Ludwig-Musser is a top drum brand that is a part of the Conn-Selmer division of Steinway Musical Instruments, Inc.  Ludwig Drums has a rich history and is a very popular brand for vintage drum collectors.  Ludwig is famous for having propelled the modern drum set forward with the invention of a bass drum pedal that allowed for quick action and faster beats.  Ludwig has had many high profile endorsers including Ringo Starr of The Beatles, Ginger Baker of Cream and John Bonham of Led Zeppelin.  Today Ludwig manufactures drum shells, snare drums, hardware, pedals, concert and marching percussion as well as other drum accessories.

Ludwig Drums History

Ludwig was founded in 1909 by William and Theobaldner Ludwig when they developed a bass drum pedal cable with better rebound and speed which allowed for faster beats.  It was the first spring driven pedal and was produced in a rented barn in Chicago.  Many drum enthusiasts argue that this is truly when the modern drum set was born.

In 1916 the Ludwig brothers followed up with a spring mechanism which is the basis for the current Balanced Action Pedal Timpani.  After this the Ludwig expanded to make other drums, especially brass snare drums and wooden drums as well as banjo type instruments.  In the late 20s Ludwig manufactured two types of ukulele-banjos that are regarded today as being one of the top 3 ukulele-banjo brands to collect.

During the Great Depression Ludwig merged with C.G. Conn Company.  William F. Ludwig did no appreciate the lack of innovation and involvement after the merger and left Ludwig in 1936.  One year later operating under the W.F.L. Drum Company, Ludwig created the Speed King pedal.  In 1955 the WFL Drum Company was purchased by Conn and renamed the Ludwig Drum Company.  In 1966 Ludwig also purchased the Musser Marimba Company which made mallets and percussive instruments such as vibes, marimbas, bells, chimes and xylophones.  In 1981 Ludwig was purchased by the Selmer Company.

Today high end Ludwig drums and concert percussion are produced in Monroe, North Carolina, except for timpani and mallets which are produced in LaGrange Park, Illinois.  Lower end Ludwig drum lines are mass produced in Asia and shipped all over the world.

 

Ludwig Drum Lines

Like other top drum brands, Ludwig makes several high end and custom drum sets as well as drum kits for the beginner and semi-professional drummer.

High End & Custom Drums made in Monroe, NC

Ludwig’s high end drums feature a variety of diverse sounds and styles.  From drum shells made of solid wood to drums made of acrylic PET (Polyethylene terephthalate), the Ludwig high end drum kits offer resonances and finishes that professional drummers demand.

• Legacy Classic: 3ply combo of Maple & Poplar with 16 bass variations and 30 tom options ($2,000-$5,000+)
• Legacy Exotic: Shells available in Bubinga, Lacewood, Mahogany, Maple and Sumauma ($3,400-$4,200)
• Stainless Steel: Available in anniversary edition and Joey Kramer signature set ($1,500+)
• Classic Maple: Made in Monroe, NC of 7-ply, 6mm North American Maple shells ($1,700-$2,900)
• Vistalite: Available in Amer, Blue, Yellow and Clear with 2 standard configurations available ($1,700-$3,500)
• Keystone: 3ply shells made from Maple and available in 7 finishes and 3 arrangements ($1,500-$1,800)

Centennial Series

The Ludwig Centennial Series of drums feature 6ply North American Maple shells on the toms and 8ply on the bass and snare drums.  The Centennial drum sets are available in 3 pre-configured setups.  Additional component drums are also available to add to the existing drum sets.  The Centennial sets are offered in six custom sparkle or natural lacquer finishes and can be picked up brand new for between $1,300 and $2,300 depending on the setup and number of additional drums added.

Epic Series

The Ludwig Epic Series comes in 6 finishes and is made of shells that are 2-ply Birch inner, 2-ply Maple core and 2-ply Birch outer.  Available in 5-pc, 6-pc and 10-pc double bass configurations, the Epic series is designed for power sound and high-volume situations.  The 5pc and 6pc shell kit variations can be purchased for between $800 and $1000 dollars with the 10 pc kit for approximately double that.

