Very very true!!!! Especially about the old snare drum stands! I definitely use a newer snare drum stand with my 1960s... Rogers kit. Rock solid analysis 👍
I have a set of 1967 Ludwigs that sound amazing. I bought a newer kit to gig with, 1970 Ludwigs. I added some more pieces to the kit, took them down to bare wood, did a little re-gluing and epoxy fill on one drum, reworked the bearing edges, re-coated the inside maple ply with 2 part urethane, re-wrapped them with something crazy looking from Walopus, polished up all the hardware and replaced what was worn out. I replaced the old tom mount nuts with the newer style big wing nuts, and even replaced some tom mounts with the new ones that work with the memory locking pieces. This took a ton of work, but was my idea of "getting a new kit". I play aggressively and the old Ludwig hardware works! They still sell a lot of it new and it's not dumbly expensive. Lots of eBay and Reverb listings for used vintage parts too. Like you, I am not using period snare, cymbal or high hat stands. I have modern Pearl pedals, and on the right drum carpet the kicks do not walk at all. The drums draw a lot of attention. It was my plan to just use the 1970 kit for gigging, but after I tuned them up for the first time decided "I'm recording with these!". Not for everyone. Like you say, gigging a vintage drum set has downsides, but these old kits were built for professional use. Once you bring them back they start a new life. Think about who was playing Ludwigs back in the day! Cool video. Love the kit!
I agree with you, the vintage kits were designed for use at the highest levels right out of the box. It feels good to do your own work right? I’ve re-wrapped but i yet to paint or coat drums. Surprisingly working bearing edges was not as hard as i thought it was going to be. Cheers brother, thanks for watching my videos and taking the time to comment
Right on brother thanks for the compliment. I’ve been wanting to score a leedy & ludwig and a WFL kit. But for some reason they are almost always so overpriced. At least for what i I would pay. I had a couple of vista kits but i could never get them to sound the way i wanted
@@vazquez808 thanks man! I've been blessed with a real jewel of a kit with a matching snare. It all sounds killer!! The WFL is a mix of pieces, the 26" kick I got for 150$ because the finish looks like shit but it's actually really solid. I left it as is because it fit the aesthetic I was going for. I had just gotten a pair of 15x12 marching snares for 50$ from the same seller on eBay so he packed it all together. One I put a strainer back on to revive it as a snare, the other stayed as purchased and used as a tom. I ended up finding a 20" floor for 250$ and that rounded out the kit. People still can't believe I have less than 500$ of drums on stage when I bring it to a gig... Much less when they hear it!!
I have four of them (one 60's gold sparkle downbeat, one 60's black galaxy sparkle jazzette with proper 12x18 bd and matching piccolo snare, one 60's black diamond pearl downbeat with rare 12x20 bd, one 60's blue oyster pearl superclassic) gig them since 1994 and only got to know the good, no bad and no ugly at all here, in 30 years I never had a problem once, and I'm always using their original hardware man.... I only make sure they don't stand into direct sunlight and if I can't avoid that, I keep them covered with a white blanket as long as I can. Easy like that!
Wow!!! Those must be some amazing drum sets. Super collectible for sure. I do my best to keep them out of direct sunlight as well. And like i mentioned i gig my kits as well. Rock on brother
Awesome Trans Badge kit. I've got three vintage Ludwig/WFL kits. My 1948 WFL 13/16/24 is probably the best sounding kit I've played. I agree with the quality on the '64's - I think by '67 thinks calmed down a bit and quality went back up. My '67 and '68 kits are both amazing. My '67 has a 12x22 and it's crazy how good and big it sounds to be only 12" deep.
I got my son an MIJ 60's Pearl Challenger Mahogany kit for dirt cheap and that little blue sparkle jazz kit sounds huge. One day I'll get a Vintage Ludwig or at least a vintage Ludwig kick drum because there's something special about those old kick drums 👍
I’m a huge fan of the MIJ kits. They for sure have a darker sound than the USA drums. You can come across some great vintage Ludwig bass drum deals on Craigslist
I did Glastonbury this year with a 1981 premier club kit with 2x 12" racks and a 16" floor and a 12"x20" kick. All concert toms. Works wonders and Id rather gig with a kit that sounds and looks good than some modern stuff that you're just playing because you have to
@@vazquez808 Considering a decent vintage one goes for about £500 in the UK and Ludwigs go for a couple thousands onwards, they're a great deal. Hope everyone gets to have a go on one at some point...
The market for used drums is really soft. Right now you can easily get into a vintage ludwig for about $1200. You’ll see some posted for way above 2k but they just sit there and rot.
