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Thread: Another piece to the puzzle!

  1. #1

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    Default Another piece to the puzzle!

    In my quest to assemble a vintage Ludwig 70s kit, prompted by the phenomenal restoration my buddy did on the floor tom I started with, the kick drum has proven to be the hardest one to find, even more so since several of my drummer friends convinced me that a 3 ply is the only way to go, and I should get one with the original white cortex wrap, since the wrap they used then is not available now.
    Well, I'm stoked that I have found the holy grail. A 22x14 3 ply white cortex kick! It will be a bit of a restoration project, with missing hardware and bearing edges that should be re-cut. I have started to source the parts I need, and my friend will cut the edges for me.
    The kit will consist of this kick, plus the 20x18 floor and 14x10 rack which, while from the same era and is white cortex, is 6 ply rather than 3, so down the road I might look to replace that as well. To those I will likely add a 70's supra. I hope to have the kit ready for a gig I have in April.
    kick side mnt.jpg
    kick side1.jpg

    Acoustic Kits:
    Ludwig Maple 3ply White Cortex 4 pc
    Rukus Mod Orange Club 4 pc
    DW Design 6 pc
    Tama Silverstar Limited Edition Mirage 5 pc
    Tama Superstar 5 pc
    Tama Rockstar 4 pc
    Gretsch Catalina Ash 4 pc

    Slingerland 7 pc

    Electronic Kits:
    Yamaha DTX532k
    Roland TD-27, Roland PD-85 (x4), PD-125, KD9, CY-8 (x2) VH-10, Lemon 15 and 18 cymbals
    Roland SPD-SX Sample Pad

    Snares:
    Tama SLP Black Brass
    Tama SLP G Maple
    Rukus Santos/Bubinga/Poplar/Wenge
    Rukus Avodire/Maple/Mahogany
    1972 Ludwig Supraphonic


    Hardware:
    Tama, DW, Yamaha and Sonor

    Cymbals:
    Zildjian A Series, A Custom and K Custom

    Microphones:
    Miktek, Audix and Shure

  2. #2

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    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    The wrap looks to be a great shape.

    Have fun. Look forward to the finished product and maybe a vid of your gig? hmmmmmm?
    Signature here

  3. #3

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    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    The wrap is in good shape as are the hoops, which is great because they can be expensive. If I get a good quality video from the gig I will post it. I'll definitely post pics of the finished restoration.

    Acoustic Kits:
    Ludwig Maple 3ply White Cortex 4 pc
    Rukus Mod Orange Club 4 pc
    DW Design 6 pc
    Tama Silverstar Limited Edition Mirage 5 pc
    Tama Superstar 5 pc
    Tama Rockstar 4 pc
    Gretsch Catalina Ash 4 pc

    Slingerland 7 pc

    Electronic Kits:
    Yamaha DTX532k
    Roland TD-27, Roland PD-85 (x4), PD-125, KD9, CY-8 (x2) VH-10, Lemon 15 and 18 cymbals
    Roland SPD-SX Sample Pad

    Snares:
    Tama SLP Black Brass
    Tama SLP G Maple
    Rukus Santos/Bubinga/Poplar/Wenge
    Rukus Avodire/Maple/Mahogany
    1972 Ludwig Supraphonic


    Hardware:
    Tama, DW, Yamaha and Sonor

    Cymbals:
    Zildjian A Series, A Custom and K Custom

    Microphones:
    Miktek, Audix and Shure

  4. #4

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    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    Nice -- I used to have two of those 3-ply 14X22 bass drums........mine were walnut gloss from 1973.
    Does your shell still have the curved spurs ?
    Gretsch USA & Zildjian
    (What Else Would I Ever Need ?)


  5. #5

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    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    I bought my Ludwigs from Sam Ash in New York somewhere around '71. 24,13,14,16,18. I like Ludwigs but hate their tom mount. I found (at Sam Ash) a untouched BD and put a Slingerland Set-O-Matic on it and it has held a 14x10 tom for 50 years. What amazed me was the fact that with all the videos I've put up nobody has noticed that.

