I've resurrected a thread I started almost two years ago because I just bought my first set of Ludwig Standards. I have been admiring these drums for years and have let a couple pass me by, which I've regretted. This set has the smaller sizes, and I think it is the blue strata from the catalog page in 1968. It's the entry level kit I probably should have gotten when I first bought an MIJ Laboz, but it is possible they weren't available until the following year because I got mine in September 1967. Anyway, a great offering from Ludwig, which back then was nearly half the price of Classics and had some of the best looking wraps ever in my view. I had a set of Rockers in the late 80's that were a similar Ludwig offering with Classic shells (clear interiors) and hardware, but Standard lugs. They had much more limited color choices and mine were black. By that time, there were only 16 lugs on the bass, which is actually enough, but during the earlier Standard era it does seem the 22's had 20 lugs. They are going to sit in a box until July, but when I get back I'll clean them up and put up a few more pictures. I think I just might start a collection of these little babies in the smaller sizes. Prices have remained reasonable and they are cool little drums if you can find them.

Very nice. I always wanted a blue strata set.

Here's my Vintage Happiness article for this month's Not So Modern Drummer on my 68 Standards in Lemon Strata.

LOVE these finishes.

http://www.notsomoderndrummer.com/not-so-modern-drummer/2016/3/17/3zkcqhtgp4ns5lln2d2mtloy7l7x6e

I saw that article in NSMD when I was Googling around looking for images of Standards in strata finish and clipped some pictures of your for my folder on Standards. Very interesting info and thanks for that. That wrap is very, very cool. PM me when you are ready to let them go! ;)

Anyone else here in the forum have a blue strata in the small sizes?

I have a 1969 Standard Blue Strata set, 12/16/20, with a '67 Acrolite Snare. I've owned these for 40 years. Love 'em!

[IMG]http://i179.photobucket.com/albums/w299/slk230red/DSCN0468_zpsoetqkfui.jpg[/IMG]

Every now and then I'll run across a Standard kit with Ludwig's Classic Lugs installed on the shells in lieu of the Standard lugs. Were there actually Standard kits shipped from the factory with the Classic lugs or have all of these kits been modified by their respective owners? Also, have any of you noticed any type of shrinkage problem with the Standard wraps through the years?

I have a 1970 in the Ruby Strata that I absolutely love the sound and color. Has the typical 22, 12, 14 and 16 ft. Am still looking to find a matching snare but use an Acro when I play it. It was in nice shape when I got it and included the original heads. It is in on the list to take apart and shine up one of these days. I look forward to adding a Blue strata kit to the collection and every color of the snares.

Yes, there were Standard kits that came from the factory with Classic lugs. Several theories for it.......Ludwig ran out of the Standard lugs during production...or towards the tail end of production they simply ran out of the lug and did the remaining shells with Classic lugs.....or possibly special ordered. Hard to say for sure.

Cool to see this thread pop back up. Some really nice sets pictured. BTW: my aforementioned desire to snag one snare in each of the Strata finishes was fulfilled a year or so ago. Bronze Strata (second from the bottom) was the hardest to find. They sure make for a lovely stack of Jazz Festival sound-alikes.

Very nice KO....

My Ruby Strata kit has classic lugs which are original to the kit...