Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $1,249

Standard/Professional

$999

$2500+

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High-end

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Description

The Super Classic model was a standard configuration for the industry and preferred by many drummers. It was compact enough for the gigging musician hauling gear loads to and fro. The four piece set up is was than enough to hold it’s own as a present force in any band setting. It still proves that way today. The dimensions of Super Classic outfits allow for versatile tuning ranges and tones complimenting anything from high tension jazz/bebop, to thumbing bold low/mids in rock/pop. The cost of the drum kit shown on the right was valued approximately $460 new (including hardware, but not cymbals) in the 1960s. Super Classic kit’s were available as a four piece configuration made from Ludwig’s innovative 3-ply shell mold with 5x14 supra-phonic snare.

EN Beatit TV

EN Beatit TV

BeatIt Vintage Test: 1966 Ludwig Super Classic

Video thumbnail for BeatIt Vintage Test: 1966 Ludwig Super Classic by EN Beatit TV

BeatIt Vintage Test: 1966 Ludwig Super Classic

EN Beatit TV

EN Beatit TV

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about 1966 Ludwig Blue Sparkle Super Classic.

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners recommend using Novus Plastic Polish to restore the original luster of the wrap, with three bottles for different scratch levels.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The original tom mount often moves and requires frequent tightening, risking stripping. Modern Ludwig Atlas holders are suggested as a reliable alternative using existing holes.

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  • The bass drum's tom mount on the right side suggests a left-handed configuration, which can affect playability and setup preferences.

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  • Pre-serial number Keystone Badges from 1960-1963 are noted for their collectibility and signify an era of high-quality Ludwig production.

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Use cases and applications

  • Tuning toms slightly higher enhances their sound, with mahogany shells maintaining low tones; coated Ambassadors are recommended for reso heads.

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  • This kit is comparable to Ringo Starr's setup, associated with iconic recordings, enhancing its desirability for vintage collectors and enthusiasts.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Soaking hardware in water and Dawn for 24 hours is effective, followed by polishing with Simichrome for nickel or NeverDull for chrome.

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Build quality

  • The Ludwig "transition badge" from 1958-1959 is highly sought after, marking a period when the Ludwig family regained control from Conn.

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Value and pricing

  • A complete unmodified collector condition kit with Ludwig/Paiste cymbals can fetch up to $2500, highlighting its high value in the vintage market.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Kevin Parker uses 1966 Ludwig Blue Sparkle Super Classic

Kevin Parker

Singer, Guitarist

Tame Impala

...
Verified via Photo

In the bottom left hand corner of this photo of Kevin and his studio, a vintage 1966 Ludwig Blue Sparkle 3 piece (Kick Drum, Tom, Floor Tom) drum kit can be seen. Kevin used this kit on the recording of 'Lonerism' but since the recording of Tame Impala's 3rd album 'Currents', Kevin has a new kick drum.

See how Mike Krol uses 1966 Ludwig Blue Sparkle Super Classic

Mike Krol

Guitarist, Drummer

Mac Krol

...
Verified via Instagram

in this instagram reel mike made you can see him killing it on the drums

See how Toni Torres uses 1966 Ludwig Blue Sparkle Super Classic

Toni Torres

Guitarist, Drummer

...
Verified via Hctsound

Toni Torres is an owner of 1966 Ludwig Blue Sparkle Super Classic, he use in HCTSOUND recordings and some shows

See how Hal Blaine uses 1966 Ludwig Blue Sparkle Super Classic

Hal Blaine

Drummer

The Wrecking Crew

...
Verified via Flickr

On display at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. It was one of "six or seven" Ludwig kits owned by Blaine, including the one incoporated into the famous "Monster Kit".

Album Usage

The 1966 Ludwig Blue Sparkle Super Classic has been featured on the following albums:

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use 1966 Ludwig Blue Sparkle Super Classic, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Marshall JCM900 4100
Marshall JCM900 4100 Guitar Amplifier Heads
1
AKG D190
AKG D190 Dynamic Microphones
1
Warm Audio WA76
Warm Audio WA76 Effects Processors
1
Boss OC-3 Super Octave
Boss OC-3 Super Octave Harmonizer & Octave Effects Pedals
1
B.C. Rich Mockingbird
B.C. Rich Mockingbird Solid Body Electric Guitars
1
SONY C-38B
SONY C-38B Condenser Microphones
1
Shure Beta 58A
Shure Beta 58A Dynamic Microphones
1

Community setups

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thiswillhavetodo

thiswillhavetodo

Gear IQ 553

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