Ludwig Factory Tour with Sweetwater

[@doloresstone9927]

In late March of 1963 I ordered a Ludwig Downbeat set with Avedis Zildjian cymbals from Hoffman Music in Spokane, Washington. They said they were expecting a new shipment soon. Two weeks later they called and said that because of the way I wanted them the factory didn't have them and would build me a set! In July they called and said my drums were ready. I was working out in the woods and gone all week so my mother went down to pick them up. When I got home Friday night my drums were sitting on a blanket in Mom's living room! They were the most beautiful sight I had ever seen! Didn't take long for me to set them up and damn !!! They sounded magical !!

[@andystarcore6655]

I just love how he mentions that this lady is doing it flawless for over 30 years!

[@indrapt3765]

Yup. Awesome!

[@tuonglukim8973]

Plot twist, she's been there for 50 and fucked up the first 20...... not as much of an accomplishment all of a sudden now is it?

[@tiffanysmith1465]

@@tuonglukim8973 😂😂😂😂😂

[@damonson3614]

@@holygeneration7 he was jokin dude. Don’t take it so seriously.

[@jas_bataille]

@@holygeneration7 Who hurt you?

[@CoverBandDrummer]

I wanna buy flowers for Ms. Anne! My Ludwigs are the prettiest things in my house!

[@GerryBlue]

I'm not American but it is great to see something being built there for a change, and by elderly folks no less. Keep it up.

[@brianjezuit1258]

Gerry Blue / Ha ha..."elderly folks" ; thatZ awesome!!!

[@iamthehighway2139]

Lol gotta keep those old folks employed and productive!!

[@joelrose8514]

Those "very talented and very experienced" elderly folks are who make the quality drums that people like. The young Chinese workers at sweat factories make the crappy drums.

[@AllTheBestCO]

I have a 1936 Ludwig 10 piece "orchestra kit." It's gorgeous and sounds astonishing. I love it. Priceless.

[@Sundaydrumday]

No you dont

[@cartshal7185]

@@Sundaydrumday he does

[@robbasso893]

1936, that means that orchestra kit was built during the C.G. Conn era of Ludwig & Ludwig. William F. Ludwig had sold his company to Conn to get through the Depression in 1929. Then after a handful of years of being frustrated under the thumb of C.G. Conn, Ludwig decided to step back out into drum company ownership in 1937 but couldn’t use the Ludwig brand name, hence WFL Drums. Even the Conn era drums are great though. I have a 40’s era Leedy snare , which was also under the Conn umbrella, and it’s a fantastic sounding drum.

[@bpivr]

Ludwig drums are an American treasure.

[@pedrosmmc]

indeed!

[@FrankPCarpi]

@@AlexSlavenDrums and I always thought that they were English.

[@tonygee50]

Yes they are.

[@craigkosters9852]

Chevrolet’s, Harley Davidson, Colt, Ludwig Drums, and Apple Pie is how Ive al always rolled.

[@mr7wi]

tomr World Treasure. Music is universal. It’s staggering to think the contribution this factory has made to world culture: from symphonies to grung to country to music yet to come and everything in between

[@saywhat5392]

In 1970, a buddy and I skipped school; took the train into Chicago and showed up at Ludwig. We told them we were both owners of Ludwig kits and were hoping for a factory tour. We got the best tour anyone ever had. Great company. Original owner of a vintage 1969 white marine pearl super classic kit with the speed king and all the hardware.

[@roybeckerman9253]

Ludwig drums started in 1909 , the same year Gene Krupa was born. A big year for the drum world.

[@utubegeneric]

I have owned multiple brand drumsets over the years. Out of those, the only sets that I have bought more than once from the same company have been my Ludwigs. I have owned 3 of them now. They were also the first set that I got for my 14th Christmas from my Mom and Dad. So, thank you Ludwig for the great memories and a lifetime of enjoyment !!!!

[@whynot5045]

I was fortunate enough to skip school in the early 70's and take the train into Chicago from Palatine. My friend and just I showed up at the front desk of Ludwig wanting a tour seeing how we both had a set of Ludwig's They gave us a great tour and even let us pick out some "B" sticks at the end. What a great day.

[@Michael_Verrecchia]

Watching the passion from this company makes me feel warm love Ludwig drums, I'm 30 now and I still use my Ludwig classic maple 14x5.5 snare drum that I got in 1998! best wood snare I've ever played.

