Other notable drummers that played Ludwig drums were Mitch Mitchell - Jimi Hendrix, John Bonham (Led Zeppelin), Nick Mason (Pink Floyd), Ginger Baker (Cream), Clive Bunker (Jethro Tull), Dino Danelli (Young Rascals), Alex Van Halen (Van Halen), Tre Cool (Green Day), Hal Blaine (1960s Studio Legend), Joe Morello (Dave Brubeck),and Buddy Rich just to name a few.

Ludwig itself of course can also take credit for building drums in good Ol' Chicago that sounded really great. Depending on condition, head selection, and tuning Ludwig vintage drums can sound easily as good as any modern high end drum. I can personally attest to that as I've used a 60s Ludwig set many times in the past and it sounds incredible live and in the studio.

Some drummers contend that Vintage Ludwig drums from this era even sound better due to aged mahogany, being the dominant wood type found in many of the 60s and older sets. This is not to be confused with "Phillipine" mahogany currently offered on cheap drum sets.

1964 Ludwig Oyster Black "Ringo" Set

When considering vintage Ludwig drums, it's a good idea to know what these drums are all about. To my knowledge the late 60s and older shells had a Mahogany and possibly poplar wood combination to form the plys. My particular vintage set is three ply and fairly lightweight using the bass drum as a weight gauge.

Reinforcing hoops placed on the inside top and bottom edges help the drum shell stay round over time. Drum heads also fit very nice and loose on all the vintage Ludwig drums I've come across over the years. This can really make tuning easier assuming the bearing edges are even and the drum is in excellent shape.

Most Ludwig classic series vintage drum finishes were plastic wraps. Besides the standard sparkles, and the classic white and black marine pearls, the more unique designs like Ringo's "oyster black pearl" were offered. Natural wood maple finish was also offered and was one of Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham's choices.

Ludwig Downbeat Set - Jazz Sizes - 1960s

The most common sizes measured by depth and diameter are: 5x14 snare drum, 14x22 bass drum, 9x13 mounted tom, 16x16 floor tom. The jazz sizes 14x20, 8x12, and 14x14 are much less common. There was even an 18" bass drum which are really rare. Four piece drum sets were also a lot more common than the current industry standard five piece. Ludwig did however make sets with three toms, usually an 8x12 with a double tom mount. 6.5" x 14" snares were also available.

My only complaint with these vintage Ludwig drums is the single tom mount was not strong enough. The double mount was probably better, but most kits had the single mount. The floor tom legs and bass drum spurs were fine. If you purchase a vintage Ludwig kit, I suggest Safely storing the tom mount and using a tall snare stand or drum rack.

Store the original mount safely and whatever you do - do not drill or modify the shell in any way. That really destroys the value of any vintage Ludwig drums - or vintage drums in general for that matter.

If you are not interested in a complete set, Ludwig snare drums are a safe bet. They have a stellar reputation for versatility and great sound.

The Supraphonic 400 "seamless spun shell" is arguably the most recorded snare ever! Truly an industry standard. The famous "Black Beauty" is a brass shell version of the Supraphonic with a black chrome finish. Some of the earlier era Supra shells were also brass with the standard chrome finish.

Many drumming legends have used it including Ringo, John Bonham, Steve Gadd, Joe Morello, Philly Jo Jones, Mitch Mitchell, Buddy Rich and countless others.

Popular concensus is that the famous "Acrolite" snare drum has the identical Supraphonic 400 "seamless aluminum shell" but without the chrome finish. Eight "bowtie" lugs are used as opposed to the ten "imperial" lugs on the Supra. The Supra was offered in two sizes: 5x14 and 6.5x14. The Acrolites were 5x14. One thing certain is that both drums are world class, and probably the last metal snare drum you'll ever need!

Acrolite - 1960s

A nice benefit of the Acrolite is the finish does not get pitted or flake off like most vintage Supraphonic snare drums. They are also inexpensive on the used market and eBay considering the superb sound and quality that you get. Not to mention the "cool vintage" factor and classic good looks.

Another nice added bonus in my opinion is the P-83 snare throw-off or strainer, which is fine quality and very low profile. It gets the job done well and is very compact, unlike some of the new heavy and very bulky throw-offs.

The most prized vintage Ludwig snare is the "Black Beauty", especially the engraved versions. These brass shell snares have been made since the 1920s, although not continuously. In the modern era "reissue" production was begun in the 70s and can be identified by a large rectangular blue and olive badge around the air hole, as seen below.

By studying eBay auction descriptions and photos for a few weeks you can get a pretty quick education. Be careful not to believe everything you read because not all drummers are vintage Ludwig experts. Check out "The Ludwig Book" by Rob Cook for a really good reference.

As a final note, before buying any vintage era Ludwig drums always do your research. If purchasing on the internet absolutely talk with the seller on the phone and ask many questions regarding details on condition, modifications, year made, serial numbers, fading finish problems, bearing edges, etc. Get very clear on what you are buying. Lastly, ask about return/refund policies.