Some differences are that Ludwig had the 3-ply shells with solid maple reinforcement rings. These shells were made with a core of poplar wood and they were extremely lightweight and thin shells -almost like a solid shell, really (in my opinion) because the inner and outer maple and/or mahogany plies were very thin while the inner poplar ply was thicker. Yes, the inner and outer veneers probably had some influence, but I think the resonant qualities of Ludwig drums owe a lot to the fact that they are so light.

Gretsch drums were made with shells supplied by the Jasper Company (no longer in business) which had no reinforcement hoops like Ludwig 3-ply shells did. Gretsch also utilized diecast rims on their toms and snare drums which gave the drums a different tonal focus. They were the brand often favored by jazz players and the vintage 18" bass drums are very sought after.

I always associated Rogers drums with a slightly higher quality and consistency. They always incorporated advanced thinking with their hardware designs. The Swivomatic hardware was some of the coolest ever, in my opinion. Then in the mid-70's they switched to another revolutionary hardware design -the Memriloc stuff.

Slingerlands have shells that were very similar to Ludwig's, but the instantly noticeable difference were the "Stick Saver" rims that have the normal outward turned top flange reversed so that they turned inward, instead.

Lets not forget the bearing edges! Each manufacturer had their own ideas about what type of edge to use. This also makes a difference in sound. Many folks feel that the sharper edges found on Rogers drums make them a better choice for rock. However, consider how many great rock drummers used Ludwig, Slingerland and in some cases Gretsch drums.

It's very hard to pigeon-hole a brand into a certain genre, IMHO. Yes, lots of great jazz guys used Gretsch, but one of the greatest, Morello, used Ludwig and THE greatest, Buddy Rich, used mainly Slingerlands.

As for quality, they all had their ups and downs, but I think any vintage kit from the top 4 us makers during the 60's and early 70's will be good quality. Sure, every company made a lemon or two, but that's expected. Some folks will narrow that down and say that, for example, Ludwigs made between 59' and 65' are the "best". That's highly subjective though and statements like that can be based on one particular kit which a drummer has fond memories of.

So there you go... I'm fairly certain that this didn't help much other than to say that both sound and quality are subjective. Best thing to do is play them yourself and figure out which one suits you.

I had a '67 Ludwig 4 piece that I adored, great sound. Sold it stupidly. I love my Rogers that I'm restoring. It sounded great with 30 year old heads on it. My main gigging kit, here, is a old Pearl. I use it because it was cheap, looks good and to my surprise sounds very good. I have some Slingy's that are in need of restoring, as some late model Camco's. The Camco's look like they would sound good, shells are awesome. I have heard older Gretsch's, and for jazz with tight heads, unbelievable.

Hardware and heads aside, a well made and well tuned drum sounds fantastic regardless of all the side crap.....but I swear I don't think my Pearl kit is wood, but I've gotten tons of compliments on the sound....

O-lugs,you said that jasper is out of business,who make shells for Gretsch now?

Did big companies like Ludwig,DW make their own shells or buy from someone?

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[QUOTE=O-Lugs;47782]I always associated Rogers drums with a slightly higher quality and consistency. They always incorporated advanced thinking with their hardware designs. The Swivomatic hardware was some of the coolest ever, in my opinion. Then in the mid-70's they switched to another revolutionary hardware design -the Memriloc stuff.QUOTE]

I was once told that the Rogers drums after the late 60's are not as good.

Ludlover, CBS bought out Rogers, and 'the quality dropped'. However, I have a set of early 70's Rogers, and they sound great. They were definitely the innovators in hardware.

The Gretsch have solid shells, hence the diecast hoops to keep them in round, from what I've read.

Pretty sure Ludwig made their own shells, I can't speak to the other companies.

The quality goes down a little, but, the 70's Rogers gear is still pretty good. The XP-8 shells are the precursor to the shells that are being used now by most of the drum companies that you see at Guitar Center. To me, the Swivomatic hardware designs were taken by Yamaha and the Memriloc hardware designs were taken by Pearl. The 60's drums are more desirable, that does not mean the 70's are not good. Rogers made great drums, I love 'em.

Gretsch will not release the name of their shell manufacturer but, it's been speculated that it's Keller. It's not the shell, it's the way it's put together at the USA Gretsch factory. I have jasper Gretschs and the new ones, I can't tell the difference. The USA Gretschs are still made at the same high standards, great stuff.

Keller did make DW's shells, now, DW makes their own shells. (at least for the last 5-7 years)

Ludwig say they make their own shells.

Super B

"It's not the shell, it's the way it's put together at the USA Gretsch factory"

Do you mean cutting the bearing edges and the interior paint etc.

I don't know what happened to the quote above.