I was just watching a Youtube video from the Chicago music exchange page, and listened to the new Ludwig Legacy Mahogany..The drums sound fantastic, although i can't say much about the little details, in this case, the badge.. You would think that Ludwig's flagship drum line would have the utmost standard in their craftsmanship and superb detailing..Not in this case..
The badge looks terribly cheap and looks like they were made overseas and then assembled in the U.S.. The logo is also laser engraved or inked, rather than embossed like the originals.. Shame on Ludwig for doing that..
If anyone's gonna drop 3-6 K on a kit with detailing like that, i'd rather buy an original for less than that, with the superb craftsmanship that went into it, from an era where people actually took the time and took pride in their work.. Now everything's mechanized, not only taking away from Ludwig's reputation, but putting doubt in their manufacturing process.. Ludwig loses big time on this..
Just check out the close up photos of the badge and see for yourself..
My jaw dropped when i noticed how cheapo they looked..Now compare it with a pic of the original from vintage drum guide..
Night and day..
http://www.vintagedrumguide.com/images/badges/ludwig/keystone_badge_pre_serial_number_large.jpg