Drum finishes are an interesting part of drum history. In 1926, Ludwig introduced a textured gold sparkle painted finish called “Stipelgold.” This was quickly replaced in 1927 with the “New Ludwigold Iridescent Display Finish.” In 1927, the Ludwig drum company was busy experimenting with other new finishes for drums. Prior to 1928, the only finish choices were stained wood in mahogany, maple, walnut, and birds eye maple; and painted shells in black ebonized or white enamel. Meanwhile, in 1926 the Leedy Drum company was the first to show a pyralin wrapped drum. George Way from Leedy has been credited as the first to apply a wrap to a drum. The wonderful New Marine Pearl Finish was proudly shown on the last page of the May 1926 Leedy Topics newsletter. Leedy stated that Marine pearl is a Dupont product, harder than most woods, with a surface as smooth as glass, and […]

March 2024 Issue