ludwig current serial #`s

[Hazelwood7]

Anyone figure out the mystery? I would like to know do I can date my kits

 

[cymtrich]

i`m thinking it would be great if someone knew somebody at ludwig that might be able to shed some light. why is ludwig so secretive on something like this? don`t understand, seems that an educated consumer could be to their advantage. bill

 

[ludwigjim]

I'm pretty sure that serial numbers are no longer on badges, but on a paper tag inside the drum. I'm not quite sure if the number sequence continued from when they were put on badges, but would assume they are. For reference, my Classic Maple Downbeat kit was made in July, 2012, with consecutive serial numbers on the badge. Those numbers are...

3484988 / 3484989 / 3484990 / 3484991

[SIZE=12pt]-Mark[/SIZE]

Had some Classic Maples made the end of Feb. 2012 & they were 3479xxx so I'd guess maybe March April 2012?

 

[felis]

I think they were pretty lackadaisical in the past when it came to serial #'s. It seems like they have a better system in place now.

I just bought a 3 pc. bop size set and have asked a few questions here trying to determine about how old they are.
Weird #'s on the badges - 3391xxx on the BD, 3468xxx on the FT, and the 12" mounted tom has two of the same style badges on it, but neither one has a serial #.

 

[Elvis]

I posted a reply to your post that you linked to here....in that other thread.

 

[felis]

There is a date code hidden in the serial number on the new sticker badges, but I don't remember how it is configured.

If at some point you remember or find out how the sticker codes are deciphered, could you post it here please?

 

[rsq911]

On my newest snare, it has the serial number tag/bar code on the inside decal, the model number and serial number on the box, and a date code inspection sheet with the warranty card.
The serial number correlates to the dealer order, production number, and the model number for internal computer database.

 

[feelyat]

If at some point you remember or find out how the sticker codes are deciphered, could you post it here please?

Someone posted this link on Facebook recently.

Ludwig Modern Serial Number Decoder

 

[felis]

Thanks so much for that.

I just bought a used Classic Maple set, and while I thought it looked pretty new, now I know it was born in July of 2018.

 

[bassanddrum84]

I don’t even o ow how to read the serial numbers lol I get confused

 

[Matched Gripper]

Someone posted this link on Facebook recently.

Ludwig Modern Serial Number Decoder

Do you know where this chart came from? I can't find it online anywhere else.

 

[Elvis]

Thanks so much for that.

I just bought a used Classic Maple set, and while I thought it looked pretty new, now I know it was born in July of 2018.

July of 2018 isn't "pretty new"?...

 

[felis]

July of 2018 isn't "pretty new"?...

What is pretty new then?

To me, it's all relative. These drums are pretty new compared to a set from 1968 or so.

 

[rkingston]

Someone posted this link on Facebook recently.

Ludwig Modern Serial Number Decoder

Bookmarked, but commenting to save to my profile. Because I'm certain to forget the bookmark.

I'm not sure of the source of this guide; I hope it's accurate. I have a Copperphonic that is prefixed with MHA, but according to this guide, a Copperphonic should start with a Z. But it also says the first character may be applied to multiple series. Who knows...

Anyway, thanks for posting it!

 

[lossforgain]

Bookmarked, but commenting to save to my profile. Because I'm certain to forget the bookmark.

I'm not sure of the source of this guide; I hope it's accurate. I have a Copperphonic that is prefixed with MHA, but according to this guide, a Copperphonic should start with a Z. But it also says the first character may be applied to multiple series. Who knows...

Anyway, thanks for posting it!

I just found this thread looking for help decoding a date from the serial on the sticker inside a Classic Maple drum. I notice on the chart that M can also be used on hammered bronze, and hammered bronze can also start with a Z like Copperphonic. Is your drum hammered? Could it be bronze?

 

[Elvis]

Bookmarked, but commenting to save to my profile. Because I'm certain to forget the bookmark.

I'm not sure of the source of this guide; I hope it's accurate. I have a Copperphonic that is prefixed with MHA, but according to this guide, a Copperphonic should start with a Z. But it also says the first character may be applied to multiple series. Who knows...

Anyway, thanks for posting it!

Interesting.
My drums don't have stickers inside the shells, but then, my kit dates from 1999 and 1998.
Does that mean my Classic Maple kit is vintage ?
Funny, I always considered it an example of modern Ludwig kit.

 

[felis]

Interesting.
My drums don't have stickers inside the shells, but then, my kit dates from 1999 and 1998.
Does that mean my Classic Maple kit is vintage ?
Funny, I always considered it an example of modern Ludwig kit.

Classic Maples were launched in 1998. Stickers didn't start until 2011 - thirteen years later.

About

www.ludwig-drums.com

Your drums would be 25 years old in 2023 (if they were made in 1998).
IDK - is 25 years old considered vintage?

 

[Elvis]

Classic Maples were launched in 1998. Stickers didn't start until 2011 - thirteen years later.

About

www.ludwig-drums.com

Your drums would be 25 years old in 2023 (if they were made in 1998).
IDK - is 25 years old considered vintage?

That's what I'm asking.

 

[felis]

AFAIK, the current 7 ply, 6mm shell hasn't changed since introduced. When it comes to Ludwig, 'vintage' usually means the older 3 ply shells with rigs. Modern vintage is available in the Legacy range.
I'm a relative newcomer to Ludwig trivia though, so I'll bow out and let the more experienced speak.

 

[rkingston]

I just found this thread looking for help decoding a date from the serial on the sticker inside a Classic Maple drum. I notice on the chart that M can also be used on hammered bronze, and hammered bronze can also start with a Z like Copperphonic. Is your drum hammered? Could it be bronze?

There’s nothing bronze about this beauty. Straight up raw copper.

Well, “raw” and coated with a protective finish…