The Ultimate Ludwig USA Drum Set Shootout!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching this comprehensive review of Ludwig USA Drums. If you like what you see, be sure to subscribe! We have a ton of new content on the way in 2019.

[@jeppe935]

You should put the tunings up 😊

[@drumcenternh]

@@jeppe935 They're in the description.

[@drumcenternh]

@@ToddTheJoker Not yet, but we will!

[@SalMichael]

My Classic Maple Black Galaxy Sparkle, ordered custom from Drum Center Of Portsmouth are Killer ,much gratitude.

[@Sms8668]

john smith My Brother is a Professional Drummer and Just got the Ludwig Classics Maples in Sky Blue. He played Pearl Masters for a decade then switched over to Ludwig. They sound and Look incredible. I play a Ludwig Keystone Classic Birch Kit and I love it. My Brother even said the Classic Birch Sound incredible after playing them and great for recording.

[@thegayge]

This is what I watch instead of TV now

[@Okla_Soft]

Same here

[@321CatDaddy]

@@Okla_Soft Amen

[@ldsbatera]

You are not alone 🤣

[@ramencurry6672]

Well most people don’t watch TV except for senior citizen. TV watching was popular back in the 1990s. These days, it’s for the elderly

[@matthewguggemos8655]

Haha, I do too!

[@jcblackhat]

3:28 Club Date Round 1 5:52 Club Date Round 2 8:59 Classic Maple Round 1 12:34 Classic Maple Round 2 15:22 Keystone X Round 1 18:19 Keystone X Round 2 21:25 Legacy Maple Round 1 24:49 Legacy Maple Round 2 27:25 Legacy Mahogany Round 1 31:09 Legacy Mahogany Round 2 34:13 Comparison of all kits Fantastic content, guys! Thank you for doing this. 🙌🏻

[@AnonymousBosch3158]

Thanks

[@jesuslebron9421]

I been playing Ludwig Drum for 43 years and after listening to the demos I'll be playing Ludwig Drums for the rest of my life Thank you!

[@splotsplit4537]

Thank u Jesus I'll pray for u.

[@reymhd7655]

well said! imagine playing a pearl or tama instead 😂🤦🏽‍♂️

[@runnningonempty]

ME TOO

[@FanaticDrummer]

@@reymhd7655 I mean. I play Tama but the more companies that out source to China for even their main lines the less interested I am to give them more money than I have to. Handmade in a chinese assembly line is not the same lol. Especially since drums are so personal and your core instrument. Which sucks because Tama is just a killer when they stuck to Japanese production. Hate to it, I might go Ludwig or DW. Only other company that has my eye is Ocho Catorce out of Argentina.

[@buddyrichable1]

I’m 70 years old and back in the day I had Ludwig Super Classic Joe Morello type kit. I now have Yamaha Custom Oak. Regardless of what I play I still have this excitement when I see a set of drums. The wonder of how they will sound, that mystical attraction. I guess that’s why we love and play drums. Beautiful kits and well done video.

[@callen7436]

That Sir was a small sample of poetry for drummers cause I feel the same way! I also feel that way about pianos & organs even though I cant play keys a lick! 😩🤣

[@DustyCowdog]

Brother, I'm getting older, I always struggle between electronic drums like Roland or acoustics due to my hearing .... I just love the sound of acoustics and I love the fact that you are 70 and rolling on the acoustics. That makes me want a set of acoustics even more. Cheers!

[@buddyrichable1]

DustyCowdog Yeah, acoustics are great if you don’t have to worry about the noise. That’s one advantage of the electronics. One benefit of playing drums as we get older is it reduces cognitive decline. There is a great video by Stephen Taylor here on KZbin where he cites a study where learning new patterns on the drums is one of the best methods of staying sharp.

[@ramencurry6672]

You are young. Drums were around in the 13th century before you were born

[@jason-ian-Van-Sloten]

Well said. Spot on!

[@davidwilcox9944]

I personally liked the club date kit.

