Hello fellow NSMD friends,
I first want to thank everyone who reads my column and comments, I truly appreciate you! Now to the drums.
Right out of the 1967 Ludwig catalog - My newly acquired 1968 Ludwig Downbeat No. 988-1PCX with all the original cymbals in beautiful Sparkling Pink Champagne. This entire set was born together with close serial numbers all beginning with #62…
12” Tom, 14” Floor, 20” Bass, 14” Supra 400, 20” Paiste Ride, 16” Zildjian Crash, 14” Zildjian Hats.
This total restoration took me an awful long time and hours of countless elbow grease. I purchased this from the original owners brother, he had passed away decades ago and he couldn’t bring himself to part with the set. But he finally realized that they were just wasting away and that they should be brought back to life and played again. I’m glad he did. He is a very nice guy and he was thrilled to know that I was not only going to restore them, but play them as well and keep his brothers legacy alive. As promised I will be sending him the “after” photos.
This set retains its original Sparkling Pink Champagne wrap.. Total disassembly, all wrap compounded buffed and polished, all hardware soaked, scrubbed and polished. Interior of bass drum had been spray painted with with a rattle can, that paint was removed and it was clear coated again as it was originally. Toms received brand new rims, the snare received brand new 3.0 mm rims. Bass drum hoops were sanded and repainted and one inlay replaced. Bass drum received brand new Ludwig claws & t-rods. All tom and snare tension rods & washers are original. Brand new Ludwig retro L-arm bass mount cymbal stand. All new Remo heads. Reassembled, oiled.
The original owner ordered the rail mount to be placed on top or the side according to his brother so there are two extra holes that look absolutely factory to me, both mount positions utilize the same center holes. I can usually tell when somebody drilled a drum after the fact, but all six of the holes for the mount look absolutely the same and perfect. I don’t know whether the factory did it or the drum shop where he purchased them did it, but whoever did it did a perfect job.
I am now going to enjoy these stunning beauties!!!
Stay tuned…
Edward Tucker
Fate Up
Studio 3T