There were very few Super Ludwigs produced with WFL badges which makes them very rare. The Transition Badge, as known by collectors, had the Ludwig logo on it and was used in 1958 and 1959.
Read more2nd Generation Super Ludwigs
My Wood Snare Drum Collection
This month I will highlight 6 of the Ludwig & WFL wood snare drums in my collection of nearly 50 snare drums. People often ask me why I need so many snare drums. The answer quite simply is that they all look different and have their own unique sound. For this reason, I will continue on my infinite quest for more snares.
Read more1949 WFL Zephyr lug set
This is regarding the drum set in the 2 of the late Itsuzo Sumy's photos from the exhibition of his work in the Town of Chester in the S.E Adirondacks of New York State. From Town of Chester historian, Donna Lagoy: The man playing them in the photo is William Walkup. His son, Bill bought the drums 2nd hand from an unknown person.
Read moreMy Beale Street Marching Band funeral parade drums
I use these drums in the parades on Beale Street for the funeral procession of famous Memphis musicians who have gone on to the great gig in the sky. The different musicians from the Beale Street clubs and others from around the city get together in an ad hoc New Orleans style marching band in front of the Hearse, playing “Just A Closer Walk With Thee” at a mournful tempo for one block and then breaking into a joyous, fast paced “When The Saints Go Marchin’ In” when we pass B.B. King Boulevard. Recently, drummer Howard Grimes passed away (see article) and we had an abundance of drummers for the drum line.
Read moreWFL 7 X 14” Paramount snare drum Circa 1939
This 1939 WFL Paramount snare was produced in the year that Germany invaded Poland, and just over 2 years later, the U.S. would join the war. Bill Ludwig, Sr. had lost his name, much of his savings, and yet survived both the transition and WWII. In the end, his company thrived, and he regained his name. There is so much to be admired about Bill Sr’s. drive, fortitude, and relentlessness. This 1939 WFL Paramount snare is one representation of his work during this challenging time and embodies all those who appreciated its sound and construction over 8 decades.
Read moreReview: WFL III Drums - new finishes, new lugs, new improvements
WFL III Drums is the latest chapter in the Ludwig Family’s legacy and love affair with drums and drum building. Since my last review, William F. Ludwig III, has again raised the bar and made these drums even better.
Read moreWFL Victorious
As I sit here wondering when life will get back to some sort of normal, I am pondering what to write about in a drum article that would make for a good distraction, yet relate to the state of things in the world today. One such drum that comes to mind for me is this WW II era Victorious snare drum. The very name Victorious is something that I think is appropriate because in due time, I feel we will all emerge stronger and victorious from the effects of Covid
Read moreGuide to Vintage Drum Identification - Ludwig Lugs 1923 - 1965
The Imperial lug was also used on bass drums and tom toms in the late 1930’s. Single as well as double ended lugs were offered. A backing plate was usually installed between the lug and the shell. Bass drums were equipped with either standard length lugs or extra long versions.
Read moreWFL Deluxe Marble Outfit
….One such finish was called DeLuxe Marble and it was a short-lived finish that was painted on the shells to look like faux marble. The finish first appeared in the 1941 catalog and it lasted through WWII. Because a 10% metals law was put into effect during WWII limiting the use of metals on products, WFL was forced to design a drum made mostly of wood. That means that there were very few sets made in DeLuxe Marble that featured all-metal lugs and hardware made pre- WWII.
Read more1939 WFL 7 x 14 TWO-TONE (BDP/ROSE/BDP) TWIN SENSITIVE HOLLYWOOD SWING MODEL
I got this one off of Reverb. This drum has been around for a while and the owner worked with me on an even lower price. WFL two-tone pearl drums are pretty scarce so this was a good drum to add to the collection.
Read moreWFL U.S. Navy Special Concert Snare
This month’s installment of Vintage Happiness is on a drum that has a great history as well as a bright future. About 2 years ago, my youngest brother made the rank of Chief in the US Navy. I wanted to congratulate him for his commitment to our great country in a special way, as he is also a drummer. And what better way than with a drum that was once owned by the United States Navy.
Read moreWhat is this worth? 1957 WFL "Anniversary" three piece multi sparkle "Salesman" set
"My Dad's kit is stamped 1957 (snare); the added floor is stamped 1962 and is the only one with chrome plated hoops. It is really close to mint condition with original heads also in great shape. The other three pieces are in excellent condition as well - the sizes are so interesting. I found a 1957 WFL catalog and don't see the snare or tom sizes listed!Dad said his Dad took him to Biascos Music store for his 14th birthday. Dad was born in 43 so that adds up."
Read more1956 WFL Buddy Rich Model Super Classic drum set
This is the earliest known set in existence of the finish made famous by the Beatles Ringo Starr, 8 years before Beatlemania hit in 1964. This finish first appears into the Ludwig catalog in 1959 where it can be seen on the Las Vegas Stand Up cocktail outfit. In 1956 WFL Drums biggest star endorser was the one and only Buddy Rich.
Read more1947 WFL Big Time Kit
This set is a 1947 WFL Big Time kit with the sizes 14x26-16x16-9x13-6.5x14. One cool and unique factor was this kit had all working, no issues, original WFL Zephyr lugs - even offset version lugs on the tom. Most of the time these old lugs have issues with the threading. Fortunately for me there are no issues.
Read moreThe Goodwilled Salesman: 1951 WFL Banded Pearl 6.5"x 14" Snare Drum
The actual drums that were used to feature all of the finish offerings by WFL at this time were titled Dealer Display. This option was made available to dealers beginning in the 1949 catalog in which all seven of the pearl finishes were featured vertically on each panel of a 12” x 15” field drum.
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