Best Ludwig Drum Sets for Professional Drummers

Drum sets are an essential part of any band or musician's arsenal. They are used to create rhythm and add depth to the music. Ludwig is a well-known brand in the drum set industry, known for producing high-quality drum sets that are durable and produce great sound. In this article, we will be discussing the best Ludwig drum sets that are available in the market.

When purchasing a Ludwig drum set, there are several factors that you should consider.

The first is the size of the drum set. Depending on your needs, you may want a smaller or larger drum set.

Additionally, the material of the drum set is also important. Ludwig drum sets are available in different materials, including maple, birch, and mahogany. Each material produces a different sound, so it's important to choose the one that suits your needs.

We spent hours researching and testing several Ludwig drum sets to identify the ones that produce the best sound and are the most durable. In this article, we will be discussing our top picks for the best Ludwig drum sets.

Best Ludwig Drum Sets

We have researched and tested various Ludwig drum sets to bring you the best options available on the market.

Ludwig is a well-known brand in the music industry, and their drum sets are known for their excellent sound quality, durability, and versatility.

Whether you are a beginner or a professional drummer, we have compiled a list of the best Ludwig drum sets to suit your needs. Take a look at our top picks below.

Buying Guide

When it comes to buying the best Ludwig drum set, there are a few key features to consider. Here are some important factors to keep in mind:

Drum Size

The size of the drum set will depend on your needs and preferences.

Consider the size of the venue where you will be playing, as well as the type of music you will be playing.

A larger drum set may be necessary for louder music or larger venues, while a smaller set may be more appropriate for quieter music or smaller venues.

Material

The material of the drum set will affect the sound quality and durability.

Common materials include wood, metal, and acrylic. Each material has its own unique sound and feel, so it's important to choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.

Hardware

The hardware of the drum set includes the cymbal stands, pedals, and other accessories.

Look for hardware that is durable and easy to adjust, as this will make it easier to set up and play your drum set.

Price

The price of the drum set will vary depending on the features and quality.

It's important to set a budget and choose a drum set that fits within your price range. Keep in mind that a higher price does not always guarantee better quality.

Ludwig Accent Drive 5-Piece Complete Drum Set

We highly recommend the Ludwig Accent Drive 5-Piece Complete Drum Set for new drummers who want a high-quality, all-inclusive package at an affordable price.

Pros

• The 5-ply select hardwood shell delivers a solid foundation for a lifetime of drumming.
• The 45-degree inner accent with a slight outer bevel creates a great sound.
• The set includes everything a new player needs to get started.

Cons

• The set does not come with assembly instructions.
• The hardware may be overwhelming for those who have never put together a drum set before.
• The cymbals and drum pedal may need to be upgraded for more advanced players.

We were impressed with the Ludwig Accent Drive 5-Piece Complete Drum Set.

The 5-ply select hardwood shell provides a sturdy and reliable foundation for drumming. Meanwhile, the 45-degree inner accent with a slight outer bevel produces a great sound that will satisfy both new and experienced drummers.

The set includes everything a new player needs to get started, including a bass drum, two rack toms, a floor tom, a snare drum, hi-hats, a crash cymbal, a cymbal stand, a hi-hat stand, a snare stand, a bass drum pedal, and a throne.

However, the set does not come with assembly instructions, which may be challenging for those who have never put together a drum set before.

Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit Drum Set

If you're looking for a high-quality drum set that's perfect for kids aged 4 to 10, the Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit Drum Set is an excellent choice.

Pros

• The set includes everything a beginner drummer needs, including drums, cymbals, stands, pedals, and sticks.
• The kit is portable and easy to move from room to room or take to gigs.
• The online lesson plan with Questlove is a great way to get started with drumming.

Cons

• Assembling the set can be a bit tricky, especially if you're not familiar with drum kits.
• The set is designed for children, so it may not be suitable for adult drummers.
• The cymbals may not be as high-quality as some more expensive sets.

We were impressed with the Ludwig Questlove Pocket Kit Drum Set.

The drums are well-made and sound great, and the set includes everything a beginner needs to get started.

The online lesson plan with Questlove is a nice touch and can be a helpful resource for new drummers.

