Other Ludwig Drummers

Ron Leo of Sanford, NC

and

Pete Leo of Tavares, FL

Father and Son Ludwig Drummers

Ron Leo has been a Ludwig enthusiast since the 60's but, like so many of us with families and jobs, had gotten away from drumming until recently.  After rediscovering the joys of drumming, Ron not only bought a mid-90s Oyster Black Pearl kit for himself (seen below) but also got his dad into drumming (shown with his Ludwig Gig Lite kit).  

Ron also passed along to me a very interesting story which underscores the great people at Ludwig.  Here it is excerpted from my email conversations with him...

Clay,

I was in Charlotte on business a few months ago and driving home (Sanford, NC) through Monroe.  I called the Ludwig plant, just on the spur of the moment and asked if they ever conduct plant tours for the public.  The receptionist put the plant manager, Dick Gerlach on the phone and he said "come on down, I'll take you thru the plant and show you around myself".  I was there in 30 minutes, he greeted me at the door and spent about an hour and 1/2 with me one-on one!  He loves to talk to drummers about drums, the drum industry, various artists he knew, and has great pride in the Ludwig name and product.

I mentioned to Dick that the highlight of my drumming was to sit with my Dad and talk with Gene Krupa during a break in the mid 60's in a nightclub in Buffalo, NY where he appeared with a trio (Charlie Ventura & Teddy Wilson).  He knew Krupa and a lot of old timers from drum trade shows.  Again, a wealth of knowledge. I sent him some Krupa and Rich videos as a thank you for the tour a few months later and he called to thank me, saying "I forgot how great those guys were, unbelievable triplets, etc."

My trip to Monroe was last June or July, so I'm not sure if he has retired yet.  Even so, the plant would put you in touch with him.  I think his plans were to stay in the Monroe area.  One thought...he would certainly contribute to your site, maybe even advise and collaborate with you for something to do in his retirement.
Ron Leo

It turns out that I did know Dick Gerlach's name from my many hours spent scanning old Ludwig Catalogs.  He recently retired after 42 years with the company.  He is one of the great Ludwig Legends and will be sorely missed.  I will be writing him soon to  enlist his help from time to time on the website with technical questions and drum dating issues.

Ron and his mid-90s Oyster Black Pearl kit.  What a beauty!         Ron's dad Pete on his Gig Lite kit.   I recently saw one of these in a local music store  and it was so cute I really wanted to buy it.