@@vazquez808 Agreed,,,have 2 Premier Cabria Kits circa 98-99 ...a 10/12/14/20 and a rarer 12/14/18 bop kit...sonically, they have the punch of 3 ply's and with die cast's.. they're vlose enough to a Gretsch RB kit I had I sold the Gretsches. Shells are under sized like German Sonors...so huge tuning range....still looking for the bigger 22 kit...
Very good looking Ludwig set, sir! I have been into the retro vintage drums for a 5-6 years but have been playing drums for 20 years. I always like the charm of older and stronger drums and keeping all the original parts of the drum in tact. I have 26" bass Slingerland Radio King, where it has the same metal brackets and definitely upgrade with a newer kind of Cymbal Holder. Kick it!
I'd never gig with a vintage kit. Too much wear and tear, and the great sound doesn't really come through when playing through most PA's. I'd keep it for playing at home and recording. For playing live I'd go with what looks the coolest honestly, even if it were a beat up old pearl export or something.
I understand your thinking. I kind of feel the same way. If I had a vintage kit in meant condition I'd be weary of taking them out as well. It depends on the gig. For jam night, I'm bringing my beater kit. Or for bar gigs.. same thing. If I'm playing a high profile gig, or at a nice church with no drums. I'll bring a nicer set. Regardless of what I bring to a gig, I handle my drums period!!
Nice video! I own an early 60s Legacy Mahogany kit. I would love to gig it but I’m scared to death of damaging it! I take a classic Maple out and am super careful with it Thinking about buying a little cheaper kit to take on gigs!!
Stay tuned, i got a lot of feedback from drummers like yourself. So i’ll be releasing a follow up video on why it’s a good thing to gig vintage drums and how to prep for it.
They’re the Vic Firth AJ1 American jazz classic 1. I’m always on my playing on my ride, those sticks give me the articulation that i need. I don’t have a very heavy hand so they work great for me. Great question brother
I love, love, love that color! I had a pair of knock-off Converse sneakers in that same "Duck Orange" color, sans the glitter. Gorgeous kit.
Thank you so much. It’s my favorite color as well
Very very true!!!!
Especially about the old snare drum stands! I definitely use a newer snare drum stand with my 1960s... Rogers kit.
Rock solid analysis 👍
Thanks a alot!!!
@@vazquez808 you're welcome! Thanks for sharing 🥁
I have a set of 1967 Ludwigs that sound amazing. I bought a newer kit to gig with, 1970 Ludwigs. I added some more pieces to the kit, took them down to bare wood, did a little re-gluing and epoxy fill on one drum, reworked the bearing edges, re-coated the inside maple ply with 2 part urethane, re-wrapped them with something crazy looking from Walopus, polished up all the hardware and replaced what was worn out. I replaced the old tom mount nuts with the newer style big wing nuts, and even replaced some tom mounts with the new ones that work with the memory locking pieces. This took a ton of work, but was my idea of "getting a new kit". I play aggressively and the old Ludwig hardware works! They still sell a lot of it new and it's not dumbly expensive. Lots of eBay and Reverb listings for used vintage parts too. Like you, I am not using period snare, cymbal or high hat stands. I have modern Pearl pedals, and on the right drum carpet the kicks do not walk at all. The drums draw a lot of attention. It was my plan to just use the 1970 kit for gigging, but after I tuned them up for the first time decided "I'm recording with these!". Not for everyone. Like you say, gigging a vintage drum set has downsides, but these old kits were built for professional use. Once you bring them back they start a new life. Think about who was playing Ludwigs back in the day! Cool video. Love the kit!
I agree with you, the vintage kits were designed for use at the highest levels right out of the box. It feels good to do your own work right? I’ve re-wrapped but i yet to paint or coat drums. Surprisingly working bearing edges was not as hard as i thought it was going to be.
Cheers brother, thanks for watching my videos and taking the time to comment
Beautiful kit!! And it's setup the proper way around! I also gig vintage, either my '75 Vistas or the hodge-podge '49-'53-'55 WFL's.
Right on brother thanks for the compliment. I’ve been wanting to score a leedy & ludwig and a WFL kit. But for some reason they are almost always so overpriced. At least for what i I would pay. I had a couple of vista kits but i could never get them to sound the way i wanted
@@vazquez808 thanks man! I've been blessed with a real jewel of a kit with a matching snare. It all sounds killer!! The WFL is a mix of pieces, the 26" kick I got for 150$ because the finish looks like shit but it's actually really solid. I left it as is because it fit the aesthetic I was going for. I had just gotten a pair of 15x12 marching snares for 50$ from the same seller on eBay so he packed it all together. One I put a strainer back on to revive it as a snare, the other stayed as purchased and used as a tom. I ended up finding a 20" floor for 250$ and that rounded out the kit. People still can't believe I have less than 500$ of drums on stage when I bring it to a gig... Much less when they hear it!!
