Keystone USA Series

As the latest creation from Ludwig USA's Monroe facility, Keystone Series Drums have carved a new niche in our tonal legacy. Rather than merely revisiting the sound that made us famous, Keystone Series has the distinction of a more focused tonality for the drummer seeking volume, attack and power.

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The Sonic Arch
Having run the gamut between the low tonal warmth of the Legacy shell and the resonant midrange qualities of Classic Maple, the Ludwig Sound needed an alternative for the louder player. With this in mind, Ludwig USA's craftsmen went back to square one to create a completely new shell for today's drummer. The 3-ply Maple core used in our Classic Maple drums is augmented with 1/16" inner and outer plys of American Red Oak. This 5-ply combination creates a thin, dense shell that speaks loudly with quick, even decay. To draw further resonance from this unique hybrid, the dual 45-degree bearing edge is pulled to the center of the shell to seat perfectly into the head.

The Apex
Keystone Series is made under the same strict quality and structural standards as Classic Maple and Legacy drums, and is now available in three configurations with optional component add-on drums. A perfect balance between high-volume cut and subtle articluation is achieved for the live music drummer, putting a modern twist on a century of custom American drum making.

The namesake of Ludwig’s legendary icon, Keystone Series Drums come standard with Evans USA G2 batter heads, and new low-contact Keystone lugs and mounting brackets. These dramatic accents are augmented by four stunning glass glitter finishes for dramatic look and feel.

Related Literature

Ludwig 2011 Drum & Hardware Catalog (AV8147) [DOWNLOAD]

Glass Glitter Finishes