Vintage Ludwig question

justroth16 · #1 11-03-2009, 03:32 PM

Hey guys

I am about to buy the drumset of my dreams...a 70's 3 ply Ludwig kit...I'd been prowling craigslist for the better part of a year to find the right deal and I believe I may have found it. It is a "players" kit, which doesnt really bother me too much, I plan on gigging with this kit as soon as I get it, so it's not a collectors item to me. However there seems to be a catch. As you know those older Ludwig kits bearing edges werent completely even, and many people say that that's what give them their unique sound. This drumset though, had its edges professionally re-edged to make them completely true. Because of this, do you think the sound quality will be compromised? It is still worth buying? here is a link to some photos of the kit
http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2004-10/847190/2101418
...i think it looks like it's in pretty good condition...thanks guys

Justin

caddywumpus · #2 11-03-2009, 04:48 PM

What gave Ludwigs, and some other vintage drums, their sound was the rounded bearing edges (among other factors). Since the edges were re-done, check to see if they were just evened out and kept round, or if the person gave them sharp edges. If the edges were redone to be sharp, you'll have a brighter sounding kit with more of the sound of the head coming out of the drum. You'd have a wolf in sheep's clothing, so to speak.

How much are they asking for the kit?

justroth16 · #3 11-03-2009, 05:00 PM

The asking price is $400, I feel like this is too good an opportunity to pass up for the price...I'm going to ask the guy how the re edging was done. So if they were kept round the sound would be less affected than if they were cut sharp correct?

justroth16 · #4 11-03-2009, 05:22 PM

I just found that they are indeed done sharp...would you guys suggest that i get this kit?

caddywumpus · #5 11-03-2009, 05:58 PM

$400?!?!?!? YES!!!!

Who cares if the edges were redone to be sharp, you'll be getting a quality 3-ply maple/poplar/maple kit for a good price. The bonus is that it's a vintage Ludwig. I'd strongly suggest doing it. That is, unless you're absolutely set on getting a kit with the vintage Ludwig sound, then this kit will do you little good. But, still, it should sound great! I have played on a couple of Ludwig and Slingerland kits that had their rounded edges redone to be sharp, and they sounded pretty dang good, but less "woody" than their un-altered brethren. If anything, it would be a "vintage" kit for you to play on while you scope out your next deal on a kit.

Let us know what you do. (do it!)

volvoguy · #6 11-03-2009, 06:18 PM

Yep. For $400 you'd be nuts not to grab that kit. You could flip it for a profit if you didn't like 'em.

Good luck!

-Ryan

Skitch · #7 11-05-2009, 07:32 AM

Vintage Ludwigs don't really get much nicer than these!

Mike

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harryconway · #8 11-05-2009, 07:57 AM

$400. Pull the trigger. Shoot man shoot!!! You can always have the edges re-done to "stock", at your disgression. Score the kit, worry about the bearing edges later.

justroth16 · #9 11-06-2009, 09:19 PM

UPDATE:

Bought the drums, and I have to say I never thought they'd sound as amazing as they do...that 24'' kick is beastly :) Thanks for the help guys