Ludwig drum dating

How do I find the date on a Ludwig drum?

Many Ludwig drums, including main line (Keystone and Blue/Olive Badges) and Standards, have dates stamped inside their shells or on paper labels. In the 1999-2005 time frame, several guides were published which report known serial number and date stamp combinations and/or show the general relationship between serial number and date.*

When were Ludwig drums made?

This section exists as a guide to identifying and dating, Ludwig drums produced in the 1960’s. It is heavily concentrated on factors that were included on all cataloged trap kits, and wood drums of this era.

How did we begin the process of indexing Ludwig drums?

We began in the late 1980’s by monitoring all of the 60’s Ludwig drums that came into our shop. Thanks to the production boom of the 60’s, we had a large sampling of drums which provided enough data to do our research. When we found a drum with both a serial number and complete date stamp present, this data was entered into a serial number index.

What are the different parts of the Ludwig dating guide?

It is broken down into five parts: Part I - Current Guides, Part II - New Dating Guides for 1963-1984, Part III - Tracking Changes in Physical Characteristics, Part IV - Dating Guide for Ludwig Standards 1968-1973, and Part V - Date Codes from 1971/72 Era. Released in December 2013.

Do Ludwig Drums have a serial number?

Ludwig drums have a distinct advantage over Gretsch when it comes to establishing a relationship between serial number and date. Many Ludwig drums, including main line (Keystone and Blue/Olive Badges) and Standards, have dates stamped inside their shells or on paper labels.

What is the best way to date a Ludwig drum?

Date Stamp Date stamps are simultaneously the best and worst means to properly date a Ludwig drum from the 60s (use of the date stamp was discontinued ca. 1970 with the introduction of the “Blue & Olive” badge).

How did we begin the process of indexing Ludwig drums?

How do I identify a Ludwig?

In this article, we’ll 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.

Is there a Ludwig serial number dating guide?

Regardless, there are three different Ludwig Serial Number dating guides, drum badge dating guides and all sorts of Ludwig History. Just follow the links below

Do the dates on Ludwig drums stay on the drums?

Furthermore, not all of the dates that went on the drums stayed on the drums. Dick Gerlack, who recently retired from the Ludwig Drum Company as their quality control manager/ trainer/ buyer, was with the drum company from 1960 to 2001.