Assembling the set can be a bit of a challenge, especially if you're not familiar with drum kits. However, with a bit of patience and some careful reading of the instructions, it's definitely doable.

One thing to keep in mind is that the set is designed for children, so it may not be suitable for adult drummers. The cymbals may also not be as high-quality as some more expensive sets, but they still sound good and are more than adequate for beginners.

Ludwig Accent Drive Blue 5-Piece Drum Set

We highly recommend purchasing the Ludwig Accent Drive Blue 5-Piece Drum Set for beginner drummers due to its affordable price and all-inclusive package.

Pros

• Comes with everything a new drummer needs to get started
• Upgraded features provide a solid foundation for a lifetime of drumming
• Produces a great sound and has a gorgeous blue color

Cons

• Assembly can be time-consuming and may require additional instructions
• Plastic tops may be difficult to tighten down correctly
• Cymbals may need to be upgraded for a better sound quality

As a beginner drummer, we were impressed with the Ludwig Accent Drive Blue 5-Piece Drum Set's all-inclusive package.

The set includes everything a new drummer needs to get started, including hardware, throne, pedal, cymbals, sticks, and drum key.

The upgraded features provide a solid foundation for a lifetime of drumming, making it a great investment for beginners.

The drum set produces a great sound and has a gorgeous blue color that will make any drummer proud to play.

However, assembly may be time-consuming and may require additional instructions, as the set doesn't come with any. Additionally, tightening down the plastic tops correctly may be challenging for some users.

While the cymbals that come with the set are decent, they may need to be upgraded for a better sound quality.

Ludwig Element Evolution 5-piece Complete Drum Set with Zildjian Cymbals - Copper

If you're looking for a complete drum set that can take your drumming skills to the next level, the Ludwig Element Evolution is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The set comes with everything you need to get started, including Remo Pinstripe drumheads, Zildjian I-series cymbals, and all necessary double-braced hardware from Ludwig.
• The upgraded tom holder, brackets, and snare throw off, along with the memory locks, make it easy to adjust and customize the set to your liking.
• With multiple configuration and drum size options, as well as a variety of stunning finishes, you can choose the perfect set to fit your style and preferences.

Cons

• At 56.75 pounds, the set may be a bit heavy to transport frequently.
• While the copper finish is beautiful, it may not be everyone's preferred aesthetic.
• The set may be more expensive than some beginner-level drum sets.

Ludwig Element Evolution 5-piece Complete Drum Set with Zildjian Cymbals - Platinum

We recommend the Ludwig Element Evolution drum set for anyone looking to advance their drumming skills. This set has everything you need to take your playing to the next level.

The set includes Remo Pinstripe drumheads, Zildjian I-series cymbals, and all the necessary Ludwig double-braced hardware.

Pros

• The double-braced Ludwig hardware gives a pro-level feel to the set.
• Multiple choices for configurations and drum sizes, as well as a variety of stunning finishes.
• Upgraded tom holder, brackets, and snare throw off, with added memory locks.

Cons

• The set is quite heavy, weighing in at 75.95 pounds.
• The platinum finish may not be to everyone's taste.
• The set does not come with a throne or drumsticks.

This set is perfect for drummers who are ready to move on from beginner to intermediate-level playing. The Remo Pinstripe drumheads and Zildjian I-series cymbals provide a high-quality sound that is sure to impress.

The double-braced Ludwig hardware on this set gives it a professional feel, which is essential for practice and performance. The upgraded tom holder, brackets, and snare throw off, with added memory locks, ensure that the set stays in place while you play.

The Ludwig Element Evolution set comes with a variety of drum sizes and finishes, making it easy to find the perfect combination for your needs. However, the set is quite heavy, so it may not be the best choice for drummers who need to transport their equipment frequently.

Ludwig Pocket Kit by Questlove

If you're looking for a beginner drum set for your child, the Ludwig Pocket Kit by Questlove is a great choice.

Pros

• The set includes everything your child needs to get started playing the drums.
• The online lesson plan with Questlove is a helpful resource for beginners.
• The compact size and portability of the set make it easy to store and transport.

