New Club Date club member!

bermuda · #1 12-03-2012, 11:14 PM

Stumbled upon the Guitar Center exclusive Element Club Date in Blue Oyster, and couldn't resist -

They were $499... what was I supposed to do, leave them there for someone else to get the deal??

Will rehearse and gig with them this week - can't wait!

Bermuda

bobdadruma · #2 12-03-2012, 11:26 PM

All right Jon, Welcome to the Club Date Club
What are your initial impressions?
Are those 20, 12, 14?

Im waiting for my matching snare to arrive for my CD kit. It should be here in a few weeks.
They have been back ordered.

GRUNTERSDAD · #3 12-03-2012, 11:49 PM

That is absolutely gorgeous. Good thing you rescued it. I just looked at GC and that price is about half. Wow.

larryz · #4 12-04-2012, 12:21 AM

This is torture. Ludwig is obviously slashing the price on this because of the Gretsch Renown 57 blowout. Now I think I gotta get this kit too. The Renowns are the better quality/sounding kit, but these club dates are also really sweet. Let us know what you think Bermuda. We're all ears.

DrumEatDrum · #5 12-04-2012, 01:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larryz

This is torture. Ludwig is obviously slashing the price on this because of the Gretsch Renown 57 blowout. Now I think I gotta get this kit too. The Renowns are the better quality/sounding kit, but these club dates are also really sweet. Let us know what you think Bermuda. We're all ears.

Are they?

Dang, what a lousy time to be broke. :-(

drumdevil9 · #6 12-04-2012, 01:45 AM

Very nice kit. That was a great deal.

Enjoy!

bobdadruma · #7 12-04-2012, 01:53 AM

Be careful with those long tension rods Jon, Don't get any bends in them, These drums are prone to dammage because of the center mounted lugs ya know :) ;)
(I think that you get the joke.)

Anyway, you will feel great after playing those drums for a short while.
I always do.

Hey, Why do they call these drums "Element"? The Element shells are birch, and these shells are Cherry/ Gumwood.
I am confused.

bermuda · #8 12-04-2012, 02:19 AM

Will report on them soon, I'm changing heads right now and really digging what I hear. Will know for sure on the job this weekend.

These are classic sizes - 14x22, 9x13, 16x16 - and technically not a Club Date configuration, this particular line in the Element SE series just happens to be named that. But they also offer the original Club Date configuratioin: 14x20, 8x12, 14x14.

This wrap is a Guitar Center exclusive, and I believe a limited edition, as are all current Guitar Center Ludwig kit offerings. They haven't been a full Ludwig dealer for 5 or 6 years, and the ltd ed kits & snares are just kinda testing the waters again. So this Blue Oyster wrap isn't available on other Ludwig kits.

Bermuda

bermuda · #9 12-04-2012, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobdadruma

Hey, Why do they call these drums "Element"? The Element shells are birch, and these shells are Cherry/ Gumwood.
I am confused.

They're Element SE (Special Edition, I suspect) and the Citrus Mod & Mod Orange kits a few years ago were also Cherry & Gumwood. I have a really nice cherry/gumwood prototype snare from the Element SE "shop". But there are Elements that are birch, called Element Birch. Regular Elements are, um..,. select hardwood (your guess is as good as mine!)

Bermuda

8Mile · #10 12-04-2012, 02:43 AM

Jon, those aren't your drums until I see them photographed by the edge of your swimming pool! (I actually recognize your garage now, too)

Those are beauties.

bobdadruma · #11 12-04-2012, 03:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bermuda

They're Element SE (Special Edition, I suspect) and the Citrus Mod & Mod Orange kits a few years ago were also Cherry & Gumwood. I have a really nice cherry/gumwood prototype snare from the Element SE "shop". But there are Elements that are birch, called Element Birch. Regular Elements are, um..,. select hardwood (your guess is as good as mine!)

Bermuda

Now Im even more confused :)
It seems that there are no rules when it comes to what Ludwig calls, Element.
Oh Well, I give Ludwig that. If they want to confuse me then fine, so-be-it.

wildbill · #12 12-04-2012, 03:50 AM

Wow - what a deal.

I like to stop in there once in a while to see what they've got on sale. I can't do it too often though, because I almost always walk out with something - ha ha.

Mandatory pool pic.

wildbill · #13 12-04-2012, 03:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobdadruma

Be careful with those long tension rods Jon, Don't get any bends in them, These drums are prone to dammage because of the center mounted lugs ya know :) ;)
(I think that you get the joke.)...

At least the badges aren't too big.

GRUNTERSDAD · #14 12-04-2012, 03:59 AM

The badges are "Fly"

audiotech · #15 12-04-2012, 04:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wildbill

At least the badges aren't too big.

If only some other Chinese manufacturer saw it the way you do, lol.

Dennis

Bull · #16 12-04-2012, 07:12 AM

You had to pay for some Epics? :)

The Old Hyde · #17 12-04-2012, 02:13 PM

Sweet little kit and dont worry bob, the color hides those long tension rods! Thats probably the best deal going right now for sure.