[@believeinittobe]

I just fell in love with my Classic Maples all over again.

[@colossusforbin5484]

I bought my first brand new set of Ludwig Drums in 1982 (Chicago Blue/Olive Badge). Took months to get. It was a 5 piece Maple Chrome-o-wood set. 14x5" Supraphonic Snare. 24" bass, 13x9" and 14x10" Toms and 16x16" Floor Tom for about $1200. In 1988, I bought a brand new Ludwig (Monroe Keystone Badge) 14x10" Deep Rock Snare and 3 Power Toms (12x11", 14x13" and 16x15") on a Heavy Duty Atlas stand. Also, I believe for about $1200. "Miss Ann" here probably wrapped these drums. Still a Ludwig fan. Look and sound great.

[@RafikMankariosDrumStudio]

3:59 - "These drums are alive!" 🤣 Great video, thank you!

[@undergroundman6602]

Just ordered a classic maple set fab 22 vintage black oyster : D cannot wait have been saving for 2 years straight for them.

[@undergroundman6602]

Thanks for congratulating me UnleashTheBlob. Ive been grinding working hard with no happiness you know only working and trying to practice drums its hard its real hard but today i brought some drums ive wanted for 4 5 years so maybe its looking up for me.

[@JoeNocella]

Good luck. I ordered the same kit a couple of years ago. Feel free to check out the sound of them on my channel. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eJ-9qXydacSsbLc

[@undergroundman6602]

Hey i know you, ive been watching your videos for ages ! I watch your covers when i try to learn tunes ! I appreciate your drums videos alot they are high quality and you are a skilled player.

[@tbbanshee8516]

Congrats man. Enjoy

[@undergroundman6602]

Thanks man they came today and im in shock im so happy they sound so boomy but the notes are clear, i got a snare stand for the tom going for that classic look i love it. : D

[@doncarol]

Terry...I was so happy to see you in this video. Effortless delivery on the information! Nick is a terrific musician and I watch him demo a lot of kits! Bravo!

[@TheRhythmaker]

Thanks Don! Great to hear from you!

[@mellilore]

@@TheRhythmaker Not so many people do know that Ludwig started making those 3ply shells (mahogany-poplar-mahogany with maple re-rings) back into the 20s, But you do! Kudos for that. It sounds like Ludwig finally put the right person in the right place (...well, if you're still working for them...). Anyway many many thanks from an Italian Ludwig 3ply enthusiast and avid collector!

[@SD9Driver]

I bought a set of Ludwig maple classics back in the mid 80's, shortly after the company moved to Monroe, NC. I still own the same set. It still looks, and sounds fantastic. :)

[@steverizundrums]

Can't wait to finally order my Classic Maple kit this coming week! I've been waiting for 6 years to buy a set of these beautiful drums, I'll be getting a 26" x 14" Bass Drum, 16" x 16"/18" x 16" Floor Toms, and 13" x 9"/14" x 10" Rack Toms. I'm beyond excited to finally play the drums I've heard in my head after all of these years!

[@barryswan3805]

Makes me love and appreciate my ludwig kit even more!

[@earlbrackett6508]

I'm glad that something of value is still made in NC !

[@mikestein1024]

Earl Brackett oh yes cabinets and furniture still being mastered in the cackalack

[@barberbob22354]

Really neat to see how much goes into making Ludwig drums.

[@masterdrummer4720]

I m a pearl Guy but my dream kit is the Ludwig visalite John Bonham

[@thedudeabides1881]

I also wanted to mention it's great to see good old Americans making a great American product!

[@HadEnough745]

Check out Nick. He's turning into the Guy Fieri of the drum world.

[@scottjohnson3226]

Fascinating tour! The manufacturing process is more detailed, hands-on, and involved than I had imagined.

[@W4RD1N8ER]

Loving the fact that the company has so much respect for an employee to not change the way the drums are laminated because of her craftsmanship! I have played ludwig drums I wanted pearl because they were all the rage when I was young should have bought these instead.

[@EYEBALLband]

Great video! I live in NC and have used Ludwig for over 30 years, stopped by once but it was a Sunday (closed). I walked around and took a few pics, would love to take a tour inside someday.

[@ChannelingJohnBonham]

Ludwig drums are the best. I've been playing them for 43 years. Nothing comes close.

