Should I buy this Ludwig 70's kit?

[csnow]

Found this kit locally. From the looks of it, its a mid to late 70's kit. However, I have never seen a bronze colored Ludwig finish before. I have asked the guy to send me one of the serial numbers since the picture is not very legible.

I cant tell if that snare is a chroma-wood or a supra. Can any of yall id what kind it is from the picture. The larger floor tom definitely looks like an 18" Asking price is $400 for the kit but I am sure I can get it cheaper with cash and truck in hand when I show up.

I would love to have a kit like this to play and possible restore with new wraps. It is more of a nostalgic thing for me since I first starting drums in middle school back in the early 80's.

What say you? Good deal or keep shopping?

Chris

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/cbsnow31/Ludwig1.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/cbsnow31/Ludwig4.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/cbsnow31/Ludwig3.jpg
http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/cbsnow31/Ludwig2.jpg

[TTNW]

Seems like a pretty good deal.

Check them out thoroughly for roundness, bearing edges, chrome pitting, etc..

Depending on what you've got there, you just need to be careful. With some of the 70's kits, it can be hit or miss on whether you've got a good quality and good sounding set of Luddies.

The price seems fair though.

[csnow]

I hope to go look at them tonight. I will make an intial offer of $300 and see if they will take it. Based on the first 3 digits of the serial number they were made in 1976.

[MasterCylinder]

I had a set of 1973 Ludwigs and I wish I had never parted with them.
I can tell you this much :
My rack tom mount did not look like the one in the photo............could ahve been a change between '73 and '76.

[MasterCylinder]

I hope to go look at them tonight. I will make an intial offer of $300 and see if they will take it. Based on the first 3 digits of the serial number they were made in 1976.

Here is a bit of Ludwig finish history but I don't think it helps you much with this case :

http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/ludwig_finishes.html#

[harryconway]

76 is when Ludwig switched from the 3 ply thin shell, with reinforcement rings .... to the 6 ply "stadium" shell. That's probably why the guy's asking $400, instead of $1400. Excellent drums, non-the-less, just not the stuff the "collectors" want.

[tamadrm]

The only copper/bronze finish I've ever seen were Slingerland,and Fibes,so that probably a rewrap,and as such, a players kit,but still worth the money.The 3 ply shells,would be preferable,buy the 6 plys sounded pretty good too.The 3 plys bass drums,had 5/16 thick arched spurs and the 6 ply drums had 1/2" wide spurs.Pics if you get the drums.

Steve B

[caddywumpus]

Should you buy it? That's up to you. I would if the finish was in good shape. I would buy them, no question, if they were 3-ply shells and in good shape.

[opentune]

Looks a good value for $400, at least where I live. It also appears a re-wrap to me, but who cares if it sounds good and you're not a 'collector'. I too would be tempted to pull that wrap off and put on some green sparkle.
I can't see from the pic, but if its a less than 10 lug snare, its not a Supra. If you check it out in person bring a magnet (if doesn't stick to snare shell, its a Supra...info I learned on DW site)

[larryz]

I hope to go look at them tonight. I will make an intial offer of $300 and see if they will take it. Based on the first 3 digits of the serial number they were made in 1976.

People are crazy about the Ludwigs...be ready to give the guy $400. I'd take them for that much. Will certainly hold that value over the years.

[csnow]

I am willing to give $400 but in this economy, he may be willing to negotiate. They have been for sale over a month now. Either they look worse in person or noone has shown an intrest in them yet. If the snare is a supra, its a done deal. If it isnt, the price has to be right. I already have a nice 7 pieceTama StarClassic Performers in walnut and a Yamaha DTX900 so I dont really "need" these Luddies. However, I have always wanted a 70's b/o badged kit. I made the mistake of buying a power tom kit several years ago on a spontaneous buy only to find out they were the lower Rocker line. I didnt remember Ludwig having a cheap brand back in the 80's. I ended up selling them for less than I paid - Live and learn

[simmsdn]

I think $400 is very fair for those drums. I'd buy them in a heartbeat. Where are they located so I can come buy them from under you?

[larryace]

OMG 400 is a steal. You could part the drums out and make a profit for that price, even if they sucked. if they're good....you'd better grab them.

[piperdoog]

Buy those drums mate!