[@hippydippy]

Ha! Glad I'm not the only one. They seemed to have a little of everything the others had, but in one package. I was really surprised,

[@Pentoute45]

Same here. The kick won me over everything else. And the club date are fairly priced too.

[@Sms8668]

I have a USA Ludwig Keystone Classic Birch Kit and it sounds Incredible. My Brother has this same Kit Ludwig Classic Maple in Sky Blue and they sound Incredible. He played Pearl Masters for over a decade then switched over to Ludwig.

[@U2WB]

Me too ! They sounded really punchy, and I love it !

[@callen7436]

@@U2WB Punchy is always welcomed but I cannot stand the fat sound cause it's not versatile for applications.

[@atishep]

This video should be in the best documentary category at the Oscars. Thanks for doing this, guys!

[@RorRiiZzLE]

I don’t think Maple is ever gonna go out of style for drums. It just seems to always sound nice from all the major manufacturers.

[@ScottShireman]

Just wanted to say thanks for the videos. The amount of time, energy and $$$ That went into the making of this video is incredible. You guys are sales pros. Wish I lived close enough to drive to your Drum empire!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Scott. It is a ton of time and effort, and it's always nice when people recognize that.

[@donsak111]

Legacy Mahogany for me.Lovely vid thx

[@tmaddrummer]

Legacy Mahogany Baby! But then again, I'm old...... and that sound is deeply ingrained for many years now. Great, great video brought to you by the Ludwig Experts at DCP! That was a lot of enjoyable work Gentlemen!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks!

[@stevenfederico2594]

Im not old and the sound of mahogany is just so musical. Maple/ mahogany will always be my shell.

[@grizzellor]

Who on earth gives this a thumbs down? There is nothing else they could have done! This is certainly the best-executed drum comparison I have ever seen. Quality drum playing, too.

[@biodigitaljazz1]

Bored angry people. Thank you once again DCP.

[@lanceschultz7132]

Word. Haters

[@bonzoleum]

GREAT video, Shane! I agree that the Classic Maples rule that roost! But, that Legacy Mahogany snare was pretty juicy...

[@domokornmusic]

bonzoleum I would have figured you’d be a Legacy Maple fan more. My first (and still my main) drum kit is a set of Ludwig’s from ‘76. Total played kit. The Legacy Maple is “that sound” to me. It’s home.

[@JunkMailBoxStuff]

Thanks for a few things done so well. 1. *Drums* were played more than cymbals. It isn't a cymbal review. So many drum reviews have a drummer spazzing out on cymbals. 2. Well mixed with mics for different auditory possibilities. Very helpful. 3. Good evaluations by solid players commenting. Nice with a 2nd player to hear different styles of playing, techniques, strike force, ... Bravo. Thank you so much.

[@drumcenternh]

Every once in a while we get it right! 😀 Thanks for watching, and taking the time to leave feedback. We really do appreciate it.

[@RockyOwl]

Man . . . I'd pay to have a Legacy Mahogany one up one down with snare in Blue oyster pearl in a heartbeat. Reminds me of my great-grandfather's old WFL kit that I have.

[@christiancanalita6487]

Well done guys! Made it hard to choose though. Didn’t realize how far Ludwigs have come.

[@Berus7777]

What an ASTOUNDINGLY useful and valuable comparison - exceptionally well done. You guys have set a benchmark for drum shops in terms of how much something like this contributes to the community. You went to incredible lengths to create this comparison, and all I can say is thank you, thank you, THANK YOU. Standing ovation.

[@drumcenternh]

That means a lot to us, Berus. Thanks so much!

[@JanPatrickLucas]

Trends come and go in life and is as such with drums. There has been an onslaught of wood varieties but mighty maple is and has been the most popular wood type for drums for good reason. It's very hard to top its "well rounded" nature for a drum shell. I normally like to be different and as much as I'd like to choose something not so popular of the bunch.....the obvious is the "Classic Maple"! I do, however, love the dark and low sonic attributes of mahogany and as such love the hybrid maple/ mahogany shells made by that "other" famous company, which I won't mention, to be respectful being a Ludwig demonstration. This was tremendous fellows! Thank you!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment, Jan!

