the bass drum around'. That, in reality, sounds like the best way to avoid having to drill any more holes into what is probably a fairly valuable drum. But then I was thinking that the legs would be in the wrong position..eh. So, I assume there are lefties here; what is your solution? This of course only applies to 3-pc kits with the rail mounted prominently on the right side. I am looking for solutions that keep the kit intact without extra holes.
lefty drummer; Ludwig rails? Last viewed: 52 minutes ago
1966 Ludwig Hollywood Gold Sparkle Pearl 12/13/16/22
Star 3pc in Red Glass Glitter (1960's)
Snares:
1959 Ludwig Pioneer Mahogany
60's Ludwig Pioneer Gold Sparkle
60's Ludwig Acrolite (Keystone)
Ludwig/Custom 6.5x14
1960's Bolero (MIJ)
You can always mount the tom on a snare stand or utilize a RIMS style mount on a cymbal stand.
Very proud owner of a new Blaemire Snare 6.5 x 14 made by Jerry Jenkins "Drumjinx"
I turn all my Ludwig kits around, & am able to position the rack tom just fine, even though the rail is now towards the front of the bass drum. As far as the legs go, they look a little odd, being at the back of the bass, but function fine. Switching the left & right spurs helps a little bit. Telescoping spurs look odd, too. On several kits, I've put a second pair of telescoping spurs on the bass, since this was an option that some drummers ordered from the factory.
I have also installed a second muffler on rack toms (also a factory option) & turned the badge over on rack toms. That's about the best you can do. It still leaves the rail mount & bass drum in incorrect positions, but they work fine there...marko
Maybe these are not your preference but the clubdate sets usually have a center mounted consolette. Also early Hollywood sets had two 12" mounted toms, sometimes those oddball "lefty" toms show up on eBay which you could use in a downbeat configuration.
1963 Ludwig Downbeat Champagne Sparkle
1964 Leedy (Slingerland) Blue n Silver Duco
1964 Ludwig Club Date Sparkling Silver Pearl
1966 Ludwig Super Classic Sparkling Silver Pearl
1968 Gretsch round badge modern jazz orange stain
1972 Slingerland 85N Pop outfit Light Blue Pearl
1976 Ludwig Vistalite clear
1981 Gretsch SSB Gran Prix Rosewood
1987 Yamaha Turbo Tour Custom Mellow Yellow
1991 Pearl Export Ferrari Red
You can always mount the tom on a snare stand or utilize a RIMS style mount on a cymbal stand.
I saw once "lefty" rail set on feebay few months ago...But it's exceptionally rare I think.
Tnsquint is right (maybe left? ;) ) the best is just to adapt snare stand or rims holder for your tom, and dismantle consolette from bass drum.
In case of deal with johnnyringo:
http://www.vintagedrumforum.com/show...80&postcount=1
I suppose the original buyer would specify on the order,...makeing resale only to lefies and why you don`t see much of them,...maybe !!
.....76/#XK9207 Phonic Sound Machine D454/D-505 snares !i
Good ideas...
I have actually been looking at Club Dates to be honest; I did notice the center rail position.
1966 Ludwig Hollywood Gold Sparkle Pearl 12/13/16/22
Star 3pc in Red Glass Glitter (1960's)
Snares:
1959 Ludwig Pioneer Mahogany
60's Ludwig Pioneer Gold Sparkle
60's Ludwig Acrolite (Keystone)
Ludwig/Custom 6.5x14
1960's Bolero (MIJ)
I don't turn my Club Dates around, but I don't get to use a bass-mounted ride--the mount ends up under the rack tom. On this 18" Club Date bass I made, I made it "lefty" so I could use the telescoping ride mount--I like the way it hangs out there......marko
The real simple solution is to attach a bass drum anchor (like the one Ringo used) to the front hoop. The Gibralter version works just like the vintage ones made by Walberg & Auge for all of the drum makers. And, the Gibralter anchor can be bought for slightly over $10.
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