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Average Price: $1,200

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Description

Ludwig Super Classic 1969

Product specs

Brand Ludwig
Model No. 980 Super Classic Outfit 9x13 / 16x16 / 14x22" Drum Set (3-Ply) with Pointed Blue/Olive Badges
Finish Black Cortex, Black Diamond Pearl, Black Panther, Blue Silk, Blue Sparkle, Butcher Block Cortex, Champagne Sparkle, Chrome over Wood, Citrus Mod, Gold Silk, Gold Sparkle, Green Sparkle, Mahogany Cortex, Maple Cortex, Mod Orange, Oyster Black Pearl, Oyster Blue Pearl, Psychedelic Red, Red Silk, Red Sparkle, Silver Silk, Silver Sparkle, Sky Blue Pearl, Thermogloss Mahogany Lacquer, Thermogloss Maple Lacquer, Walnut Cortex, White Cortex, White Marine Pearl
Year 1969 - 1976
Made In United States
Categories Drum Sets
Shell Material Maple, Poplar

FAQs

What are the shell materials used in the Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set?

The Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set features shells made from a combination of maple and poplar, known for producing a warm and resonant tone suitable for various music styles.

What sizes are included in the Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set?

This drum set includes a 9x13 inch tom, a 16x16 inch floor tom, and a 14x22 inch bass drum, offering a versatile setup for a wide range of musical genres.

What finishes are available for the Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set?

The Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set is available in a variety of finishes, including Black Cortex, Blue Sparkle, Oyster Black Pearl, and many more, allowing drummers to choose a look that suits their personal style.

Is the Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set is well-suited for live performances, offering a classic sound and durable construction that can withstand the rigors of gigging.

What makes the Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set popular among drummers?

The Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set is popular for its vintage sound, high-quality construction, and iconic design, making it a favorite among both professional and amateur drummers seeking a classic drum set experience.

Drumcenter cz

Drumcenter cz

LUDWIG Super Classic

Video thumbnail for LUDWIG Super Classic by Drumcenter cz

LUDWIG Super Classic

Drumcenter cz

Drumcenter cz

Video thumbnail for 1960's Ludwig Super Classic by Everett Drum Shop

1960's Ludwig Super Classic

Everett Drum Shop

Everett Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Don't Fall In Love With This Drum Set (Ludwig Super Classic) by Cole Paramore

Don't Fall In Love With This Drum Set (Ludwig Super Classic)

Cole Paramore

Cole Paramore

Video thumbnail for INCREDIBLE CONDITION! Steve Sr's Ludwig Super Classic Drum Kit - Gold Sparkle by Steve Maxwell Drums

INCREDIBLE CONDITION! Steve Sr's Ludwig Super Classic Drum Kit - Gold Sparkle

Steve Maxwell Drums

Steve Maxwell Drums

Video thumbnail for 1965 Ludwig Super Classic plus by Ne'er-do-well

1965 Ludwig Super Classic plus

Ne'er-do-well

Ne'er-do-well

Video thumbnail for LUDWIG Super Classic by Drumcenter cz

LUDWIG Super Classic

Drumcenter cz

Drumcenter cz

Video thumbnail for 1966 Ludwig "Super Classic" Ginger Sparkle Drum Set by Hawthorne Drum Shop

1966 Ludwig "Super Classic" Ginger Sparkle Drum Set

Hawthorne Drum Shop

Hawthorne Drum Shop

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

Video thumbnail for 1960s Ludwig Blue Sparkle "Super Classic" Drum Kit by Hawthorne Drum Shop

1960s Ludwig Blue Sparkle "Super Classic" Drum Kit

Hawthorne Drum Shop

Hawthorne Drum Shop

Reviews

Owner Insights

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

Setup and maintenance

  • Novus Plastic Polish effectively removes haze and restores luster on vintage drum wraps, available in three grades for different scratch depths.

    Source
  • For cleaning, soak hardware in water/Dawn mix, then polish with Simichrome for nickel or NeverDull for chrome, as recommended by vintage drum owners.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Original Ludwig tom holders often move and require excessive tightening, risking stripping; modern mounts or snare stands are recommended for stability.

    Source
  • Original shell mount cymbal holders provide optimal ride placement; verify if the insert is included or needs purchasing separately.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Coated Ambassador heads on both top and bottom of toms enhance brightness; bass drums benefit from PS3 on batter and coated Ambassadors with felt strips on reso heads.

    Source
  • Ludwig Atlas lug mounts are favored for vintage kits due to their functionality and aesthetic compatibility, providing a modern solution for older hardware issues.

    Source

User experience

  • Tuning toms slightly higher than expected can unlock their potential, with mahogany shells maintaining low tones, as noted by owners of 1960s Ludwig kits.

