Ludwig Vistalite Series Drum Set Review & Price

Ludwig drums are made by Ludwig-Musser which is part of the Conn-Selmer division of Steinway Musical Instruments. Ludwig has a long history, with the Ludwig brothers being responsible for inventing the first spring driven bass drum pedal among other drum innovations.

Over the years Ludwig has had many top drummers as endorsers including Ginger Baker of Cream and John Bonham of Led Zeppelin. Today Ludwig continues to make high quality drum shells, snares, hardware, kick pedals and other percussive instruments.

All images are property of Ludwig and their respective owners, for more info on Ludwig drums visit the Ludwig Drums page.

 

Vintage Ludwig Vistalite Drums

The Vistalite was first introduced in 1972, with the name referring to the plastic acrylic PET (polyethylene terephthalate) the drums shells were made out of. When John Bonham of Led Zeppelin used the Vistalites the popularity went through the roof, even causing the original Vistalite drums to now be classified as collectors items.

The original colors available where, clear, blue, green, red, amber and yellow. Later on Ludwig expanded to rainbow Vistalites with multicolor shells. Additionally other top drummers of the 70s played Vistalites including Keith Moon of the Who, Nick Mason of Pink Floyd, Ron Bushy of Iron Butterfly.

 

Vistalite Set Configurations

• Amber Vistalite Zep Set
• “Big Beat” 5-piece set
• Red Vistalite Fab Kit
• Green Vistalite pro Beat
• Vistalite Custom Shell pack

Vistalite Color Options

• Amber – (47)
• Blue – (55)
• Yellow – (56)
• Clear – (38)

 

Modern Vistalite Drum Sets

Ludwig reissued Vistalites in 2001 with many knock offs by competitors coming in 2006 including Sonor, Tama, RCI, Fibes, ddrum and other custom drum brands. Today Vistalite drums from Ludwig features the popular 70s blue/olive badge with the options for standard Mini-Classic or Large Classic lugs.

Vistalite bass drums come in 22×16 and 24×14. Floor toms come in standard sizes of 14×14,16×16 and 18×16 with mounted tom options including 10×8, 12×8, 13×9 and 14×10. There are two options for a Ludwig Vistalite snare both with a 14 inch diameter but with optional depths of 5″ and 6.5″ for increased loudness and attack.

 

Ludwig Vistalite Drums Review & Price

The big advantage that Vistalite drums have is that they are louder, have a sharper attack and hold up better in humid and temperate climates than wood shells. Modern Vistalites have a more consistent bearing edge and today’s drum heads allow for better tuning and clearer sound.

With a price range of $1,700 to $3,500 this puts the Vistalites in the mid-range or intermediate drum set market. Modern professional drummers however have shown that Vistalite kits and acrylic drums in general have a place in high end drumming. Many modern rock and jazz drummers site the wide range of tuning and durability of modern kits allows for sound quality just as good as wood kits.

Although Vistalites gained a reputation for cracking and lack of tonality, modern advancements in shell manufacturing and drum head development have helped put these issues to rest.

 

 

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