Legendary Ludwig Drums factory tour
It’s not as big or majestic as I had imagined. It’s homey and personable, approachable in fact.
Ludwig sells more “Ringo [Starr] Wrap” than any other wrap they’ve ever used. Wraps can be applied to any wood shells.
Living enthusiasm — millions of persons have been happified directly via the drums produced, and Billions more have enjoyed hearing music played on the drums produced. THAT is the power of scale.
Ludwig Drum Company
The Ludwig Drum Company is a historic American drum manufacturer known for its significant impact on the development of percussion instruments. Founded in 1909 by brothers William F. and Theobald Ludwig in Chicago, the company rose to prominence by introducing innovative drum products and becoming associated with some of the most iconic drummers in music history.
Early History
The Ludwig brothers began their venture by focusing on drum pedals that offered a faster and more reliable mechanism for bass drum playing, addressing the limitations of existing designs. Their success with the Ludwig & Ludwig Drum Company led to an expansion into manufacturing a full range of percussion instruments.
Growth and Innovation
During the 1920s and 1930s, Ludwig & Ludwig became one of the largest drum manufacturers in the world, introducing a variety of products that set standards for quality and innovation. However, the Great Depression hit the company hard, leading to its sale to the C.G. Conn instrument company in 1930. William F. Ludwig later started a new company, WFL Drum Company, which was eventually able to reclaim the Ludwig name in the late 1950s, re-establishing it as Ludwig Drum Company.
The Beatles and Beyond
Ludwig’s global recognition skyrocketed in the 1960s when Ringo Starr of The Beatles played a Ludwig drum kit on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1964. The visibility and popularity of The Beatles helped Ludwig become a household name and the preferred brand for many aspiring and professional drummers. The company capitalized on this fame by producing drum kits and accessories that appealed to a wide range of musicians.
Contributions and Legacy
Ludwig is renowned for several iconic products, including the Ludwig Black Beauty snare drum and the Ludwig Vistalite series of acrylic drums, known for their distinctive sound and appearance. The Super Sensitive snare drum, Speed King pedal, and the Ludwig Supraphonic snare are other notable innovations that have had a lasting impact on drum design and performance.
Modern Era
Today, Ludwig continues to be a leading manufacturer of drums and percussion instruments, maintaining its reputation for quality, craftsmanship, and innovation. The company produces a wide range of products for beginners, enthusiasts, and professional musicians, staying true to its heritage while adapting to the modern music industry’s evolving needs.
The Ludwig Drum Company’s legacy is not just in the instruments it produces but also in its influence on music history, contributing to the sound of countless recordings and performances across various genres. Ludwig drums have been played by an illustrious list of drummers, including John Bonham of Led Zeppelin, Alex Van Halen of Van Halen, and many others, cementing its status as a beloved brand among musicians worldwide.
“The best factory tour ever. Better explained than DW, Gretsch, Sonor, Tama ,Pearl etc. Congrats for the passion, care & love. I ‘ve been a LUDWIG drummer for 54 years straight working non stop and honest never let me down. Sounding and looking great.”