ludwig 3-ply

[numrologst]

I'm gonna buy a 3-ply kit here soon.

I need some advice on what to look out for when buying/evaluating these kits. I have heard bad stories of mis-matched kits, bad modifications etc.

I would like as much info as possible, so I pick the right kit... and not have them be a bad decision.

I searched on the web to try to find info, but I couldn't really find a definitive source for information.

Thanks Guys

[biggator6]

I post this a lot, but I got a TON of good helpful information here:

DrumForum.org • Index page

PLENTY of 3-ply players, collectors, restorers, etc over there... trust me, they're happy to help.

[chetatkinsdiet]

I just tend to look for originality in the shells with no modifications and no extra holes. That's the best case scenario. I don't care if we're talking Ludwig, Slingerland, Rogers or what....I never worry too much about a factory matching kit. The insides painted white, clear laquer, etc....who cares. If the drums are in good shape, that's all that matters.

m

[Hamburg58]

I own 4...Whatcha lookin for? 60's 3 ply? Early 70's 3 ply? Downbeat kit? Super Classic Kit?

[wellers73]

There are a few variations on the 3 ply shells, depending on the year:

late 50's era - clear mahogany interior - these are very rich, but dark sounding due to the mahogany inner plys.

60 or 61 through early 68 - these have a white painted interior and are the most common to find. They sound good - Ringo's drums had these shells.

From mid 68 until about 72 or 73 - clear maple lacquered interior - these are the best sounding Ludwigs in the opinion of many collectors/players. They are currently harder to find and very sought after. The sound is clear, powerful and resposive.

From 73 or 74 until 76 (when Ludwig switched to 6 ply shells) - these have a dark grey interior finish called granitone. They still sound good, but not quite as nice as the clear interior drums

You may find some overlap in years, so don't strictly buy based on year. Be sure to check the interior finish. My kit is a 69, and it has clear interior toms and a white interior bass drum. Also, sometimes people strip the white paint finish off...and worse yet, I've seen many where someone painted the inside black!

Here's a good website for info:

Ludwig Drummer - Ludwig Drum Collectors' Site for Both Vintage and Modern Drummers

You can buy reproductions of old Ludwig catalogs from this site. These can help familarize yourself with the original hardware, so that you can tell whether the drums you're looking at are original or not. Of course, if you want them for a studio or for gigging, it doesn't matter if they are completely original or not.

I would recommend that you look for drums with good edges, either original or recut with respect to the original Ludwig style. I've seen Ludwig drums with the edges cut to be sharper like Gretsch. They sounded awful to me.

Good luck!

[ThetaAlpha970]

Speaking of Ludwig 3-ply, I've been wanting some informed opinions on the makeup and quality of these shells I'm buying...just follow the links.

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x...d/000_0011.jpg

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x...d/000_0009.jpg

Thanks

[ThetaAlpha970]

bump...Seriously, if I could get some feedback on these, I would really appreciate it.

[chetatkinsdiet]

Nice. Ludwig standards are cool. The same shells as the regular models, just cheaper hardware. If I remember correctly, the lugs can be swapped out with regular Ludwig lugs if you care to do that. Really, I'd just play them as is. I wish Luddy would have used these groovy Std finishes on their regular line as they're totally cool. Reminds me of the Red Onyx from Rogers.

Depending on price, you have a set of keepers.

m

[Axiz7]

Lovin my 3-plys! thumbsup

Just the most fun especially in smaller setting unmiced...or miced.

...No more fighting for tone, or playing over the rest of the band.