Ludwig Speed King Single Bass Drum Pedal
Never miss a beat with the tough-as-nails and fast playing Speed King from Ludwig.
Overall User Ratings (based on 82 ratings)
Submitted November 27, 2010 by a customer from comcast.net
"There is no better bass drum pedal on the market!!!"
If stolen! I would buy another Speed King!!!
What do I like least about it? Hmmm the looks could be improved without changing the design at all.
What I like most about it...It works perfectly!!
Sound
Nothing compares to Speed King pedals ripping triplets with ease is what sold me on these years ago!!! The design is simple super sturdy and Flawless with no need to improve . There is no other pedal that compares to Speed King Period
Features
Solid Simple design
Ease of Use
Just hook up to the bass drum and start playing learning to do triplets with one foot will come very soon but just wait(if you have Dbl Bass drumms)till you can do triplets with both feet, its unreal how fast you can get!!!
Quality
Super Solid Design....I pray they never change it. There could be some very minor changes that would improve cosmetics and longevity of the pedal maybe Speed King will contact me for some Ideas on facebook Brad King
or myspace.com/stumpdrummer .If you need help with deciding weather or not to get this product please feel free to contact me!!
Value
Definatly worth the money for this pedal!!!
Manufacturer Support
I have never needed support for this Item and have used them for over 25 years!!!
The Wow Factor
Sex apeal...lol Its not pretty but works perfectly!!
The genious od design is the fact that it is simple!!
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Very Very Hard Rock --Metal
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Submitted April 22, 2008 by a customer from wildcardentertainment.com
"LOVE LUDWIG STUFF!!!!"
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Overall, my 36 years of experience have shown me several new and different ideas in the design of many aspects of drum sets; the suspension systems now prevalent are a great improvement. The single hole lug mounting design may or may not be fabulous...I haven't looked that far into it yet. But the Speed King has never been outdone by anyone as far as I've seen.
Sound
I've been using this pedal since about 1974. As there have actually been three of them during that time, my experience differed with each. I had one that never had a problem, period. No squeak, no spring issues, nothing. A second unit (I received both with my used drum set, also a Ludwig), had the squeak issues, but I resolved this with spray lube and graphite. It was kinda messy, but I love the way a Speed King responds to every nuance of your foot. The third unit came with another set I had bought, and I experienced the grease cap coming off issue. Since the grease was very thick, it wasn't a problem and I just snapped the cap back on from time to time.
Features
Simple set up and take down. Like a previous reviewer said, you can play this thing barefooted...it actually feels good on the bottom of your foot. It was the first pedal I ever used and although I've used others through the years, I miss my speed king and am preparing to buy a new one, maybe two.
Ease of Use
Excellent ease of use. I've had the chain pin retaining ring and the chain come off before on chain drive models; it's just not something you have to deal with when you use a speed king.
Quality
It looks like it always has..a quality product with a professional look to it. All this new stuff looks so choppy, blocky, and the external springs don't lend the sleek finish a speed king has.
Value
When you don't have the speed king and you really want that control that you can't get from another pedal, the price really isn't the issue. I'd pay twice what I've seen them on sale for.
Manufacturer Support
We used Ludwig drums when I was in school, and my trap was a Ludwig. I've always thought they made great products.
The Wow Factor
Classic.....the chrome plated cross piece and the enameled blue gray finish of the arms and the steel footplate with the "Speed King" name molded in it. The type of pride in design and engineering and production that nowadays is hard to find in the rubber stamp type of designs the other manufacturers use.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
Rock, R & B, Blues, Country, Western Swing, Jazz, Rockabilly, Musical Theater
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Submitted October 23, 2010 by a customer from inbox.com
"Really great design"
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Sound
I'm more of a guitar player but have been playing drums off and on for 20 years. I'm not a big guy and have a pretty light foot I think, so I've been always looking for a pedal that will give me a lot of 'hit' for the foot action, and I think this is the best one I've found so far. I did my best with Pearl and Tama spring pedals but never could quite get them to feel right. Speed King seems to have some special something that does it better than the spring-driven pedals I've been trying. The Speed King does use adjustable spring tension (two screws, in the side columns) but it seems to work better with their design than the open spring thing that the others are all using. Can't explain why, just feels better. Nice big beater too. You can secure the heel plate with a screw underneath so it doesn't flop, but that doesn't make a diff to me either way. I think any drummer would like this pedal.
