New SpeedKing

Have you ever played the SK?

Yup, have owned a couple. Not for me. I prefer my Sonor Perfect Balance ( JoJo) pedal or Axis Longboard pedals.
I could never get the Speedking to dial in the way I wanted it and all of them had the nasty little habit of the beater shaft sliding down no matter how tight I tightened the screw to clamp it. I can see the charm in it for some people and I love the history of it. I just don't like playing them.
I also disliked how the heel plated rattled and then it would eventually squeak. So, yes Skilas, I have owned Speedking pedals.
 
So Jon, what are the improvements? I can't tell from that pic.

Bearing for the footplate instead of just a thin rod, a cast clamp piece for better grip, and I think a slightly beefier 'strap' from footboard to yoke/axle. It's a bit smoother than the original, and no squeak.

The beater is basically the original felt beater, and made in the Monroe plant.

I don't know the price on it yet.

Bermuda
 
Something to check out Thursday! I grew up on the Speed King for a short time before getting a Camco leather strap clone by Slingerland. I didn’t have a problem playing one, maybe since I have a Ludwig kit now......
 
Really excited that this fab pedal is in production again. But I cannot find antyhing about it on the internet, except on a couple of drum forums, including this one... Hasn't Ludwig presented it yet?

/Magnus
 
First professional pedal I had, played it to death, love em. Might have to get one to go with the Luddy.

Are they offering a bag with it? Ultimate travel pedal.
 
Really excited that this fab pedal is in production again. But I cannot find antyhing about it on the internet, except on a couple of drum forums, including this one... Hasn't Ludwig presented it yet?

/Magnus

It debuts at NAMM this morning!

The obvious changes are a bearing for the footplate hinge, rubber pads for the under-hoop 'feet', the clamp is cast not stamped and a little beefier, there's a drum key holder attached to the base, and the beater set screw has a drum key head (rather that the old wingbolt.) There are some other mods - improved cam bearings and the pull-strap is a little beefier - but unless you look closely... it's a classic Speed King! The beater is just like the original, made in Monroe.

Oh yeah, it plays really nicely!

Bermuda

_speedking.jpg
 
Last edited:
It debuts at NAMM this morning!

The obvious changes are a bearing for the footplate hinge, rubber pads for the under-hoop 'feet', the clamp is cast not stamped and a little beefier, there's a drum key holder attached to the base, and the beater set screw has a drum key head (rather that the old wingbolt.) There are some other mods - improved cam bearings and the pull-strap is a little beefier - but unless you look closely... it's a classic Speed King! The beater is just like the original, made in Monroe.

Oh yeah, it plays really nicely!

Bermuda

View attachment 89584

Thanks a million for sharing all of your intel, Bermuda.

I also dig the retro packaging.
 
It debuts at NAMM this morning!

The obvious changes are a bearing for the footplate hinge, rubber pads for the under-hoop 'feet', the clamp is cast not stamped and a little beefier, there's a drum key holder attached to the base, and the beater set screw has a drum key head (rather that the old wingbolt.) There are some other mods - improved cam bearings and the pull-strap is a little beefier - but unless you look closely... it's a classic Speed King! The beater is just like the original, made in Monroe.

Oh yeah, it plays really nicely!

Bermuda

Thanks Bermuda, for the information. This is all gold to me. I adore/love this pedal. I have five of these puppies: two from the last litter in the early 2000s, and three of varying ages. I play no other pedal - I just can't get along with chains or belts - and will definitely get one of these new ones!

This means a lot to me as a drummer!

Best from Sweden,

Magnus
 
I've never understood the swivel-y part at the heel end of the footboard. :confused:
 
Thanks Bermuda, for the information. This is all gold to me. I adore/love this pedal. I have five of these puppies: two from the last litter in the early 2000s, and three of varying ages. I play no other pedal - I just can't get along with chains or belts - and will definitely get one of these new ones!

This means a lot to me as a drummer!

Best from Sweden,

Magnus
My first and only kit is a Ludwig Blue Oyster with the SK. Years later I traded the SK with a friend who had a Pearl strap pedal. I was younger then and wasn’t focused on technique. My double strokes were easier with the Pearl. I’m waning nostalgic and I would like to try a new SK to make my kit as original again as possible. I wished the new SK pedal came with a smoother pedal surface.
 
I've never understood the swivel-y part at the heel end of the footboard. :confused:
Bump! Bermuda or any other Ludwig aficionado please explain this design? :)
 
Back
Top