I have four of them (one 60's gold sparkle downbeat, one 60's black galaxy sparkle jazzette with proper 12x18 bd and matching piccolo snare, one 60's black diamond pearl downbeat with rare 12x20 bd, one 60's blue oyster pearl superclassic) gig them since 1994 and only got to know the good, no bad and no ugly at all here, in 30 years I never had a problem once, and I'm always using their original hardware man.... I only make sure they don't stand into direct sunlight and if I can't avoid that, I keep them covered with a white blanket as long as I can. Easy like that!
Wow!!! Those must be some amazing drum sets. Super collectible for sure. I do my best to keep them out of direct sunlight as well. And like i mentioned i gig my kits as well. Rock on brother
Awesome Trans Badge kit. I've got three vintage Ludwig/WFL kits. My 1948 WFL 13/16/24 is probably the best sounding kit I've played. I agree with the quality on the '64's - I think by '67 thinks calmed down a bit and quality went back up. My '67 and '68 kits are both amazing. My '67 has a 12x22 and it's crazy how good and big it sounds to be only 12" deep.
i don't think people realize how great those old drums sound. thanks for the comments
I got my son an MIJ 60's Pearl Challenger Mahogany kit for dirt cheap and that little blue sparkle jazz kit sounds huge. One day I'll get a Vintage Ludwig or at least a vintage Ludwig kick drum because there's something special about those old kick drums 👍
I’m a huge fan of the MIJ kits. They for sure have a darker sound than the USA drums. You can come across some great vintage Ludwig bass drum deals on Craigslist
I did Glastonbury this year with a 1981 premier club kit with 2x 12" racks and a 16" floor and a 12"x20" kick. All concert toms. Works wonders and Id rather gig with a kit that sounds and looks good than some modern stuff that you're just playing because you have to
you're preaching to the choir. Premier drums are amazing, they're a well kept secret here in the States. You can get them at such a good priced.
@@vazquez808 Considering a decent vintage one goes for about £500 in the UK and Ludwigs go for a couple thousands onwards, they're a great deal. Hope everyone gets to have a go on one at some point...
The market for used drums is really soft. Right now you can easily get into a vintage ludwig for about $1200. You’ll see some posted for way above 2k but they just sit there and rot.
@@vazquez808 Agreed,,,have 2 Premier Cabria Kits circa 98-99 ...a 10/12/14/20 and a rarer 12/14/18 bop kit...sonically, they have the punch of 3 ply's and with die cast's.. they're vlose enough to a Gretsch RB kit I had I sold the Gretsches. Shells are under sized like German Sonors...so huge tuning range....still looking for the bigger 22 kit...
Lovely kit! I love the vintage Ludwigs. I have a few and love the sound of the shells!!
I’ve tried gretsch round badge kits, and slingerlands but they just didn’t feel like quite right. Im all about Ludwig, wfl, leedy & ludwig,
Vintage right down to the Speed King pedal. Awesome!
Thanks brother!!! Ludwig really got it right with those speedkings
Very good looking Ludwig set, sir! I have been into the retro vintage drums for a 5-6 years but have been playing drums for 20 years.
I always like the charm of older and stronger drums and keeping all the original parts of the drum in tact.
I have 26" bass Slingerland Radio King, where it has the same metal brackets and definitely upgrade with a newer kind of Cymbal Holder. Kick it!
There’s something to be said about the mojo of an old drum set. They feel and sound so good. Drum on brother!!!
I'd never gig with a vintage kit. Too much wear and tear, and the great sound doesn't really come through when playing through most PA's. I'd keep it for playing at home and recording. For playing live I'd go with what looks the coolest honestly, even if it were a beat up old pearl export or something.
I get what your saying and I can see your point but I'm down to take my vintage gear out. Keep Playin bother!!!!
I understand your thinking. I kind of feel the same way. If I had a vintage kit in meant condition I'd be weary of taking them out as well. It depends on the gig. For jam night, I'm bringing my beater kit. Or for bar gigs.. same thing. If I'm playing a high profile gig, or at a nice church with no drums. I'll bring a nicer set.
Regardless of what I bring to a gig, I handle my drums period!!
Nice video! I own an early 60s Legacy Mahogany kit. I would love to gig it but I’m scared to death of damaging it! I take a classic Maple out and am super careful with it Thinking about buying a little cheaper kit to take on gigs!!
Stay tuned, i got a lot of feedback from drummers like yourself. So i’ll be releasing a follow up video on why it’s a good thing to gig vintage drums and how to prep for it.
@@vazquez808 👍
What a nice kit! But hey, what´s that Vic´s ure using? They look pretty slim, or are they just like... eaten up? Thanks bro! Great content!
They’re the Vic Firth AJ1 American jazz classic 1. I’m always on my playing on my ride, those sticks give me the articulation that i need. I don’t have a very heavy hand so they work great for me. Great question brother
Clout is the only reason to