Musical Background:
interminably musically driven, in spite of other day jobs
Musical Style:
blues rock / jazz rock /experimental
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Submitted August 17, 2004 by a customer from earthlink.net
"Speed king"
I love em.
Sound
Like any other pedal except you have better control over lower volumes. I was like everyone else once, I saw that chain and sproket and had to have one,... What a mistake. 25 years later I realized I played faster as a little kid. I needed to get my old Speed King pedal back.
Features
No one had been able to make a pedal that your whole foot can use except ludwig. Yes these pedals squeek and don't hold up to hard stomping, but they are the only design to alllow for heel control, The beater is always in a back postion so the delivery time is faster. All other pedals rely on a spring to do the whole job after you step on the pedal. Ludwig springs are very loose it's the positioning that makes it so fast. Get it?
Quality
These are so cool looking, You can even play em with bare feet. Comfy!
Value
These can cost from $100-$150 and will last your whole life, unless you lack technique and stomp on the pedal like an idiot.
Manufacturer Support
Buy it from someone who deals with Ludwig and can get you warrantee information. They should fix the squeek and relaunch the pedal as improved, that would be a good marketing idea,
The Wow Factor
No doubt the coolest looking pedal ever invented, Remember kiddies Chaain drive = Slow.
Think about it, if you were gonna hit someone, would it bee faster to wind it up your arm, or just punch straight.SNAP! These things just snap!
Musical Style:
R & R
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Submitted April 26, 2010 by a customer from gmail.com
Ludwig Speed King Pedal Customer Review
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The best value on zzounds right now for a high-end pedal.
Sound
Mallet sounds great.
Features
breaks apart nicely, easy to set up.
Ease of Use
breaks apart nicely, easy to set up.
Quality
Pedal is extremely responsive and the price is great.
Value
50% off: an excellent price for an excellent pedal!
The Wow Factor
Has a great 'vintage' look.
Musical Background:
Active Musician
Musical Style:
rock, honkey-tonk, punk, blues, country
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Submitted October 18, 2012 by Tom Drake in Matthews, NC
"Ludwig Speed King Bass Drum Pedal"
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Hey Foks, The Ludwig speed king is the best, most reliable, well made, toughest bass pedal ever made. I have been playing drums for over 40 years. This is my third speed king. I even used to sell them in a music store I worked at in High School.
Musical Background:
I have been playing drums for over 40 years, Professionally and just at home.
Musical Style:
Rock and country.
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Submitted April 24, 2008 by a customer from clairton.k12.pa.us
"The Ludwig Speed King Pedal- no junk, no chains, no nonsense or silly adjustments."
I can't wait to see a double pedal version of this!
Sound
This pedal is my favorite! I've been using this particular pedal for 15 years, for all styles of music. It produces a assertive tone when required, and is subtle for jazz.
Features
The pedal is sleek, and built well. The moving parts are sealed and contain an internal spring mechanism.
Ease of Use
The pedal responds to your every move.
Quality
There are few moving parts, no external parts to adjust or break, therefore a pedal that is built and will last.
Value
The current price appears to be a value compared to other single pedals.
The Wow Factor
It has an aesthetic look that most pedals lack.
Musical Background:
active musician
Musical Style:
rock, jazz, classical, contemporary
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Submitted June 21, 2021 by a customer from hotmail.com
"Ludwig Speed King L203"
Great pedal. So responsive. Takes a little getting used to, but in a good way. zZounds did a great job with delivery and ease of purchasing process. I would absolutely not hesitate to purchase through this site again. Very pleased.
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Submitted March 16, 2012 by Eric S in Pittsburgh, PA
"Ludwig Speed King"
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The Ludwig Speed King is my favorite Bass Drum pedal. The reason it works so much better than everything else Iv'e tried is because of the twin spring system that is enclosed in the stanchions that rise up from the platform. These resist a cam that is internally mounted inside the ends of the stanchions, on a well lubricated set of bearings.
I bought this one to replace an older one after the stanchions on that one bent outward a bit, and released the rocker arm axle from the end of one of the cams. The older one was an identical model that my wife bought me about 5 years ago. I've played it steadily during those years, but still feel it should have lasted longer. It MIGHT have been my own fault since I had it mounted on a Roland V-Drum kick that slides all over the place and tends to skew to the right when I thump it hard (that might have stressed the stanchion and the repeated impacts caused it to deflect). I tried to repair it, but was in a hurry and bent the stanchion tubes too far, and the extension rod inside the tube wouldn't slide freely anymore, making it useless. I've saved it in case I need parts for the new one.