Cons

• The cymbals included in the set are not of the highest quality.
• Some users have reported difficulty with assembly.
• The set may not be suitable for children over 10 years old.

We found the Ludwig Pocket Kit by Questlove to be a great option for parents looking to introduce their child to drumming. The set comes with everything your child needs to start playing.

This includes a bass drum, tom, floor tom, snare drum, foot pedal, hi-hat stand, cymbal arm, snare stand, drum sticks, drum key, hi-hat cymbals, and a crash/ride cymbal.

The online lesson plan with Questlove is a helpful resource for beginners, and the compact size and portability of the set make it easy to store and transport.

However, some users have reported difficulty with assembly, so be prepared to spend some time putting the set together. Additionally, the cymbals included in the set are not of the highest quality, so you may want to consider upgrading them if your child continues to play.

Finally, the set is designed for children between the ages of 4 and 10, so it may not be suitable for older children or adults.

Ludwig Element Evolution 5-piece Complete Drum Set with Zildjian Cymbals - Copper

We highly recommend the Ludwig Element Evolution drum set for intermediate-level drummers who want to take their skills to the next level. With Remo Pinstripe drumheads, Zildjian I-series cymbals, and Ludwig double-braced hardware, this kit has everything you need to advance your playing. The upgraded tom holder, brackets, and snare throw off, along with memory locks, make this set a great investment for any serious drummer.

Pros

• The Ludwig Element Evolution features complete 5-piece drum set with 20" kick, 20" ride cymbals, 10" and 12" toms, 14" flo tom, and 14" hi-hat.
• Zildjian I-series cymbals produce a clear, bright sound that cuts through the mix.
• The double-braced Ludwig hardware provides a pro-level feel and durability.

Cons

• The copper finish may not be to everyone's taste.
• The set is relatively heavy at 67.8 pounds, making it less portable.
• Some users may prefer different drumhead and cymbal options.

If you're looking for a high-quality drum set that will help you take your playing to the next level, the Ludwig Element Evolution is a great choice. The copper finish may not be to everyone's taste, but the set's sound and durability make up for it.

The Zildjian I-series cymbals provide a clear, bright sound that cuts through the mix, while the double-braced Ludwig hardware feels solid and professional.

The set is relatively heavy, so it may not be the best choice for gigging drummers who need to move their gear frequently.

In terms of sound, the Ludwig Element Evolution has a warm, full-bodied tone that works well for a variety of genres. The Remo Pinstripe drumheads provide a nice balance of attack and sustain, and the Zildjian cymbals have a bright, cutting sound that complements the drums nicely.

The upgraded tom holder, brackets, and snare throw off make it easy to adjust the set to your preferences, and the memory locks ensure that everything stays in place.

Ludwig Accent 5-piece Complete Drum Set with 22 inch Bass Drum and Wuhan Cymbals - Silver Sparkle

If you're looking for a complete drum set that's ready to hit the stage, the Ludwig Accent 5-piece kit is a great option to consider.

Pros

• The hardware package is comprehensive and includes everything you need to get started.
• The drum shells are crafted from select hardwood with attractive wrap finishes.
• The included Wuhan cymbals have a bright, modern sound that cuts through even dense mixes.

Cons

• The drum set is relatively heavy at 66.2 pounds, which may make it more difficult to transport.
• Some users have reported issues with the included cymbals, such as missing pieces or quality concerns.
• The set may not be as customizable as some other drum kits on the market.

We were impressed with the quality and sound of the Ludwig Accent kit. The drum shells have a solid feel and produce a warm, full-bodied tone that's perfect for a variety of musical styles.

The hardware package is also impressive, with sturdy stands and pedals that feel like they'll hold up well over time.

One thing to keep in mind is that the drum set is relatively heavy, which may make it more difficult to transport to gigs or practice sessions.

Additionally, while the included cymbals sound great, some users have reported issues with missing pieces or quality concerns.

Ludwig Accent 5-piece Complete Drum Set with 20 inch Bass Drum and Wuhan Cymbals - Silver Sparkle

If you're a beginner drummer looking for an affordable, gig-ready drum set, the Ludwig Accent Series complete drum set is a great option. Here's what we think of this set:

Pros

• The set includes everything a beginner drummer needs to start playing: a bass drum, snare drum, two rack toms, a floor tom, hi-hat and cymbal, and all necessary hardware.
• The drums are crafted from select hardwood with attractive wrap finishes, giving them a professional look and feel.
• The hi-hat and cymbal included in the set have a bright, modern sound that will cut through even the densest mix.