    Anyway, that looks like a fun project. What I don't like is the idea of a 18x20 FT with a 14x10 up tom. I would have thought that a 16x16 would have been the FT with a set like that. Tuning a 18x20 FT is easy but trying to get it to fit with a 14x10 tom might be a pain in the a$$.
    YOU MESS WITH THE DEVIL YOU KNOW.

    YOU DON'T MESS WITH THE DEVIL YOU DON'T KNOW.

    VAE VICTIS

    ONCE YOU HIT A CERTAIN AGE, YOU BECOME PERMANENTLY UNIMPRESSED BY A LOT OF CRAP.

    I HIT THAT AGE 20 YEARS AGO.

    IF DOGS CAN'T GO TO HEAVEN, I WANT TO GO WHERE THEY GO

    WILL ROGERS

  6. #6

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    Quote Originally Posted by rickthedrummer View Post
    I bought my Ludwigs from Sam Ash in New York somewhere around '71. 24,13,14,16,18. I like Ludwigs but hate their tom mount. I found (at Sam Ash) a untouched BD and put a Slingerland Set-O-Matic on it and it has held a 14x10 tom for 50 years. What amazed me was the fact that with all the videos I've put up nobody has noticed that.

    Anyway, that looks like a fun project. What I don't like is the idea of a 18x20 FT with a 14x10 up tom. I would have thought that a 16x16 would have been the FT with a set like that. Tuning a 18x20 FT is easy but trying to get it to fit with a 14x10 tom might be a pain in the a$$.
    A 16x16 would be the logical choice, but I've had the 20x18 for 40 years. I had it restored with the thought of selling it, but it came out so well, I decided to keep it and build a set around it. The 14x10 is a 6ply, so I might swap it out for a 3ply tom, either a 14 or maybe even a 15.

    Acoustic Kits:
    Ludwig Maple 3ply White Cortex 4 pc
    Rukus Mod Orange Club 4 pc
    DW Design 6 pc
    Tama Silverstar Limited Edition Mirage 5 pc
    Tama Superstar 5 pc
    Tama Rockstar 4 pc
    Gretsch Catalina Ash 4 pc

    Slingerland 7 pc

    Electronic Kits:
    Yamaha DTX532k
    Roland TD-27, Roland PD-85 (x4), PD-125, KD9, CY-8 (x2) VH-10, Lemon 15 and 18 cymbals
    Roland SPD-SX Sample Pad

    Snares:
    Tama SLP Black Brass
    Tama SLP G Maple
    Rukus Santos/Bubinga/Poplar/Wenge
    Rukus Avodire/Maple/Mahogany
    1972 Ludwig Supraphonic


    Hardware:
    Tama, DW, Yamaha and Sonor

    Cymbals:
    Zildjian A Series, A Custom and K Custom

    Microphones:
    Miktek, Audix and Shure

  7. #7

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    Quote Originally Posted by Ricardo View Post
    Nice -- I used to have two of those 3-ply 14X22 bass drums........mine were walnut gloss from 1973.
    Does your shell still have the curved spurs ?
    Yes, but it has the thinner 3/8 inch spurs.

    Acoustic Kits:
    Ludwig Maple 3ply White Cortex 4 pc
    Rukus Mod Orange Club 4 pc
    DW Design 6 pc
    Tama Silverstar Limited Edition Mirage 5 pc
    Tama Superstar 5 pc
    Tama Rockstar 4 pc
    Gretsch Catalina Ash 4 pc

    Slingerland 7 pc

    Electronic Kits:
    Yamaha DTX532k
    Roland TD-27, Roland PD-85 (x4), PD-125, KD9, CY-8 (x2) VH-10, Lemon 15 and 18 cymbals
    Roland SPD-SX Sample Pad

    Snares:
    Tama SLP Black Brass
    Tama SLP G Maple
    Rukus Santos/Bubinga/Poplar/Wenge
    Rukus Avodire/Maple/Mahogany
    1972 Ludwig Supraphonic


    Hardware:
    Tama, DW, Yamaha and Sonor

    Cymbals:
    Zildjian A Series, A Custom and K Custom

    Microphones:
    Miktek, Audix and Shure

  8. #8

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    I have a 15x12 tom mounted over my FT. It works well with a 14x10 (also over the FT's), but I don't think a 15x12 tom would work as a up tom. The only 15" toms I have seen are 15x12 or deeper so it seems as a up tom that would put it high over the snare.
    YOU MESS WITH THE DEVIL YOU KNOW.

