A Brief History of the Ludwig Drum Company

• William F Ludwig was born in 1878 in Germany.
• William wants to become a drummer after seeing drummers in a parade.
• His father buys William a second hand drum kit.
• 1908 The Ludwig Drum company was formed with the development of a drum pedal that could meet the demands of the current musical styles.
• Ludwig built own pedal capable of faster tempos without loss of volume or force.
• Ludwig's brother-in-law sees a market for mass-producing the pedal.
• 1910 Ludwig and Ludwig is formed to manufacture drum pedal.
• 1910 Ludwig joins Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra consults with Danly for cheaper timpani.
• 1913 hydraulic action timpani created and sold to the Pittsburgh Orchestral Symphony.
• 1916 after initial failure balanced action pedal born.
• After dispute Ludwig leaves to form his own company.
• 1937 WFL Drum Company created first product 'Speed King' pedal.
• Ludwig takes over old company and changes name to Ludwig Drum Company.
• 1960 Beatles use Ludwig Drums.
• 1966 Ludwig takes over rival company and now makes a complete range of percussion instruments.
• 1973 Ludwig dies and passes the Company to his son William F. Ludwig jnr.
• Ludwig goes from strength to strength.

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