Cons

• The set may not be suitable for more experienced drummers who require a higher level of customization and sound quality.
• The included cymbals may not be of the highest quality, but they are suitable for beginner drummers.
• The set may require some tuning and adjustments out of the box to achieve optimal sound quality.

Ludwig Breakbeats 2022 By Questlove 4-piece Shell Pack with Snare Drum - Silver Sparkle

We recommend the Ludwig Breakbeats 2022 By Questlove 4-piece Shell Pack with Snare Drum - Silver Sparkle for drummers who want a portable drum kit without sacrificing sound quality.

Pros

• The 7-ply hardwood shell construction delivers a full Ludwig sound in a compact size.
• The nylon carrying bags make it easy to transport the kit to gigs or street performances.
• The 4-piece set includes a 16" bass drum, 10" tom, 13" floor tom, and 14" snare, providing a versatile range of sounds.

Cons

• The metal rims are thinner than some other drum sets, which may affect tuning.
• The floor tom may have an echo-ring overtone at certain pitches.
• The snare drum head may arrive damaged during shipping.

The Ludwig Breakbeats 2022 By Questlove 4-piece Shell Pack with Snare Drum - Silver Sparkle is perfect for drummers who want a high-quality sound in a portable package. The compact size makes it easy to transport to gigs or street performances, while the 7-ply hardwood shell construction delivers a full Ludwig sound.

This 4-piece kit is crafted with hand-sanded 45-degree bearing edges on each shell, allowing it to attain everything that professional drummers crave about that iconic Ludwig presence. The nylon carrying bags that come with the kit make it easy to transport and protect your drums.

The 4-piece set includes a 16" bass drum, 10" tom, 13" floor tom, and 14" snare, providing a versatile range of sounds. However, the metal rims are thinner than some other drum sets, which may affect tuning. The floor tom may have an echo-ring overtone at certain pitches, and the snare drum head may arrive damaged during shipping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the distinguishing features of Ludwig Classic Maple drum sets?

Ludwig Classic Maple drum sets are known for their warm, full-bodied sound and versatile tuning range. They feature 7-ply maple shells that are handcrafted in the USA, and come in a variety of finishes. The Classic Maple series also includes a range of snare drums to complement the drum set.

How does the Ludwig Legacy Maple compare to other high-end drum kits?

The Ludwig Legacy Maple is a high-end drum kit that is designed to deliver a rich, warm sound with excellent projection and sustain. It features 3-ply maple/poplar/maple shells that are handcrafted in the USA, and comes in a range of finishes. The Legacy Maple is comparable to other high-end drum kits in terms of quality and sound, but it has a distinct Ludwig sound that sets it apart.

What are the price ranges for professional Ludwig drum sets?

Professional Ludwig drum sets can range in price from around $1,000 to over $5,000, depending on the series and configuration. The Classic Maple and Legacy Maple series are among the more expensive options, while the Element Evolution and Accent Drive series are more affordable.

Which renowned drummers endorse and play Ludwig drum kits?

Ludwig drum kits are endorsed and played by a wide range of renowned drummers, including John Bonham, Ringo Starr, Alex Van Halen, Questlove, and many others. Ludwig has a long history of working with top drummers to develop and refine their drum sets.

What should I look for when choosing a 5-piece Ludwig drum set?

When choosing a 5-piece Ludwig drum set, you should consider the series, shell material, finish, and hardware. The Classic Maple and Legacy Maple series are popular options, and both feature high-quality maple shells. The finish and hardware options can vary depending on the series and configuration.

How does the sound quality of a 7-piece Ludwig set differ from smaller kits?

A 7-piece Ludwig drum set typically includes additional toms and a larger bass drum. This can result in a fuller, more powerful sound. However, the sound quality can also depend on the series and configuration of the drum set.

Make sure to choose a drum set that suits your playing style and musical preferences.