[@dugjay]

Superb! For once, someone finally made the video that "drums for dummies" can relate to. Thank you for taking the time to produce this video so people like me can hear and understand the difference between the 5 Ludwig kits. I knew mahogany was a darker wood in tone but had never noticed how much so until now. Huge low end and it didn't sound as resonant as the maple but maybe that's something that you can feel sitting behind the kit. For me, it's a coin toss between the Classic Maple and the Legacy Maple. I wouldn't be mad if I came to buy one and came home with the other! Thanks again guys!

[@drumcenternh]

You are very welcome! It ended up being pretty eye-opening for us, too. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment.

[@The_Caesar6186]

Great set of drums always with the sound of Ludwig only in the world!!! i like ludwig classic maple

[@CraigFlowersMusic]

I did not expect to love the Club Date set.

[@slybuy9]

i ve been playing ludwig drums since 1971, and after seeing this very well made video i ll be playing ludwig till i die, you guys made this a very interesting comparison,those sweet set cymbals sound awsome to.rock on!!!

[@mattharbison7776]

They all sound great!!!!..But my favorite is the mahogany! ,..Love the deep TRIBAL sound!!!

[@Steeltowner]

Yessssss! Legacy Maple or Classic Maple!? I can’t decide!!!

[@kidgloves2]

This is the best, most thorough review/comparison I ever saw. When I'm ready to get my kit you're getting my business.

[@drumcenternh]

That's great to hear!

[@Sundaydrumday]

I've been playing drums a long time, always played pearl, but during my long research into my next drumset, I have watched hundreds of videos and listened over and over to different kits, the biggest suprise to me is that the ludwigs have gained my no.1 spot, that maple sound the big drum sizes, and to me the ludwig sound incorporates the shell sound more than any other company. Nothing beats Remo coated heads on a ludwig classic maple Bohnam config. The only other company that has me on the fence is the gretsch brooklyn, in that oyster wrap with the 26 in kick, gretsch and Ludwig, two companies I never thought I would ever consider, are my guilty affair now lol, guess age and taste is changing....craziness, great video fellas ... The keystone x would blow up if they switched from oak to birch

[@gordonwoodbatteur]

This is the best drums reviews I have seen, period! The drums are tuned very well! When you played on each kit we already hear the difference between each kit because the players play simple beat, good drums fills, etc! Honestly and sincerely, BRAVO!! Gordon / Montreal, Canada session drummer

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks so much, Gordon. That means a lot to us.

[@gordonwoodbatteur]

My pleasure!

[@StuartJrBarrett]

All these sound fantastic!!! I’m a fan of that Classic Maple though. Excellent job with the tuning!!!!!

[@gmoney1592]

All these kits are amazing . It’s going to be hard to choose when it’s time for me to upgrade. I think no matter which one you choose you can’t go wrong . Thanks for showing this to us.

[@MaximeFornareso]

Thanks for this very detailed and comprehensive video !! Classic Maple for me :) Hope a similar video with Gretsch Drums is on the way ! Cheers from France

[@drumcenternh]

You must be psychic...😉

[@Loki_Morningstar666]

I absolutely love all of them but my favorite has long been the Keystone X. I used to have one and it was my favorite kit I ever owned. Unfortunately I hit a rough patch in my life and had to sell them, but someday I will totally buy a set of them again. They just sound like the perfect rock/metal kit. Tones of attack and punch with just enough resonance to sound good but gets out of the way of itself quickly.

[@james35856]

Great video I Like The Legacy mahogany love that darker sound. I can't believe I'm going to say this I might even take that over a sonor.

[@Yngve_Dalen]

These are such videos the various drum companies should have created to show the different series they offer. Thank you so much!

