It's a downbeat. I believe the Jazzette was 12x18.

Lynn

I've got a 1965 BDP 'superclassic' (13" r,16" ft) with a 20" bass drum as well. I was told this was not that uncommon. I'm pretty sure the bd is original to the kit, because there were other 'extras' that I'm told were sold as a package; 4 bass drum spurs, and twin mufflers with each of the toms.

Maybe someone here with more expertise can help us both out.

Stephen

Good point! I've seen a lot of 20, 13, 16 kits. I guess they could have been ordered any way you wanted back then. I'm far from an expert, so I'm anxious for the experts to chime in.

Lynn

Thanks for the info. I picked this up and thinking that it would upgrade my superclassic players kit (with a drilled bass drum), as this bass drum is in AMAZING condition. I mean, it doesn't even look like it was ever played. Original heads and everything. But then I remembered that Superclassics typically are 22" bass drums. Curious for the expert's thoughts also...

It's my understanding is that downbeat's name is the name of the set Ludwig had in the catalog's..it's also my understanding that superclassic drums had the classic large lugs on them in any size 14x20,22,ete..Most sets in the 60's came with a 14x20 or 14x22 in the Ludwig catalog's..Jazzette bass drums were and always 12x18 with large classic lugs or even "club date" lugs on them.....Mikey

So is there any real way to tell if it is a downbeat or a superclassic? It looks just like my superclassic 14 x 22, but is a 20 like the downbeat. Just wondering if this is going to be a collectors valued kit, or not, since if it is mismatched toms and bass drum. Toms are 13 and 16.

Ludwig offered two lines of drums--Club Dates, with center lugs, & Super Classics, with double lugs. You could get a variety of sizes of Super Classic drums to make up a kit to your liking.

They also offered specific catalog kits, two of which were the Downbeat, with a 20, 12,14 configuration, & the Super Classic, with a 22,13,16 configuration.

Because they used the "Super Classic" name for both a style of drum & a drumset configuration, there has always been some confusion.

Your 20" bass drum is called a 'Super Classic' bass drum in the catalog, & is used by Ludwig in their "Downbeat" drumset. Clear as mud.....marko

Okay -

So, I had the same ? a while back & another member answered : "Actually, it wouldn't have been a custom order. The Superclassic with a 22 was number 980p. The 20 bass version was number 987p. It's a standard cat kit."

I can't find my old post to give you the whole story, yet I have the 20" BD as well. I never knew what reference book he was citing, didn't really care since all I was looking for was clarification -

Best - Chris

Thanks Guys. So is it safe to say I scored a high value item? Not really looking to sell it, but since it is in almost mint condition, is my kit now considered a collectors item?? Any other thoughts on this?