Ludwig Drummer

                 

ludwig drum vintage drum black beauty snare drum William F. Ludwig Clay T. Greene ludwig drums

 

Books and Reviews

 

 

Bill Ludwig's (II) autobiography.  I just finished it and loved reading every minute of it.  Mr. Ludwig takes you behind the scenes on a personal tour of his life from his first lessons on the practice pad to the selling of the company to Selmer in the 1980s.  Bill shares many humorous stories along the way about the family, the factory, the endorsers and dealers.  I was very interested to learn more about the inner workings of the factory and the stories behind some of their products such as the Vistalite and Tivoli kits.  You Ringo fans will not be disappointed either as he describes the magical 60's and the huge success of the company following the Beatles introduction to America.  Every Ludwig fan should read this book.  Click here for a few excerpts from the book!

8 1/2 x 11 paperback, 128 pages, 160 photos  $20.00 

This book can be purchased at www.rebeats.com.  

 

Paolo Sburlati's excellent reference book, 'Ludwig Yesterday and Today 1909 - 1999'.  This book is one of the best references for dating drums from the 1960s to the late 1970s.  Paolo provides pictures (most in color) of his collection (which is huge) including the date stamps and serial numbers for most of the drums.  Many of the snare drum photos also include thumbnail images of the badge, muffler, strainers, or any thing of interest about that particular model.  You will be amazed at what this one man has in his personal collection.  It could quite possibly be the largest collection in the world.  There are 22 pages of Vistalite kits alone...not to mention the Vistalite snares.  Paolo also includes a good bit of Ludwig history along the way.  I learned several things about the Super-Ludwig and Supra-phonic snares by reading the section dedicated to those drums.  No Ludwig collector or enthusiast should be without this book.

8 1/2 x 11 paperback, 160 pages   $30.00 

This book can be purchased via the Ludwig website.

 

 
Paul William Schmidt's excellent  History of the Ludwig Drum Company.  This 171 page book is loaded with b/w pictures of the family, factory, catalogs, and endorsers.  The text from 'My Life at the Drums' is included as an overview of the life of William F. Ludwig Sr.  Many of the Ludwig innovations are highlighted and there are a full 30+ pages covering the endorsers.  Many endorsers have even provided comments including long-time endorsers Joe Morello and Ringo Star. 

9x12 paperback, 171 pages  $25.00

This book can be purchased at www.rebeats.com