Serial Number/Badge Styles These are the gold standards for identifying a vintage Ludwig drum. The general rule of thumb is a “Keystone” badge indicates a drum from the 60s and a “Blue & Olive” badge indicates a drum from the 70s or early 80s.

What is Ludwig Super Classic?

The term Classic is used to identify Ludwigs top-of-the-line shells in the 60s and 70s and even later, that we are all familiar with. The term Super Classic denotes a specific, and readily identifiable, cataloged kit, consisting of 9x13, 16x16 and 14x22 shell sizes.

When did Ludwig change their logo?

The change of the Ludwig logo, from the script to the stricter square logo, was a sort of foreshadowing of just that. 1968 saw the rise of a new logo and yet the coming rise of another decade owned by Ludwig innovation. This time headed by William Ludwig II.

How do I identify my Ludwig drum set?

In this article, well be looking at the three best ways to identify a Ludwig: date stamp, serial number/badge style and shell construction. Forenote: The first two means of indication, date stamp and serial number/badge style, are the two most accurate for identifying the correct year of production.

What years did Ludwig use Granitone?

Ludwig shells from 1970-1975 carried the 3-ply maple/ poplar/ maple with the re-enforcement ring construction of the late 60s. Shells from the early part of the 70s have clear interiors. Whereas most of the shells after about 73 received a granitone coated interior.

Does Ludwig make their own shells?

Even though the shells may be made to their specific “recipe”, the shell is still made by another manufacturer. I appreciate drum manufacturers like DW, SONOR, Ludwig, Yamaha and the like that make all their ply shells in house.

What is a Supraphonic made of?

Performance-proven, the sound that fueled the most hit recordings in history, Ludwig Supraphonic is the snare choice of the pros. The USA-made chrome-plated, seamless, beaded aluminum shell produces a bright, crisp attack with the perfect balance of full resonant tone and snare crack.

What ply are Ludwig drums?

Ludwigs 3-ply shell formula was unveiled in 1923; at the time touted as being built in accordance with the recognized correct principles used in the manufacture of airplanes. This classic construction evolved into a sound that captured the attention of generations of drummers.