My 70's Ludwig Project/Restoration -Players Kit [Archive] - DRUMMERWORLD OFFICIAL DISCUSSION FORUM

fusssion

03-27-2009, 08:15 PM

Hi everyone, …well, ….I'm going to start this with the basics, and some BEFORE pictures to get you all going and whet the appetite :D

I now own the following:

-6.5x10 granitone concert tom (to be concerted to dh) must get parts

-9x13 granitone concert tom (to be converted to dh) I have all parts

-14x16 granitone concert tom (to be converted to dh) I have all parts

-14x16 clear 3ply double headed tom (no, not a floor tom, a double headed small classic lugged factory pointed b/o badged double headed tom!! ....with .....a CLIP MOUNT! :) )

-10x15 1969 clear 3ply 'Challenger' snare drum: All original, …for now!

WAITING ON:
14x24 clear 3 ply kick ...oh yeah....VIRGIN! I just have to hook up w/ the guy...we live about an hour apart so, it's been tough.

I will be recovering these (they are a mix of Silver Sparkle, Mahogany Cortex, and Black Cortex) in Red Sparkle (thin stuff found on eBay). Our fellow DW member Karl Crafton is doing a similar project w/ one of his own kits with this stuff, (he got Silver Sparkle) and he says it's pretty dang easy, and it looks great!

Now that you know what I'm planning ….here are a few before pictures. For now, these are just the shells, minus the big Challenger snare. I'll add those pics soon, but here are the shells!
Enjoy …the fun part will start soon!

lewisn27

03-27-2009, 08:33 PM

If I have assumed correctly, the Granitone drums are made from.... granite??
I want to see that kit set up!!

fusssion

03-27-2009, 08:36 PM

If I have assumed correctly, the Granitone drums are made from.... granite??
I want to see that kit set up!!

LOL, nope, it's the internal speckled spray Ludwig used from (LVDC, help here if I botch this ... 1973-4-5 ??)
My bass will be clear 3 ply, and the snare is as well. And...obviously, the second 14x16 is as well!

You'll have to be patient,...it's going to take a while, but I'll keep updating this post as it happens! It should be sweet!

GRUNTERSDAD

03-28-2009, 05:21 AM

Looks like fun and will be real rewarding when you finish. a little blood, sweat and tears for your own project. and thanks for spelling WHET correctly.

rmandelbaum

03-28-2009, 09:21 PM

Love it, be sure to get pics of all stages and share.

I can't wait to see more

fusssion

04-22-2009, 02:33 PM

Just wanted to share a quick shot of my 10x15 Challenger snare, 1969, keystone badge, clear 3 ply !! Ohhh soooo PPHHHHAT !!! :-)

eddiehimself

04-22-2009, 03:11 PM

Nice snare there. Bet that sounds phat.

fusssion

04-22-2009, 03:15 PM

Nice snare there. Bet that sounds phat.

For sure, but oddly enough ....I can tighten both the batter and reso, ....and I can get a pretty mean crack out of it too!! It's WAY more versatile than I originally though it would be! :-)

fusssion

05-15-2009, 01:49 PM

The final piece of the puzzle!!! YES ....
Transition era (from 60's to 70's stuff) 1969 14x22 virgin kick! White interior, ... 60's spurs, but a pointed b/o badge! COOL!

I KNOW, I KNOW ...my original note said it was a 24, but ....I could never get with the guy, and then I realized ....if I get a 24, I'll have to adjust my toms (because I've never played a 24, always a 22), THEN I remembered, ...I'll have to get a new front bass drum head from Jim at DrumArt to the tune of $110, ....so...when this baby come up,...I snagged her! :-)

Covering is ordered and on the way ...now I can get down to business! :-)

Anyhow ...here's a few pics.....

zambizzi

05-15-2009, 04:46 PM

Jeff - great project, man! I've thought about piecing together an older 3-ply Lud kit myself, I really miss that Ludwig tone.

So, a few questions:

- On the concert toms, how will you accurately re-create the classic, rounded Ludwig bearing edges on the reso side?

- Does granitone change the tone enough to make a difference when mixing them with toms that have a clear interior?

- Are you wearing proper protection (i.e. a 'cup') when playing that snare? That thing looks *dangerous*!

fusssion

05-15-2009, 04:53 PM

Jeff - great project, man! I've thought about piecing together an older 3-ply Lud kit myself, I really miss that Ludwig tone. Gonna be fun for sure!!!

