Here we have a Ludwig Keystone X which was replaced by the Classic Oak series which has very similar specifications. The one we have here is finished in Night Oak which can be seen on the exterior and the interior of these drums. As you will see from the pictures the colour is absolutely stunning, the oak grain really accents the tone of this finish and somehow manages to combine a classic and contemporary look all in one.
The Keystone X is not the same as what many other brands are offering in their oak lines. Ludwig came up with a proprietary shell design for this kit which is inner and outer plies of American Red oak with a 3 plies of Maple for the centre core. Unlike straight oak kits, the Keystone feels more present particularly in the low range on the floor and the bass drum which seems to deliver a best of both worlds - the oak enhancing the volume of the lows which seem to be more present courtesy of the Maple. This will make this kit perfect for acoustic situations enhancing tone straight from the kit. The oak also seems to add more attack and stick definition when compared to the Classic Maple, this will make it a great choice for any musical situation where you find yourself needing some additional cut.
Another interesting choice from Ludwig on the Keystone was to go for the double 45 degree bearing edges. This means the contact point with the head is the maple centre plies. Because of the shell layup and bearing edge design the kit also seems to have additional control over the overtones. The toms have a very nice sustain with a pretty fast decay, these feel very similar to old Ludwig sets from the 60's and 70's in the way they handle, again perfect for Classic Rock and Retro style drum sound.
On the component side the Keystone X comes with all the same professional features that you will find across Ludwig's other professional level kits. The kit has the Mini Classic Lugs, the bass drum is undrilled and has the Elite Bass Drum Spurs, The Floor toms have the new Triad Brackets with 12.5mm Floor Tom legs, these feel really nice and durable with smooth control. The tom has the Atlas mounting bracket which is integrated with the lug to reduce the need for additional drilling. The whole kit has the Chrome Cast Keystone X Badges which looks stunning. We've fitted the kit out with new Evans has across all three toms and a brand new set of Ludwig Bass Drum heads.
The Keystone X is a super dynamic powerful sound with enhanced tone control and all the professional features you'd expect from an American Ludwig.
- 13 x 9 Tom with Atlas Mount
- 16 x 16 & 18 x 16 Floor Toms with Triad Brackets and 12.5mm Legs
- 24 x 16 Virgin Bass Drum with Elite Bass Drum Spurs
- Night Oak finish on the exterior and interior of the shells
- 5 ply Shell designed by Ludwig 1 Ply American Red Oak / 3 Ply Maple / 1 Ply American Red Oak
- Chrome Cast Keystone X Badges
- Double 45 degree bearing Edges
- Mini Classic Lugs
- 2.3mm Hoops
- New Evans G2 Clear over G1 Clear heads on all the Toms, New Ludwig P3 Batter and Reso Heads
- Price Includes 1 x Tom Holder & 6 x Floor Tom Legs
- Made in Monroe, U.S.A.
- PreLoved - 9.5/10 Condition - Immaculate throughout.