Isn't that serial number normal for mid-'70s? Am I missing something?
A lot of stores back then took in virgin drums and installed hardware themselves, and occasionally used mixed brand stuff when the customer wanted it. It's normal to see Slingerland hardware on Gretsch drums, Rogers hardware on Camco drums, etc. This also seems to be more common with bop kits.
It's also common to see no serial numbers on custom-order kits. I had a WMP like that, and have seen others.
O-Lugs,
You might be wrong with this one... these drums are all original.
Infact the 14x18 bass drum is date stamped in black ink Oct 1, 1970 with with no serial number on the pointy B/O badge. Let me know I will be glad to take more photos if need be. I say it's 14x18. Not 17"...
As for the 12x18 Jazzette bass drum is all original too! And the B/O badge is original as well... and I've owned these drums since 1986 and I have done nothing to these drums at all. They are still the way I got them.
So what serial number year group do you think it's from?
Isn't that serial number normal for mid-'70s? Am I missing something?A lot of stores back then took in virgin drums and installed hardware themselves, and occasionally used mixed brand stuff when the customer wanted it. It's normal to see Slingerland hardware on Gretsch drums, Rogers hardware on Camco drums, etc. This also seems to be more common with bop kits. It's also common to see no serial numbers on custom-order kits. I had a WMP like that, and have seen others.
I agree with you... I was thinking the serial number is from the mid-'70s.
I'm just thinking in type here....but...Could it possibly be that the 12 X 18 is a NEW Legacy shell with some NOS parts on it and a reissued badge with a super-high number????See, by the time that Ludwig would have had a badge number that high, the layup of the shells would have been different. Odd.
NOT IF THE DATE STAMP READS Oct 1, 1970.....
Ludwig made sets with no serial numbers when they changed badge shapes. It is not common to see them but they are out there. I saw a Psych red set with the B/O badges and no numbers. Yours is a great looking kit and I'll bet fun as hell to play.
Okay my mistake on the badge number. I don't know what I was looking at! duh!
I don't believe the 14 X 18 is a 14 X 18. It looks like a smaller diameter to me. The space between the lugs is shorter. Am I wrong? Please take a photo with measurement and confirm, please. Thanks
Maybe it was a custom order. I have no way of disputing it....and no way of proving it's legit, either....but maybe it is. It's just that, in my experience, EVERY time a Jazzette comes up for question, there's always something odd about it. This confusion is almost exclusive (to this extent) for Jazzette kits. So, whenever I see one that falls outside the norm, I immediately become suspicious.
I ABSOLUTELY stand by my assertion that NOBODY at Ludwig would have FACTORY-mounted a Rogers mount onto a Ludwig shell. That's absolutely out of the question. Therefore, ONCE AGAIN, as I've already stated, being that there are no other holes drilled (for LUDWIG hardware), the drum is definitely NOT all-original. I'm not suggesting that they weren't that way when the OP bought them....only that there is NO WAY that Ludwig would have equipped a drum with a Rogers mount. That is indisputable proof the drum is altered and not "as sold by Ludwig".
You have one nice Jazzette shellpack there. Looks good!
By the way...Notice the sloppy job that someone at Ludwig did on drilling the holes for the bass drum spurs? They are totally out of orientation. The holes should be a symmetrical distance from the lugs.
By the way...Notice the sloppy job that someone at Ludwig did on drilling the holes for the bass drum spurs? They are totally out of orientation. The holes should be a symmetrical distance from the lugs.
Hey O-Lugs,
I took more photos per your request! Guess what? I win the 14x18 bass drum is in fact a 14x18. The tape shows a diameter of 18".... not 17" as you stated.
And I took more measurements of the 12x18 as well... just to show that shell size as well. ENJOY!
I have a 1972-ish jazzette in silver sparkle and I think one of the serial numbers is pretty high. The set is not in front of me at the moment but I will check it. My set also has grey speckled interiors and an added silver sparkle jazzfest with a clear interior.
It definately looks like some of your drums may have been made during the transition to B/O badges as the no serial numbers and low badge on the snare are a giveaway. The low badge means that the snare was most likely drilled for a keystone badge and then outfitted with B/O badges to make a match for the set. Does the snare throw-off read Ludwig in block letters or is the script logo? Beauty of a set you have!
I will check my drums serial numbers later when I can.
Here is an old pic of me with my old jazz band playing the set. Sorry I don't have a better pic.
Hey O-Lugs, I took more photos per your request! Guess what? I win the 14x18 bass drum is in fact a 14x18. The tape shows a diameter of 18".... not 17" as you stated. And I took more measurements of the 12x18 as well... just to show that shell size as well. ENJOY! http://s1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag142/Osahead2/
Yes, I see that. Thanks for the extra pictures to clarify.
I have no explanation for the 14 x 18 other than to say that maybe a music store customized a special-order shell from Ludwig. It wasn't done at the Ludwig factory, though...for certain.
All I can say at this point is, "Cool drums!"Party
