Ludwig classic maples

[xhavepatiencex]

Does anyone have any input on these drums? My good friend and drummer for my next project is considering getting a set. How do they record, and hows everyone feel they stack up against other higher end kits.

[digibird]

I own classic maples from 2000 (14-16-18-26) They sound excellent and record very well. I highly recommend them as they compare quite favorably with other high end drums. At this level of quality you really can't screw up regardless of the brand you buy - just personal preference.

My Ludwig Vistalites record very well, too. I've heard other people say they don't like Vistalites in the studio, but I really know how to tune drums - and that makes all the difference to any kit in any studio.

If you have questions, call Ludwig in Monroe, NC at 704-289-6459 - someone on the production floor can help with whatever you need. They are really good folks there.

[HeavyG]

...on what kind of sound you are going for. You will definitely have the logo "mojo" working for you...and Ludwig snares are all that and a slice of pie...but they do not quite have the whole "boutique vibe" down because they haven't broken away from their heritage. They really haven't changed their approach for a long time...and the industry took a step up in performance. The new small lug, keller (or similar quality) shell, attention to detail approach has made everyone step up their game. I haven't seen that Ludwig has...from what I have heard.

[digibird]

[QUOTE=HeavyG;2192223
The new small lug, keller (or similar quality) shell, attention to detail approach has made everyone step up their game. I haven't seen that Ludwig has...from what I have heard.[/QUOTE]

Ludwig are one of the few drum companies that make their own shells, allowing for lots of attention to detail and quality control. They also have a brand new line in the Legacy Classic series, thus "stepping up their game".

Ludwig - The Most Famous Name On Drums

http://www.classicdrummer.com/archiv...actoryTour.pdf

[Beefsurgeon]

In my experience, Ludwigs have their own sound, even the modern ones. They've got a unique warmth and fatness to them that remains consistent.

The build quality, however, generally sucks. The bearing edges are not that great, the wrap jobs are sloppy, and sometimes they put the hardware on crooked. Even on their limited-edition anniversary fancypants snares, sometimes you'll see that all of the lugs are leaning slightly to the left or right...

My advice is to check out the kit you've got your eye on in person and play it, check the tunability, etc. I don't know if I'd be comfortable ordering a Ludwig kit blind. That said, thousands of people have done just that and been very happy with what they got. I suppose it all depends on how much of a stickler for detail you are.

[xhavepatiencex]

thanks for all the info everyone, any more input would be great too.

[HeavyG]

Originally Posted by Beefsurgeon

In my experience, Ludwigs have their own sound, even the modern ones. They've got a unique warmth and fatness to them that remains consistent.

The build quality, however, generally sucks. The bearing edges are not that great, the wrap jobs are sloppy, and sometimes they put the hardware on crooked. Even on their limited-edition anniversary fancypants snares, sometimes you'll see that all of the lugs are leaning slightly to the left or right...

My advice is to check out the kit you've got your eye on in person and play it, check the tunability, etc. I don't know if I'd be comfortable ordering a Ludwig kit blind. That said, thousands of people have done just that and been very happy with what they got. I suppose it all depends on how much of a stickler for detail you are.

That is my opinion as well. Good sound. Great snare drums. Incredible logo mojo...but the build quality is not equal to the other TOP TIER drum companies. For instance...I have a GMS Grand Master Maple as my main recording kit....and I have never had any issues related to build quality on FIVE DRUMS. I have two Ludwig snares and BOTH have minor, annoying issues (strainer arm bent, tension lugs dropping off from the pounding of my rimshots, etc). Don't get me wrong...I wouldnt trade my Black Beauties for ANYTHING (they sound incredible)...but they are not built as well as my Sonor Bell Brass Signature snare (for example).

Now for the rest of the drumset...Ludwig toms, kicks, etc. DO NOT stand at the top of the class like the snares that they make, so this build quality issue can not be overlooked. When a GMS, Ayotte, Orange County, Spaun, Gretsch, etc. can be had for the same money...you can make a compelling case for going in a different direction.

I love Ludwig drums....but you wanted a comparison against other high end kits. I wanted you to see both sides...but you cant go wrong with that logo on your kick head.

Cheers

[digibird]

I respect the other opinions here, and certainly don't doubt their experiences, but just wanted to let you know that I personally have never had any problems or issues with Ludwig build quality. Everything I have bought from them has been top-notch & high quality product. I was especially pleased with a special-order 8x14 maple snare a few years ago.

If you ever have any problem with the quality of a Ludwig product, I would suggest contacting Steve Cotton at the # above in Monroe, NC. He has always been very generous with his time and knowledge and gives excellent customer service. I know he stands behind the quality of all Ludwig products and would never let a customer remain unhappy.