So, a few questions:

- On the concert toms, how will you accurately re-create the classic, rounded Ludwig bearing edges on the reso side? Ludwig toms /shells came w/ bearing edges on both sides....nothing needed to be done :)

- Does granitone change the tone enough to make a difference when mixing them with toms that have a clear interior? Negligable at best ...I've asked around .....

- Are you wearing proper protection (i.e. a 'cup') when playing that snare? That thing looks *dangerous*! Hell yes,...a TITANIUM CUP! :)

Drumsword

05-15-2009, 10:08 PM

Sweet, can't wait to see the fin ished set. I'm starting work on a 28" Leedy kick tomorrow.

frank0072

05-15-2009, 10:44 PM

Sweet, can't wait to see the fin ished set. I'm starting work on a 28" Leedy kick tomorrow.

are you refinishing it? I thought your wife didn't tell you so...

fusssion

05-29-2009, 06:48 PM

OK ....

Going to re-do the concet tom CLIP mounts to the new Classic Ludwig mounts (Ludwig script) http://i14.ebayimg.com/05/i/001/18/7b/265e_1.JPG

But ........maybe I should go with Gauger RIMS w/ this mount?? This way, no 'additional' holes!!

Thoughts ??

rmandelbaum

05-30-2009, 02:07 AM

I would go with RIMS, it is clean and easy and it will allow that great vintage tom to sing.

Cakco Drums

05-30-2009, 03:25 AM

rims for sure. they look cool too.

Mendozart

05-30-2009, 07:21 AM

But ........maybe I should go with Gauger RIMS w/ this mount?? This way, no 'additional' holes!!

Thoughts ??

I like to start with the RIMS mounts and see if they work out to your liking. If you don't like it, then go ahead and mount directly to the shell. Once you drill you can never go back. Another thing I like about the RIMS mounts, is you can always move your tom so the badge faces out. Normally I run 3 up, but on this last gig, I ran 2 up,and was able to rotate the RIMS mounts. Here's a pic. It might even give you an idea of how much room you'll have on the lugs, with your shallower 10" tom. This tom is 8x10.

fusssion

05-30-2009, 06:42 PM

Thanks guys ....

WOW,....that's expensive for the RIMS!! Jeeeze!

I'm already looking at $140 for hardware alone for mounts on this kit, + another $140-ish!
I just didn't plan on that. Got to think it over.

Greg, love the look and yes, ....once you drill you're done, and ...you can rotate so the badge is facing out, that's good too.

I'll go w/ the half plate if anything ....this way you can see more of the drum....

Still kicking it around.

fusssion

06-01-2009, 07:09 PM

ANOTHER QUESTION ALL .....

Before I get too antsy......PLEASE HELP!! :)

What is the best way to ENSURE I do a good job at lining up the new holes I need to drill for my drums. Remember, this is a concert tom conversion ...so I need to drill bottom holes for 3 drums.

Now, ...please ...no one be mean and type a smart a$$ answer, please help me do this right so I don't "jump the gun" ...

THANKS!!!!!!!

Deedee

06-02-2009, 06:18 AM

Hey, it's me in new form. Having a name the same as my business was a bad idea, as google hits lead people to all my posts.

Yes to your question, the soap and water delays it, and it WILL stick after. In fact it will seal much better, and smoothly. ALSO, do it with someone else, or you'll regret it. Get one person to roll it (against a wall or something so it goes straight), and one to squeegee it on as it rolls.

Good luck!

fusssion

06-02-2009, 01:26 PM

I went over to Ghostnote and was told I should us a "square" ...which makes sense ....

Anyone else?

GRUNTERSDAD

06-02-2009, 01:53 PM

There are templates made for that job. There are concentric circles on the template with lug patterns for 6, 8, 10 lugs etc for the different diameter drums.

fusssion

06-02-2009, 01:57 PM

There are templates made for that job. There are concentric circles on the template with lug patterns for 6, 8, 10 lugs etc for the different diameter drums.

I was told that those templates are for 'blank' drum shells....

Jake[BE]

06-02-2009, 04:08 PM

I was told that those templates are for 'blank' drum shells....

