Wow, that's crazy MFB! You sound just like I do here though...so strange.
Sticks:
It's the edges, and the way they make their shells is all I can say.
Ludwig still makes it's own shells--one reason I like them. Huge range of sizes available at fair prices are other reasons, on top of the sound.
There are drum builders that say the lug itself will have something to do with the sound a brand makes too. The lug size, shape, amount of screws, they say all goes into the sound of a brand. I read this years ago.
Here's what I can say about Ludwig shell performance.
John Good talks a lot about DW's "Timber Matching" and "family of shells" and all that.
And they match shells for a "kit" so they all sound like they go together.
Makes sense.
Well, I have a set of 4ply Super Classics ('90), a couple shells that are what they called "vintage" shells that are 5 ply Maple ('00-'01), and a bunch of Classic Maple.
With all those different shell layups, and years between buying them (over a 21 year period), there should be some sound differences right?
Well, I can take ANY shell I want, any size, make a "kit" and they ALL sound like they are supposed to go together.
They ALL have also sounded great with any head combo I've wanted to use.
Tuned up and got a sound I've liked easily too.
They hold up great, no problems, and feel good to play on.
Can't ask for more than that out of some round wood shells with some plastic stretched over them.