[@AntonioOliveira-nx8lv]

Very interesting video! The grandma rules!!!!

[@ErikShen2907]

NICK & MR BIG!!!!!

[@janicekinsell719]

I have a Ludwig set from 1971. I finally got some new Ludwig heads and 60 style cymbal stands.

[@danielpolston4367]

I have never been a fan of wraps but that woman might of changed my mind! Now I can't decide if I want Ludwig or DW

[@tonyr2360]

Can't go wrong with a Yamaha kit. In my opinion, they sound better than either one of these brands and are more reasonable in price than DW. PLUS, their hardware is the best in the business! (I own two Yamaha kits, so I'm a bit biased) But I've played both Ludwig and DW and I was never truly impressed with either.

[@kivy1984]

Pretty neat. Thanks for allowing us to see the process.

[@timmotel5804]

9/2024: Good Day. My first set of New Ludwigs was in 1964. I wish that I still had them. Silver Sparkle. I custom ordered my second Ludwig Set in 1974. I still play them.

[@MultiSkyman1]

Need to have an American made Ludwig kit before I die.

[@bhutch216]

Watching this makes me appreciate my DW kit even more.

[@rippindrummer666]

Dw drums are overrated as hell. I owned a collectors and a performance series at one point and there was no difference in sound between the two lines to justify a 1k price hike. Dw are like the Ford mustang of drums. Sonor, sakae, Canopus, noble and Cooley, George way are all better. Also dw lugs are huge and ugly too.

[@panther105]

Such a difference in factories between DW and Ludwig, DW - using computer aided everything Ludwig - looks like a barrel making factory. Both are awesome drums..... Be proud, America

[@friedpickles342]

it's a round shell made of wood. .don't need "computer aided everything" to make . .DW is way overpriced.

[@pumpkin1982]

Ludwig sound way better than Dw. They make wood sound like plastic. Except that Romanian heartwood. That sounded amazing.

[@michaelsage74]

They’re both great brands!

[@jas_bataille]

Wait before you see Noble & Cooley... literally 3 people working and they do everything, hardware included. The elder even go out and cut a tree himself sometimes. Process the tree and all, 100% in-house. Phenomenal... 1853, older than even Sonor. They still drill the shells *eyeballing* it. Seriously. No tape, no gauge, no drum builder template, no drill presses. Craftmanship like that will disappear completely from the surface of the world 50 years from now.

[@NotMyWar]

@@friedpickles342 Ludwig and DW are both similarly priced per series. A big difference is the DW design series vs the Ludwig neusonic series. Love that the neusonic is more cost effective and made in America

[@Bernie0481USMC]

My first kit was a Ludwig classic. White. Loved it. Had to sell to pay bills. 83-91. Haven't played in over 22 years. Can't afford anything anymore. Life got all jacked up. Would love to play again. Ill be dead in a year so...

[@Paiste18]

I just ordered a Keystone X kit and now i'm even more excited by watching this. Thanks Sweetwater!

[@ivanalfonsocorderogutierre7498]

Thanks Nick, your persistence and courageously attitude about the music and the musical business are be recompensed!🎉

[@thedudeabides1881]

You are so lucky you have no idea. I was just telling my friend this morning that you have the best job in the world. Not to mention your drumming is incredible.

[@JulianFernandez]

Ludwig is class!

[@jimnasium452]

Dang! I wanted to hear that drum! Thanks for the video!

[@PowerTom_kyle]

Long live ERIC CARR! One of Ludwig's Greatest Artists :)

[@ratecoudo]

It is amazing wow.

[@trevormaynard4892]

I love Ludwig drums!! My second kit was a Ludwig vistalite 9 pc. All Zildjian Constontalope 6pcs cymbals. I’ve probably misspelled some of these words so, my apologies . Any way, the best kit I ever had. Oh, I also had all Ludwig Speed King pedals and all Ludwig hardware with it also. Like an IDIOT several years after buying I got in a hard way and sold them for nearly nothing.. I’ve many times wanted to kick myself not only now how much I see this stuff is Worth! OMG!!$$$$. But just because I loved those drums and how they sounded and played. I miss them. Props to Ludwig on their Awesome products and staying American Made. Just shows how great and the Pride American Workers take in what they put out! THANK YOU AND GOD BLESS!!!🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🥁🙏🙏

[@haroldfaust2596]

Love to have a nice set of cymbles

[@joepulvirenti5728]

I'm so glad I have a set of classic maple.

