Excellent pedal, I have always used one since the 70s. For my double pedal, I have always used the Gibraltar chain drive. I have wanted to try the Ludwig double, but haven't had the opportunity. For a single pedal, for me, the speed king is still king.

has anyone used the ludwig speedking double? i am curious as well....

Hi Jeff,

I've also had a Speed King with "WFL" on the pedal. When Ludwig was purchased by Conn, Bill Ludwig wasn't allowed to use "Ludwig" in any way, shape or form! He had to recast the Speed King foot board to use "WFL", which, I believe, was used through much of the 50's and 60's until the Ludwig name was purchased back and the foot board again recast for "Ludwig". I'm pretty sure that's the story.

Mark

It's been in continuous production since 1937, although the "current version" has been in production since 1948. If that doesn't say something, I don't know what does.

The only other pedal on the market that has been in "continuous" production almost as long is the DW 5000 pedal. It started out as the Martin Fleetfoot pedal in the 30's, became the Camco 5000 pedal, as well as the Gretsch Floating Action pedal, then later the DW 5000. Both have a huge following and both have a great feel.

In the end, only YOU can decide if you like it or not. Try finding a used Speed King locally so you can try it out first. If you like it, then go for it, but buy the best condition used one you can find, (if you are going used) as most of the used ones you find are pretty much used up. Otherwise, I'd say buy one of the new ones, the feel is exactly the same as its always been (some will argue this point and say they aren't the same....trust me, they are!) and the new ones have nylon bushings in key spots to help prevent the infamous "Speed King squeak".

No such animal. The Speed King was and still is only offered as a single pedal.

Only double pedal that Ludwig made or makes that I am aware of is the new Ludwig Atlas Pro Double Bass Drum Pedal...

They've offered a double pedal since the late 80's, but it was an import with the Ludwig name on it (think 80's style Pearl knock-off) and with the last incarnation of their "Pro" pedals and "Accent" pedals they offered a couple of double pedals (also imports), but never the speed king as a double.

Ok having followed this thread, I'm tempted to try one out. Are they strong and durable enough to take a pounding in a Rock type gig, or are they more of a Jazz and Funk type of pedal? My DW's take it all and have never let me down and will be one hell of an act to follow.

Two words: John Bonham

Thank you for your help, but for all I know he got through a pedal a night, or every few shows. Not one drummer I know uses a Speed King so I have no idea of their performance, and additionally I don't know of any "drummers drummers" using them, not even the more organic players like Stanton or Questlove. Is that because ultimately they are great for doing some gigs and feeling great, but really when it comes to it............

I guess I can only try for myself.