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New favorite vintage pedal! Last viewed: 8 hours ago

Posts: 4009 Threads: 209

Well.....I recently picked up a couple of Ludwig universal speed-master pedals for cheap. These are the red painted models with the one-piece footboard. I play heel down usually so these are ideal for my playing style. I've gotta say I think I have a new favorite! Faster than the Ghost pedal I've been using lately, seems to hit with more power too, yet not as fast as my trusty speed king pedal. Very simple design with basically only spring tension as the only adjustment.....with one bonus perk.....it converts into a cocktail drum pedal within seconds! Not that I currently have a cocktail drum, but its nice to know I have that capability now...LoLoLoLo

Fast, smooth and quiet......I'm very suprised that these didn't sell better than they did....but then again, Ludwig has ALWAYS promoted the heck out of the speed king.......these are definitely in my top five list of favorite pedals now......to paraphrase Ferris Buehler: "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up." x-mas3

Posted on 15 years ago
#1
Posts: 190 Threads: 5

My first pedal! Forever in the shadow of the Speed King, but still one of the best pedals of its era. Clapping Happy2

Norm

1964 Slingerland Stage Band in Black Diamond Pearl
Posted on 15 years ago
#2
Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

From Ludwig-dude

Well.....I recently picked up a couple of Ludwig universal speed-master pedals for cheap. These are the red painted models with the one-piece footboard. I play heel down usually so these are ideal for my playing style. I've gotta say I think I have a new favorite! Faster than the Ghost pedal I've been using lately, seems to hit with more power too, yet not as fast as my trusty speed king pedal. Very simple design with basically only spring tension as the only adjustment.....with one bonus perk.....it converts into a cocktail drum pedal within seconds! Not that I currently have a cocktail drum, but its nice to know I have that capability now...LoLoLoLoFast, smooth and quiet......I'm very suprised that these didn't sell better than they did....but then again, Ludwig has ALWAYS promoted the heck out of the speed king.......these are definitely in my top five list of favorite pedals now......to paraphrase Ferris Buehler: "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up." x-mas3

WOW ! $16! I'm in! :Santa:

Posted on 15 years ago
#3
Posts: 4009 Threads: 209

From Kona

WOW ! $16! I'm in! :Santa:

Ummm...yeah, not so much anymore...LoLoLoLo

Posted on 15 years ago
#4
Posts: 4009 Threads: 209

From norman931

My first pedal! Forever in the shadow of the Speed King, but still one of the best pedals of its era. Clapping Happy2

Very under-rated...I'm sold on it for sure....

Posted on 15 years ago
#5
Posts: 2713 Threads: 555

From Ludwig-dude

Very under-rated...I'm sold on it for sure....

I haven't used my Gibraltar 9611 dbsd pedal - for months now. Since I restored my WFL Speed King it's all I use. I've never played a better pedal = it's smooth (I don't hear any "squeeks" yet - haha) and nice & direct.

Beautiful pedalsBowing

Posted on 15 years ago
#6
Posts: 712 Threads: 24

I have one and would like to use it but I probably could use a stronger spring - with the large lambswool beater I've been using my Speedmaster feels a bit off. With the stock hard felt beater it's good.

Those pedals are very well made. I took mine apart and cleaned and re-greased it. If there's a problem with those pedals it's that the red paint chips like crazy. I repainted mine with Ace oil based spray can paint and it looks good (great color match) but scrapes easily... maybe a catalyst car paint would work better but that's expensive.

I don't know of a smaller and lighter pedal for gigs. I always wondered what the "universal" in "Universal Speedmaster" refered to. Universal what?

Posted on 15 years ago
#7
Posts: 4009 Threads: 209

From MastroSnare

I have one and would like to use it but I probably could use a stronger spring - with the large lambswool beater I've been using my Speedmaster feels a bit off. With the stock hard felt beater it's good.Those pedals are very well made. I took mine apart and cleaned and re-greased it. If there's a problem with those pedals it's that the red paint chips like crazy. I repainted mine with Ace oil based spray can paint and it looks good (great color match) but scrapes easily... maybe a catalyst car paint would work better but that's expensive.I don't know of a smaller and lighter pedal for gigs. I always wondered what the "universal" in "Universal Speedmaster" refered to. Universal what?

You can easily flip it around for cocktail drum use....so its a "universal" pedal(?).....well thats my story and I'm stickin' to it! LoLoLoLo

Posted on 15 years ago
#8
Posts: 941 Threads: 51

I bought my first Ludwig Universal Speed Master last year after reading about them on the Cocktail Drum forum ( I believe you are absolutely right about "universal" refering to it`s easy to switch direction). Since then I have used it regularly and purchased a second as a back up. I completely love this pedal. I know in the photo that the red paint is flaking off but other than that this pedal plays and looks brand new.

Importantly, Yamaha`s nylon replacement strap fits perfectly (the screw holes even line up). With a new spring and a new strap - my Universal Speed Master is light, reliable and ready for action. I paid 30$ for the first one and 40$ for the second- so affordable.

[IMG]http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn87/Osakabop/P1010006-4.jpg[/IMG]

Just an aside-

I recently purchased this 1930s Ludwig "Racer" as a collector`s item- not to play- it `s still back in the US at my folks until I vist back- I was just amazed at it`s design- so stream lined. I can`t wait to check it out closely.

[IMG]http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn87/Osakabop/Bp8egDw2kKGrHqMH-C8EuZKlzpQwBLtkG8G.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i302.photobucket.com/albums/nn87/Osakabop/Bp8ejHwBGkKGrHqYH-DgEuZhWzDBLtkHFRP.jpg[/IMG]

For info. & live schedule:
www.EricWiegmanndrums.com
*Odery Drums Japan endorser/ representative
*Japan Distributor of Vruk DrumMaster pedals
*D'Addario Japan Evans/Promark/Puresound
*Amedia Cymbals Japan

It's the journey not the destination.
Posted on 15 years ago
#9
Posts: 6170 Threads: 255

the red speedmaster is actually my favorite pedal. i play it with a vintage ludwig wooden beater. it just feels right to me. i bought mine about 10 years ago online for 5 bucks.

i also have the blue version which came with the downbeat kits and also have the black frame twin spring model as well. the red is still my favorite though.

mike

Posted on 15 years ago
#10
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