Well, I stumbled upon an opportunity a couple of days ago. To make a long story short, I emailed a guy about some Ludwig questions. I wanted to try and find a vintage maple kit with a 10x14, 16x16, 16x18 toms and a 14x26 bass drum. I was prepared for an astronomical vintage price-even more money as I wanted a virgin 26" bass drum. It turns out that the guy I emailed was none other than Todd Trent of Ludwig. Mind you-Todd is the guy that all of the known drummers who use Ludwig deal with. He is the North American rep. He told me that right now he knows of knowone who would be willing to part with a classic Bonham type of kit. He went on to tell me of a new kit EXACTLY in the sizes I wanted with a virgin bass, in classic maple. He ordered it for a drummer who I will keep anonymous, who has always endorsed Ludwig. Well, for what ever reason, the guy took it and played it, and decided he wanted something else! So now he has a "new" kit that he cant sell as "new". He qouted me a price, and I immediately went to my bank and got a cashiers check and FedExed it to him. Although I in no way got it for free, I got an unbelievable "just cant say no" deal. Well, I received the kit yesterday, in the original boxes too. I immediately removed the stocker heads, and went to tighten all screws and inspect everything. I was amazed at the quality of the finish, bearing edges, and so on. I have favored Ludwig for many years now-and they still have great quality in the more expensive line of drums. I skinned it out with ambassador coated reso heads, and emperor coated heads for batters. The result is that distinctive thunderous vintage sound. The drums dont come with internal mufflers-which is good, because that way they dont buzz or rattle-and I play unmuffled, and wide open, and would remove them anyhow. The reso heads are tuned high. I use a muffling strip on the bass drum, front and back. It helps focus the sound. Im just ranting and rambling because Im so happy with this kit. But most of all, Ludwig STILL makes awesome classic drums-the best sounding and perfoming for their price range IMO-
AND THE BEST THING IS MY WIFE SAID "WOW! THATS A GREAT DEAL-YOU SHOULD BUY THEM"
