The makings of a antique Ludwig kit...

[Mr. B.]

I just finished remodeling my practice room and have been sorting through drums and parts that have been stored in different spots around the house... And realized that with the addition of a period snare and cymbals I have the makings of an entire “antique” Ludwig(?) kit.

The 28 inch bass is nickel on bass or perhaps even copper?

The ludwig pedal is patent dated 7-15-’24.

The Chinese tom tom is like one I’ve seen on 1920’s Ludwig's and is stamped-

Kee Wo Drum Maker
Namkingpow St,
Fatshan, Canton,
China

I’d like to hear the thoughts of any of the Ludwig experts out there, or any body who could help identify this bass...?

I’d also be interested in a description of how the Chinese toms where attached...?

Thanks in advance!

-Mr. B.

[bonzonerd]

The bass drum looks like an old marching drum, because of the size and calfskin head. Did you get the pedal with it?

[Mr. B.]

The bass and pedal are from different sources...

Indeed, I do believe it was at least used as an old marching bass. Although it has no mounting hardware, each hoop has a single hole... ( about 7:00 in my photo )

I forgot to mention its only 10 X 28. But when I look at photos of the real early kits the basses look very shallow, is it possible they where a common size? This photo is from a very quick web search labeled 1900-1910 drum set.

Also note:

The vent hole doesn’t have a separate “eyelet” but a stamped in raised area as seen in the 2nd photo.

The T-rod square heads are much larger than the modern standard drum key size...


-Mr. B.

[ihaveaglassjaw]

Why would you make a marching bass out of metal? Seems impractical to me. Then again...alot of things were impractical back then. :p

[Mr. B.]

It's very thin, I reckon it's actually a lighter weight than a wood shell would be...?

[ihaveaglassjaw]

Possibly. I wouldn't know...

Anyway, I'd say it could be either. It could be a marching bass, but those size kicks on that era of kits is also fairly common...

[BloodMagician]

Am I the only one that's noticed that that bass drum is incredibly out of round?

[Mr. B.]

Am I the only one that's noticed that that bass drum is incredibly out of round?


It is a little, but it looks worst in the photo than in real life. Actually the little Chinese tom tom is in much worst condition round wise!

I expect I’ll be a bit bent myself when I’m pushing 80 :)


-Mr. B.

[erwinner]

the "chinese tom" looks more like a decorative item with the painting on the head. The bass drum isn't a ludwig, the claws are wrong. It's danged old, though. Calf skins don't tell you if it's a marching bass or not, that's all they had until they invented mylar plastic. old jazzers used 28" bass drums to get volume, remember microphones and pa systems didn't exist back then!

[Mr. B.]

I done just a little research today and see that the old Ludwig T-rods had “wing” shaped ends, so I guess I won’t be able to call it a ludwig kit... I think it still might make an interesting project and will be keeping my eyes out for some other pieces.

Hopefully someone here can help identify the bass?

-Mr. B.

[s.Reinert]

That pedal was recovered from the titanic.