Yes. Easiest would be to get one of those squares, you'd have it layed out and drilled in no time.

fusssion

06-05-2009, 06:30 PM

Good news...final hardware is about to be ordered, and the covering should be here next week!!

sloooowly but surely,...coming together!! :)

fusssion

06-11-2009, 09:08 PM

Another piece of the puzzle comes in yesterday!!

Deedee

06-12-2009, 05:24 AM

yussss. how much did it cost to wrap the whole kit? and tell me how it goes lol, I hope my tips helped.

fusssion

06-12-2009, 01:42 PM

Cost was $130 shipped, I got 10 yards just in case, plus I got the discount that way :)

Anyow....finishing the drum prep and should be putting it on soon!

Thanks again!

fusssion

06-15-2009, 07:47 PM

Ok, not sure if I've spoke about this yet, but ....as far as heads go:

I usually use Aquarian Super 2 coated on top, w/ Classic Clears underneath.

Does anyone have any experience w/ Super 2s on vintage Ludwig 3 plys? Thanks...

p.s. I'd like to stick w/ Aquarian

BrokenGlass

06-16-2009, 04:30 AM

Keep updated as much as possible! I'm looking into refinishing a ludwig from concert toms as well and i'd love to see as much as possible to know what needs to be done.

fusssion

06-16-2009, 01:31 PM

Keep updated as much as possible! I'm looking into refinishing a ludwig from concert toms as well and i'd love to see as much as possible to know what needs to be done.

If you have specific questions regarding this process, please PM me, or email me at jmetz66@yahoo.com

fusssion

07-06-2009, 01:44 PM

Well......it's been a long time coming..... but .......

SO FAR, .....so NICE!!! :-)

I only had one issue. I didn't realize this, but,....as I've mentioned I have 2 14x16 floor toms, well, ....the first one I did ( the black one in the pics above...the double headed one) had the bottom hoop area out of round, .....my new Aquarian Classic Clear reso didn't fit! I was sooo mad!! Thankfully, I kept the original Remo Clear Ambassador that came on the drum and it fit, ...AND worked !! Any hints on "correcting" this??

Ok, enough already, ...here's a couple shots from the 6.5x10 and the first 14x16 .....

fusssion

07-07-2009, 01:05 PM

You're kidding right?! Come on guys, ....NOTHING here ?!?! :(

freebirdgdw

07-07-2009, 04:30 PM

That looks great mate. The sun really sets off the sparkle!

what do you mean when you say 'out of round'? do you mean the shape of the tom has warped and isnt a perfect circle any more?

fusssion

07-07-2009, 04:36 PM

That looks great mate. The sun really sets off the sparkle!

what do you mean when you say 'out of round'? do you mean the shape of the tom has warped and isnt a perfect circle any more?

Yes, just the bottom portion of the tom .....just by a touch ...but the head wouldnt' fit, ...might be the head though because the original head fit ....

ntime

07-07-2009, 05:22 PM

That looks great! Very nice job as well. The head very well could be the problem. I've experienced this with Aquarian heads on wrapped drums. The problem is due to the overlap in the wrap. I had this issue with two different Pearl floor toms that were wrapped drums, but other brands of heads fit just fine. The Aquarian hoop has somewhat of a flat spot where the hoop is joined together and this along with the wrap overlap is probably the culprit.

KarlCrafton

07-07-2009, 06:50 PM

fusssion

07-07-2009, 06:53 PM

Looks very awesome!!
Those mounts look great too, the perfect size with the small classic lugs.

You guy's did a super job, have fun with the bass drum :-)

Makes me want to bring out my RS again---and I only played one gig with the SS's!!

Thanks Karl, special thanks to you on the tips!! Hey, ...we did the 13 and the bass drum last night, wrap only, ...heck ....after the first one, it's easy, ...we had the formula down ! :-)

Hoops getting painted this week, ...she'll be set up and ready soon!!!!!!!

fusssion

07-17-2009, 01:26 PM

OK .... I didn't take a picture of the 13" because , well, ....it turned out just like the 10" and the 16" .....so, I figured I'd show you a pic of the bass drum!! NOT BAD,....NOT BAD AT ALL!!

Thanks to Karl Crafton for all the tips, and, for the sweeeeeeeet Ludwig logo!! That, to me, is the icing on the cake!!!