[@JackHeslewood]

Wow, that drumming demo was awesome! You've done Ludwig a huge justice

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Jack! It was a huge undertaking, but work doesn't get much more fun than this.

[@larrytate1657]

Wow that club date kick.

[@drumcenternh]

Right? Thumpy!

[@denisetiawan5423]

Yeahhh.... awesome !

[@nardis314_drums]

This is an incredibly helpful video. For people with our without Ludwig drums. Thank you so much for putting the time and energy into this production!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Nathan. Glad you liked it!

[@juandv930722]

those classic maples singggg, such a beautiful sound

[@nitronamous]

I have an original 63 Ludwig 5 piece that I inherited from my uncle! The legacy maple reminds me so much of the tone that Ludwig has had and is known for. Fantastic demo all around guys!

[@alangarrison-d5x]

Your lucky hang on to them ,worth a small fortune!!

[@justinshannon9076]

Really a great service to those of us eyeing a Ludwig (as I am). Can’t thank you enough, guys!

[@drumcenternh]

That's great to hear. Thanks, Justin!

[@denisetiawan5423]

As i am dream theater song's..

[@stromghouls]

i have owned a classic maple exotic kit and i really like the keystone x. i am a rock and metal drummer. these drums speak to me.

[@RTEllis]

Another superbly produced video! Amazing job! I will say this video does a much more comprehensive job, both in attention to sound and details on the shell make-up, than the "Nashville" drummers video put out by Ludwig. In fact, you should solicit Ludwig to have this linked on their site! Again, well done!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, R.T. We appreciate the kind words!

[@jcw91371]

I agree completely. If I were a manufacturer, I would want as many videos from DCP on my product website as I could get.

[@callen7436]

@@jcw91371 I agree for some drum companies they need Portsmouth to help them with videos like this one! They really do! Because nothing is worst than having buyers remorse from an instrument (car, phone & etc ) all because the drummer couldnt get the sound that they were looking for. These vids (when done correctly, unbiased & thoroughly) save us time, $$$ & frustration.

[@DustyCowdog]

This is HANDS DOWN the best demo for a brand. Nice job!!!! Cheers!

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you liked it!

[@Claes_Isacson]

Thanks for making this awesome video guys! For me the surprising winner is the classic maples. Beforehand I absolutely thought I’d go for the legacy mahogany, but to my surprise... Thanks again for the great video! Rock on! 🤘🥁

[@DrummerPayne1979]

That Keystone X kit is my fav hands down. I may have to look into one soon. Love the finish. Thanks for doing this video guys.

[@drumcenternh]

You're welcome, Chris. Thanks for watching!

[@sweatnautomotive]

I bought my Touring kit from y'all back in 2014. Had it shipped to me in east Texas. Green sparkle classic maple in "Zep" sizes. I love it, but hate the higher overtones it puts off some times(you can hear them in this video too). I would love the legacy maple but honestly after listening to that through my westone in ear monitors... I'm truly in love with the club date shell sound. It sounds more full and rounded over all cutting out those high pesky overtones and leaving the great ones that will make sound techs drool while dreaming about them. It's literally the perfect blend between the legacy maple shell and classic maple shell. Thank You guys for doing this shootout video!!!!!! It truly helps those who don't have a reasonable reputable Ludwig drum dealer near buy to hear them all, pick which shell and kit speaks to them.

[@DrummerGrrrl]

My golly! Every day you guys come to work must not even FEEL like work. Dream job...

[@dwludzild1]

This was a great video. I have to agree with Shane. When I got my last "NEW" kit, I went with the Classic Maple. I really, really wanted to go with the Legacy Maple and even tried a 9x13 with the same heads and did my own "shootout" between the two models. The seemed to have a little more attack and the range seemed to be a bit better. My final decision was price. Classic Maples just give you a LOT of "bang for the buck".

[@rockonwater2000]

I 100% agree with you . They both had a magic tone that the other drum didn’t have..

