THE BACKROOM has a tiny footprint, albeit with considerable thump. Simply put : I do not buy much. And the focus of what I do buy falls mainly within the 1960's, sometimes delving further into the past. And then I only buy the best and what I think can be transformed into something far better than its present state. I love winding the clock backwards which means fully detailing without ever modifying. The considerable time and effort this takes can be daunting. The results speak for themselves.

Of the handful of vintage drums and guitars available in THE BACKROOM you simply will not find a commensurate instrument anywhere else. Except in, maybe, a museum or the finest private collection. I've sold to some of the biggest recording artists ... but will remain discrete, so don't ask.

Not everything is listed!!! As stated prior, I buy only the best. And out of that number much of it is considered certifiably and without doubt rare if not exceptionally rare. If you think what you're seeing posted for sale is top tier (it is) ... imagine what's hidden in the literal BACKROOM. If you've got the right credentials, you know what to do. Everyone else ... remain behind the velvet rope.

And now a little something about this listing ...

Not everyone has the stomach for detailing. That's how I've made myself different from the flippers and the motormouths who've never flinched from yammering on and on about why their drum/kit is more better than another. That little bit about the considerable thump? Well, I'm fairly certain that it's put a burr under the saddle of some of the bigger cats who've been forced to do the same detailing when listing similar drums/kits. Why? Because if they don't - you're buying from me (and why wouldn't you in the first place? My gear's consistently far better.) Some of these same sellers have tried to wiggle stuff out of my paws to make their listings more appealing. Some even have gotten Ringo to sign some stuff to move their merch when he doesn't sign anything anymore and hasn't done so for years (or so I thought).

Ludwig OYSTER BLACK PEARL 1963-64 SUPER CLASSIC
13 / JAZZ FESTIVAL / 16 /22
PRE-SERIAL / 105288 / 33857 / PRE-SERIAL

For the uninitiated a 1963-'64 OBP kit is absolutely 1000% rare. Some argue they're as common as fleas. Others know .... So simply put there are not many to be had. And of those you'll need to focus on just one tiny itsy bitsy word from the prior sentence : had. Of those that have been had, most are, shall I say, going to be just like that rifle in that old NRA ad Charlton Heston taunts you into trying to pry from his cold, dead hands : they are for the most part now and forevermore unattainable. Folks who own practically any '60's OBP kit no matter the configuration aren't too eager to let 'em go. You think I'm kidding? Second question then : how come you rarely see any OBP snares (these are the rarest of them a!!), the orphans or full kits up for auction?

SHOWROOM CONDITION

The wrap has EXTREMELY LIGHT to ZERO fade/darkening on all shells. ALL PIECES ARE IN COLLECTOR CONDITION. No modifications or extra holes.

The chrome hardware has been cleaned & polished with Simichrome polish. Hardware is in VERY GOOD + TO EXCELLENT condition. The wrap has been polished with NOVUS 1 & 2 and it is extremely smooth with a few light scratches that could not be completely buffed out.

This is a one owner kit and that owner stated that the 13/16/22 were purchased new at the same time and not pieced together. The Jazz Fest, however, did not come with the kit ... as nearly every Ludwig 60's kit was issued with the Supra. All Jazz Fests were in fact special orders and it is uncommon to find them with ANY kit. And, yes, even Ringo had to special order his OBP snares.

9x13" RACK TOM PRE-SERIAL MARCH 4 1963

Original chrome over brass (COB) hoops and chrome hardware have very light pitting / nicks / fine scratches in areas - not bad at all, and far less than what is typically seen in hardware nearly 60 years old. Original red muffler. Batter is new REMO Vintage Weatherking Ambassador; reso new Evans J1 ETCHED (1st version).

Wrap is in excellent condition with a few light nicks / scratches remaining after being polished with NOVUS 1 & 2. THE WRAP FOLLOWS THE SEAM INTO THE SCARF JOINT.

16x16 Floor Tom Badge # 33857

THIS IS AN EXTREMELY RARE 1964 OBP FLOOR TOM. NOTE THAT THE BADGE IS CENTERED ON THE SHELL RATHER THAN BEING DRILLED IN THE UPPER 3rd OF THE SHELL AS IS TYPICAL WITH MOST 1964 AND LATER LUDWIG FLOOR TOMS.

Original COB hoops and chrome hardware have very light pitting / nicks / fine scratches in areas - again : not bad at all, and far less than what is typically seen in hardware nearly 60 years old. Original red muffler. Both heads are original to the drum with the batter showing signs of use typical of the era and the resonant side head being practically new in appearance. 8 rods on reso side are 60's replacements.

Wrap is in excellent condition with a few light nicks / scratches remaining after being polished with NOVUS 1 & 2. The drum was likely played without the bottom hoop on the drum as it is slightly out of round. There is also a separation - but no lift - in the wrap as shown in the 21st photo. The drum sounds great despite this. THE WRAP FOLLOWS THE SEAM INTO THE SCARF JOINT.

5 (5 1/4)x14" JAZZ FESTIVAL SNARE DRUM # 105288

Original red muffler. Original COB hoops in excellent condition. Hardware with light micro-pitting of a few lugs. Light darkening to wrap. Wrap excellent with few nicks remaining. Bearing edges excellent. Original Ludwig heads and snare wires in excellent condition.

22x16 BASS DRUM PRE-SERIAL 1963 (date smudged)

Chrome hardware has very light pitting / nicks / fine scratches in areas - again : not bad at all, and far less than what is typically seen in hardware nearly 60 years old. The worst lugs have been placed on the bottom of the shell so they're out of view. Both heads are original to the drum. Bass hoops shows lighter wear in terms of chipping paint, nicks, etc. I would not repaint them as they are not bad.

Wrap is in excellent condition with a few light nicks / scratches remaining after being polished with NOVUS 1 & 2. THE WRAP FOLLOWS THE SEAM INTO THE SCARF JOINT.

STANDS AND CYMBALS NOT INCLUDED. Vintage stands and vintage cymbals can certainly be added. Inquire if so desired.