Sound like great drums!
I've had these since November so I've had about a 6 month relationship at this point and figured that to be a fair enough time to produce a quick review of these drums.
Use: Live gig only (no studio work). Generally mic every drum, however, on occassion only the kick and snare are mic'd.
Specs:
9x 13 Tom
14x24 Virgin Kick
16x16 Floor Tom
16x18 Floor Tom
5 ply shells configured as follows:
3 ply maple core 2.4mm thick
1/16" inner and outer ply of oak
Dual 45 degree bearing edge
Heads:
Evans G2 batter over Evans EC Reso on the toms
Evans EQ1 Clear batter and Evans EQ1 Black Reso (ported) on the kick
The drums were delivered extremely well packaged and in perfect condition. The outer finish had no visual defects. I believe that at this point these drums are only offered in wrap finish. The wrap I chose was the Mint Oyster Glass that looks great with no flaws and looks to be applied very well. The inner finish of each drum seemed flawless as well. The bearing edges were all smooth and level. All holes were bored cleanly and no lugs were loose.
I'd classify the overall quality of the fit and finish of the shell pack as outstanding.
The "claw like" lugs on the kick drum seemed well made and look "low profile" to me. The spurs can be set to position easily and seem very sturdy and easy to use. The tips are retractable/adjustable and very pointy and sharp.
The hardware on the drums seems very well made and durable. The ride tom mount easily attaches to cymbal stand and provides great placement flexibility. The lugs are small and are designed for minimal contact. To me, they look kind of vintage.
The entire appearance of the kit, to me, seems "retro". I like.
The Sound:
FAT AND LOUD! I love the sound of these drums. Sharp and solid attack with a short decay. Consistantly get comments on how great they sound from both musicians and non-musicians alike. Perfect for the genre I'm currently playing.
Overall Impression:
Price point for this configuration seems to be in the $1,500 to $1,800 range. Other configurations can range from $1,300 to $2,500.
I'm very pleased and happy with these drums. For the money, if you're in the market for a "classic rock" sounding kit, would highly recommend the Ludwig Keysone Series.
Sound like great drums!
I wish they had better finishes. i don't like the options at all.
What? The Keystones have some gorgeous finishes, and they're made in USA to boot. Red, blue, orange, green, and pewter sparkle all look smashing. In the beginning I only liked their blue sparkle, but it looks like they expanded and brought some new ones in. Sounds like a great shell composition too - that oak with the maple will really give it some bite I imagine. Price point seems fairly reasonable, and they got all the sizes I like to play with. Man if I was in the market for a new set i'd give these a hard look into! Thanks for the review ink.
ZildjianLeague/LP/Aquarian/Mapex/Pearl
Snares: 4
RIP- Frank, Wolvie, Les Paul
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No metronome?
The Rudiments
I kinda' like 'em:
That's a nice looking kit, and setup inthpktplayer. It's definitely a cool looking retro vibe.
Quoting gonefishin: Just have some bacon with ya when you go pick her up..........youre an instant chick magnet.
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These kits seem to be aimed at gig playing and when your moving them tearing down and setting up alot you want a wrap.
These are gogeous drums and I am going to try a set this week.. How are they weight wise inthpkt? Currently gigging my Saturns but man they are heavy, especially the kick.
Ludwig Classic Maple 22x16,10x8,12x9,16x16
7" Moon Gel Practice Pad
Sabian HHX Legacy
Decide whether this is love for the craft or simply an ego thing
http://www.redskymary.com/ NOT MY BAND, JUST A GREAT LOCAL BAND WHO SHOULD BE SOOO MUCH BIGGER IMO
Ludwig Classic Maple 22x16,10x8,12x9,16x16
7" Moon Gel Practice Pad
Sabian HHX Legacy
Decide whether this is love for the craft or simply an ego thing
http://www.redskymary.com/ NOT MY BAND, JUST A GREAT LOCAL BAND WHO SHOULD BE SOOO MUCH BIGGER IMO
It would take some time for the finish to grow on me, i'd play it proudly though. I love the warmth of maple but sometimes it's like I get just a little bit too much sustain. Sounds like that oak ply will really balance it out, give some attack while not having too much or sounding bright as birch does. I like the idea, and it's not a bad price for an American made kit(not that it matters whether it is).
ZildjianLeague/LP/Aquarian/Mapex/Pearl
Snares: 4
RIP- Frank, Wolvie, Les Paul
Forum Rules
DrumBum
No metronome?
The Rudiments
If i dont decide with going with a detroit custom drum set this is the one for me wish they had a stain. How would it be for a metal or even jazz?
Sabian!!!
If you can feather a bass drum, the size of the drum doesn't matter. The drummers in New York went to 18" kicks for mobility, rather than dynamics.
"The chances of being attacked and killed by a terrorist are less than the chances of being attacked and killed by your own heart"
Carrying the message to Garcia. Today and everyday.
Temple Beth Snare Buzz-Head Rabbi
First post on this forum
Just ordered my four-on-the-floor in mint oyster on tuesday!!!
Hopefully in by friday!!!!!
I am totally thinking about up grading to these...at some point. Not a big fan of wraps myself, however I kinda like the new apple glass finish.
Does anyone here have any of the new Ludwig Atlas hardware? And if so how is it? From what I've seen it looks pretty solid' but I have yet to get my hands on any.
Gear
Yamaha Stage Custom(late 90's)
10 12 16 22 BD 14 SN
Cymbals all Sabian
14 AAX-celerator Hi Hats
8 & 10 Paragon Splashes
17 AAX-xplosion Fast Crash
16 AAX Dark Crash
18 AAX Dark Crash
21 AA Raw Bell Dry Ride
19 Paragon Chinese
Really nice kit.
Hmmm, might have to take a look at these closer up.
Last edited by Bish; 12-13-2013 at 12:33 AM.
Nice review. Those are great drums.
Ok, so the Ludwig and my Mapex Saturns are my two go to gigging kits. I've been torn about which to use more than the other. Bottom line, for what I'm doing both are great, but I seem to be loading the Ludwig Keystones into the back of the truck more often than not. I love those drums.
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