I compared the new model to an older used pedal that I picked up locally from a craigslist ad at the same time (had a gig the next day and I never trust mail order delivery times). It must have been made 20+ years ago or more. The new version is almost identical to the old, differing only in the color, and minor cosmetics. The older pedal is slower, owing to it's age. It needs to be taken apart, cleaned up, and relubed and I bet it plays like new.
Back to the new model -- I like that the springs are compression rather than tension (like all others), and contained within the stanchions. They don't catch all the wires, and other junk in my carrying bag when I stuff it in there. The springs are not adjustable, but you'll never need to adjust those, since it's balanced so well. The beater that I use is a plastic one recommended by Roland. I choke it up about a centimeter or so to get a bit more speed. This lowers the max volume a bit when I stomp it, but with V-drums I can make that up in the mix :-)
When I use this pedal, I have the little heel plate turned UP so that when my heel comes back, it levers the pedal back too. When played this way, it allows super fast action and gets me about 80% of a double bass pedal speed. I played double bass a while ago, but found it annoying to have to deal with 2 separate pedals, and moving my foot off the hihat, and dropping a clutch while playing. Then I remembered the Speed King from my high school dance band days, got one, and haven't played double bass since!
In summary, this is a smooth, fast, simple pedal design that remains the best 50 years after it was designed. The Ludwig Speed King rocks.
Musical Background:
Playing drums since Louie Piazza handed me a set of his old sticks in his backyard when I was 5.
Musical Style:
Progressive electronic jazz fusion dance jam.
www.universalbeatunion.com
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Submitted December 10, 2013 by John Guenther in Arrowbear, CA
"Speed Kong pedal"
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l The Speed King pedal revolutionized base drum playing tremendesly. The early pedals had many issues including reliability.
Musical Background:
I have been playing for 40 years. I do jxm at Jazz'home
Musical Style:
Jazz Fussio Rythum and blues Rock n Roll, etc
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Submitted July 21, 2008 by a customer from aol.com
"Get One!"
My dad bought his for his double bass gretch set back in the 60's and they still perform great 40 years later.
Sound
They're very smooth and quiet.
Features
Pratically indestructable.
Ease of Use
Easy to mount, solid, and easy to adjust the tension.
Quality
The best my dad's ever seen and he's been playing since the early 60's.
Value
Back in the 60's you used to get these things for $25 but they're sure worth $120 today.
Manufacturer Support
Get one of these bad boys.
The Wow Factor
My dad's always got the hottest girls.
Musical Background:
Active musician
Musical Style:
Rock
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Submitted December 27, 2007 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Still the King of bass drum pedals, 70+ years and going."
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Competitors' pedals have been trying to duplicate what the Speed King has been delivering to drummers since it was introduced in 1937 and perfected by 1948. Practically all of their attempts have failed, or resulted in pedals that were so prohibitively expensive that they weren't available to budget drummers unless they were willing to take out a big loan.
Proudly made here in America, the Speed King delivers limitless bass drum playing potential to the drumkit player. The only limitation to what it can do is literally what your playing foot and leg can and can't do! It sets up and takes down without any need for tools, making for easy gigging, and while the lack of features and adjustability may be an issue for some, the tradeoff is a simpler pedal that has fewer parts to break and/or wear out. Stories abound of Speed King pedals going 20-30+ years without a breakdown, so durability is not an issue with this pedal. So, break out of the prison caused by playing with a chain drive pedal and buy a Speed King!
Sound
This pedal delivers the same sound as other pedals can deliver. The big difference is in the controllability of that sound. If you've got good technique with your foot and leg, you can play quieter and with more finesse at lower volumes than almost all other pedals available at this price.
Features
I'm actually somebody now who doesn't like a lot of features that much. This pedal easily comes apart for folding away and packing up for gig use, and that's really all that should be necessary. You can play with the spring tension and the beater length, and that's really all you should need. The problems with having tons of adjustability in a bass drum pedal is that setup takes longer when gigging. With this pedal, all you have to do is unfold it, hook the base plates together and then hook the pedal up to the beater link and insert and tighten down the beater, and that's it. You're ready hook it onto the bass drum hoop and play.
Ease of Use
The one thing about this pedal is you HAVE to have good foot and leg technique. Chain drive pedals are more forgiving in this area, but at the expense of being limiting. The Speed King, because of its design, has no playing limitations, but that also means you have to have good pedal technique to begin with.