OrangeAgent27 · #18 12-04-2012, 03:47 PM

As per Hot Rod, I am green with jealous rage right now.

larryz · #19 12-04-2012, 04:06 PM

Are cherry/gum shells sourced from the U.S.? Not sure why club date shells wouldn't be same as 1960s maple/poplar/maple? but .... cost, I know. Played a kit at GC last spring and was impressed but $899 cost was a bit much. At $400 they're a steal.

I think a man with big badges is trying make up for a deficiency in other areas...

No no no just kidding here. I am waiting for someone to design the world's tiniest badge. Only can be seen with help of a magnifying glass.

bermuda · #20 12-04-2012, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larryz

Are cherry/gum shells sourced from the U.S.? Not sure why club date shells wouldn't be same as 1960s maple/poplar/maple? but .... cost, I know.

That layup already exists as the Legacy line (made in USA) and is quite a bit more expensive!

Bermuda

bermuda · #21 12-04-2012, 06:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bull

You had to pay for some Epics? :)

Well, a few factors at work here, but mostly that this is a Guitar Center exclusive kit (by virtue of the wrap) and not likely Ludwig would make that same kit for me. But they were just so inexpensive, I think that GC made about $50 on the kit, and I really didn't want to exercise my endorsement for something like this.

Also, they're Elements, not Epics. :)

Bermuda

bigiainw · #22 12-05-2012, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by audiotech

If only some other Chinese manufacturer saw it the way you do, lol.

Dennis

I presume that the other "offending " posts have been removed from this thread. I do then wonder why this is still here.

audiotech · #23 12-05-2012, 01:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigiainw

I presume that the other "offending " posts have been removed from this thread. I do then wonder why this is still here.

You should never presume anything, because maybe it's not offending. It's just my opinion agreeing with the opinion of another poster. What was already edited did seem a bit lopsided and not in my favor, lol.

Dennis .

Anthony Amodeo · #24 12-05-2012, 01:53 AM

great pick up Jon

sweet finish

have you seen the Ludwig Legacy Tribute kits built out exactly like the vintage kits ......amazing

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_kYb...feature=g-user

bermuda · #25 12-05-2012, 04:03 AM

Love what he's done with those kits, I personally have a problem with the giant, un-foldable Gibraltar style rails Ludwig's been using, and am slightly reconfiguring mine to fold-down. Had thought about attaching an old rail consolette arm, but really don't want to waste a vintage one on this kit.

Bermuda

bobdadruma · #26 12-05-2012, 04:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bermuda

Love what he's done with those kits, I personally have a problem with the giant, un-foldable Gibraltar style rails Ludwig's been using, and am slightly reconfiguring mine to fold-down. Had thought about attaching an old rail consolette arm, but really don't want to waste a vintage one on this kit.

Bermuda

I got my Club Date tom holder to fold down simply be taking a cymbal wing nut and cutting the shank shorter with a hacksaw. It worked perfect.
I kept the original Ludwig wing nut so that I can reinstall it if I ever sell the kit.
I also cut a slot in the tom holder to accept the tooth of a memory lock. You can see the wing nut on the left and the memory lock on the rail in the pic.

I played my Club Date at band practice tonight. I hadn't played it with this band before. I have been playing my 6 piece ddrum kit with them.
It was an awesome session! They all loved the Ludinator. :)

bermuda · #27 12-05-2012, 04:52 AM

I also just came up with a solution. The T-nut is the culprit - not the bolt - so I sought to eliminate it. I went old school with a hex nut:

The old Ludwig nuts obviously don't fit the 8mm bolt, so I took an M8 nut and ground down the sides so that the old Ludfwig wrench (which I keep with me anyway) would work. Folds down nicely, and the ball/arm housing hits the head's aluminum rim, so there's no contact with the wrap or wooden hoop:

The tom post sticks a bit beyond the hoop, but at least the whole thing will fit in a bag!

But I do like the low profile wing nut idea, will look for one of those!

Bermuda

bobdadruma · #28 12-05-2012, 05:07 AM

Well OK, I guess that the hex nut will work for the tom mount solution that you have derived. :)
Do you have an antique tom holder socket wrench to adjust the hex nut that you have installed on the tom mount?
I used to have to make sure that mine was always neatly stowed away in my gig bag when I had my true 60's kit.

You just be carful and don't bend any of those long tension rods. :)

Oh yea, I almost forgot, since you have gone the, "Old School" route;
lose that ugly suspension mount!!!
Drill that tom for the shell mount and do the vintage vibe correctly :) :) :) (triple smile on that one)

bermuda · #29 12-05-2012, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bobdadruma

Well OK, I guess that the hex nut will work for the tom mount solution that you have derived. :)
Do you have an antique tom holder socket wrench to adjust the hex nut that you have installed on the tom mount?

