When you have been a collector, seller and a repairman as I have
for 43 years you are bound to have owned some interesting musical
instruments. Luckily I had the foresight to photograph many of these
instruments because I just don't see as many nowadays unless of course I
visit one of the national drum shows. 95% of the pictures you will see
in my column were drums owned by me at one time or another. Today we
look at some interesting Ludwig drum sets.
Drum History Podcast - Episode 8 - The History of Ludwig Drums with William F. Ludwig III
Bill Ludwig runs us through the fascinating history of Ludwig Drums! Grandson of the Ludwig founder, William F. Ludwig, his family has had a long and winding history with the Ludwig drum company - founding it in 1909 with a subsequent sale of the company in the early 80's. They
Read moreLudwig Psych Red Rock Duo
The set in this article that I own is a special set for several reasons. It has a lot green present, it was made on Dec 12th 1968 (which still falls in the psychedelic years) and it is a catalog correct Rock Duo from the Ludwig catalog. Ludwig offered two factory catalog double bass sets; The Blue Note consisting of two 22" bass drums, 12,13,16,18 toms, matching jazzfest snare, canister throne and bongos. The Rock Duo is the smaller cousin featuring two 20” bass drums, 12,13,16 toms and a supraphonic 400 snare drum.
Read more1935-1936 Ludwig Silver Anniversary 5x14 Engraved Black Beauty, Super Ludwig model
In 1935, Ludwig & Ludwig Drum Company celebrated its 25th “Silver” Anniversary and issued a series of redesigned Silver Anniversary snare drums in Standard, Super-Ludwig, and Super-Sensitive models. Mark Cooper (Cooper’s Vintage Drums) has noted that while the Silver Anniversary occurred in 1935, these drums did not appear in print until 1936 (Ludwig Drummer Magazine, Ludwig Silver Anniversary Edition catalog 36-A).
Read moreA first hand account of Ringo's auction of drums and personal items that fetched over 9 million dollars
I was prized when Ringo picked up the sticks and started playing the kit. I was standing a few feet in front of him with an astonished look on my face. He began playing the beginning of Come Together and Ringo laughed when he saw me smiling and said “You caught that.” to which I said “Yes I did.” The last time Ringo played that kit as a Beatle was 51 years and nine months ago, truly a magical and historical moment.
Read moreA Night of the Snare
Seven snare drums were recorded by some real pro Chicago drummers, David Moss and Larry Beers. Tools recorded the sound on his rare Neve 8078 console
Read moreWelcome back, Mr. Ludwig!
It's great to welcome Bill Ludwig III back to the NSMD writing staff. Of course, most drummers know that "B3" is the grandson of Ludwig Drum Company founder, Wm. F. Ludwig Senior. He was the artist relations person for the company during the late seventies and eighties. His dad sold that company to Conn Selmer during the eighties. Bill was also the owner and publisher of Not So Modern Drummer during the 2000s. I have been after him for years to write a column and now was a good time for him to start.
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