Serial Number Based Dating Guides for Vintage Ludwig Drums - Main Line Drums 1963-1984 and
Standard Drums 1968-1973 (Second Edition) by Richard E. Gier. This is the 2023 revision to Richard E.
Gier's Ludwig dating guides which now includes observation based upon the author’s database of more
than 17,600 vintage Ludwig drums. Gier starts by dissecting previous Ludwig serial number dating
efforts and showing their limitations. He then presents new guides for Keystone and Blue/Olive badge
main line drums and the first guide available for Ludwig Standards. In addition to updating previously
presented material, the second edition includes new information on metal shell markings of chrome-
plated drums and an expanded look at badges without serial numbers. The 40 pages include numerous
full-color graphs, charts, and photos. Like his acclaimed Gretsch Serial Number Dating Guide, Gier's
Ludwig guide considers other production clues such as number of plies, muffler variation, throw-offs and
wrap features so that the reader can more accurately estimate production dates and determine if a
drum is authentic or has been altered. $15.00