when you can do a roll with 1 pedal thats one advantage the rebound time is perfect on good cleaned lubed pedal

sturdy construction

great feel

great design

literally timeless

If you can find an older model in excellent condition, set up perfectly and well lubed, then the following reasons hold true as to why you should own and play a Ludwig Speed King:

Best design. Best engineering. Fantastic action, hard hitting, lightning fast rebound. Compression springs (rather than stretch springs) sealed inside the posts each individually adjustable for tension. Rugged. Folds up flat and tight for easy transport. Reversible heel plate allows for changing style of footboard. The axle is arched allowing each stroke increased inertia towards the bass drum head. Steel linkage more stable and longer lasting than strap linkage. Constructed of superior materials. Made by a long line of real working drummers of German lineage who knew how to make the best equipment in the world and knew what it was that gigging drummers actually needed. If I had to choose only one pedal for my last and only pedal Speed King would be my choice. Most old Speed Kings survived and are still around being played because they were made to last.

Cheryl- In the bar on top of this page you'll see 'Search' click on it and type in; Speed King. You'll get back links to a hundred and one posts on Ludwig Speed Kings. Tons of info and questions answered there. Arguments about the pedal aplenty! From both sides, lovers and haters. I've been playing for 48 years, and maybe only three of those without a Speed King. I've tried the rest and what some consider the best, but for my money, the Speed King is the best pedal ever made.

Welcome to VDF!

John

speed kings really are great pedals. ive got some from the 50's,60's and 70's. they really get it done. can be found and purchased at a very nice price as well.

mike

I've said before, I consider the Speed King the Colt 1911 of pedals.

Bought mine early in 1965, still using it. Fast, reliable, tough. It goes bang every time I ask it to.

The Speed King is the best made pedal..I have been drumming for over 40 year's.I have tryed every new pedal made from 1980-2012...I have alway's went back to the Speed King..B.T.W. i have about 100 of these pedal's from 1950's-80's.So vintage S/P is the way to go..You just have to fine a good condition one and it will be the only pedal you will ever used....Mikey

Wow – thanks, everybody. Another reason I regret selling my blue sparkle kit back in the early 80's :( But I'll be on the lookout for a new/old Speed King.

I had a DW5000 for years. It was supposed to be the best pedal on the market. The beater flew off mid-song at a gig. I also had a high-end Pearl pedal. The cam came loose during soundcheck, and I didn't have the fancy screwdriver bit to tighten it back down.

I bought a vintage Speed King for $50 a few years ago, and it's faster, lighter, sturdier, and classier than anything I've ever played. I'm never playing anything else.

Thankfully, they're easy to come by. Check out craigslist and you should be able to find a deal on one before too long. They tend to go for about $50 to $75. Enjoy!