In most cases they also included a host of other band instruments and items related to the music business. Earlier catalog examples do exist, but are rare and expensive to acquire. Fortunately drum companies since the 40's were good at printing catalogs. In most cases the best way to estimate the date of a drum is its physical characteristics.
Ludwig drum badges by year serial numbers#
With that said many drum companies never even used serial numbers early on. We also have to state that much of the record keeping was archaic at best and in some cases history was destroyed in plant fires or just tossed in the garbage!. The ever important serial number which some companies keep detailed records of unfortunately does not exist in the history of drums. I also get people asking what factory a drum might have shipped from or the exact month a drum was made or even the production numbers etc. In fact I once heard that they started using serial numbers not for their own use per say but so schools and institutions could keep track of instruments in inventory. Unfortunately drum companies never really prescribed to any code of documenting a drum based on that serial number. In the 60's Insurance companies made it mandatory that serial numbers be put on items so they can be documented. I think in general serial numbers do play an important role in the commercial market especially electronics and other high end items. I get emails all of the time with a basic drum description and a serial number from visitors in hopes I can unlock the history of their drum.
Ludwig drum badges by year how to#
But unforeseen then to the drum company, these serial numbers would also be a key to unlock the mystery of how to date post-’63 Ludwig drums that weren’t date-stamped. Thanks for visiting With the debut of serial numbers, Ludwig helped the dealers comply with the new law. This site will be unavailable from 4:30 am EST - 8:00 am EST on December 17, 2017. Search our web sites! One day a box of drum badges could turn up or in many cases new serial number. The history of Ludwig Drums - The Vintage Drum Guide shows you Ludwig Finishes, Ludwig Drum Badges, Ludwig Drum Set catalog pages, Ludwig Snare Drum catalog pages and the most complete Ludwig history all on one vintage drum web site. To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the selection below. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above.