[@rjbeaubien]

Outstanding comparison. Have played Ludwigs for 35 years and have never seen a better comparison then this one. They all sound great but the Legacy Mahogany sounds the best to me. Very dark and low. Thanks for the great comparison of these amazing drums. Subscribed !

[@HGH44309]

Great Job Guys. Talking about the feeling you have when you sit behind the kit is something you rarely find in demonstrations. In that detail at least. And thats what its all about (right next to sound of course).

[@davidsuprenant893]

Thank you guys for putting this video together.I know this was a very large task to do this.I hope Ludwig as a company really appreciates what you guys did.For the Ludwig fans out there,here ya have it. Make your choice. Taking price out of the equation, if I was buying a kit I'd have to go with classic maple. Wide tunning range,!!! I just think they would work for all types of music. Thanks DCP.

[@careyelliott9568]

So Legacy maple use to be Super classic? I know they had that at one point.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, David. The Classic Maples are absolutely killer.

[@frankspikes4867]

If I could afford them I would go out and buy a Ludwig classic maple set. I sat down to the Ringo set up at a friend's house. It gave me the warm and fuzzies! ! ! Second place the club dates. I used to play an original 60s club date kit in college improv class. I was in love with that set. The only thing I don't like about the club dates are the center lugs. They made the drums look goofy to me. They sound out of this world.

[@cathydrums2846]

This was an extremely helpful video, thank you! While online one night last year I happened to see a Ludwig Classic Maple set available in the 110th anniversary wrap of Vintage Emerald Pearl. Immediately the wheels started turning and I did a ton of research very quickly and was up till 6:30 in the morning. This video helped me make up my mind. I did indeed get this wonderful set and I love it! I get compliments on it constantly. You can see it is on my profile picture and I have many videos playing it. I am so fortunate to have this wonderful drumset.

[@dancoffman4336]

Great video!!! Loving that Keystone X

[@Walt1960]

Classic Maple for me. I ordered a snare stand from your store today to show my appreciation for these videos.

[@drumcenternh]

That's awesome, Walter. We appreciate the business!

[@roybeckerman9253]

Brilliant video...wow.! Legacy Mahogany..for warm vintage sound. Classic Maple brighter sound....better snare...

[@nathanielbrice8725]

Best drum video comparison on KZbin! The sound you get on the full mix is insane! Great playing from all the guys too!

[@dannylugo5016]

Thank you so much guys, I was anticipating for this video. You guy's did an awesome job. I think Ludwig would be proud of you. This should have been done a long time ago by Ludwig but you guy's hit it out the ball park on this one. I really like the Keystone X and the Classic Maple. I want the Keystone X in white marine pearl. Same configuration you showed on this video. All in all, great job!!!!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@officialMainspring]

love the legacy mahogany... but man... that classic maple... that projection... perfectly balanced. quite affordable for what it is too. great job guys. fantastic review!

[@christopherdonegan1631]

Best drum video reviews on the planet! For me, I can’t decide between the Classic Maple, the Keystone X and the Legacy Maple.

[@mattycspeaks]

Glad you all like the Keystone X. I bought one a couple years back, love it. I have the 24” kick, monster.

[@SignatureDrum]

My 2015 Turquoister Keystone makes my ears so happy! I've played a lot of kits throughout the years, both owned and borrowed, I just can't get away from Ludwig. Awesome vid!

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Joel Pless Yep. Me too. I’ve had a few different kits in my life & Ludwigs for sound & Yamaha for hardware is the way to go. Though I do like Yamaha drums as well. I just think that Ludwig sound has been knocked into me over so many years.

[@petespencer-smith5059]

You guys make the best comparison videos out there. Love the inclusion of the precise tunings in the description.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks so much Pete!

[@gianlucacapizzoto9296]

Do you reckon those notes are the skin when hit in the middle or the lug note?