    YOU DON'T MESS WITH THE DEVIL YOU DON'T KNOW.

    VAE VICTIS

    ONCE YOU HIT A CERTAIN AGE, YOU BECOME PERMANENTLY UNIMPRESSED BY A LOT OF CRAP.

    I HIT THAT AGE 20 YEARS AGO.

    IF DOGS CAN'T GO TO HEAVEN, I WANT TO GO WHERE THEY GO

    WILL ROGERS

  9. #9

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    When you say recut the edges, how much are you going to take off? I could see just a shave, maybe, but I don't think I'd want to do more than that. You could end up with a 20x13 bass drum. Plus I'm thinking the original edge is a round over edge. If you end up with a sharp edge it may change the sound.

    Have you checked edges for inconsistencies on a flat counter top with a light? If they're good, you might just want to leave them alone.
    Last edited by slinky; 02-24-2022 at 12:46 PM.
    RDM/Damage Poets
    UFiP TAMAHA Zildjian
    REGAL TiP
    AQUARIAN

  10. #10

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    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    Quote Originally Posted by slinky View Post
    When you say recut the edges, how much are you going to take off? I could see just a shave, maybe, but I don't think I'd want to do more than that. You could end up with a 20x13 bass drum. Plus I'm thinking the original edge is a round over edge. If you end up with a sharp edge it may change the sound.

    Have you checked edges for inconsistencies on a flat counter top with a light? If they're good, you might just want to leave them alone.
    I'm having my friend, a drum builder just take enough off to get them even and tuning well. He knows what he's doing, so I leave it to him.

    Acoustic Kits:
    Ludwig Maple 3ply White Cortex 4 pc
    Rukus Mod Orange Club 4 pc
    DW Design 6 pc
    Tama Silverstar Limited Edition Mirage 5 pc
    Tama Superstar 5 pc
    Tama Rockstar 4 pc
    Gretsch Catalina Ash 4 pc

    Slingerland 7 pc

    Electronic Kits:
    Yamaha DTX532k
    Roland TD-27, Roland PD-85 (x4), PD-125, KD9, CY-8 (x2) VH-10, Lemon 15 and 18 cymbals
    Roland SPD-SX Sample Pad

    Snares:
    Tama SLP Black Brass
    Tama SLP G Maple
    Rukus Santos/Bubinga/Poplar/Wenge
    Rukus Avodire/Maple/Mahogany
    1972 Ludwig Supraphonic


    Hardware:
    Tama, DW, Yamaha and Sonor

    Cymbals:
    Zildjian A Series, A Custom and K Custom

    Microphones:
    Miktek, Audix and Shure

  11. #11

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    So, the restoration process is ongoing, and I have gotten just about all the hardware I need to complete the job. As usually happens with these kinds of projects, the expenses exceed expectations. I knew that I needed about 12 tension rods and claws, the spurs and mounting brackets and the rack tom holder. But I found that one of the claws include was not the correct one, and a couple of tension rods were not T rods, so I ended up getting 14 rods and claws. I was able to get a period-correct tom holder in really good shape for a good price, but I realized on closer inspection that the tom mount was missing the bolt and shaft lock. I was able to purchase just that piece, but when I got it and tried to put it on the tom mount, I found that the threads on the mount seem to be stripped. So I just went and purchased a brand new tom mount which has the exact same hole pattern and has a wing handle bolt rather than a hex bolt, so that's an upgrade.
    I got an EQ3 batter head for the kick and a G2 coated and G1 clear for the rack tom.
    I cleaned and polished all the hardware and now I'm just waiting for a window of availability for my buddy to cut the edges on both the rack and kick and I'll just have to reassemble everything and the kit will be ready to gig!
    I will eventually add a snare, preferably a mid 70's Supra to complete the kit. For now I'll use one of my other snares, my Tama Black Brass would be a good fit. I almost caved and bought a '76 Acrolite in great shape for a good price, but I resisted.

