I recently have been playing around with a speed king pedal and its Definatly a quick pedal. I can feel the Bonham triplets coming out. For me the pedal is very different then most other pedals and I'm thinking if I get to used to the speed king all other pedals will not work for me any more. I'm currently using a Dw 5000 and Iron cobras. Both chain drive. So back to the question do you love the speed king or not and why ?
Ludwig Speed king Love or not and why Last viewed: 20 seconds ago

Fatchoppers
Tama
Ludwig
I've used a Speed King for 48 years. Best pedal ever made. I've tried a bunch of others and none of them come close to the Speed King for ease of use. It's just a great design and I think it broke the mold for everything that came after.
John - Die-hard Speed King user
Sounds good John. Great to hear some input

Fatchoppers
Tama
Ludwig
As usual, John is dead on!
Bought mine in 1965, still use it exclusively.
Never failed, never sqeaked, never disappointed. Just plain works.
(Great minds think alike...lol)
I just recently reacquainted myself with the Speed King after 17 years. It was the first pedal I ever used and something about it called me back after all those chain-driven pedals I've tried/hated/tossed. There is something very satisfying about the action of a Speed King; actually makes your foot feel like part of the bass drum (or something hippie like that!) Just a comfortable, playable pedal.
1966 Ludwig Hollywood Gold Sparkle Pearl 12/13/16/22
Star 3pc in Red Glass Glitter (1960's)
Snares:
1959 Ludwig Pioneer Mahogany
60's Ludwig Pioneer Gold Sparkle
60's Ludwig Acrolite (Keystone)
Ludwig/Custom 6.5x14
1960's Bolero (MIJ)
I'm on my second Speed King, after the one I bought in the early '70s broke (beyond my ability to repair it) in 2009.
I've tried others, but never found any that I like as well for feel, speed, and durability.
I will ALWAYS use a Speed King!
Ludwig Vistalite Big Beat set consisting of:
14” X 22” bass, 16” X 16” floor tom, 8” X 12” ride tom, 9” X 13” ride tom, 5” X 14” snare
Ludwig 201 Speed King bass drum pedal
Ludwig 1124 Spur-lok hit-hat with Ludwig Standard Paiste 14” cymbals (760 & 770 gr) with ching-ring
Two Ludwig Standard S-270 cymbals stands
18” Zildjian crash cymbal (1550 gr) and 20” Zildjian ride cymbal (2130 gr) with CAMCO sizzler
Gibraltar motorcycle seat-style drum throne with backrest
I have one, but dont use it. Anyone know the best way to refurbish/clean it? It never really occurrred to me to use it.... strange I know! I currently use a Dw9000 single pedal. I dig it!
"People might look at you a bit funny, but it's okay. Artists are allowed to be a bit different."- Bob Ross
"After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music..." - Aldous Huxley
I was given an old Speed King by my father who had it given to him with a vintage set he bought. It was seized up and would barely move. He gave it to me and after looking at it for about a year I decided to fix it. I looked through posts on this forum on how clean and restore it. A little scrubbing and some grease and it works like a brand new pedal. I've gotten to use it quite a few times and I fell in love with it. It is well over 50 years old and has performed better than any new pedal I've ever played. I'm still looking to find myself a vintage Ludwig set and go to town on it with my Speed King.
Thanks, Ill look for posts on the forum.
"People might look at you a bit funny, but it's okay. Artists are allowed to be a bit different."- Bob Ross
"After silence, that which comes closest to expressing the inexpressible is music..." - Aldous Huxley
OK, I guess I'll be the odd man out here... I've never been that crazy about the legendary Speed King. Yes, I have a refurbed one at the helm of my new Classic Maple Downbeat kit, just because I want it to be all Ludwig! I know everyone has been waiting for pictures of this kit, but I haven't been having any luck at taking inside pictures. I'll be taking the kit outside this weekend and get some good pictures... including the SK!
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