Posted by Administrator on April 1, 2010 under Drums
ludwig drum company What is the best drum-making company?
Ex: Pearl, Yamaha, Ludwig, etc....
Best company? It's hard to say. I mean, there are just too many categories and player preferences. I'll list my favorites though.
Best sound quality: DW (Drum Workshop) before 1999 - Why before 1999? before '99, DW was using Keller shells. Keller started selling their shells to other companies (Gretsch) as well as the general public (SJC, TRUTH, Me) so DW started making their own shells. DW's shells are thicker than Kellers, resulting in higher pitches and the quality of the ply-works is questionable. Keller shells improve sound quality over time because the saps in the wood dry out. Most other companies shells stay the same or deteriorate in sound properties over time.
Best Creativity (Tie)
-Brady - This australian company does alot of solid shelled stuff, and uses Jarrah wood which has unique tonal properties.
-Odery - Brazillian company with qualities like Brady.
-Ayotte - Canadian company, uses claw style wood hoops on most of their builds, very good quality stuff.
SJC - has done some crazy stuff with their drums as far as butcher hoops and other stuff. I don't know how they make some of the shell/hoop router work but I think it's a CNC router they use.
C&C - makes some of the classiest drum sets you'll ever see. Excellent inlay work with those guys.
Best comeback company - Ludwig. Went from making garbage other than the Classic Maples all the way to releasing pretty much the sexiest line of drums with the Element Hybrid series. Their snares are also some of the best in the world. They're back and I hope they stay on top.
Best beginner drum brand - DDrum - Their ultra-high end stuff is Keller shells. Their beginner stuff is made of Asian lauan and basswood, however for the money you get some killer setups and killer finishes. If you wanted a one up, two down setup with red powder coated hardware, DDrum has it and it's under $900. You make a compromise with sound, but some folks use triggers/don't care/have the kit at home only. Look for Ludwig Elements to bring Ludwig to the top of this list too though.
With most companies, their high end stuff will be top notch. So it's difficult to list the best single company. Just for fun though, I'm going to list my opinions on the worst.
Worst sound - Any drum set made of Lauan, basswood or poplar shells. Pearl Exports are the gold standard of crap.
Worst business practices - Pearl. Who cares if you can park a truck on your drum shell. Also, they tried to patent the Stave method of building drums. Google "Stave Drum" and you'll find tons of info about it. Pearl tried to patent that process, which would have bankrupted companies such as Unix Drums and Joshua Tree Percussion.
Most overrated - Gretsch - Who gives a $hit if you used a 30 degree bearing edge? You screw it up with your hand sanding process anyway. Tama is a close second too, they're still stuck in the 80's powertom mode and their display set at NAMM had a botched seam in the wrap.
Once perceived as a student level snare drum, the sound of the Ludwig Acrolite Snare leaves no question that it should simply be considered a tremendous all-around snare drum at any level.The seamless aluminum shell reflects Ludwig excellence in quality. The signature "Black Galaxy" finish and Classic Lugs gives this drum an appearance all its own.Acrolite Snare Drums are available in 8 lug, 5x14 and 10 lug, 6.5x14 sizes.
The Ludwig LM449THB Modular Drum Throne with Back has a double-braced, fully adjustable design. Enjoy every minute of those long gigs or recording sessions with this comfortable throne. The cushioned back give you solid support, while fine tuning adjustments to the seat height and back rest give you perfect balance. Bicycle-style seat on the Ludwig LM449THB enhances freedom of leg movement.Features:Heavy-duty, double-braced legsBicycle-style seat with back support.
The Chief Snare Drum is a handcrafted work of art that was built to honor William F Ludwig II, and was conceived by Ludwig and master drum builder Ronn Dunnett.Features:Ludwig Imperial lugsDunnet R Class throw-offModified Dunnet H1 HyperventSpecial internal mufflerSpecially minted badge containing the image of WFL IIPiston snare throw-offAdjustable air ventThe newly-minted "Chief" Keystone Badge.Size: 5.5"x14", 6.5"x 14".
The Ludwig Jim Riley Signature Snare Drum combines the best elements of his favorite drums in one, reliable workhorse. Noted clinician and Rascal Flatts Drummer Jim Riley has always relied on a variety of Ludwig snares to get the job done.Features:14" x 8" shell size1.5mm stainless steel shell produces plenty of projection and snapLaser engravedBlack nickel lugs and die-cast hoops10 lugsIts 8"-depth lends the balanced warmth of a wood drum
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