@Kingcoin: I don't know, I'm not in to Ludwig, but a lot of other folks here are an can tell you.

My response is because of this:

Of course it is heart-warmening, a father buying a big drumset for his son. I don't know the age of your son, but, sorry to say, if your son's aim is to really learn to play drums, this set is way to big in my opinion (and I recon in that of many other drummers to). With too big I most importantly mean too many drums, it might also be too big when it comes to sizes off (mainly) the bass drums.

Kids are impulsive. When there's a lot of drum in front of them they want to hit them all. That's not what learning to play drums is about. He will have to learn rudiments (he won't even need a drum for that!) and on the kit he will first need to learn to play a simple steady 4/4 groove on hi-hat, bass and snare. He'll probably get lost with two bass drums and 5 toms.

I'd say: do your son a favor and stack half of the drums away. Start with one bassdrum, 1 snare. Later add 2 tom-toms and a floor tom, so he can practice fills. Maybe later he can play on the whole kit if he desires to.

If you're planning on asking a drum teacher I'm pretty sure he'll give (more or less) the same advice.

Good luck.

I agree with Bartw, too many drums for a kid to start out on.

But as for dating the kit, check out the Vintage Drum Guide (link at the top of this page) - Ludwig Drums Serial Numbers - looks to me like you have drums dated from '79 and into the 80s. Nice kit, but way too much for a young'un just beginning. I would follow the advice from Bartw.

Trev:)

Thanks , will definitely heed the advice. He is 11 yrs. old. He has had one year of lessons a which basically consisted of a rudiment book and a drum pad. But I will definetly pack away half the set at the beginning. Thanks again.

Cool kit! Late 70's seem right

That snare is earlier I would say and very desirable and in great shape.

Pointy badge 402 where the rest of the kit looks like late 70's early 80's 6-ply like others have said. If you have the bottom rims I would put them back on also so the edges of the drums don't get ruined or tell him to be careful because if he continues for along time playing he will be happy that he protected them.

Wayne

It looks to me a 78'-80' Super Classic with the new 6ply shells and mostly concert toms.

The supra look a 70 to 76 without serial no. hard to tell.

Either way a great starting kit for your kid ( i wish I had one when i was a kid starting out).

Take that back those are not Concert tom (missed the bottom lugs)

Just out of curiosity how much did you shell out ?

Cool thank you all for the info.

Microswitch: Actually was given to us by my uncle. He got them a couple years before (I didn't ask how much he paid) and he heard my son was starting lessons so he just gave them to us. Still have to get hi-hat, cymbals, foot pedal, couple pieces of missing hardware, but we are thankful!

Agreed..

The drums look like 1980 (6)ply shells..great drums.

The snare looks eariler..the serial # will help.

Is it about 5.5" in height or closer to 7"..?

Most likely the drums are worth close to the $1000/mark.

The snare is $300/500 depending on the serial & height.

I very much agree,..Keep it simple for the young guy.

Best of luck getting all the hardware/cyms..

Heres some advice...try to find a decent crash cymbal.

You can cut corners (save $$) on any ride & Hihats cymbal for now.