ENJOY!

frank0072

07-17-2009, 01:45 PM

Great drum, but what is up with the reso head?

fusssion

07-17-2009, 01:52 PM

Great drum, but what is up with the reso head?

Thanks Frank ....

What are you referring to?? What's the matter with it?

Mendozart

07-21-2009, 08:45 AM

Thanks Frank ....

What are you referring to?? What's the matter with it?
It's just a little busy, that's all. Drums came out great though!

fusssion

07-21-2009, 01:14 PM

It's just a little busy, that's all. Drums came out great though!

I guess I'd like to hear what Frank's talking about. "what's up with that reso head" would be a strange way to say "it's a little busy" , don't you think?

Anyhow, thanks,..I thought they turned out great too, better than expected, and , they sounded great last Saturday too! I'll be posting more pictures soon!

Your 'busy' comment is interesting because I've never looked at it that way....our logo is prominent in the center,....I put LUDWIG on the top, the Saluda was always there, and ...maybe the Aquarian is too big.....I'll see what I can do ....

Mendozart

07-22-2009, 01:48 AM

Your 'busy' comment is interesting because I've never looked at it that way....our logo is prominent in the center,....I put LUDWIG on the top, the Saluda was always there, and ...maybe the Aquarian is too big.....I'll see what I can do ....

Everyone has their own taste in what they want displayed on their reso head, there's nothing wrong with yours. Me personally, I would only have the name of the band, and Ludwig, but that's just me.

fusssion

07-22-2009, 02:07 PM

Everyone has their own taste in what they want displayed on their reso head, there's nothing wrong with yours. Me personally, I would only have the name of the band, and Ludwig, but that's just me.

Thanks Mendo ...I see what you mean, and I'll be honest, ...you've pointed something out that I've never realized too, ....it IS a tad busy ...great, thanks, now you have me considering having Jim make me another one! LOL! :-)

I do however, wish Frank would clarify ...but, seeings as he hasn't, I'll assume that that is what he meant too.

Anyhow...........YOU READY??? Now, ....I didn't set the ENTIRE SET UP because I just had a show and had to take stuff back to our practice facility, but, I did get the new Red Sparkle drums up. I also put my 10x15 Challenger Snare up too to show how the 2 red sparkles work together. It doesn't match that great, but ....I can always re-do the snare too!! [insert evil laugh here!] ENJOY!!!

baz

07-22-2009, 02:30 PM

...very nice.

Kudos to youdos amigos.

and I think your bass drum res head looks just fine.

Barry

fusssion

07-22-2009, 02:33 PM

...very nice.

Kudos to youdos amigos.

and I think your bass drum res head looks just fine.

Barry

Thanks Barry :-)
202020202020

freebirdgdw

07-22-2009, 05:53 PM

Thanks Mendo ...I see what you mean, and I'll be honest, ...you've pointed something out that I've never realized too, ....it IS a tad busy ...great, thanks, now you have me considering having Jim make me another one! LOL! :-)

Great looking finished product. I think that snare looks amazing aswell. And if you do get a new kick reso, I'd say get it in white. It would look so sweet :D

fusssion

07-22-2009, 05:56 PM

Great looking finished product. I think that snare looks amazing aswell. And if you do get a new kick reso, I'd say get it in white. It would look so sweet :D

Thanks Freebird!

YES...that's what I was thinking!!! [ insert ANOTHER evil laugh here!] :D

Mendozart

07-23-2009, 05:08 AM

Great looking finished product. I think that snare looks amazing aswell. And if you do get a new kick reso, I'd say get it in white. It would look so sweet :D

+1 on the white reso = pure class!

drumhead61

07-23-2009, 06:08 AM

Fusssion, I just caught on to your posting so I read through the whole thing and enjoyed the progression...AMAZING transformation, you really did an outstanding job in making those babies look WORTH something...they were butt ugly before and you made them what drums truly are...a WORK OF ART. NICE JOB!!!

JIM

fusssion

07-23-2009, 12:59 PM

fusssion

07-23-2009, 12:59 PM

+1 on the white reso = pure class!

Mendo:
Yes, I agree, the white reso would look great, and I was thinking of a coated reso, but I'd like to have a "logo" front and have DrumArt do it for me, but, ...they only do glossy heads. Would glossy white still be "classy?"

