Ludwig Keystone Series - Drum Reviews

[inthpktplayer]

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.

[marko138]

Sound like great drums!

[HolyChina]

I wish they had better finishes. i don't like the options at all.

[Russ]

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.

[HolyChina]

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.

What i mean is i prefer wood tones and not wraps. and IF i where to have a wrap it wouldn't be a sparkle one

[inthpktplayer]

I kinda' like 'em:

[dirtysticks]

I kinda' like 'em:

That's a nice looking kit. That is the same setup I use when I play my Pearl kit, except I use fewer cymbals. Enjoy the set!

[Olimpass]

I kinda' like 'em:

Beautiful looking Mint Oyster. Congrats!

[not him]

I kinda' like 'em:

SWEET SWEET I think that has to be the nicest Keystone set I have seen. Gotta love Ludwig

[gdmoore28]

I kinda' like 'em:

I don't know how I missed this thread, but MY GOSH I love that Ludwig set! That's simply beautiful. I'm a big fan of wrap finishes and that color and that pattern is gorgeous.

I went to the Ludwig site again and paid more attention to the Keystone series than on my last visit. The lug pattern is very attractive and the choice of finishes very attractive.

Ludwig made a good series with the Keystone.

GeeDeeEmm

[MDK]

What i mean is i prefer wood tones and not wraps. and IF i where to have a wrap it wouldn't be a sparkle one

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.

[inthpktplayer]

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.

Great for gigging. Weight not a problem. I too have a Saturn kit that is a beast as far as being heavy. One of the reasons the Saturns stay home more often than not.

[MDK]

Great for gigging. Weight not a problem. I too have a Saturn kit that is a beast as far as being heavy. One of the reasons the Saturns stay home more often than not.

Thanks, I was just looking at website and there are those dang rim hanging tom mounts that I have had no luck with yet, seriously how are they? They attach at 4 lugs? I am looking at the 5 pc either 10,12 racks or 12, 13.

[pastor_bob]

That's a nice looking kit, and setup inthpktplayer. It's definitely a cool looking retro vibe.

[Russ]

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).

[HolyChina]

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?

[Kazaamski]

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.

[kay-gee]

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.

True. Jazz guys (not known for being rich) found the smaller drums easier to throw in the back seats of cabs. In time though, they came to indentify the sound of the bebop era.

all the best...

[Amodaff]

First post on this forum
Just ordered my four-on-the-floor in mint oyster on tuesday!!!
Hopefully in by friday!!!!!

[longgun]

First post on this forum
Just ordered my four-on-the-floor in mint oyster on tuesday!!!
Hopefully in by friday!!!!!

Welcome Amodaff...........................looks like your getting a great kit

[yngvar13]

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.

[Spiderjig]

Really nice kit.

[0sparky0]

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.

yngvar13, I've got the Atlas stuff on my Classic Maple kit. I have not gigged extensively with the Arch, but have with the cymbal arms and lug. Also, on my Classic Maple, the tom is mounted with an Atlas mount.

I put a mount on the kick on my acoustic-electric, Sonar Safari, kit a while back. This kit gets gigged a lot, plus I take some or all of it to rehearsals. From the one Atlas lug mount on the kick, I added a telescoping arm, and also a short scissor arm. Mounted the ride with the scissor, and a crash over the mounted tom with the long telescoping arm. Amazing range of motion from the scissor arms, and so far, no hiccups at all. Move the whole kit around, cymbals and all, no problems yet.

The Classic Maple will get its gig-cherry popped tonight. It has the Atlas Arch tom holder, with one Atlas mounted 12" tom on it, and a short scissor cymbal arm mounted atop the L-arm. Currently, I have a short, straight arm coming from one of the Arch posts, holding my 20" ride. Both kits have 14" floor toms and each has a long scissor arm mounted to a leg.

The only observation I have so far is that the Arch has to be clamped SUPER hard in order to not creep over. I have asked the local shop to ask their rep if there is any kind of lock for it. Would help. The cymbal arms and lugs are all great, albeit heavy. I have been trying to get a really low setup, that also permits easy transport and quick setup. With a 10" Tama share on my HH stand, there are NO other stands for a 4 piece kit with a ride, HH, and two crashes.

I'm new here, so have not figured out how to get pictures up. Don't have any hosting service as of yet.

I really like some of the Ludwig finishes. Customer service has been great too.

[Bish]

Hmmm, might have to take a look at these closer up.

[Rock'n'Blueser]

Nice review. Those are great drums.