Other Ludwig Drummers

Stan Gacki

My name is Stan Gacki from Shelby Township, Michigan. I've been playing drums for 41 years. I've purchased a number of drum sets throughout my playing years however the only kit I've kept is my 70's Ludwig Superclassic Jazz Kit. I purchased the kit "New"  from Bill Crowden's Drums Unlimited in Chicago (78). The kit consists of an 18X14 BD, 8X12 ST, 14X14 FT, and a 61/2X14 Chrome Supersensitive SD. The Tom-Toms have been fitted with RIMS. The original SD rims have been replaced with Ludwig Die Cast Rims, as well as the TOMs original rims have been replaced with Tama Die Cast Rims. The original straight bass drum spurs have been replaced with curved Ludwig spurs to raise the front of the BD as well as a Gibraltar BD pedal riser added to raise the back of the BD to ensure the pedal hits the "sweet spot" of the drum.


I play all types of music and use the set even with an 8 piece big band - I play in a "Weekend  Warrior" big band. I studied over 12 years with a number of noted Detroit drummers (John Vleko, Jerry Roulo, Mark Bertacchi, Jerry Klarich, and Gene Stewart, and also a few lessons with Charles Wilcoxon, and Dick Eaton (Liza Minelli).  I've worked with Peggy March and Johnny Preston and a number of Detroit Motown Groups. When I'm not playing on the weekend I'll occasionally sit in at Detroit area Jazz Clubs such as Bakers Keyboard Lounge. I like to play a variety of styles and kits. Attached is a photo of me playing brushes on the 78 jazz kit at a 2001 Christmas Gig (Nice Red Sweater!).