Here we have another beautiful Ludwig hot from the NAMM 2020 show. This is a Ludwig Classic Oak in the new Tennessee Whiskey finish which we believe to be the first available in the UK. 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 Classic Oak 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 Classic Oak 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 Oak Classic 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 classic oak also seem 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 Classic Oak comes with all the same professional features that you will find across Ludwig's other professional level kits. The kit has the Large Classic Lugs, the bass drum is undrilled and has the Elite Bass Drum Spurs, The Floor tom has 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 Badges which looks stunning and the kit is fitted with USA Remo heads too.
The Classic Oak is a great addition to the Ludwig Professional line up, it's 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 Floor Tom with Triad Brackets and 12.5mm Legs
- 22 x 14 Virgin Bass Drum with Elite Bass Drum Spurs
- Finished in Tennessee Whiskey Stain
- 5 ply Shell designed by Ludwig 1 Ply American Red Oak / 3 Ply Maple / 1 Ply American Red Oak
- Chrome Cast Keystone Badges
- Double 45 degree bearing Edges
- Large Classic Lugs
- 2.3mm Hoops
- Remo USA Heads
- Made in Monroe, U.S.A.