[@MyDyerMaker]

Geez, they all sound great. I appreciate the work you put into this video. Having owned 70s era 3-ply Classics, 6 ply Classics and new Classic Maples, the Keystone Xs are one of the best sounding drums I've played. They're fat, punchy, warm and sound great recorded. You get an immediate good feel and reaction from the drums. Easy to tune as well. Oak and maple is a great combo, especially with the center bearing edge on maple.

[@nicolaliuzzo5417]

Congratulations....! Wonderful video. I Love Ludwig drums. For me the choice is classic maple.

[@GatoPaint]

CLASSIC MAPLE ALL THE WAY, btw I love how dynamic these drums sound !

[@billbrandt1106]

I never gave the Club Date any attention because I didn't like the way they looked & I badly wanted Legacy Maple and I own Classic Maple. But after listening to this video, I think, for my taste, the Club Date sounded best!

[@drumcenternh]

They surprised us, too!

[@bb19963]

My god, the tone is incredible. Please do a video on how y’all tune cuz every single kit I’ve ever heard from this channel has the greatest tone.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@Cavie1974]

Well done gentlemen. That was a great way to showcase the 5 series and I really appreciate your candid opinions of the various applications of the drums you sampled.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Peter.

[@MrYann33]

Fantastic video again DCP.. Thanks so much for this great shooting and recording work. Wonderful drums for sure. Have the Classic Maple and I like also very much the Legacy Mahogany. Very very surprised by the Club dates though. Ludwig is, for me, the epitome of drums. Félicitations DCP. Yannick.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Yannick! Glad you liked it.

[@DylanWissing]

This was great. I really liked the individual drums soloed out at the end of the session between all five lines - really helped clarify the differences between them. Smashing work, gentlemen!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Dylan!

[@jeffballou2940]

spectacular job fellas! I've had the Legacy Maple which I really liked, and I have, and had so many classic maples, which are some of my favorites all time. I really liked the club date as well- the look is not my style playing rock and country, but man, they do sound really good! This is why I love Ludwig, they are their own sound, and so much history behind them. Glad to see all the choices, can not really go wrong with any of them!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Jeff! Glad you liked it.

[@DoppelgangerShockwave]

I liked the Club Date's sound the best. Very warm and punchy. I could hear that kit in almost any situation. Can't argue with the Classic Maple either. It's the iconic sound for sure. Not too fond of the Legacy Mahogany. Far too soft. Same with the Keystone X. Too much of a sharp stick sound in the bass drum. Legacy Maple sounded great, but I still prefer Club Date and Maple Classic overall. :)

[@blakegowan6623]

Love it! Very well done lads! Really dug seeing my Keystone X kit hang in there with the other kits. On this vid the Keystone X seemed drier than the other kits...almost like a Birch kind of sound....maybe I'm nuts. For me the most 'Mojo' kit was Legacy Mahogany...Wow. But unless in a Studio or mic'd up ...not sure how versatile it would be...hopefully fine because I want one!! Lol. Legacy Maple was very interesting....thought it would be geared to jazz...but had total 70s Rock vibe like Shane said...very nice. Club Date and Classic Maple very nice as well. I'm a Ludwig nut....so someday I'll have one of each....I hope my next one is Legacy Mahogany!!

[@blakegowan6623]

I love watching this video. You guys were spot on with the commentary...using language we can all understand and relate to. Watching it for the second time...now I'm leaning towards Club Date! Most tonal Kick drum...and that snare is just so good. Next kit is either Classic Maple or Club Dates...final answer!

[@bradanderson1442]

Bar none the coolest overview of USA Ludwigs!!!.. They all sound great. I was surprised how much I dug the Keystone X's. My fave though, is between the Classic Maple and the Legacy Maple. Thanks for doing this! Your vids keep getting better and better all the time. Best darn drum shop in the country.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Brad!

[@Duke9027]

That's one of the greatest drums vid on KZbin for sure ! I dreamt of this kind of vid for years ! So well producted, explained, filmed... Congrats guys ! If you could do the same for Gretsch that would be wonderful !