Mendozart

07-24-2009, 03:00 AM

Mendo:
Yes, I agree, the white reso would look great, and I was thinking of a coated reso, but I'd like to have a "logo" front and have DrumArt do it for me, but, ...they only do glossy heads. Would glossy white still be "classy?"

Glossy = classy. I had an Aquarian Force II on my 3-ply kit, which was glossy. I later cleaned off the Aquarian logo at the bottom. I have a ported Aquarian Regulator on my 24" Blaemire kick, which is also glossy. I'm going to pick up an unported head for the 24 soon.

drumhead61

07-24-2009, 03:10 AM

WOW Jim, ...thank you very much!!! :-)

Jeff,

You are welcome...you worked hard for every compliment that comes your way and more should be COMING...I say again, GREAT JOB and thank you for sharing with us the decision process and success of the project. Would love to hear them.

JIM

zambizzi

07-24-2009, 06:01 AM

Jeff man, those look absolutely fantastic! You did a first-class job. I'm inspired, I may have to keep an eye out on eBay for some one-offs to start working on.

Congrats!

fusssion

07-24-2009, 01:02 PM

Mendo, great, thanks...I may have a white one made!! :)

Jim, thank you very much!!

Zambizzi! THANKS MAN....how long ago did we talk about Ludwigs via PM ....hee heee!
My first find was on Craigslist originally ...that's what inspired the project,...I found 2 nice 2 ply concert toms for $50 .....FOR BOTH !!! :-)

Thanks all..........

zambizzi

07-24-2009, 04:15 PM

Zambizzi! THANKS MAN....how long ago did we talk about Ludwigs via PM ....hee heee!
My first find was on Craigslist originally ...that's what inspired the project,...I found 2 nice 2 ply concert toms for $50 .....FOR BOTH !!! :-)

What a steal! I didn't know that concert toms had the bottom edge cut exactly like the top. It's so easy to find hardware that it'd be well worth drilling the holes to save some cash.

That's it, I'm doin' it! I need a 26", 16" and 13"...I'm on the hunt.

By the way, how do these babies sound? Any clips yet?

fusssion

07-24-2009, 04:19 PM

What a steal! I didn't know that concert toms had the bottom edge cut exactly like the top. It's so easy to find hardware that it'd be well worth drilling the holes to save some cash.

That's it, I'm doin' it! I need a 26", 16" and 13"...I'm on the hunt.

By the way, how do these babies sound? Any clips yet?

Per LVDC, ...and it's true....Ludwigs concert toms (70's) DID ...shells were shells,...whether they made them double headed or single, the same shells were used! So, I drilled holes, added hardware and boom!!!

The 26" will be elusive, but more attainable would be a 24" !!

I did play out last weekend but dont' have a recording,....they sounded NICE,...warm!! I need to fine tune the tuning, but .....everyone like them, the band said "WOW!" Anyhow ...I'll have a recording by the end of next month....we're doing a show at a place w/ a nice sound system....can't wait! :D

Deathmetalconga

09-30-2009, 05:39 AM

Really good job on the restoration. What a work of love.

spleen

10-01-2009, 03:48 AM

Very nice man! Well done!

spleen

allmaple

10-13-2009, 04:07 AM

Hello Brothers, Can anyone help me figure out if this Ludwig shell is original or refinished? I bought the set with the intentions to recover it. However, the inside is finished the same as the outside which I've never seen before but could be possible knowing Ludwig. The whole 5 pc set is like finished this way. It is a 70's set according to the 6 digit serial numbers( which are close)and top and bottom mufflers. The edges appear to be a sharp 45 degrees. The badge grommet was tight with a split on the inside. I've posted a few pics. Any help appreciated.

miker

01-29-2010, 03:56 PM

Allmaple:

My kit is also walnut thermo-gloss with stained interiors. I am finding out this was fairly common for the interiors to be stained.

Here's a few pics of my kit.

Mike

fusssion

01-29-2010, 04:02 PM

Allmaple, and Miker,...nice kits, but.....my thread about my kit isn't the place for it.