This isn't to say however that beginners should shy away from the Speed King. By no means. In fact, I'm of the opinion that THIS is the pedal for beginning drummers to use from the start! Doing so will get new drummers used to playing their drumset's bass drum without having to worry about limits to their playing because of the pedal they are using.
Quality
Although I just bought mine new, numerous other people have said they've been playing 20 to 30+ years on the exact same Speed King pedal they bought when they were young, so I'm confident the Speed King will be the last bass drum pedal I ever buy.
Value
This pedal allows you to play without any limitations whatsoever, WITHOUT breaking your bank account to get it. Sure there are other direct drive pedals, the only ones I know of cost hundreds of dollars more, so you have to take out a loan to get them. Not so with the Speed King.
Manufacturer Support
Bought from a distributor, so I have no clue about the support area.
The Wow Factor
This pedal screams "Classic!" and "Vintage!" since it was first introduced in 1937, perfected by 1948, and has had ZERO functionality changes since then. Ludwig hasn't changed it since then because there has literally been no need to. I love the vintage look when it comes to things, and this pedal delivers on that.
Musical Background:
10 Years Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Country, Rock, Metal, and Folk
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Submitted June 3, 2012 by Stephen B in Covington, VA
"No longer the king"
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I've been drumming since the 1960's and finally got a Ludwig Speed King, after finally justifying the price to myself. It used to be the king of pedals but the competition has passed it up. I prevented the famous click by lubing the springs and the sensitivity is great for jazz and other small venue jobs. However, the finish is coming off after only a few hours of playing and the beater shaft has tarnished and bent. The set screw leaves indentations in the soft metal. Very disappointing for "made in USA" parts. Also, the clamp lip is hollow and leaves grooves in the bass drum rim. I've never had this problem with Gibraltar and Yamaha. With the exception of the beater the pedal is very nice but definitely not worth the price. I'm keeping it for sentimental reasons but I've changed to a same style Gibraltar beater. I don't even mind the multi-step process of installing the two-part pedal to the drum now that I'm used to it. This would be a good buy at half the current price. My last Ludwig pedal was purchased in the 80's and it was styled like the Rogers Swivomatic, only better -- I should have kept it.
Musical Background:
Part-time pro, full-time jam at home and with friends, since 1966
Musical Style:
Classic rock, swing jazz, pop, motown
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Submitted June 5, 2008 by a customer from yahoo.com
"Toe playing"
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I wondered if it was my timing with the foot pedal that came with my kit, but now having the Speed King, I see it wasn't timing, it was the equipment. Invest in the best and get yourself a real foot pedal:Ludwig Speed King, it is worth every dollar, and maybe two.
Features
Just attach the beater, screw it tight, place it under the bass, take off your shoes and socks, and lightly tap it.
Ease of Use
When I first got my kit the pedal was slow, chain driven, and small for my foot. Now this Speed King is fast and powerful. I took my shoes off and played with my toes. It is quick and responsive.
Quality
It is a Ludwig, so you know it is the top of the line.
Value
I bought the blemished piece, and there is no visible signs of scratches or markings of any kind.
Manufacturer Support
I really don't think I will ever need to contact the company over this pedal, except of course to inquire about a double bass foot pedal.
Musical Background:
Beginner
Musical Style:
gospel, jazz
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Submitted August 4, 2007 by a customer from cfl.rr.com
"Beware of faulty product. It is not what is use to be years ago."
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Besides the arms or posts spreading, one of the inner rods came apart, and I ended up having to epoxy it back together. Also, the end caps which keep the inside greased will not stay on, so I have to use a touch of epoxy to keep them on.
Ease of Use
The pedals work ok now, but not without using plastic straps to keep the two arms together!
Quality
Like I said previously, I had to use straps to keep the two arms (or posts) from spreading out. There is a definite problem with this, because not one, but both of my brand new pedals spread and the rod or piston inside got wedged, leaving the pedal without much spring action at all. I don't know how this problem can be solved, but I do have the phone number to Ludwig, and I will try to help them resolve this. If the pedal did not have this problem I would have rated it a 10.
Value
Sorry, but the value is terrible, especially if every pedal they sell has this problem.
Manufacturer Support
I'm not sure how the support will be, seeing how this is Saturday and Ludwig seems to be closed. I am optimistic and will try working with them as much as possible. I am not looking for my money back, but to simply solve the problem and get this pedal back to the grade it should be.