[@drumcenternh]

Our Gretsch video should be out early next week!

[@denisetiawan5423]

Gretsch 👎👎

[@stevenfederico2594]

All gretsch has is usa custom Maple / gum. And it has worked for 1000 years 😂

[@adolfohernandez6134]

Thanks guys ..for not just making another typical drum video about you’re opinion...but you actually proved it on a drum kit and explained why ..awesome tutorial.

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Adolfo!

[@armand0u]

Love this video. I already have a Classic Maple but i’m thinking go for a legacy mahogany

[@szymonbaranowski2574]

same here!

[@mattbennett9467]

Another fantastic video from the team I consider to be the best drum journalists on you tube. You answer all my questions each time, doing what the manufacturers should be doing as you do so. As for the drums, what a range! Such variety, in stark contrast to the Dw examples you did a while back which all sounded pretty much the same to me. Classic Maple every time as I can only justify having one kit. The dream would be to have it backed up with those awesome mahoganies though. Thanks again.

[@drumcenternh]

You're very welcome, Matt. Thanks for the kind words.

[@christianmartin8992]

Ok this is the best comparison video I’ve ever seen due to the fact you put the same heads and tuned the drums the same!!! Very well done!!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Christian! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rtanidean4931]

These guys are hands down- the finest, thoughtful and most educated drum shop in the nation. I have bought many Snare drums from these guys. My fav purchase was the Timeless Timber Birch DW Craviotto 5.5 x 14. I have kept mine pristine in controlled area since new. It’s just like the day I bought it. I paid a grand- Wife about went nuts, but have seen in last few years a few others sell for $3k & $4 k respectively. I love investing in high $ snares. Btw, I kept mine pristine / unplayed b/c a buddy let me record on his. Lol. It is a magical snare drum. Thx guys. You worked hard on this vid. If I were in the market id be flying up to check out all the new drums. Oh yeah. Only would buy from you all. Take care Hep Cats. Deano

[@jacobtanner4000]

I’m loving that Keystone X the best. You guys did a great job explaining the sound differences. It was very comprehensive. I recommend writing down their observations for each Shell and going back and listening to them play. You can really see their experience and knowledge in each kit. Well appreciated. Really liked it guys!

[@paulkennedy4920]

Another incredible video presentation, guys! I've been a Ludwig man for 15 years, so I don't need to be sold on their awesomeness, but I thoroughly enjoyed the video. 🤘👊💪🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@drumcenternh]

Awesome, Paul! So glad you enjoyed it. 🤘

[@jcw91371]

Super awesome video as always from the professionals who know their gear. I really appreciate the time you guys invest in putting these together, and I wish we would have had this kind of information available when I was a youngster coming up and developing my skills back in the 80's; it would have saved me a TON of time and money! Seriously, it's SO easy to research equipment and put together a short list before you even step foot in a store to demo, so thank you. I don't know how they do it, but Ludwigs just have this way of developing a note in a manner that no other drum maker can. So many drums these days are very focused on attack and head resonance, but Ludwigs seem to have a shorter attack that is followed up by a full-bodied tone that I can only describe as "full shell", and the coloring of that shell is quite unique among drums. A good example of this would be Bonzo's bass drum on the song "I'm gonna' crawl" from the album "In through the out door". As to the video and my personal choices, I'd go with a Classic Maple kick coupled with the Keystone X toms. I really like the way that red oak and maple take the classic Ludwig sound and give it just a little bit of control to the overtones, as well as the increased attack. GREAT stuff as always, guys!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Jason. Glad you found this enjoyable!

