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Ludwig Speed King -- Keep 'em ticking!! Last viewed: 1 day ago

Posts: 1017 Threads: 349

I've been doing nothing but working -- not music -- for months. So I just learned the Speed King is NLA (no longer available). Now Ludwig's pi**ed me off! They have a super engineering design -- the only one to use compression springs -- and built them at such a low cost they're denigrated as Squeak Kings. Luckily a DFO drummer snapped me out of it.

I'm gonna start restoring SKs again. I gotta. They are so well designed... but the build quality got worse and worse. Now they're vintage/collector pedals? That's sad. Well, I guess we're in a global market -- and ya gotta build it for less. And less. But I love Speed Kings. Tried many many pedals and always came back to the old SK.

Fortunately, there's a few tricks that gets them up where they belong! There's no need for them to squeak, or rattle or... .

They play beautifully, smooth, light and quick. Nothing feels like the ol' SK.

I've even figured out a way to stop my procrastination that's been an embarrassment to me. One a month. And finished in a month (or less).

I really have been out-of-the loop. Finally have some energy back. What a long, strange trip it's been....

But it's always sad to see an icon fade away because other companies figured out that high quality has value. Well. Let's keep them on the road!

Posted on 10 years ago
#1
Posts: 1017 Threads: 349

Oh... this would be shameless self-promotion if I actually made money on these! It's a hobby. And the time put in has value, yes...but it's mostly a labor of love.

Posted on 10 years ago
#2
Posts: 6365 Threads: 223

Yes, it's become obvious that Ludwig no longer wishes to continue the venerable Speed King. However, since there are 1000's out there, it makes it easier to find a good one and do a complete rebuild. I've heard good things from other members about your pedals, so it's good to know that you will get back into this. I purchased a pedal from Drummechanix and the rebuild is fantastic. I've noticed that his prices are going up! While I'm still not a big fan of the SK, I do have two of them for my Ludwig kits...just for authenticity!

Mark

Posted on 10 years ago
#3
Posts: 297 Threads: 26

I sold my DW 5000 years ago and have been using a WFL Speed King ever since. There's no going back. I cleaned it last year. It has the original grease caked in the springs. It has mostly solidified. Runs like a champ now.

Posted on 10 years ago
#4
Posts: 5356 Threads: 87

Hey Bill good to see you posting again! Glad your back in the SK bizz too. :)

Glenn.

Not a guru just havin fun with some old dusty drums.
Posted on 10 years ago
#5
Posts: 1017 Threads: 349

Yeah, I've checked out their work and it's's good.... but I have a couple different/additional tricks up my sleeve. IMHO... and I'm not dissing anyone. A number of guys do good work.

And I am [FONT="Comic Sans MS"]obsessive[/FONT] about details!

Am I out of meds already?

Nah. It's just fun...

Posted on 10 years ago
#6
Posts: 1017 Threads: 349

From Chicago Dave

I sold my DW 5000 years ago and have been using a WFL Speed King ever since. There's no going back. I cleaned it last year. It has the original grease caked in the springs. It has mostly solidified. Runs like a champ now.

You're a wise man. What was Ludwig thinking...I think it's a wax base. But maybe it was the best choice at the time... benefit of doubt (for a change).

The WFLs are brilliant. Well, hell...SKs generally are.

And don't get me started on the Ghost!

Posted on 10 years ago
#7
Posts: 611 Threads: 33

Yup I have a DW 5000 and I have been just too lazy to list and sell it . But is just stays on a shelf in my drum room closet and I only use my Speed Kings . I have one that was rebuilt for me by Drum mechanix and he did a great job . And I have a WFL version that is all original with no squeak . I love my Speed king pedals .

Warning ... Avoid member statuscymbal here, vintage_collector on DFO , and americanpatriot10 on eBay. Email me for his name. All are the same shady guy who has burned me and a list of other members on both boards . He is also selling on Facebook too ..
Posted on 10 years ago
#8
Guest

Hey Bill, good to see you back. Would it help if I placed an order for one? Having sold my old BMW R50 motorcycle for way more than I expected, I've got a bit of spare cash in the gear fund. :D

Still enjoying my 21" and 20" and my 14" hats. My full set of Lauritsens come from you. So thank you again.

Posted on 10 years ago
#9
Posts: 1461 Threads: 75

I`ve got two SK pedals from 1980 and haven`t used them in decades,but i`ll never let them go as i remember that foot feel and may bring them out of storage and try to rehab them?Any suggestions on bringing them back to life are most appreciated as i`ve never been inside of their internal workings before and welcome back to the forum Bill.

Wayne

1967 Rogers Cleveland Champagne Sparkle
20,16,13,13.
1967/68 Rogers Dayton Champagne Sparkle
20,16,13,13.
1966 Rogers cob 7 Line Dynasonic Snare.
1967 Rogers "Humberto Morales" Timbales.
1980 Ludwig B/O badge 14x 6.5 Black Beauty Snare.
1980 Ludwig B/O badge Red Cortex
22,22,18,16,15,14,13.
1988 Sonor "Horst Link" HLD 590 14x8 Bronze Snare
Posted on 10 years ago
#10
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