    Acoustic Kits:
    Ludwig Maple 3ply White Cortex 4 pc
    Rukus Mod Orange Club 4 pc
    DW Design 6 pc
    Tama Silverstar Limited Edition Mirage 5 pc
    Tama Superstar 5 pc
    Tama Rockstar 4 pc
    Gretsch Catalina Ash 4 pc

    Slingerland 7 pc

    Electronic Kits:
    Yamaha DTX532k
    Roland TD-27, Roland PD-85 (x4), PD-125, KD9, CY-8 (x2) VH-10, Lemon 15 and 18 cymbals
    Roland SPD-SX Sample Pad

    Snares:
    Tama SLP Black Brass
    Tama SLP G Maple
    Rukus Santos/Bubinga/Poplar/Wenge
    Rukus Avodire/Maple/Mahogany
    1972 Ludwig Supraphonic


    Hardware:
    Tama, DW, Yamaha and Sonor

    Cymbals:
    Zildjian A Series, A Custom and K Custom

    Microphones:
    Miktek, Audix and Shure

  12. #12

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    Got the rack and kick back from my buddy who cut the edges for me. Reassembled them, put new heads on and here she is! Still dialing in the tuning but what a sexy beast!
    Kit Restored2.jpg
    Kit Restored4.jpg

    Acoustic Kits:
    Ludwig Maple 3ply White Cortex 4 pc
    Rukus Mod Orange Club 4 pc
    DW Design 6 pc
    Tama Silverstar Limited Edition Mirage 5 pc
    Tama Superstar 5 pc
    Tama Rockstar 4 pc
    Gretsch Catalina Ash 4 pc

    Slingerland 7 pc

    Electronic Kits:
    Yamaha DTX532k
    Roland TD-27, Roland PD-85 (x4), PD-125, KD9, CY-8 (x2) VH-10, Lemon 15 and 18 cymbals
    Roland SPD-SX Sample Pad

    Snares:
    Tama SLP Black Brass
    Tama SLP G Maple
    Rukus Santos/Bubinga/Poplar/Wenge
    Rukus Avodire/Maple/Mahogany
    1972 Ludwig Supraphonic


    Hardware:
    Tama, DW, Yamaha and Sonor

    Cymbals:
    Zildjian A Series, A Custom and K Custom

    Microphones:
    Miktek, Audix and Shure

  13. #13

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    They look great.If you want to make them look more 70ish throw away the bottom heads and put hydraulics on top.They won't sound any good, ,but.....
    Rick


    Mapex Sabian Ludwig Saluda Assorted Snare Drums

  14. #14

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    I used to use hydraulics back in the early 80's, and I had one on that floor tom which I added to my Slingerland kit that I gigged with back then. I did take the bottom head off the ludwig then and all the slingerland toms were concert toms. I look back on that now and I wonder what I was thinking...

    Acoustic Kits:
    Ludwig Maple 3ply White Cortex 4 pc
    Rukus Mod Orange Club 4 pc
    DW Design 6 pc
    Tama Silverstar Limited Edition Mirage 5 pc
    Tama Superstar 5 pc
    Tama Rockstar 4 pc
    Gretsch Catalina Ash 4 pc

    Slingerland 7 pc

    Electronic Kits:
    Yamaha DTX532k
    Roland TD-27, Roland PD-85 (x4), PD-125, KD9, CY-8 (x2) VH-10, Lemon 15 and 18 cymbals
    Roland SPD-SX Sample Pad

    Snares:
    Tama SLP Black Brass
    Tama SLP G Maple
    Rukus Santos/Bubinga/Poplar/Wenge
    Rukus Avodire/Maple/Mahogany
    1972 Ludwig Supraphonic


    Hardware:
    Tama, DW, Yamaha and Sonor

    Cymbals:
    Zildjian A Series, A Custom and K Custom

    Microphones:
    Miktek, Audix and Shure

  15. #15

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    Wow, she’s nice. Maybe if you ever run across a 16” FT, you could cut it down and use it for a 2nd tom or just keep it as a second FT. Maybe off to your left. Or maybe not.
    All the best in finding a Supra!
    Last edited by Olimpass; 03-15-2022 at 04:52 AM.

