Ludwig
Modern Drummer is the world’s most widely read drum magazine, is dedicated entirely to the art of drumming and caters to the needs of amateur, semi-pro, and professional drummers.
Ludwig Universal Model Snare Drums—Six Sweet Cherry Plies
Let’s take a Modern Drummer Product Close-Up look at the newest version of an iconic classic snare drum from yesteryear. But first, let’s take a quick look back in time. The Ludwig “Universal” Model Snare Drums were first introduced in…
Bruce’s Original Ludwig Vistalite’s
This month’s Kit of the Month comes to us from Bruce DeVino. Bruce tells us, “Last June on Father’s Day, I attended a church rummage sale. I purchased these Ludwig 1976 Vistalite Series E Black and White Pattern drums in…
1928 Ludwig Rialto and 1933 Ludwig Pioneer Trap Kits
The drum set has come a long way from the simple trap kits of the 1920s and 30s. Ironically, many drummers today are returning to these very simple sets for busking (type) gigs, favoring the convenience and ease of packing…
Joe Morello’s Maple Ludwigs
This Ludwig five-piece sliver sparkle maple drum kit (14×22, 9×13, 16×16, 16×18, and 5.5×14 Hammered Bronze Snare) was owned and played by Joe Morello for many years. David Frangioni studied with Joe in the 80’s and they became very close.…
Bryan Hitt’s Ludwig Epic Series REO Speedwagon 2009 Tour Kit
The Ludwig Epic kit shown here was used by Brian Hitt on REO Speedwagon’s 2009 Common Ground Tour, and it also appeared in Ludwig drum ads. It’s a custom kit that starts with two 16×22 bass drums, to which additional…
Ready for Our Close-Up!
Kits & Cymbals on Camera at the MD Festival So many amazing drummers contributed to our 21st Modern Drummer Festival. But they were not alone. The co-stars of the big show were the kits and cymbals used by the performers…
The Romantics Go Pink!
In 1980, the Romantics were riding a wave of success following the release of their smash hit, “What I Like About You.” The band was formed in 1977 in Detroit, and built a national following slugging it out in bars…
The Modern Drummer Product Guide
11 Snare Drums You Must Try There are drummers who remain loyal to one brand or configuration of snare drum throughout their careers. But there are also players such as Todd Sucherman, who has walls of shelving packed ever-so-neatly with…
On the Road to Rockford
This month we present Joseph Ciucci’s Ludwig Mod Orange Club Date set and Acrolite snare. Both were manufactured in December of 1967 and purchased from famed Cheap Trick drummer Bun E. Carlos, who is a well-known vintage drum enthusiast. “On…
An Enduring Kit and an Unforgettable Time
This vintage 1963 Ludwig Hollywood set in an Oyster Black Pearl wrap comes to us from drummer Nelson Hawkins, who ordered it after paging through a Ludwig catalog in the early ’60s. The kit came with two 8x12 mounted toms,…
A Slingerland Unmasked
After purchasing and restoring the 1950s Slingerland bass drum pictured in this month’s featured kit, Marc Membreno was overtaken by the urge to flesh out the setup with other vintage Slingerland tubs. “I started with a 1958 blue sparkle bass…
“A Little Better All the Time”
This month’s featured kit comes to us from Edward McCarthy of West Springfield, Massachusetts, who recently purchased this vintage 1970s Ludwig set. McCarthy explains that the drums, which were originally covered in a wine-red wrap, had seen better days. But…
Industry Insights: A Candid Conversation With William F. Ludwig, Jr.
Why was Ludwig so successful? They were certainly not the first American drum company. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN
The Invasion
To bring more authenticity to his British Invasion tribute band’s live show, Howell, Michigan, drummer Donn Deniston plays this pristine 1960s Ludwig sparkling blue pearl drumset. TO READ THE FULL STORY: SUBSCRIBE TO ACCESS LOG IN