60s Ludwig Classic Downbeat 14" Floor Tom Oyster Black Pearl - Ringo - $1,400 (Arlington)

Vintage and rare mid-1960s Ludwig Classic 14" x 14" floor tom, 3-ply mahogany-poplar-mahogany shell with rare original, (not reissue), oyster black pearl covering that is tucked into the scarf joint.

Ringo Beatles-era specs include: chrome-over-brass (COB) hoops/rims, center keystone badge (117xxx) location, red felt baseball bat muffler/tone control, Ludwig script cast leg brackets with wing bolts - (likely retro-fitted), 2 x knurled legs w/tapered top, 1 x fluted leg w/tapered top.

The original oyster black covering is immediately distinguishable from the many reissue variants by its distinct marbling of the white areas, transparent sections that show the red-brown mahogany outer ply, and the more random black/gray horizontal pattern.

The interior white coating may have been redone at some point, but it shows natural age and fading, and predates my decades of ownership.

Along with its rarity, this particular drum has always been the best sounding, most versatile floor tom I've ever owned regardless of finish.
All brands and type of heads fit and turn freely, and it tunes easily across all ranges.

It would make the perfect start to a 20-12-14 Downbeat kit, or to add next to a 16" floor tom in a Super Classic set.

Also available is a late-60s 14" x 20" bass drum shell in matching orig OBP, and miscellaneous hardware, stands, etc.

Cash only please.

vintage drum drums