Ludwig or Ddrum

jamaul08 · #1 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 02:09 PM

Hey guys, it's time for me to look into getting a new professional kit. I plan to make this a long-term kit.

It must be a 4-piece, and so far this is what caught my eye....

Buy Ludwig Element Lacquer 4-Piece Emo Drum Shell Pack | Shell Packs | Musician's Friend

and

Buy ddrum AMX Ash/Maple Hybrid 4-Piece Drum Shell Pack with 22" Kick | Shell Packs | Musician's Friend

Biggest difference is the wood and hardware.

Based upon reputation, wood, and hardware quality, what do you guys feel is a good pick. If you think there are better deals out there, feel free to post those as well.

500-600 seems to be a good price range on a solid kit.

**Der Trommler** · #2 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 04:46 PM

The Ludwig Accent is an enrty level kit, so if you are looking for a professional level kit this isn't it.

The Ddrum AMX is a better quality kit than the Ludwig (where in the Ddrum line the AMX was I don't know, they have discontinued it).

When you say "professional kit" what exactly are you meaning?

jamaul08 · #3 (**permalink**) 03-03-2010, 05:08 PM

By professional, I mean a kit that would be well suited for not only practicing, but playing at large gigs as well as in a small studio. A kit that not only has the appearance of an upper level set but also the sound.

If I need to look into a higher price range I will, but I was trying to stay lower to allow extra cash to be used on hardware, bags, cymbals, etc.

XanderJ · #4 (**permalink**) 03-04-2010, 01:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jamaul08

Hey guys, it's time for me to look into getting a new professional kit. I plan to make this a long-term kit.

It must be a 4-piece, and so far this is what caught my eye....

Buy Ludwig Element Lacquer 4-Piece Emo Drum Shell Pack | Shell Packs | Musician's Friend

and

Buy ddrum AMX Ash/Maple Hybrid 4-Piece Drum Shell Pack with 22" Kick | Shell Packs | Musician's Friend

Biggest difference is the wood and hardware.

Based upon reputation, wood, and hardware quality, what do you guys feel is a good pick. If you think there are better deals out there, feel free to post those as well.

500-600 seems to be a good price range on a solid kit.

Hey man, I just bought the new Element 4 piece w/ the natural burst laquer finish, and I must say that it is VERY appealing to the eye and ear!
The only thing I would change with this kit is maybe the heads on the toms but the ludwig stocks are just fine.
I found this kit on ebay through a ludwig dealer and I dont think you could find it any cheaper. I got the kit for 499 and he threw in the snare stand, cymbal stand, boom stand, pedal and a 4 piece mic set! All of the stands are heavy duty double braced Ludwigs!
I priced this kit at 8 different music stores and and NONE of them were under 595 JUST for the SHELLS!
I would advise you to take a look around if you want this kit. If you can get it for around this price, grab it! It is well worth it... the shells are birch!

**dtxtremeiiispecial** · #5 (**permalink**) 03-04-2010, 03:17 AM

WOW! What kind of shotgun were you holding on him?

Care to share the name of the dealer?

CONGRATULATIONS! Beat 'em up.

I believe those are birch inner and outer plies with a poplar core, according to the Ludwig site.

**Der Trommler** · #6 (**permalink**) 03-04-2010, 10:04 AM

Jamaul,

How frequently are you going to be tearing it down and setting it up?

The bottom line is you don't need to spend a fortune to get a great sounding set of drums that will serve you well, but by the same token you don't want to have to replace it in a year because it just didn't hold up.

If you are mic'd up for the gigs then I would suggest you look into a Birch/Poplar kit as they sound fantasic in the studio. If you are not going to be mic'd for the gigs then consider a Maple kit.

I will take a look around and see if I can find a few kits that give you the best quality for the buck and are in the price range you are looking in.

jamaul08 · #7 (**permalink**) 03-04-2010, 10:25 AM

The places I go to for gigs mic everything through the house PA. Also, the kit will be moved around A LOT. It will be moved at least 2-4 times a week. This is another reason why I am leaning towards a 4-piece. With some cases to protect them, it should not be too much trouble moving them.

**Der Trommler** · #8 (**permalink**) 03-04-2010, 10:40 AM

Sounds smart to me, the only way I personally would use a bigger kit than a 5pc with that many set ups involved would be with a rack system.

Ok, with that much moving I am sure that the Ludwig would not hold up very long and relatively sure that the Ddrum won't hold up either (this is based on what others have said about the hardware, I have no experience with them myself).

jamaul08 · #9 (**permalink**) 03-04-2010, 11:24 AM

Mhmm, that's the same thing I have heard about ddrum hardware. Think I might need to get a 5 piece and just not use one of the toms? I still want a virgin bass drum. The bass drum tom mounts look stupid if you are not using them lol.

**Der Trommler** · #10 (**permalink**) 03-04-2010, 12:17 PM

Yup Ddrum (from what I have heard) has a problem holding tune on the low end to mid range sets because the lugs are poorly built or designed. In their defense I have heard that the AMX sounds very good.

5 piece sets are where you need to look because there is very little to choose from in a 4 piece configuration. A 5pc will also give you the option to change your sound by swapping one of the toms.

This is the only 4 pc I could find that I would steer you towards. The Mapex Pro M has been discontinued (renamed Meridian M and has a lug change), but it is a very good set. This one is a smoking good deal for the buy it now price as it comes with all double braced stands as well as the shell pack. This is shown as a virgin bass (I would check before you bid to be sure) and the new Mapex Meridians are not offered with a virgin bass anymore as far as I can tell. This is definately worth consideration. Mapex Pro M click Here