I bought a Ludwig Hollywood kit in 1968, in Oyster Black Pearl. In 1972 I decided to add a tom and a second bass drum. I was shocked when the new drums arrived and I found that the finish had been "enhanced". The black on the bass hoops was blacker and the pearl had more intense color. They were similar, but not right. I kept them anyway, but was never happy with the mismatch. Your picture of the rainbow and the time frame you mentioned really sounds like the same thing I experienced back in '71.

Thank you for sharing that with me and it does sound like the same thing I am experiencing at this momemt. I guess I was naive to believe that the psychedelic 1968 hoop inlay would match my 1971 psychedelic hoop inlay. I learned a valueable lesson through this experience.

Keep in mind that your original hoop condition is not up to what the newer one is. There could be fading going on - especially if that new hoop sat as NOS in a bag for 30 years.

To DannyO's point, I'm not sure how consistent wrap production is over time either, especially in that period. They may have changed suppliers or manufacturing method also...is it possible they laquered over the hoops on the later ones???

True, but my 1971 hoop is consistent with the psychedelic red on the drums that is why its hard to accept that the bass drum hoop inlay would have had such a brighter blue as shown on 1968 hoop inlay. That is possible as well changed suppliers or manufacturing methods. I thought about that when I was comparing the two hoops that maybe they laquered over the earlier 1968hoop. Thank you for your comments. Regards.