Recently acquired Ludwig set(s)

[jesimmers]

I just got this from my wifes gram on Sunday.....all I know is they were my wifes uncles from the early 80's. there is a stamp on the inside of the snare dated '83. Any help deciding value and whatever else is appreciated. 5 Zildjian cymbals, Zildjian hi-hat, and one Sabian cymbal. Thanks in advance.
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/jesimmers/Picture011.jpg

[PdoubleE]

Is that a wrapped finish? or is it the natural wood grain?

[razorx]

very nice finish. i like it. i have no clue how much they are worth tho

[jesimmers]

They are wrapped, thinking of splitting the sets up...selling one and removing the wrap and either staining or painting the other set....I dont know. They have been in closets for 27 years now so they need a good tune up but are very good condition.

[fourstringdrums]

They are wrapped, thinking of splitting the sets up...selling one and removing the wrap and either staining or painting the other set....I dont know. They have been in closets for 27 years now so they need a good tune up but are very good condition.

Nice set, but don't remove the wrap. You're better off selling any drumset in its original condition, especially if it's in excellent condition as you say. Not many people want a refinish unless it's a harder to find set from the 60's for example, then they're more willing to bend on it. You can split up the sets but leave them cosmetically in tact.

[Class A Drummer]

Cool wrap. I would love to see some shots from the drivers seat :)

[jesimmers]

Thanks for the advice, I really cant find anything on the net with the same finish(wrap), any ideas?

[fourstringdrums]

Thanks for the advice, I really cant find anything on the net with the same finish(wrap), any ideas?

There are some people on here who should be able to give you info. HarryConway and Ludwigvondrumcrazy to name a few.

[PdoubleE]

I think If you all about the $$.. then DEF do Not remove the wrap.. If it is worth anything now... Then it wont be if you do remove the wrap. I would also sell the kit as one..... Maybe you could sell the cymbals separate.. and the Roto-toms separate.. but I would keep the shells and hardware together. And about a price.. I really have no clue.. I am not into vintage sets.
The only thing vintage that gets my interest is an original Black Beauty.

[Michael G]

Looks like two Ludwig Hollywood (Big Beat?) outfits put together.

[oiboiluis]

the lugs on the kit look different on a few of the drums. Are they all ludwig drums?

[jesimmers]

It is definately two seperate kits put together, I just noticed that tonight, you are correct the lugs are different between the two sets. Also the tom mounts on the bass drums are different.....I have no idea.......

[jesimmers]

I just looked over the whole thing, half of the set does not have the ludwig badges, but the wraps and rings all match.....now I AM lost lol

[fourstringdrums]

I just looked over the whole thing, half of the set does not have the ludwig badges, but the wraps and rings all match.....now I AM lost lol

I bet the set was rewrapped in this finish at some point. If that's the case, your best bet is just selling it as a whole and getting what you can for it.

[latzanimal]

More pics!!

LDVC or Harry would have a better idea, but my guess, is that the finish is 'Walnut cortex or Mahogany Cortex'. I am not near a catalog to check tho, so don't quote me. Pics of the interiors, bearing edges, tom holders, spurs, etc . would go a long way in helping identifying the different drums.

The bass drums each have a different number of lugs, also. It is very possible that the badgeless drums (Badges? We don't need no stinkin'....... sorry, couldn't resist) are not even Ludwigs at all.

Again, more pics please....

[harryconway]

I see a Ludwig set and a kit of unknown and questionable pedigree. The cortex wrap (basically formica) was used by a lot of different companies, so not uncommon to have a no-name Japanese kit to have the same wrap as a more expensive Ludwig, Rogers or Slingerland kit. And kitchen counters and cabinets. Need more and better photo's. Can't even see the floor toms, hardly. Would guess they are the same size (16"), one with Ludwig lugs and one with mystery (?) lugs. So that would give us 1 Ludwig 22, 12, 13, 16 kit and 1 mystery kit. 6 ply maple shells on the Luddy. Sweet deal, if you were given this kit. Not really collectable, but a wonderful "players" kit. If you consider that someone just gave you a pro level drum kit, pretty cool. If you make the Luddies a project kit, no real biggie. Taking the wrap off will require a heat gun and a butter knife. Liberal use of Jasco adhesive remover to get rid of the glue residue will get you nice, clean, maple shells. Stain or paint, and you'll have a great players kit. I don't know what you play now, but you have a great 2nd kit. Maybe a new #1 kit. Selling the Ludwigs, I would estimate $500-700. Keep watching eBay. As far as the rest of the drums, 6, 8,10 roto-toms chrome/grey don't fetch much. $80-100. The unknown kit. Generic looking Japanese Gretsch/Slingerland look lugs, 8 lugger kick. What does it sound like? Might be worth $200 to the right cat. Mind you, I don't know your local drum market at all. I'm out here in the LA area. Don't know what kind of snare you have there. Keep it. Same with the cymbals. And depending on how many drummer buds you have, sometimes you get further trading stuff than selling stuff. Start popping off heads and checking more out. Might be more than meets the eye.

[punkdrummer1]

The kit looks like a beauty. I'd say keep it the way it is :)

[fijjibo]

I just wrapped an old floor tom in a sticky back vinyl of the same finish.....

A re-wrap then?

I think it might well be...

One of the telltale signs is to look at how the wrap aligns with the line formed by the bearing edges, If you find any crookedness, the wrap is a newish addition.

[jesimmers]

Here are some more pics
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/jesimmers/Picture017.jpg
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/jesimmers/Picture016-1.jpg
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/jesimmers/Picture015-1.jpg
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/jesimmers/Picture014-2.jpg
http://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q57/jesimmers/Picture011.jpg

[Ironcobra]

Those drums are purrrrdddyy. I wouldn't get rid of the half unless you can get a really great deal.