[@JayLee-bv3vw]

I've always heard great things about how good the Classic Maples sound. I don't care for Ludwig hardware and the overall look of most of their drums but I'm glad they're still doing what they do.

[@AndrewEwing1995]

It's funny, I've seen this video many times and yet no matter how much I seen this or any other videos, I'll find myself coming back and rewatch some previous watched videos.

[@natefromdetroit]

This was awesome.. what a cool experience for you to have, Thanx Nick!

[@ital311]

Awesome video. Ludwig fan since I started learning how to play back in 1965.

[@tomtom1484]

Let’s take that drum factory tour right now!

[@teddoyle997]

Fantastic, Bravo! Ludwig

[@jaylee8703]

Hey It's Tama's very own Terry Bissette !

[@TheRhythmaker]

Hahaha! Yes. Had a GREAT run with Tama for 10 years. And now I'm here with Ludwig! THX!

[@iamthehighway2139]

@ The Rhythm Maker, Hey Terry! Man I'm curious, if you can talk about it here... Do you have a preference for Tama or the Ludwig? Or is it like you said, you just wanted the sound for the genre? No worries if ya can't talk here. I understand the conflict of interest between companies. But THE EYE PROTECTION THOUGH! ! What the holy hell?? Cmon Man!! Lol

[@marshallhammond9933]

Thanks for this video, very lucky to visit the factory!

[@lilystrong9870]

Finally a modern Ludwig video

[@murrayperry7111]

You know Nick D is not only an excellent drummer, but an great rep for the drum world. HE is great Insporation for drummers and really good. He could def help me to be a better drummer. Love you Nick. He can teach me anytime, I would be Honored.

[@chipbarkhouse6590]

LOVE Ludwig ! - Chip Barkhouse The Drummist

[@robertlucas9867]

I wish you could do a Paiste factory tour.

[@theothertroll]

isn't that those things strippers put on their nipples? lol

[@jacktheripper3382]

Robert L i wish he could do an every factory tour

[@MrAlexxxDee]

Ian Paice did it on his educational video. Check that out.

[@thepluggy1]

Drumeo did one a few months ago.

[@warrenstemphly5756]

I’m not a drummer, but all my favorite drum sounds recorded are Ludwigs

[@DG-sf9ei]

Great to see Ludwig is still using mostly hands on labor to create their drums, and not a factory line of robots and automated machines. Their shells with reinforced flanges are best sound that's ever been and probly will be...tough to compete with perfection.

[@CoryPelizzari]

Nick interviewing Harvey Keitel at the Ludwig Factory.

[@americanspirit8932]

PS. MR.LUDWIG A GREAT MAN AND GREAT DRUM COMPANY.

[@DrummerDanny76]

I want me some Ludwig drums !!!

[@Thenorthsace]

The best ludwig drumkit in my opinion... is the amber vistalite that john bonham used to play on. Very beautiful piece.

[@meachster4316]

I live 15 minutes from the Ludwig factory and toured it a few years ago. I will say that the drilling process is now automated unlike this video. I met Terry in the video as well as Anne. My cousin worked here for many years. It’s very much handcrafted and that’s one of the reasons it’s more expensive. In spite of what some will say, they moved here because of the many people with furniture experience. Yes, the labor is cheaper because it’s less expensive to live here. For some reason, people don’t comprehend that you can live just as well making less if it costs less to live in a particular place. For instance, if gas is 3:00 rather than 6:00, you don’t have to make as much to fill your tank. It makes the area much more attractive to businesses to move to a place with a lower cost of living.

[@kimokeokeahi8526]

That was fun. Love dem lugs!

[@haywoodjablomi7550]

after owning 60+ drum sets, 28 at one time! I've sold them off and kept the yellow Yamaha hipgig and my Vintage silver sparkle! Ludwig with Keystone badge. 22,14,16. Carl Palmer snare with a black acrolite to the left. outfitted with pAisTe sound formula.. True Drum Porn. it don't get more Iconic than Ludwig...

[@ethanharris8000]

Love this! I own two usa made ludwig kits a classic maple and a vistalite!

