In the 60's and 70's, what was the hierarchy of manufacturers or how were they positioned in the market in terms of value or prestige? ie - Caddilac, buick, olds, chevy etc. on down the line...Best I can tell, it would be:
Gretsch
Rogers
Slingerland
Ludwig
I'm guessing that Ludwig would have been the leader as far as volume of drums sold...What are your thoughts?
Ludwig was the leader in sales ,volume and Market size, also they had the most noteable visible players of the day, their main guns where Ringo, rich, and Bonham, 60's-70's, and the Number 1 most recorded snare drum is the ludwig model#400! and believe you me Ringo and Bonham sold a ton of ludwig drums,and now all the other brands are gone, except gretsch which is now enjoying a resurgence!
Ludwig would be number one......what were the other choices again? Laughing H
Ludwig was by far #1. People used the terms: "Ludwigs" and: "drums" to mean the same thing! -seriously!
Then, probably, Slingerland (Ludwig's fiercest competitor)
Gretsch (more popular for their guitars during this era)
Rogers
Ludwig was by far #1. People used the terms: "Ludwigs" and: "drums" to mean the same thing! -seriously!Then, probably, Slingerland (Ludwig's fiercest competitor)Gretsch (more popular for their guitars during this era)Rogers
I didn't ask who was #1 or who was the most popular. I asked how were the different companies positioned in the market. Clearly, Ludwig was the leader in sales and were the best value, I was under the impression that companies like gretsch and rogers were more expensive and or "exclusive".
It was Ludwig. Slingerland, gretsch. rogers, camco,The sales and market shares and endorser's these companies had, are all Indicators of what you asked!
It was Ludwig. Slingerland, gretsch. rogers, camco,The sales and market shares and endorser's these companies had, are all Indicators of what you asked!
Here's a thread I found that kinda illustrates what I'm talking about:
there's a certain market for each brand and within each brand there are the hot drums, accessories, etc,. do your own research by using ebay as one gauge!
The best-built drums were Rogers. There will be little argument over this.
Gretsch had the jazz drummer's market, but they were also a guitar maker, so their thing wasn't ever totally drum-centric. Their drums were a little different than the other company's drums because of the unreinforced shells and diecast rims. The diecast rims cost more, back then (same as now) so Gretsch drums cost more. The higher cost may have, in some cases, made the perception of Gretsch drums to be more "deluxe' or something like that.
Of course, the sound and appearance factors are always subjective.
Ludwig and Slingerland were constantly duking it out with endorsements and school contract deals, etc. Their thing was to sell lots of drums...and they did. I'm sure that Rogers and Gretsch somewhat envied them both for that.
In terms of the hierarchy of the Big Four drum companies, though...
Again...
Ludwig
Slingerland
Gretsch
Rogers
-absolutely no question about it.
The best-built drums were Rogers. There will be little argument over this.Gretsch had the jazz drummer's market, but they were also a guitar maker, so their thing wasn't ever totally drum-centric. Their drums were a little different than the other company's drums because of the unreinforced shells and diecast rims. The diecast rims cost more, back then (same as now) so Gretsch drums cost more. The higher cost may have, in some cases, made the perception of Gretsch drums to be more "deluxe' or something like that. Of course, the sound and appearance factors are always subjective.Ludwig and Slingerland were constantly duking it out with endorsements and school contract deals, etc. Their thing was to sell lots of drums...and they did. I'm sure that Rogers and Gretsch somewhat envied them both for that.In terms of the hierarchy of the Big Four drum companies, though...Again...LudwigSlingerlandGretschRogers-absolutely no question about it.
I believe he want's more of a price guide type thing??