Element Series

The Ludwig Element Series is made of 100% Marbled Birch shells and comes in two different six piece configurations.   These are dubbed the Power and Fusion configurations and vary on snare and tom-tom sizes while the bass and floor toms remain the same.  The Element Series drum kit is available in Charcoal Fade, Deep Blue, Deep Red and Deep Brown finishes.  Element kits can be picked up new for between $600 and $750.

Accent Series

The Accent and Accent CS Series are Ludwig’s low end drum kits designed for the beginning drummer.  These are available in two 5 piece configurations dubbed the Power and Jazz setups.  Accent drums are made of 6-ply select hardwood with metallic PVC outers and are available in 4 finishes.  Priced around $500 brand new.

 

Ludwig Snares

• Arcolite: Made from seamless aluminum shell and available in 5×14″ and 6.5×14″ sizes ($300-$400)
• Artist Signature: Features snares from artists Corey Miller, Joey Kramer, Carl Palmer, Jim Riley ($350-$450)
• Black Beauty: The most popular snare comes in 3 sizes and is made of a single sheet of brass ($450-$850)
• Black Magic: Four models available in brass and 2 models available in stainless steel ($280-$430)
• Brass Bronze: Two models of each Brass and Bronze available in 5×14″ and 6.5×14″ ($180-$825)
• Classic Maple: Made of 7-ply maple shells and available in 6 variations ($380-$520)
• Epic: Made from 6ply Birch/Maple/Birch shells and available in 4 variations ($180-$380)
• Epic Centurian: Three snare models made from walnut, bubinga or sapele hybrid shells ($340-$380)
• Keystone: Two models (6.5×14 & 8×14) are available to match Ludwig’s Keystone drum set ($300-$500)
• Supraphonic: Chrome plated, seamless aluminum shells available in 5×14″ and 6.5×14″ sizes ($400-$700)

 

Ludwig Hardware

Ludwig has historically been known for its innovations in drum pedals.  Today Ludwig Drum Company offers several lines of hardware and pedals including 3 different lines sub-branded as Atlas Hardware.

Ludwig Atlas Hardware

The Ludwig Atlas Hardware series includes three different lines of varying durability along with accessories to accompany each line.  The 3 hardware lines include the Atlas Pro for the touring professional, the Atlas Classic for the metropolitan professional and the Atlas Standard for the gigging professional.

• Ludwig Atlas Pro – Heavy weight including 2 snare stands as well as both single and double bass pedals
• Ludwig Atlas Classic – Light weight hardware featuring flat-based stands enhanced with modern appointments
• Ludwig Atlas Standard – Medium hardware that is moderately priced and designed for all around drumming
• Ludwig Atlas Accessories – Includes cymbal coupler, mini-boom arm, tilter clams, stacker cap and cases

Other Ludwig Hardware

On top of the Atlas lines of hardware, Ludwig also manufactures many popular hardware pieces and bass drum pedals including the legendary Speed King single pedal.

• Bass Pedals: Includes the Speed King, Single & Double Pro Pedal, the Classic, 400 Series and Combo.
• Cymbal Stands: Includes light, medium and heavy duty stands available in both straight and boom.
• Hi-Hat Stands: Includes five different hi-hat stands from lightweight double braced to modular swivel base
• Snare Stands: Includes five different snare stands of varying weights
• Thrones:  Nine different thrones, including saddle style, rocker, bicycle, round and modular styles.
• Tom Stands & Holders: Various tom holders and cymbal stand attachments

Ludwig Concert & Marching Percussion

On top of the drum sets, snares and hardware, Ludwig also manufactures drums for concert and marching percussion.  This includes, concert toms, various lines of timpani, concert bass drums, marching snare drums.

 

Ludwig Drums Review

Ludwig Drum Company is top drum manufacturer that specializes in high quality drum shells and snares.  While they produce a few drum sets for beginners, such as the Accent, Accent CS and Element, the majority of Ludwig’s kits are high end drums.  This is part of the reason why they have attracted top drummers as endorsers such as Bun E. Carlos of Cheap Trick, Jeremiah Green of Modest Mouse and Alan White of Yes.  While Ludwig drums have a legacy and are popular with collectors, they are still relevant and superior drums for use in all genres today.

For more info on Ludwig Drums check out their website at ludwig-drums.com

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