Always keep one in my bag, I occasionally take out a vintage kit.

Quote:

Oh yea, I almost forgot, since you have gone the, "Old School" route;
lose that ugly suspension mount!!!
Drill that tom for the shell mount and do the vintage vibe correctly :) :) :) (triple smile on that one)

Yeah, it's pretty cheesy even by RIMS-type standards. Will have to determine if I should mount it under the lugs in the middle, depends on what height I need. But I'd already thought about doing the shell mount.

Something else cool that I noticed immediately, the toms use the old lightweight rims!

Bermuda

bobdadruma · #30 12-05-2012, 12:41 PM

Yea the thin hoops do make a difference in the sound.

I opted to replace the stock 1.6mm hoops with 2.3mm stick saver style to add a slightly warmer tone to the drums.

I didn't want to go with cast hoops though.
I was after something that was in between thin and thick.

Anthony Amodeo · #31 12-05-2012, 11:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bermuda

Love what he's done with those kits, I personally have a problem with the giant, un-foldable Gibraltar style rails Ludwig's been using, and am slightly reconfiguring mine to fold-down. Had thought about attaching an old rail consolette arm, but really don't want to waste a vintage one on this kit.

Bermuda

Steve Maxwell makes an exact reproduction of the vintage rail consolette that you may be interested in

it is built to work with Gretsch, Slingerland, and Ludwig

awesome piece

http://www.maxwelldrums.com/rail-con...te-p-3745.html

iamjohn · #32 12-06-2012, 12:25 AM

Can't wait to read the review.

bermuda · #33 12-06-2012, 07:27 AM

Rehearsed with them tonight... and LOVED them! They have a very '60s vibe, despite being nothing like a '60s shell. Seriously, eyes closed, I would think this was a vintage kit! Tom heads are Strata1000 batters over G1 clear, kick is clear EMAD with a Ludwig 1-ply reso, felt strip, no hole.

Just a lovely, lovely kit. Will test them further on a gig Saturday and give a more complete report.

Bermuda

KnuckleBuster · #34 12-07-2012, 05:29 PM

Bermuda,
Thanks so much for posting this..... I am now about $940 poorer! Just ordered this from Musicians Friend with the matching snare 6.5x14 in the same sizes 14x22, 9x13, 16x16 . Jeez I'm stoked....love the look of this kit. Didn't get the smokin' deal you did but I did get $150 off the whole order from GC's still running black friday deal. Whoopee!

larryz · #35 12-07-2012, 06:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnuckleBuster

Bermuda,
Thanks so much for posting this..... I am now about $940 poorer! Just ordered this from Musicians Friend with the matching snare 6.5x14 in the same sizes 14x22, 9x13, 16x16 . Jeez I'm stoked....love the look of this kit. Didn't get the smokin' deal you did but I did get $150 off the whole order from GC's still running black friday deal. Whoopee!

Nice nice. I drooled over this kit at GC when it came out in May. It was gorgeous adn sounded amazing. Do the whole unboxing, unwrapping photo montage when it comes in, will ya? Thanks.

KnuckleBuster · #36 12-07-2012, 06:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larryz

Nice nice. I drooled over this kit at GC when it came out in May. It was gorgeous adn sounded amazing. Do the whole unboxing, unwrapping photo montage when it comes in, will ya? Thanks.

Will do...pic's or it didn't happen right?

bermuda · #37 12-07-2012, 06:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KnuckleBuster

Bermuda,
Thanks so much for posting this..... I am now about $940 poorer! Just ordered this from Musicians Friend with the matching snare 6.5x14 in the same sizes 14x22, 9x13, 16x16 . Jeez I'm stoked....love the look of this kit. Didn't get the smokin' deal you did but I did get $150 off the whole order from GC's still running black friday deal. Whoopee!

Cool, you'll be thrilled with them! I'm gigging with them tomorrow and will post a review of how they fare on the job.

Bermuda

KnuckleBuster · #38 12-07-2012, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bermuda

Cool, you'll be thrilled with them! I'm gigging with them tomorrow and will post a review of how they fare on the job.

Bermuda

Thanks Bermuda! I would value your review of the kit. BTW the Strata1000 batters, how do you like those? I looked them up..10mil single ply coated resembling a calf skin head. hmmm, might have to try that.

bermuda · #39 12-07-2012, 08:37 PM

There's a thread or 2 about the Stratas, I love them for a present, round, jazzy/vintagy vibe. Yet they come across quite punchy on the Club Dates. Definitely a well kept secret.

KnuckleBuster · #40 12-07-2012, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bermuda

There's a thread or 2 about the Stratas, I love them for a present, round, jazzy/vintagy vibe. Yet they come across quite punchy on the Club Dates. Definitely a well kept secret.

I'll have to search the threads on them. I've been using Aquarian Response 2 coated and coated Super 2's on my Gretsch kit as batters. I'll may try the Strata's on the Ludwig and will definately keep that on the down low!