Ludwig Super Classic Model No. 900P Dated DEC 19 1960

Occasionally I come across some vintage drum gems at auction that are just under the radar. This happens to be one that I picked up sight unseen from a little place in Missouri. The pictures were mostly of the vintage Ludwig tweed snare case with that sexy red plush interior. To my delight, the case and Ludwig Super Classic model snare drum it held were in fantastic condition for its age; they were dirty and needed some TLC, but it was clear they would restore well.

The red plush lining on the inside of the case was in need of some repair; it was drooping away from the sides in several spots. That was a pretty quick fix over 24 hours of seam work and setting. The result is outstanding. As is regularly encountered on cases from this era, the original owner's name appears faintly on the top front — Wayne Tink*um, 4**. He must have been known as "Tink" to his friends and band mates. The period batter head has a blue ink stamp, 'Tink.'

Diving into the restoration on the vintage Ludwig Super Classic snare, wrapped in white marine pearl, I was thrilled to discover a very legible stamp on the white interior, DEC 19 1960. The snare holds a pre-serial number keystone badge and with its date stamp present, it is one of Ludwig's earliest keystone badged snares. What a treat and what a great collector's item, especially with the Ludwig-branded case. Oh, and one of the really cool things I love finding on these vintage drums is the original markings from factory assembly. In one of the gallery photos (photo 14), you can see the pencil mark on the rering at the snare bed indicating the center line for mounting the Classic P87 strainer.

The snare must have spent many years inside the case. The WMP wrap shows minimal yellowing; just the right amount to provide the desired character for its age. What I love about this vintage Ludwig snare drum is its "story" summed up in its "hybrid outfit:"

• Ludwig Drum Co. Chicago, ILL tweed case
• Ludwig Super Classic Model No. 900P snare drum 5 1/2" x 14" with pre-serial keystone badge
• WFL Classic P87 snare strainer
• WFL P32 butt end
• WFL 1363 flat base snare stand

The vintage Super Classic snare holds all-original parts — every tension rod is original, lugs, chrome over brass batter and resonant side rims, 3/4" round knob tone control, strainer and butt end, even the original heads. New heads have been installed for modern playability, but the original heads will be kept as part of the outfit. 

If you're interested in owning this great piece of vintage Ludwig drums history, contact Vintage FM Drums. Enjoy the series of photos!