[@Jetty-xd9yc]

You're truly a gift to the drumming community. Sharing your knowledge by shootouts & giving insight to drummer's from beginners, professionals & everyone in-between is truly what makes DCP by far the best channel available. Thank you. My choice the Club Date, which was odd on account of playing my Super Classics for so long now. Thanks again guys 🥁🤘

[@jordanyoung8703]

The Keystone X was my favorite by far. I love attack and modern rock sound. Muffled but powerful

[@Dougster123]

FINALLY - A PROPER comparison video. I can expose my opinion that you could adjust the pitches a tad to better suite each individual shell instead of forcing the same pitch for all - based on what "it" seems to want. Example being that none of the 12" drums sang, while most the 10" drums did. BUT, you have to draw the line somewhere and this is the BEST comparison vid I've seen EVER. NICE job DCP!

[@drumcenternh]

Thanks, Douglas. We're glad you enjoyed it! It was a lot of work.

[@christiang.4175]

Wow, awesome Video!! I bought the legacy maple one year ago and searched for something like this!

[@TylerJamesPryor]

Love this!! I have a black oyster classic maple fab 22. Love them!

[@danoweston6185]

So do I! When I was a kid , my folks got me a 3 piece in silver sparkle, which today would be a ?Legacy (with the re-rings). Like a fool , I traded them in on a set of Westbury's.

[@tonymilone5458]

Excellent comparison video. The playing and discussion panel was great. That was a very fair way to compare all those drums and I know it was a lot of work. Great job guys. Kudos to you!

[@Theeightmilebend]

Damn these sound awesome ! Fantastic job on this video ! If I wasn't already a Gretsch USA Custom owner , I would jump all over the Classic Maple's ! What a kit !

[@EricT43]

Guys, THANK YOU for putting your tunings in the description! Whenever I hear a great-sounding kit in a demo, I always wonder how they are tuned, and now we know!

[@danoweston6185]

I love this video because I have the "Ringo" set in the Classic Maple! What I've experienced is that the majority of clubs we play are too small to really mic up the set (not to mention time and space on the board) but my Ludwigs project right through the mix and blend in perfectly!

[@rickhaney]

Great video! I bought my Bonzo Vistalites from Shane in Portland, Maine back in 2005 or so. He was so accommodating and respected my passion for that kit. These days I'm in Charlotte, NC, but I'm still playing them and they still sound like thunder!!

[@drumcenternh]

Very cool and thanks for sharing!

[@progression_decibel]

As an owner of the Classic Maples, you guys did a phenomenal job of capturing how they sound... as with the rest of the lineup! Always stellar videos and comparison information I really like that you include TuneBot and Mic setups... Keep them coming!!!

[@pepsijunk2002]

Thanks for taking time to do this, I really enjoyed it. My choice ?... Club Date Toms, Classic Maple Snare, Keystone Bass. And great job tuning the drums.

[@Coylee91]

Thought Shane was going to start quoting Neil Peart when he was talking about the battle between oak and maple.

[@markpeter2686]

I bought a Ludwig Keystone X in 10,12,14,16 and 2x22s with a matching classic maple snare in the same Vintage Black Oyster because of this review. Absolutely no regrets. They Keystone X and Classic Maples are my favorite, but the Legacy Mahogany bass drum is insane as well! Thank You SO MUCH for doing absolutely incredible reviews and comparisons such as this one. REALLY appreciated. Kindly speak about the hardware next time a bit too :)

[@angelvox1603]

I own the Ludwig Legacy Maple. Absolutely love them. For me the order would be 1. Legacy Maple, 2. Legacy Mahogany 3. Classic Maple 4.Keystone X 5. Club Date. To me, the Ludwig Legacy Maple have the most iconic sounds I love from drummers like John Bonham and Ringo Starr.

[@rigorhead01]

Hands down the best drum comparison video ever! I appreciate all the work you guys put into this! Thanks!

[@DMB92]

WTF! thank you for doing the series with consistency of mic placement and overall excellence that you guys have put into theses videos! definitely one of the highest quality drum channels around atm!

[@rogerwelsh2335]

I really appreciate what you guys are doing. This be so time consuming. I am the type of person who just loves listening to drum sounds. I would not be able to enjoy that without this station. Thank you