I use my 24" Paiste ride cymbal on my Vintage Slingerland and my Vintage Ludwig L arms no problem they hold it just fine. I am a heavy hitter.

I've used one for years with varying cymbal weights. Never had any problems. Lately I've started using a modern Ludwig bracket that comes with a memory lock as added insurance!

i have used up to a 2800 gram ride(24") on my 20" ludwig clubdate bass drums with no issues.

mike

Great, thanks. Whats you're favorite/ sturdiest type? I have a rogers, which I always thought would of been better had they gone with the hex rod for the part that connects in the mount. Its smooth metal that i have a hard time getting the clamp to grip. Did they ever make one with the hex? Of course this would only work with a rogers mount. Im currently using a gretsch kit as my go to with a Slingerland L arm. Im wanting to use a heavier/medium 22 (not sure of the exact weight). It sounds like I can do this without damaging the shell? Thanks

I use the currently available Ludwig L-arm cymbal holders with great results. They come as a set with the bracket, L-arm and memory lock for the L-arm (that goes on the horizontal part of the L-arm and fits into the bracket with a "notch"). Also, the Ludwig bracket has an eye bolt for security. I would NOT use any kind of bracket that didn't incorporate an eyebolt.

The Ludwig bracket comes with a large, thick, round washer to put inside the drum. The diameter of the washer is larger than the bracket itself, so it gives it a really secure backing.

I recommend using an automotive hose clamp or shaft collar as a "memory lock" for under where the part that adjusts the L-arm vertically goes. That will give extra security in case the little t-nut slips under the weight. Also, I HIGHLY recommend that you change the T-nut on the shell mounted bracket eyebolt to an actual nut that can be wrench tightened. It will hold so much more securely (and you'll have better peace of mind) when the L-arm (and eyebolt) are wrench tightened.

I use my L-arm with a 3300+ gram 21" A. Zildjian hollow logo Rock Ride on a 3-ply MIJ kit with re-rings. I have had no issues with slipping, instability or shell compromise. However, I do follow my own advice above, and I also keep the vertical part of the arm straight up and down, and the cymbal is pretty low (the vertical adjuster is almost all the way at the bottom).

Finally, I have also seen some drummers (Charlie Adams of Yanni was one; I remember seeing his kit in Ludwig ads) that use 2 brackets on the bass drum shell mounted back-to-back, having the horizontal part of the arm go through both brackets at the same time, for double security. I think this is a little extreme, but it is another option that is available to you.

I hope this helps!

V

Hi,

I use a Paiste 22" 2002 ride on my Slingerland l-arm on a 20 inch bass drum. It has held up very well. I consider myself to be a heavy hitter and no problems over a couple of years.

James

I use the factory L arm on my 69' Ludwigs, with everything up a 22" ride.

No problem mon The Band

Anybody ever tilt theres, the arm that is. So the arm isnt straight up and down? Ive always had problems with the arm slowly falling over unless I have it exactly straight up and down. Even with a light 18. Anyway to prevent this? Thanks, after hearing everybody response I feel confident I can put my 22 on without damaging the drum. Thanks again

Not to throw cold water on the testimonials of all the fine fellows that have commented previously, but I stopped using the L Arm for ride cymbals - but for a no good reason.

My first kit was a mid 60's (new then) Crown. With a Sears Roebuck 20" ride pie plate, it tipped over constantly. Since then, I've always put a splash or small (12" - 14") crash on the L Arm.

I still think Buddy Rich totally ripped off my idea, and wonder to this day how he saw my set, in my bedroom, in a small California farming community.

So there you go... useless information that doesn't really fit the question. :)