1971 Ludwig Standard in Blue Strata

You can thank the flood of Made in Japan kits being imported into the states that led Ludwig to create the Standard line.

First introduced in 1968, the “Standard” line was Ludwig’s answer to lower-priced drums being produced by Pearl, Tama and Yamaha. These shells were constructed from the same mold as the classic lines prior. Some speculate these shells were “B stock” (blemishes in wood grain) because this was the only line to have the interior shell sprayed with their exclusive granitone acoustical coating. What kept this USA-made line of drum kits at a price young drummers could afford was the cost-effective hardware, starting from lugs and badges to hi-hat stands and bass drum pedals.

No drummer can deny that Made in Japan drums had some of the most eye-catching wraps on the market. This is why Ludwig created 15 unique wraps that had that M.I.J. mojo—most notably, the strata wraps.

Nashville drummer, Johnny Richeson, playing a Ludwig Standard (13/16/22) & 3rd & 4th Drum Co. 5x14 aluminum snare.

This Ludwig Standard S-320 is dressed in blue strata. Sizes are 9x13, 16x16 and 14x22. Shell construction is the classic 3-ply maple/poplar/maple with maple re-rings. The snare paired with this kit is our 3rd & 4th Drum Co. 5x14 aluminum snare. The kit is equipped with Evans clear G2 on toms & a clear EQ4 on the bass drum. The snare has a coated G2.

This kit is available to rent through Nashville Drum Rentals.

3rd & 4th Drum Co. 6x14 Walnut/Ash/Walnut Snare Drum

I wanted to start off by thanking Sounds Like A Drum for the kind words they gave our zebra/maple snare drum. You can check it out here.

The zebra snare mentioned here & the 1920s Slingerland “Artist Model” snare drum, were my main inspirations leading me to craft the two snares featured in this post.

Let’s get down to the details.

Sound & Specs

These two snares are made out of the same constructed 6-ply shell - walnut (1) / ash (4) / walnut (1). Walnut is known for its classic and attractive characteristics for tone and visual aesthetic. Sonically, walnut’s tonal colors can be characterized as having a big and dark low end to it. On the other side of the coin, ash is known for its warmer highs and mids compared to maple. Having ash as the core and walnut as your outer plies allow you to obtain a lot of low end in the higher tuning range while not sounding “choked”. These drums will also have a deep and darker low end than maple. Both snares have a slight round over on the outer edge with a 45-degree inner cut. This allows the snare to give you both body and lively overtones.

These snares come outfitted with aged brass tube lugs, classic snare throw-off and single flanged hoops.

Unique Differences

Now it’s time to talk about what makes them different. First let’s talk about lug counts. One snare has 8 while the other has 10. The 10 lug snare (my favorite) will give you an overall articulate sound while the 8 lugs gives you more of a lively “retro vibe”. The 10 lug drum comes with 10-ply maple re-rings which will keep your sound focused but—since it is a thin shell—will not dry it up. You still have sustain and tone to your snare. For the 8 lug snare we took some of the leftover shell and installed them as re-rings. The 6-ply walnut/ash/walnut re-rings enhances the tonal colors and sustain of the thin shell.

3rd & 4th Drum Co. + Revival Drum Shop

I’m honored and excited to say that both of these drums have been welcomed at Revival Drum Shop in Portland, OR. I can’t thank José and everyone at Revival for allowing this little drum company to share the same space as so many great drum companies. The 10 lug snare drum sold in the first week. The 8 lug drum is still available for purchase. You can check it out in person or on Revival’s website.

If you would like a snare like this feel free to email me.

Olivia Baker at Americanafest

What happens when you combine a little bit of Joss Stone, Norah Jones and sprinkle some folk into the mix? You get Olivia Baker. She is an artist who you can feel in every song she writes. It makes her rather special and unique.

This was my second time playing live with Olivia. And just like the first, I enjoyed every minute of it. Her songs are catchy and, as a drummer, you just feel comfortable playing back in the pocket. I look forward to sharing the stage with her again.

Please check her out on her website and Spotify.

Olivia, keep writing from the heart. We need more music like it nowadays.

Band mates are - Nathan Harbor - bass and Brian Emmons - guitar/acoustic/bgvs.

Drumming While Tired

You know the moment your body is telling you to go to bed but you decide to do anything else but sleep?

On the night of June 2nd around 11pm or so, I thought I'd sit behind the kit with no idea for a groove, no click and no sleep.

What came out of it? A bunch of random stuff. I threw my BFSD on my ride. My keys on the snare. My hat on a crash. Stuck a stick in between my hi hats. Even threw my Apple Watch on my floor tom.

Here it is. Drumming while Tired (DWT)

In this video I am using:

14" Istanbul XIST hats. 16" Sabian AAX Metal crash. 18" Sabian AAXplosion crash. 20" Sabian Hand Hammered Rock ride.

3rd and 4th Drums maple. 9x13. 16x16. 14x24. 6.5x14 black brass.

Slaying the Groove with The George Twins

March 2nd was a good night for me. I had the honor of sharing the stage with The George Twins and Co. The set was full of ghost notes, a broken stick and so much groove. I did my best to bring out the Steve Jordan side of my drumming. I also debuted my 6x14 oyster snare. It was accompanied with a Big Fat Snare Drum Steve's Donut on a few songs. I think it's time for me to purchase one now. 

What made this night more memorable is that it marked a special point for The George Twins. This was their first time playing with a full band. It was one for the books for sure.

Here are a few clips from our show at Rocketown in Nashville, TN.

I believe this was the first time my son watched me play outside of a worship set.

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little e watching his dad play drums

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He even "sound checked" the kit for Daniel and I

Jordan and Tyler, thank you for allowing me to be part of your musical history. You guys keep doing what you are doing!

Everyone check out their music and their covers.

The George Twins on Spotify, YouTube and iTunes.

Band mates are - Nick Mayer - guitar. Steven Arthur - keys. Dustin Rex Brewer - bass.