[@lastcall9998]

Love black oyster, great to hear it has been a woman for 31 years installing that thing. Feminine touch? ;)

[@mr7wi]

Rafa Dominguez watching a craffswoman or craftsman creating is amazing to me

[@jerrydilger]

Great video and insight! More of these videos in future please!

[@KB5PQL]

Nice! I didn’t know the history behind Ludwig.

[@jebbaldwin8516]

restored my faith!

[@Lakk6Metal]

The FOX used Ludwig kit, and i always loved that Ludwig has all the sizes. From 6" all they low to deeper sizes , i love toown one. But than that had to be a mirror chrome finish, like the Chikara series of the Fox :) Damn :)

[@volesrock]

Terry sold me my first real drumkit n 1981 at Modern Music (I think) in Ft Lauderdale- Tama Swingstar. I've run in to him a few times at the Namm show since.

[@joelmarquez4629]

My dream kit is the classic maple 😳😞 hopefully one day

[@brucekremer6069]

Pretty awesome... well done video. Thanks for posting...

[@AaronKostin]

I recently recieved a element evolution kit for Christmas and so far both the Tom’s are not flat on either side I had to get a piece of granite and sandpaper and spin them down till they were flat I’m about to check the floor Tom I’d bout bet my right arm it’s far from flat as well they were bought from sweetwater

[@orkycathcart6397]

ISN'T IT SIMPLY AMAZING HOW MANY MILLIONS OF DIFFERENT THINGS MAN MANUFACTURES ?????

[@ajmpatriot4899]

Awesome video! I’m torn between dw and Ludwig! Both fantastic!

[@valentinfuentes4349]

Great looking drums when all is said and done. Worked here for about 4 months, great drums but lousy place to work. The pay sucks big time and when no one visits or did tours place was hectic. I had to assemble a certain number of drums a day. Alot of people come and go for the pay wise and the ones who have stood there so long from what I recall is because they have no other place to go. Ms. Anne was def a great person. The other Anne also.

[@pumpkin1982]

Now I want to hear it

[@davidcurtis4478]

Cool Nick! Please Ludwig focus on top quality lugs. Love Ludwig but had issues with a brand new snare with bad lugs, don't know how it got through quality control. All the best to Ludwig but please focus on quality maintenance. Keep groovin'! DC

[@doncarol]

PS- Terry is also a wonderful drummer / musician!

[@williamrice1955]

Keith Moon used Premier drums. He was proud to use British drums being a Brit. At the time though, they were a similar construction.

[@TheRhythmaker]

www.thewho.net/whotabs/gear/drums/drums6165.html

[@MrUltracoin]

Nice video. Could have used a bit where you hit it with a stick.

[@Yaboroqe]

That’s encouraging, a factory with only drummer employees. Must be the best environment to work at.

[@reemo6990]

6:05 Jon Stewart and Jon Lovitz had a baby.

[@scottdinges4681]

Hahahaha😂😂😂

[@donovanwisdom310]

I wish he would have mentioned the Carl Verheyen Project seven more times.

[@billytrance6893]

Will Nick be doing a Sweetwater demonstration of these drums?

[@SuperDrdirty]

I love vintage Ludwig! Are these shells 3-ply or 7-ply? I don't think he mentioned it in the video.

[@YourMomsSideDude]

I dig this little dude.

[@musashi1562]

Thak you Sweetwater for an amazing video tour! Nick is great :) I work for opera in Prague and we bought now drumset Ludwig Signet and it is great piece! We have all percussion instruments there from Ludwig. Legacy company!

[@crosspollination6626]

Awesome seeing this from my home since I have always wanted to tour the facility. My question is: When these amazing artisans retire who will replace them?

[@IamMagPie]

Last week I received my first Ludwig drum - the Jazz Festival snare drum. I noticed a "flat spot" on the side wall. The body of the drum is not a perfect curcle. Is this normal?

[@clarkewi]

Fascinating.

[@Elboy522]

4:20 "Hickock45 here"

[@KaneGregory]

This is the only drum I’ll play!🤯🔫👍🏼

[@ocho611]

odd what he said about Moon-- he did use Ludwig very, very early with The Who, but it was Maple. it even had the Ringo finish

[@AllTheBestCO]

www.thewho.net/whotabs/gear/drums/moondrums.html

[@ochocabra3922]

PlanetTerra yup. just like i said. cool link.

[@stmonroe]

0:35 LOL