  16. #16

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    If you caved and got an Acro, it would not have been so bad. A Supra is basically just a chrome plated Acro (minus 2 lugs unless it’s a 6,5x14”). You could even paint the Acro white.
    Last edited by Olimpass; 03-15-2022 at 05:04 AM.

  17. #17

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    Really nice, the front head looks good.
    RDM/Damage Poets
    UFiP TAMAHA Zildjian
    REGAL TiP
    AQUARIAN

  18. #18

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    Got a Supra! Found a '72 on *bay. It's in rough shape now, but all parts are there except the wires, which I have replacements for already. Looks like the throw might have been replaced at some point because it looks cleaner than the rest of the drum. Got new heads and ordered the bag. Should clean up well but some flaking will remain. But after 50 years, who among us isn't at least a little flakey? My friend will do the restoration and then she will take her rightful place with That 70's Kit!
    Supra before1.jpg
    Supra before2.jpg
    Supra before3.jpg

    Acoustic Kits:
    Ludwig Maple 3ply White Cortex 4 pc
    Rukus Mod Orange Club 4 pc
    DW Design 6 pc
    Tama Silverstar Limited Edition Mirage 5 pc
    Tama Superstar 5 pc
    Tama Rockstar 4 pc
    Gretsch Catalina Ash 4 pc

    Slingerland 7 pc

    Electronic Kits:
    Yamaha DTX532k
    Roland TD-27, Roland PD-85 (x4), PD-125, KD9, CY-8 (x2) VH-10, Lemon 15 and 18 cymbals
    Roland SPD-SX Sample Pad

    Snares:
    Tama SLP Black Brass
    Tama SLP G Maple
    Rukus Santos/Bubinga/Poplar/Wenge
    Rukus Avodire/Maple/Mahogany
    1972 Ludwig Supraphonic


    Hardware:
    Tama, DW, Yamaha and Sonor

    Cymbals:
    Zildjian A Series, A Custom and K Custom

    Microphones:
    Miktek, Audix and Shure

  19. #19

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    Nice! She will look great with the kit. Congrats

  20. #20

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    Played my first gig with this kit. My friend did a restoration of the Supra while I waited the night before so I'd have it. Kit sounded huge and was so fun to play.
    Luddy@Nappers1.jpg
    Luddy@Nappers3.jpg

    Acoustic Kits:
    Ludwig Maple 3ply White Cortex 4 pc
    Rukus Mod Orange Club 4 pc
    DW Design 6 pc
    Tama Silverstar Limited Edition Mirage 5 pc
    Tama Superstar 5 pc
    Tama Rockstar 4 pc
    Gretsch Catalina Ash 4 pc

    Slingerland 7 pc

    Electronic Kits:
    Yamaha DTX532k
    Roland TD-27, Roland PD-85 (x4), PD-125, KD9, CY-8 (x2) VH-10, Lemon 15 and 18 cymbals
    Roland SPD-SX Sample Pad

    Snares:
    Tama SLP Black Brass
    Tama SLP G Maple
    Rukus Santos/Bubinga/Poplar/Wenge
    Rukus Avodire/Maple/Mahogany
    1972 Ludwig Supraphonic


    Hardware:
    Tama, DW, Yamaha and Sonor

    Cymbals:
    Zildjian A Series, A Custom and K Custom

    Microphones:
    Miktek, Audix and Shure

  21. #21

    User Info Menu

    Default Re: Another piece to the puzzle!

    Looking super! Nicely done!
    Signature here

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