Don't take that the wrong way, but, it should go in the Ludwig Fan thread ....thanks :)

miker

01-29-2010, 05:21 PM

fusssion

01-29-2010, 05:30 PM

Not taken wrong. FYI...I wasn't trying to hijack "your" thread, just replying to allmaple. The last post that pertained to "your" thread was in September. Just look at as bring new life to a "dead" thread...i.e. more "face time" for you and your kit.; )

Mike

P.S. BTW as a few of the others mentioned the kick head on your kit just isn't happening for me.

Miker, I'm glad, I know you were just responding, ..and I just thought it would be better in the Ludwig Fans forum and get more traffic :)

What is it that you don't like??
p.s. you're the second .....

Coldhardsteel

01-30-2010, 03:17 PM

fusssion

02-01-2010, 12:59 PM

AMAZING. :D

Really like the wrap on this one, and to top it off, it's a Ludwig.

I'm honestly jealous.

And about your reso head, the logo seems a bit cluttered, maybe "busy" isn't a bad word for it. The sponsorships aren't really in the way, my bass drum came covered with stickers on the reso, so comparatively it's better than what I had.

Great set.

Thanks for the response. It's funny, people like to make comments, but never back them up? This is the second person who's commented on the reso, but when I asked what it is they don't like, ....they never respond.

I am thinking very long and hard about going just LUDWIG on a white glossy head w/ our band's logo ....we'll see.....

fusssion

09-28-2010, 08:10 PM

Mendozart

09-28-2010, 08:27 PM

Call me crazy, but .......

the band broke up ......and all this crap is just ....well, ...I'm over it ....I've done the band thing and it's just getting old.

Guys, ...how much do you think my players kit would bring?

Thoughts please ????

Thanks!

I'm sorry to hear this fusssion. You put so much work into this kit. Maybe wait a bit, and you might have a change of heart.

fusssion

09-28-2010, 08:30 PM

I'm sorry to hear this fusssion. You put so much work into this kit. Maybe wait a bit, and you might have a change of heart.

Thanks ... I doubt it ....I feel I'm "over it" if that makes sense...maybe one day when I'm older I'll pick up a kit to mess with, but until then ...it just seems like something that's taking up space, and not doing me any good 'sitting there'.

droveto

09-28-2010, 08:36 PM

That looks awesome and a good deal for the wrap. Where did you purchase it? I have an old radio king set from the 50's I've been wanting to wrap...

fusssion

09-28-2010, 08:39 PM

That looks awesome and a good deal for the wrap. Where did you purchase it? I have an old radio king set from the 50's I've been wanting to wrap...

Dick Blick Art Materials, ...it's called Sparkle Brite. Really thin, but a great finish. You use it right over the wrap that's present if the finish is decent. You can do a nice players kit for a fraction of the cost.

AGAIN....players kit! :)

droveto

09-28-2010, 08:50 PM

Dick Blick Art Materials, ...it's called Sparkle Brite. Really thin, but a great finish. You use it right over the wrap that's present if the finish is decent. You can do a nice players kit for a fraction of the cost.

AGAIN....players kit! :)

Yeah, I'll probably want a thicker wrap since I'm dealing with a classic... I really want the champagne sparkle from precision, but I think it comes out to nearly $400 to do the bass drum, tom tom and floor tom. If go with silver or red sparkle, it's closer to $200 and I just can't justify the additional cost... Yet... Which is why they've been sitting all stripped down for months now...
Thanks for the info, I'll definitely keep it in mind.

caddywumpus

09-28-2010, 09:53 PM

Call me crazy, but .......

the band broke up ......and all this crap is just ....well, ...I'm over it ....I've done the band thing and it's just getting old.

Maybe it's just THAT band that you're over. If you get with a great band, with great guys, playing great music, it's a whole different world. I sense a long-term frustration build-up in your post. I know how those bands go.

If drumming is truly something that you feel strongly about, and there's something about playing drums that feeds your very soul (or, at least DID at one point), don't let a band or other musicians tarnish that joy for you. I'd recommend storing your kit for about 6 months to a year, unless you really need the money. I'd hate to see you change your mind about selling your kit that you invested so much time in. I'd urge you to wait to make a final decision about selling your kit until the heated emotions cool off.

Guys, ...how much do you think my players kit would bring?

Thoughts please ????

Thanks!

Not much. About half what a kit in original condition would fetch. It would be worth it to keep it, I think. Once you restore a kit to anything but its original condition, you've severely compromised its desirability and monetary value in the collectors' market...