    Source

Build quality

  • The white interior paint and date stamps are typical for 1960s Ludwig kits and help confirm the originality of the drum shells.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Champagne sparkle finishes are less common than blue or red sparkle but not as rare as psychedelic finishes, making them moderately collectible.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • A 22-16-13 shell pack alone is suggested to be valued around $1200-$1500, with higher prices justified if additional items like matching snares or original hardware are included.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Vintage Ludwig kits in bop sizes (e.g., 18 bass, 12 tom) are highly collectible, with prices significantly higher than more common configurations like 22-16-13.

    Source

Critic Reviews

BeatIt Vintage Test: 1966 Ludwig Super Classic | Beatit.tv

beatit.tv

The 1966 Ludwig Super Classic drum set is revered for its iconic, warm, and vintage sound that recalls the golden era of drumming. Its mahogany/poplar shells deliver a unique "cardboard"-like resonance that appeals to fans of retro sonic aesthetics, perfect for vintage-inspired music. Drummer Max Psuja praises its ease of tuning and performance, emphasizing its suitability for studio settings. However, the sound might not cater to those seeking modern, bass-heavy tones. Overall, a stellar choice for vintage sound enthusiasts.

positive

5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 1 Rating

5 star
4 star
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2 star
1 star
A

Classic drums that can do it all

These drums have a wide tuning range that can cover jazz and rock equally. It's been used for 60 years by many standards, and I enjoy it for its ability to navigate capably in different spaces. Bass drum: 14" X 22", Rack Tom drum: 9" X 13", Floor tom: 16" X 16".

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Chris Buck uses Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set

Chris Buck

Guitarist

Cardinal Black

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video titled "Chris Buck [of Cardinal Black] Rig Rundown Guitar Gear Tour" by Premier Guitar on YouTube, a Ludwig Drum Set can be seen in the background at the 0:34 mark, providing visual confirmation of its use in Chris Buck's setup.

See how Keith Moon uses Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set

Keith Moon

Drummer

The Who

...
Verified

In this website, it is stated that Keith Moon played a Super Classic Black Oyster from 1964-1965 and a Silver Sparkle from July to September 1965

Black Oyster First known date of use: 22 July, 1964, Scene Club Last known date of use: 23 May, 1965, “Thanks Your Lucky Stars” concert.

Silver Sparkle 1 July, 1965, “Ready Steady Go!” TV show (A clip is featured in The Kids Are Alright). Last known date of use: 3 September, 1965, “Ready Steady Go!” TV show.

See how Patrick Wilson uses Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set

Patrick Wilson

Guitarist, Drummer

Weezer

...
Verified via Weezerpedia

Wilson got this kit with Champaigne Sparkle finish directly from Ludwig in 1996, in which he broke into two separate kits. He left the smaller one at home and used the bigger one on "Pinkerton" and touring from 1996 to 1997.

See how Alan White uses Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set

Alan White

Drummer

Yes

...
Verified via Ludwig-musser

Alan White is featured on Ludwig-Musser's official website for his use of the Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set.

See how Joey Armstrong uses Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set

Joey Armstrong

Drummer

SWMRS

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo, Joey Armstrong can be seen with a Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set.

G

Georgia Hubley

Singer, Drummer

Yo La Tengo

...
Verified via Google

Georgia Hubley is seen with her Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set in Champagne Sparkle, as captured in the referenced image.

See how Lloyd Hanney uses Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set

Lloyd Hanney

Drummer

God Is an Astronaut

...
Verified via Photo

A photo of Lloyd’s 1969 Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set ( Bowling Ball Finish)

See how Michael Clarke uses Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set

Michael Clarke

Drummer

The Byrds

...
Verified

In a photograph featured on the official Byrds website, Michael Clarke is clearly seen playing a Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set during a session with The Byrds.

J

John Weathers

Drummer

Gentle Giant

...
Verified via Gentlegiantmusic

On the official Gentle Giant website, there is a list of all instruments played by every band member of this amazing band.

See how Charlie Adams uses Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set

Charlie Adams

Drummer

...
Verified via Charlieadamsdrummer

Adams uses a Ludwig Super classic (4-ply shells) in marine pearl finish.

B

Bert Ostyn

Composer

Absynthe Minded

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video titled "Tutorial: Absynthe Minded - The Execution," Bert Ostyn is seen using a Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set during the recording. This video is provided by Culture Club.

See how Scott Huff uses Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set

Scott Huff

...
Verified via YouTube

Scott Huff is seen using the Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set in his live performances. The video titled "Scott Allen Huff Overhead Drum Cam - Recoil covering Slither - Blind Pig 2017," uploaded by Scott Huff on YouTube, showcases him playing this drum set.

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 Ludwig Super Classic Drum Set, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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1
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1
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1
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1
Gigrig Supa-Nova
Gigrig Supa-Nova Effects Pedal Accessories
1
Victory V40 Deluxe
Victory V40 Deluxe Combo Guitar Amplifiers
1
1958 Gibson Les Paul Jr.
1958 Gibson Les Paul Jr. Solid Body Electric Guitars
1

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