When it comes to iconic drummers, it doesn't get bigger or better than Queen's Roger Taylor. His thunderous drumming, unmistakable sound, and masterful songwriting have left an indelible mark on music history. Equally legendary are the kits he's played throughout his career, and we set out to recreate one of his most iconic setups—with a few modern upgrades to make it even more extraordinary.
Drawing inspiration from Roger’s late 1980s to early 1990s Natural Maple Ludwig kit, we've meticulously replicated its features to honour this incredible period of Queen's history. From Mach Lugs to the classic 90s-style Keystone Badges, the exact drum sizes he used, and even the distinctive curved bass drum spurs, no detail has been overlooked. While Roger’s original kit featured Modular tom mounts—state-of-the-art for their time—we’ve opted for the modern day equivalent Triad brackets which we've specified to be bolted on, ensuring both durability, great positioning and modern functionality.
Where we’ve truly elevated this recreation is in the finish. While Roger’s kit sported a sleek Natural Lacquer, we’ve upgraded it to the exquisite Full-Face Birdseye Maple veneer on both the exterior and interior of every shell. The result? A breathtakingly exclusive masterpiece that embodies the spirit of one of rock’s greatest drummers.
This is more than just a drum kit—it’s a tribute to the man who inspired and continues to inspire drummers across the world, crafted with precision and passion. A kit fit for a King or should we say, a Queen!
Shell - 7-ply Cross-Laminated North American Maple.
Preferred by professionals for its tonal versatility, Classic Maple drums are the ideal choice for any performance application. Its high sensitivity, wide dynamic tuning range, and sharp attack make it the ideal choice for live performance. Yet Classic Maple's 7-ply shell is crafted to respond to the player and environment quickly, making it adaptable to any playing style or preference.
Bearing Edge
Each drum's bearing edge is cut to a 45-degree angle within 1/16" from the outside edge. This sharp edge is hand-sanded to the craftsman's touch to assure a smooth, even, flat surface for easy head seating; the final touch to complete the unmistakable Ludwig Sound.
RFST Molding
Classic Maple's standard 7-ply, 6mm shell is formulated for optimum resonance and tonality. Its center three-ply core panel (laminated in a horizontal/vertical/horizontal grain bond to a 2.4mm thickness,) is inserted between inner and outer two-ply panels through our proprietary RFST molding process.
To increase stability through out the drum, all Ludwig USA shells are produced using Radio Frequency Shell Technology. Using a process involving their original bladder molds, R.F.S.T.'s unique bonding system -combined with a specialized, time-tested adhesive- cures each shell evenly over the entire surface of the shell. This process is truly a principal ingredient in creating the "Ludwig Sound" in every shell they make.
- Ludwig Classic Maple U.S.A. Custom Roger Taylor Inspired Specification
- Classic Maple 7 Ply Cross-Laminated North American Maple Shell
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12 x 11, 13 x 12 & 14 x 13 Toms with PLH1150 Triad Brackets
- 16 x 16 & 18 x 16 Floor Toms with Triad Floor Brackets and Legs
- 24 x 14 Drilled Bass Drum with Curved Spurs, Diamond Tom Holder Bracket & Matching Bass Drum Hoops
- 14 x 6.5 Matching Full Face Classic Maple Snare Drum fitted with Twin Lugs
- Mach Hi-Tension Lugs on all drums
- 2.3mm Hoops
- 45 degree bearing edge
- Stunning Birdseye Maple Lacquer Finish on the exteriors
- Satin Birdseye Maple Veneer on the interiors
- Triad Brackets Throughout
- 1990's style Keystone Badges
- Ludwig by Remo USA Heads fitted throughout
- Includes Double Tom Holder, Single Tom Holder & 3 x Floor Tom Legs
- Made to custom order at the Ludwig Monroe, USA Factory
Please Note: For display purposes this kit is shown with Atlas Stands and Paiste Cymbals. These are not included, please see our website for options or contact us for a quote if you need any additional components.