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My 1964 Ludwig Sky Blue Pearl Kit Part 1 Last viewed: 1 hour ago

Posts: 10 Threads: 5

I just bought my first drum set. I am a 43 year old guitarist and I am interested in learning the drums. I got this vintage set, and would like some information from all you knowledgeable players out in drumland. Any info, such as drum types, names, value, and any comments or info you wouldn't mind sharing, I would really appreciate.

A drummer friend of mine told me I might be better off storing away this set, as it may be pretty valuable, and worth keeping as is. He says the drum heads are original to the set, except the snare heads, and if I plan on playing this set, I should store the original Ludwig "weather beater" heads.

I bought it from the original owner, who bought it in 1963. He told me it is a Ludwig Sky Blue Pearl. It is a 4 piece kit: 5x14 snare, 22" bass drum, 13" tom, 16" floor tom. 14" Zildian hi-hats, 22" Zildian cymbal, and 20" Zildian cymbal. The original owner told me everything ,all hardware, throne, etc. including the cases are original to the set, from 1963, except the 20" Zildian and Ludwig stand he added a year or so after he got the set. The kit includes the original cardboard box the cymbals came in from Zildian, and original box for the cymbal stand from Ludwig.

The kit appears to be in really great shape for being 45 years old. The owner told me he played swing and big band music, and really babied the set. From the looks, he used brushes most of the time. Besides some dust, the set is wonderful. The chrome could probably use a cleaning as well, but ippears nice as is. Very beautiful color, subtle blue.

Here are some pics:

[IMG]http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/onchiota/1964%20ludwig%20sbp/ludwig001.gif[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/onchiota/1964%20ludwig%20sbp/ludwig010.gif[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/onchiota/1964%20ludwig%20sbp/ludwig009.gif[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/onchiota/1964%20ludwig%20sbp/ludwig007.gif[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/onchiota/1964%20ludwig%20sbp/ludwig005.gif[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i238.photobucket.com/albums/ff143/onchiota/1964%20ludwig%20sbp/ludwig003.gif[/IMG]

More pics to come.

Thanks in advance for any info!

Posted on 15 years ago
#1
Posts: 1064 Threads: 152

Cool set! I have the brother of yours. A 1964 WMP Super Classic. Go through my old posts and you will know what heads to use and everything you need to do to clean it. I personally would pay no more than $1,000. But that is only because I buy deals. I'd say it is worth around $2,000. Once cleaned up even more. All your missing is the cow bell.

By the way nickel hardware in my opinion looks best with SBP.

Just curios(Not to be rude or anything). How much did you buy the set for?


Recent Purchases
-1961 SBP Pioneer Snare Drum
-1962 SBP Super Classic w/ Matching COB Supra

Working On
-1963 Red Sparkle Hollywood w/ matching Super Classic Snare

Recently Completed
-1964 WMP Super Classic
Posted on 15 years ago
#2
Posts: 520 Threads: 167

You have a very cool kit to learn on! I have one in white from the same year, and in great condition as well! You will find that the badges don't have serial numbers on them, this is considered a 'pre-serial' kit. Your friend is right about them being valuable, I'm not here to tell you they will get you a new house, or even a new car, but they are pretty nice!

It's great you got the cymbals with it too. They are probably worth about the same amount as the drum kit!

Anyway, yes take off the original heads and put something different on. Drum tones from the 60's are very different from todays tones, and if you (as a beginner) play on them as they are, you will not think they sound to great. Put some coated heads on the toms, and something thick like an Evans Emad on the bass drum batter side (side you hit). This will sound a little more comfortable to you I think.

Hope this helps!

