anyone with a Ludwig Standard Kit (60's, 70's) ?

[AdamJay]

i managed to score a late 60's Ludwig Standard on eBay last week.
it arrives tomorrow. I won it for about $365 shipped.



Has anyone had any experience with these? I'd like to get some information on the wood the shells are made of, and what to expect. I don't usually buy stuff i'm not familiar with without doing lots of research on it, but i've been busy, the price seemed right (remo heads are brand new) and i managed to snipe the auction at the very last second.

any opinions or just general information is appreciated.
thanks.

[Wing Commander]

I have a Ludwig Standard kit as well but with 2 mounted toms. The standard kit used 3 ply maple shells so were the same spec as similar Gretch and Ludwig kits of the same period hence why they sound so good. Hope this helps!

[AdamJay]

Thanks Wing !
In the little research i did online last night, i discovered that these had the same shells as the Classic series at the time but with cheaper lugs. fair enough!

well, my Ludwig Standard arrived today. Both toms still have the internal mufflers, which is handy. The tom shells sound fantastic with coated Remo Ambassadors for batters and clear Ambassadors for resonant heads. the Remo CS heads on both sides of the bass drum had to go though. Its 20"x14" and one can only get so much thump from a bass drum of that size, but the CS heads just weren't doing the job. I put Remo Powerstroke 3's on both sides of the kick, and switched to a DW 'Hardcore' beater for the bass pedal and the kit sounds fantastic now.

I'm quite pleased with the snare as well as its now the only maple snare i have. Great tone, and it has the mid 60's ludwig keystone badge (w/ serial #). I've dated the kit to 1968.

Now, if i can just find an old thin L-Arm to mount a 20" ride to the bass drum.

[chetatkinsdiet]

Great drums and very groovy colors. I love the Stds.
Try this guy for the L arm. He's got tons of vintage parts that he makes. I've bought plenty of Rogers stuff from him as well as things like Luddy drum spurs. It's all top notch stuff.

All you drum guys, bookmark his site: Tell him I sent you...so I'll get a discount next time

http://jp2creations.com/

later,
m

[AdamJay]

Originally Posted by AdamJay

i discovered that these had the same shells as the Classic series at the time but with cheaper lugs.

also, forgot to add....
cheaper t-rods and hardware packages than the Classic series back then.

thanks for the Tip on the L-Arm, Chet !


it looks like a couple more Std's just popped up on eBay.
that Gold Astro wrap looks nice!

[chetatkinsdiet]

I seem to recall that the holes in the drums will fit another lug without modification. Maybe it's even the regular Ludwig lugs. If you really ever got bored and wanted to do that. Really though, there's nothing wrong with those on there. I love the mid and student vintage kits.
My favorite little kits are the Rogers Tower, single lug kits.

m

[Alexi]

u.s. slutz are so lucky, they get to buy all those nice old ludwig and slingerland kits................i am still hunting for a nice old slingerland kit but over here in germany it's impossible to find one for not too much $$$........enjoy your new drumset.


cheers

[AdamJay]

Originally Posted by chetatkinsdiet

I seem to recall that the holes in the drums will fit another lug without modification. Maybe it's even the regular Ludwig lugs. If you really ever got bored and wanted to do that.

you are correct!

i just read in a .pdf on classicdrummer.com....

"These Ludwig Standards would
only be available for six years, as they were discontinued by March
1, 1974. Near the end of the Standard’s production, Ludwig had
more shells finished in Standard finishes than they had lugs for, so
the balance of the shells were assembled using large classic lugs,
since the hole spacing was the same."