The Wow Factor
I would not buy another one until Ludwig can assure me the problem has been taken care of. If they fix the problem, then I will purchase at least 2 pedals and write a much better review.
Musical Background:
Part Time Musician
Musical Style:
Rock, Funk, Soul, Smooth Jazz
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Submitted July 10, 2009 by a customer from yahoo.com
"My PDP pedal is better"
I expected WAY more from this pedal than I felt playing.Please,don't waste your money,especially if you've never played a direct drive.They are a different world than chain/strap,ALWAYS ALWAYS play drums,cymbals,equipment before you purchase them.
Good luck fellow drummers
Sound
It is such a sloppy mushy feeling.Feels like the pedal is going to collapse right under your foot.If you want a REAL Speed King,get a vintage 60's,not this piece o' sh*t.
Features
the pedal is useless itself.
Ease of Use
Horrible feeling,not easy to do simple bass beats on.
Quality
The construction is decent,nice materials.
Value
Get a better pedal,or a vintage SpeedKing(60's)
Manufacturer Support
Ludwig is one of the best/original drum companies,and have a great reputation/endorsee list.
The Wow Factor
If it was a made like the original SpeedKing's,this would all be 10's
Musical Background:
12 year drummer,currently in rock/grunge/reggae band,and doing a solo drum career
Musical Style:
Jazz,reggae,rock,metal
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Submitted August 19, 2011
"The King of pedals"
Sound
My Dad bought me a Speed King in 1965,and Iam still using it !!
I also own DW 9000, and many other brands of pedals even a french made one.
The Speed King is my favorite. You can fold it, put it in your pocket, (if you don't have tight pants)and go play. Other pedals you need a case to carry it.
It has incredible feel and action,it is very fast. What more can you say, Buddy Rich and Bonzo played with one.
I am a Speed King fan.
Gualberto Vega
Active drummer and teacher
Musical Background:
Musician /Teacher
Musical Style:
Jazz Blues Latin Jazz
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Submitted December 5, 2009
Ludwig Speed King Pedal Customer Review
Sound
Ive owned the same speed king pedal for over 30 years....no crap..the best piece of equiptment Ive ever owned!!
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Submitted April 3, 2008
"GREATEST PEDAL EVER MADE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
Overall this pedal is the best I've ever see by far. It is so easy to setup and use. It looks amazing and is totally worth the price, whether your a beginer or are experienced it is the best there is Period!
Sound
The sound of this pedal is like any other bass pedal. It sounds great live and in the studio. But if your in the studio you will have to tape the back down so it doesn't clack against the floor (If you play heel up).
Features
The features are so great and simple. All you need to do is it out hook the heel plate up and put the beater on , put on the bass drum and your palying.
Ease of Use
Easy, it is so much faster than other pedals out there. It is great for doing triplets on.
Quality
The Quality is awesome common it's Ludwig.
Value
The Speed King is worth all of the price it is. It can easily sell for double that because it is so durrable and good.
Manufacturer Support
I bought it off of here so I wouldn't know how the support is I imagine it's great though
The Wow Factor
It feels awesome it is sexy. I abusolutly love this thing
Musical Background:
Hobbyist
Musical Style:
Rock
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Submitted January 21, 2008 by a customer from gmail.com
"GREAT PEDAL!"
Sound
I bought this product a month ago from a friend that he bought 35 years ago. it kinda puts my DW 5000 to shame. if any of you guys go to see roy haynes, you'll see that he uses a 35 year old speed king as well.
Features
folds away in a snap. great for gigging.
Musical Background:
giggin'
Musical Style:
jazz
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Submitted August 20, 2004
Ludwig Speed King Pedal Customer Review
Features
This pedal features a reversable heel plate to make the pedal one or two-piece,its seldom ever used though.The drive strap easily detaches as does the pedal post assembly from the footboard for tear-down and gigging.This pedal features two internal compression springs,one inside each post,with a tension adjusting screw on the bottom of each post.This differs from modern pedals that use a single external spring.The beater is also centered on the rocker shaft unlike most pedals today that use an offset configuration.
Quality
quality appears fine.these pedals historically have a tendency to develop squeaks,but this is solved by penetrating spray lube such as silicone.
Value
This is a good pedal,but because there are other direct-drive pedals such as the yamaha flying dragon or gibraltar that sell for about the same price or less and offer more features,then the speed king becomes less appealing.
Manufacturer Support
N/A
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