Feature:
Ludwigs hardware has always been an issue with these kits. When new they are very very good. I recommend upgrading the Lugs and tensioners after a few years as they tend to come out of tune frequently if you beat the $%#* out of them like I do. Certainly before each gig. Upgrading to better hardware and they stay in tune a lot longer. Plan on spending about $200.00 for the Upgrade Hardware. It's worth the money.

Quality:
Ludwig is was my favorite manufacturer back in the day. Today, quite frankly, DDrum, CC Customs, and others make Acrylic Sets also for less money. Be careful here as the quality of the seams is what is extremely important. But you CAN get a high quality set for less money. Both those mentioned here also come stock with better hardware then Ludwig. But if the name is important for that Authentic look. ludwig is the way to go.

Value:
Like I said. You can get a set of the same quality or better for less money.

Desirability:
If you are looking for that Bonham sound and you will not settle for anything but Ludwig..This set will give you wood.

Sound:
I have 2 Vistalite kits. One Blue 8 Piece Kit and a Bonham 5 Piece Amber Kit. Nothing sounds as good or as loud as acrylic drums. I plan on buying a new Amber Kit next spring (Income Tax Money) as mine are both 30 plus years old. Wooden drumkits are cool but the pale by comparison when it comes ease of use and Kick Butt Volume. These monsters are loud..real loud. Tuning can be a bit cumbersome as they are picky. Believe me I have been playing these for nearly 32 years. If you tune these sets correctly the sound will absolutely astonish you and once you go acrylic you;ll never go back. Yes, They are that good.

Ease of Use:
Ease of Use?? How good of a drummer are you? This set is Classic. John Bonham played it live for years in Led Zeppelin, Nuff Said.

Support:
ludwigs support is ok, CC Customs is top notch. AND if you are looking for a True Custom Build to your exact specs and still save some dough..CC Customs is the only way to go. They are building me a new set I write this for about $4000.00 (A ludwig or DDrum set of as close to my dimensions as they can or will do is around $5800.00.

Overall:
I have owned the 2 sets that I have for over 30 years. One of them (8 piece) has seen a lot of touring. It is still in near mint condition but don't put them in the care of a "Roadie" unless he is aware that a severe $#@ whippin will come if he doesn't treat them gently. One drop from waist height can crack or chip the acrylic. It cannot be fixed.

• User: a customer from bellsouth.net
• Submitted: 9/27/2006
• Style of Music: Hard Rock, Jazz Fusion, Heavy Blues
• Location: Acworth, Ga. USA