Kevin

1961 Ludwig Super Classic 22,13,16,18, WFL BR Snare WMP
1951-52 Slingerland Radio King Krupa Outfit 24,13,16 Champagne Sparkle
1960s/70s Polaris MIJ 20,12,16 Red Sparkle
2005 Gretsch Catalina Club WMP First Run
2008 Pearl Masters MCX 20,10,12,14f,16f & 14 Diamond Glitter
1999 Yamaha Stage Custom 22,10,12,14r,16f. Marina Green

...& many more...
Posted on 15 years ago
#3
Posts: 10 Threads: 5

From drumbum3131

Cool set! I have the brother of yours. A 1964 WMP Super Classic. Go through my old posts and you will know what heads to use and everything you need to do to clean it. I personally would pay no more than $1,000. But that is only because I buy deals. I'd say it is worth around $2,000. Once cleaned up even more. All your missing is the cow bell.By the way nickel hardware in my opinion looks best with SBP.Just curios(Not to be rude or anything). How much did you buy the set for?

WMP? Is that white mother of pearl? Is mine a Super Classic as well? I will check your old posts. Thanks for the info!

Posted on 15 years ago
#4
Posts: 10 Threads: 5

Thanks Kevin. I appreciate the info.

The cymbals are really nice.

I like the cardboard I got with the kit as well. I got quite a bit of info from the original owner as provenance. I think it's important with vintage gear to have the history and story with it. Gives meaning and inspiration.

Is it ok to clean the cymbals with a quality cymbal cleaner? Any recommendations?

From nailfoxx

You have a very cool kit to learn on! I have one in white from the same year, and in great condition as well! You will find that the badges don't have serial numbers on them, this is considered a 'pre-serial' kit. Your friend is right about them being valuable, I'm not here to tell you they will get you a new house, or even a new car, but they are pretty nice!It's great you got the cymbals with it too. They are probably worth about the same amount as the drum kit! Anyway, yes take off the original heads and put something different on. Drum tones from the 60's are very different from todays tones, and if you (as a beginner) play on them as they are, you will not think they sound to great. Put some coated heads on the toms, and something thick like an Evans Emad on the bass drum batter side (side you hit). This will sound a little more comfortable to you I think.Hope this helps!Kevin

Posted on 15 years ago
#5
Posts: 1064 Threads: 152

Yes. Yours is a super classic with a jazz festival snare drum and WFL Hardware

.


Recent Purchases
-1961 SBP Pioneer Snare Drum
-1962 SBP Super Classic w/ Matching COB Supra

Working On
-1963 Red Sparkle Hollywood w/ matching Super Classic Snare

Recently Completed
-1964 WMP Super Classic
Posted on 15 years ago
#6
Posts: 3972 Threads: 180

The moist drool factor is through the roof on this one. Dang.

Posted on 15 years ago
#7
Posts: 520 Threads: 167

Rule of thumb for cleaning old cymbals........DON"T DO IT!!! Just play them dirty and full of character and love them for what they are!!!

-Kevin

1961 Ludwig Super Classic 22,13,16,18, WFL BR Snare WMP
1951-52 Slingerland Radio King Krupa Outfit 24,13,16 Champagne Sparkle
1960s/70s Polaris MIJ 20,12,16 Red Sparkle
2005 Gretsch Catalina Club WMP First Run
2008 Pearl Masters MCX 20,10,12,14f,16f & 14 Diamond Glitter
1999 Yamaha Stage Custom 22,10,12,14r,16f. Marina Green

...& many more...
Posted on 15 years ago
#8
Posts: 1064 Threads: 152

Or you can clean them and make them look straight out of the factory.LoLoLoLo


Recent Purchases
-1961 SBP Pioneer Snare Drum
-1962 SBP Super Classic w/ Matching COB Supra

Working On
-1963 Red Sparkle Hollywood w/ matching Super Classic Snare

Recently Completed
-1964 WMP Super Classic
Posted on 15 years ago
#9
Posts: 10 Threads: 5

Hmmmm... to clean or not to clean, that is thy question. Are the original Ludwig heads valuable or are they like old guitar strings, chuck 'em when you change them? And what is WFL hardware?

Posted on 15 years ago
#10
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