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 8×22 woofers have been connected to enhance low-end projection. An 8×12 tom is mounted on a snare stand on the left side of the kit; a 9×13 tom sits on a stand in the center. The floor toms are 14×14 and 16×16, while the snare is a 7×14 model, with a drum head signed by the members of REO Speedwagon. All of the drums feature hybrid shells of Maple and Birch in an effort to capitalize on the sonic characteristics of both wood types. The custom fade finish was created expressly for the REO Speedwagon Common Ground Tour.

April 2023 Issue