Best of luck to you in your search - I'm sure you will find something to make you happy at the quality level you are shopping - smart move.

[HeavyG]

I don't want to come across like I am down on Ludwig...I love their drums...I just think they could do a bit better on the fit and finish. I owned a 70's stainless steel Ludwig kit that was top notch....but that is not the experience I have had with the Ludwig drums I own today. That said...if I had to take one drum with me to the grave, it would be my hand hammered, tub lug, 6 1/2 x 14 Black Beauty because it just OOZES tone. You have a lot of compelling options in the high end category...and to your point, you can't go wrong with any of them...Ludwig Classic Maples included. Check them all out and let your ears decide...

[lpkyer]

for the rest of the drumset...Ludwig toms, kicks, etc. DO NOT stand at the top of the class like the snares that they make, so this build quality issue can not be overlooked. When a GMS, Ayotte, Orange County, Spaun, Gretsch, etc. can be had for the same money...you can make a compelling case for going in a different directio

OCDP make some of the worst built drum kits I've ever encountered.
Ayotte, GMS, OCDP, Spaum and Gretsch shell kits are all 2.5k and up while a ludwig is 1.5k max.

[HeavyG]

Originally Posted by lpkyer

OCDP make some of the worst built drum kits I've ever encountered.
Ayotte, GMS, OCDP, Spaum and Gretsch shell kits are all 2.5k and up while a ludwig is 1.5k max.

Dude...I listed some other "high end kits" as an example. I am not saying that they are better...just other names that you might consider if you were looking for a custom high end kit.

Perhaps the Canadien market is different... but in good old Chicago a 5 pc. Maple kit from Gretsch will run you about $3087, Spaun $3,178, GMS $3,243 and Ayotte $3,281. Oh yeah...the Ludwigs are $3,079.

Those are list prices...cheers.

[coprock]

I have a new kit of Classic Maples. I ordered them blindly and have been very impressed. Construction is top notch, the shells are beautiful and bearing edges well crafted. 13, 16 and 22 in standard sizes cost all of $1,400 including a dw rail consollete tom mount.

I purchased the kit to avoid taking my vintage drums and Gretsch USA maple in to clubs. I have loved playing them and look forward to hearing how they sound recorded.

I have heard the Ludwig legacy's as well and they sound amazing.

I understand that quality has been an issue in the past however have not heard anything but praise lately including that of Stan and Jerry at Pro Drum, who know a little about drums.

Regarding a bent snare lever and tension rods falling out. It's a snare drum! the drum that takes the most abuse. A p-85 strainer costs all of $23. If you don't like it, you can add an aftermarket strainer. Tension rods routinely fall out of all snare drums. Lug logs work perfectly for this.

[HeavyG]

Originally Posted by coprock

I have a new kit of Classic Maples. I ordered them blindly and have been very impressed. Construction is top notch, the shells are beautiful and bearing edges well crafted. 13, 16 and 22 in standard sizes cost all of $1,400 including a dw rail consollete tom mount.

I purchased the kit to avoid taking my vintage drums and Gretsch USA maple in to clubs. I have loved playing them and look forward to hearing how they sound recorded.

I have heard the Ludwig legacy's as well and they sound amazing.

I understand that quality has been an issue in the past however have not heard anything but praise lately including that of Stan and Jerry at Pro Drum, who know a little about drums.

Regarding a bent snare lever and tension rods falling out. It's a snare drum! the drum that takes the most abuse. A p-85 strainer costs all of $23. If you don't like it, you can add an aftermarket strainer. Tension rods routinely fall out of all snare drums. Lug logs work perfectly for this.

Congrats on the new kit! I am sure that it kills. I am really happy to hear that Ludwig is taking their game up a few notches. As for my personal quality issues...I am a pro. I don't have an axe to grind. Fact: I do not have a problem with any other snare drums that I own. I don't lose tension rods on my Sonor Signature bell brass or my maple Craviotto. Lug locks don't even work. I haven't had a strainer arm bend, either. Even though I am a Ludwig fan...I want to tell the truth about their products. Sure...snares take a beating. However, my other snares don't seem to be as finicky. It doesn't mean that I still don't love them...they are still the best sounding snare drums to me.

Bravo, Ludwig!
Cheers.

[bloodsuga]

I love my classic maple set. I believe they are cheaper than a lot of other high quality drum sets and in my opinion have a pretty distinct sound. The are warm and fat, not too punchy which is what I like. I've had no problem with the quality and the wrap in particular has lasted me a pretty long time with no scratches. I'd go for them, you can't go wrong, they're like the fender of drums. Once you get into " high quality" drum sets they're all going to be good so to be safe I'd give them a playin'!!