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Show Us Your Downbeat Last viewed: 5 minutes ago

Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

From Avery

John and KCDrumDad,Well, I can't say I'm not jealous. I have the matching pre-serial '63 downbeat kit in Black Galaxy, only thing missing is the snare. I'm assuming these things are rare. I've looked for them and saw one on Ebay a couple of years ago. Too bad it was $1200 and I was broke. Oh well. One day.

Avery - My 'go-to' guy for info on this kind of Ludwig rarity is, Mike Layton. I consulted him before I purchased the drum and we figured a safe/conservative estimate for the black galaxy snare is somewhere (+-) $1400.00. It'd probably bring in more if the right buyers were going head to head in a bidding war for it. How many pre-serial Downbeat's in black galaxy are there? The one I own is the first blk. galaxy DB snare I've ever seen. Can't be more of these out there than you can count on two hands, that's for sure.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 11 years ago
#31
Posts: 5550 Threads: 576

one i sold long ago, silver pre- seria,l i got 650 for it, and it sounded so nice ,i regretted that one too, but i have the pink one now and its not going any place but with me ...

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April 2nd 1969 scarfed pink champagne holly wood and 65/66 downbeat snare, and , supra same year very minty kit old pies
66/67 downbeat with canister
Super 400 small round knob
1967 super classic obp





once the brass ceases to glitter, and the drum looses its luster, and the stage remains dark, all you have left is the timbre of family.
Posted on 11 years ago
#32
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

How long ago did you sell it, Gary?

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 11 years ago
#33
Posts: 586 Threads: 22

From jonnistix

Yeah, just a Downbeat snare...in GALAXY! How rare is that, and how much would it bring!

From Avery

John and KCDrumDad,Well, I can't say I'm not jealous. I have the matching pre-serial '63 downbeat kit in Black Galaxy, only thing missing is the snare. I'm assuming these things are rare. I've looked for them and saw one on Ebay a couple of years ago. Too bad it was $1200 and I was broke. Oh well. One day.Avery

There are some out there. In addition to these two, Paolo Sburlati pictures one in his book. Mine came with a Downbeat set. I found it on Craigslist, less than five miles from my home. Keep looking for one. In the words of Winston Churchill, "Never, ever, ever, ever, ever give up."

Collecting information about the following for ongoing research projects:
Gretsch drums with serial numbers,
Ludwig Keystone and B/O badge drums with serial numbers and date stamps,
Ludwig Standards from 1968-73, and
Ludwigs with paper labels from 1971-72
www.GretschDrumDatingGuide.com
Posted on 11 years ago
#34
Posts: 586 Threads: 22

From Purdie Shuffle

Avery - My 'go-to' guy for info on this kind of Ludwig rarity is, Mike Layton. I consulted him before I purchased the drum and we figured a safe/conservative estimate for the black galaxy snare is somewhere (+-) $1400.00. It'd probably bring in more if the right buyers were going head to head in a bidding war for it. How many pre-serial Downbeat's in black galaxy are there? The one I own is the first blk. galaxy DB snare I've ever seen. Can't be more of these out there than you can count on two hands, that's for sure.John

I have tracked about five in the last couple of years. I will have to consult my notes to confirm the number.

Collecting information about the following for ongoing research projects:
Gretsch drums with serial numbers,
Ludwig Keystone and B/O badge drums with serial numbers and date stamps,
Ludwig Standards from 1968-73, and
Ludwigs with paper labels from 1971-72
www.GretschDrumDatingGuide.com
Posted on 11 years ago
#35
Posts: 6170 Threads: 255

From Purdie Shuffle

Mike - You'll know better than me, but I thought the Downbeat came in a 3", or 3.5" model as well! If so, then they probably used the same 3"/3.5" shells for both drums! 6 & 8 lug versions, Downbeat and Jazz combo.JohnPS - Didn't see your note about it being a 13" drum until after I posted... different drum then for sure. I thought it was just a matter of 6 or 8 lugs to determine the model. If it's smaller, then it's a different drum entirely. Mike, is yours a 13" as well? J

yes, mine is a 13 john..

3x13 jazz combo

4x13 las vegas

5x13 super porto pak

4x14 downbeat

mike

Posted on 11 years ago
#36
Posts: 5550 Threads: 576

From Purdie Shuffle

How long ago did you sell it, Gary?John

2 years back seems some famous record artist bought it who was wanting to record with it....

April 2nd 1969 scarfed pink champagne holly wood and 65/66 downbeat snare, and , supra same year very minty kit old pies
66/67 downbeat with canister
Super 400 small round knob
1967 super classic obp





once the brass ceases to glitter, and the drum looses its luster, and the stage remains dark, all you have left is the timbre of family.
Posted on 11 years ago
#37
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

From mlayton

yes, mine is a 13 john..3x13 jazz combo4x13 las vegas5x13 super porto pak4x14 downbeatmike

That's why I call -you- whenever I have a question! You know more about these drums than I'll ever know! Thanks for the info. I learn something new in this MoFo every day! Yes Sir

> I have tracked about five in the last couple of years.

KC - I figure whatever the actual number is, it is low. I read that in the few years they produced the black galaxy kits only a couple hundred were ever made. Out of those, how many survived? Out of the survivors, how many are Downbeat kits w/matching 4" snare? If there are more than 12 or 15 still in existence I'd honestly be surprised.

It just wasn't a popular wrap at the time! Go figure.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 11 years ago
#38
Posts: 1041 Threads: 64

I have a pre-serial jazz combo, 3x13 in blue oyster pearl. The bottom rim is original, top is not. A few of my tension rods on top are not original. I need to get some shorter ones. but all in all, I really like this snare. Especially for playing old funky tunes!! I can crank it nice and tight and get a wonderful crack out of it!

I had to get an after market throw off because the original was missing pieces. I'd love to find an original era replacement. I acquired this drum when I was about 14 years old (about 1996) when I bought a cheap CB700 set for $200.00 from a friend. I have no idea the story of the drum though, wish I did.

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-Justin

"People might look at you a bit funny, but it's okay. Artists are allowed to be a bit different."- Bob Ross

"After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music..." - Aldous Huxley
Posted on 11 years ago
#39
Posts: 9005 Threads: 266

Beautiful drum, Justin! For some reason, I never really paid any attention to these snares. Like I mentioned earlier, I figured because they were so shallow that they would sound anemic, so I kind of dismissed them in my head. Boy, am I surprised at how good these drums sound!

Thanks for posting a photo of yours.

John

Too many great drums to list here!

http://www.walbergandauge.com/VintageVenue.htm
Posted on 11 years ago
#40
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