Stack O’ Strata and Strata Drum Set pics by Kevin Oppendike. All others by Rick Gier
This is the final of a group of five studies on finishes used by certain drum manufacturers during the 1960s, 1970s and early 1980s. The first two addressed Gretsch drums with Round Badges (1962-1969) and Stop Sign Badges (1969–1981). Next were main line Ludwig drums with Keystone (1963-1969) and Blue/Olive Badges (1969-1984). This study reviews data gathered from a representative sample of Ludwig Standards, the second-tier line produced in the 1968 - 1973/74 time period. No information has been gathered for Ludwig Standard Line drums produced in the 1980s.
The data consisted of a group of 1,301 vintage Standard drums where the original finish could be determined. The data used for this study was originally compiled to develop a serial number-based dating guide. The data is not from Ludwig production or sales records, but from drums encountered by the author since 2011. The majority of the information comes from drums listed for sale at online sites like eBay and Reverb and numerous online vintage drum sellers. Some drums were mentioned on drum forums while information on others was provided by owners directly to the author. The data does not include drums quietly held by their owners or lost. This study involves a small fraction of all the approximately 100,000 Standard drums that Ludwig manufactured. Nothing in this study should be interpreted as definitive evidence of the relative proportion of Ludwig finishes produced during the time period. However, relying upon what is believed to be the largest database of vintage Ludwig drums in existence, it provides insight into the finishes used by Ludwig which have appeared in the resale market in the last dozen years.
Please share information about any vintage Ludwig Standard drums you possess with the author by sending an email to Rick@GretschDrumDatingGuide.com. Doing so will add to the database and support more studies like this.
The finish options for Ludwig Standard drums were somewhat limited. Three styles of wraps were offered - Strata, Mist and Astro – which were unique to Standards and not seen on main line Ludwigs of the time period Metal snare drums were available in Chrome and “Acrolite” anodized aluminum finishes.
The most reported finish is Strata, with Ruby and Blue the most frequently seen colors.
Metal snare drums are most often reported in the Acrolite finish, which is the same name Ludwig used for its main line model 404 snare drum with the same finish. Chrome plated snare drums are also reported. Metal Standards have no raised center beads, unlike the main line metal snares.
Mist finishes are sparkle finishes with much smaller reflective particles. Only four different colors are offered, although two of these have a tendency to age to present as new colors. When faded, Blue looks aqua and Silver looks champagne,
The least reported finish, Astro, is moiré patterned, similar to satin flame wraps used by Gretsch and Slingerland during the same time period. Five colors are shown in the catalogs and reported here.
Rick Gier May 30, 2023 © All Rights Reserved