csnow
Senior Member
Let me preface my comment with that I am a product of the 70's and 80's era (I was born in 1970). I grew up loving that Ludwig sound. Big kits with lots of cymbals was the rage back then. Last year, I decided that I would finally own the kit that I had always wanted but could never afford back in the early 80's - a 3 ply maple blue/olive badge Ludwigs. That classic 70's kit that every kid dreamed of.
I found an early 1976 set in Sky Blue Pearl w/6,8,10,12,13,14,16, and 18. I have enjoyed playing these drums, but I think the "fog of time" took it's toll. I love the kit and just thought they were the best sounding drum out there. Nothing could top those Luddies in my mind, especially not new import kits. I recently went into a Guitar Center and test drove a Chinese manufactured Mapex Saturn kit. My goodness, those drums sounded AMAZING. I have always held a bias against anything made in China with regards to quality. I still cannot get over how good these drums sounded. I came home and played my Ludwigs and it felt like a deflated balloon. Those Saturns were just that good that it mad my Luddies feel sloppy and dead. The Saturns were like a Z06 and my Luddies are a 69 Camaro. Both are cool cars but the Camaro doesn't have the linear acceleration, cornering, breaking, and modern conveniences like AC and cruise control. Both iconic ,but the Z06 is in another league while the 69 Camaro has that classic vibe and style.
I guess I am just curious if anyone else has let nostalgia influence their love of vintage drums. Without a doubt, I love those Ludwigs. However, I must be honest with myself as to why I love them. I know the round bearing edges, the imperfections, etc give them that classic Ludwig sound. I guess I just realized that "classic" sound isn't as amazing as I once thought it was. I love them because they are a memory. A tangible asset of a time gone by that is forever cherished.
Just an honest observation about my vintage quest. Oh and yes, I bought a set of Mapex Saturns today. I won't sell my Ludwigs - ever, but I have a new found respect for what I thought was Chinese garbage.
Here is an picture of my Ludwigs that I posted last year.
I found an early 1976 set in Sky Blue Pearl w/6,8,10,12,13,14,16, and 18. I have enjoyed playing these drums, but I think the "fog of time" took it's toll. I love the kit and just thought they were the best sounding drum out there. Nothing could top those Luddies in my mind, especially not new import kits. I recently went into a Guitar Center and test drove a Chinese manufactured Mapex Saturn kit. My goodness, those drums sounded AMAZING. I have always held a bias against anything made in China with regards to quality. I still cannot get over how good these drums sounded. I came home and played my Ludwigs and it felt like a deflated balloon. Those Saturns were just that good that it mad my Luddies feel sloppy and dead. The Saturns were like a Z06 and my Luddies are a 69 Camaro. Both are cool cars but the Camaro doesn't have the linear acceleration, cornering, breaking, and modern conveniences like AC and cruise control. Both iconic ,but the Z06 is in another league while the 69 Camaro has that classic vibe and style.
I guess I am just curious if anyone else has let nostalgia influence their love of vintage drums. Without a doubt, I love those Ludwigs. However, I must be honest with myself as to why I love them. I know the round bearing edges, the imperfections, etc give them that classic Ludwig sound. I guess I just realized that "classic" sound isn't as amazing as I once thought it was. I love them because they are a memory. A tangible asset of a time gone by that is forever cherished.
Just an honest observation about my vintage quest. Oh and yes, I bought a set of Mapex Saturns today. I won't sell my Ludwigs - ever, but I have a new found respect for what I thought was Chinese garbage.
Here is an picture of my Ludwigs that I posted last year.