Mid 1960’s Ludwig “Super Classic” Charlie Watts Tribute Drum Kit Set Drums Drumset

First off, let me emphasize that in no way, shape or form do I claim these drums were owned, used or connected to Charlie Watts. They are merely my representation of the 1965 Ludwig drum kit Charlie used in his early days as the drummer playing for The Rolling Stones. I used images taken from The Rolling Stones “Exhibition” tour as a reference in recreating “Charlie’s kit”.

The drums came to me in the form of a very used and abused mixed and matched set but amongst it all was a Ludwig Super Classic 22” bass drum, 13” rack tom and a 16” floor tom. From the only keystone badge remaining on the 16” floor tom (197265) I was able to date the drums in and around 1965.

The original wrap was long gone which led me to make a decision. The obvious, and for a moment, I had considered turning what I had into “the Ringo kit” but having recently read an article about Charlie’s pre Gretsch days, I chose “Sky Blue Pearl” and decided to build and recreate his early Ludwig kit, paying homage to the man, the drummer I so greatly admire.

Watts remembers that, “everyone in the early ‘60s wanted Ludwig, so I got mine from the same place Ringo (Starr) got his, I think, which was Drum City, on Shaftesbury Avenue. Ringo’s was dark grey pearl and mine was sky blue – very camp.”

That said;

For sale:

This is a mid 1960’s Ludwig 4 piece “Charlie Watts tribute” drum kit.

The kit consists of:

(1) 1965 Ludwig “Super Classic” 22” bass drum.
(1) 1965 Ludwig “Super Classic” 13” rack tom.
(1) 1965 Ludwig “Super Classic” 16” floor tom.
(1) 1964 Ludwig Supra-Phonic 400 snare drum.
(1) Ludwig “Buck Rogers” snare stand.
(1) Ludwig “flat based” cymbal stand.
(1) Ludwig “Speed King” bass drum pedal.
(1) Ludwig cowbell and cowbell holder.
(1) Ludwig “Drum and Timpani Stool”.
(1) Ludwig drum key
(1) Ludwig wrench

(1) Rogers “Swiv-o-Matic” hi-hat stand.
(1) Gretsch “All-Height” cymbal holder. (bass drum mounted)
(1) Premier “flush base” cymbal stand.

All mounting hardware, brackets, legs etc. as shown in photos are included.

The set does not include cymbals.
Sticks and brushes are not included (for display purposes only).

The drums have all been stripped down to their bare shells, rewrapped, interiors were repainted to correct “Ludwig white” color, all parts cleaned and polished, oiled, painted and reassembled. All shells are solid with no ply separation, bearing edges are original and in excellent condition. One keystone badge is original to the drums (197265), the other two I acquired trying to match as close as I could find at the time (117772 and 388801 (‘66)).
The badge on the snare is original (86250) putting it in the late ‘63 to early ‘64 range.
All chrome/metal parts, hoops, lugs, claws, mounts etc. are exceptionally clean, chrome is bright but all showing signs of wear to varying degrees (minor scuffs/scratches) due to age.
The Supra-Phonic snare would be considered “well used”. Again, exceptionally clean, no dents or structural issues but does show its age (scuffs, haze, scratches, light pitting).
All operating parts (internal mufflers/tone controls, snare throw-off/strainer operate smoothly and properly.
All stands and pedals also are very clean, fully functional, operate as they should but do show signs of wear and age.
All drums come with brand new Remo coated Ambassador drum heads on batter and resonant sides. Snare drum is fitted with a new Remo “hazy” snare side head and a set of new “Vintage 63” 18 strand snare wires.

To any potential, serious buyer; with every drum I sell I believe in complete transparency. I want you to know exactly what you are buying with no hidden surprises. I am happy to provide a much more detailed description and provide photos of any parts in question to help in finalizing your decision. I want you to be a satisfied, happy.

I prefer local pick up within the Phoenix area but will ship within the USA at buyers expense.