Industry leaders in orchestral and educational percussion, Ludwig-Musser honor their heritage while guiding the state of the art. Here are five instruments that will take your program to the next level.
For decades before they united as Ludwig-Musser in the mid-1960s, the Ludwig and Musser companies had long shared a similar dedication to craftsmanship and innovation. That ethos applied whether their instruments were destined for some of the grandest concert stages in the world or a high-school classroom — a commitment handed down from the companies’ founders, William F. Ludwig and Clair Omar Musser. (For more on Ludwig-Musser’s fascinating history, check out our “Meet the Makers” feature.)
That philosophy continues to guide the work of Ludwig-Musser today. “The defining characteristic of Ludwig-Musser products has always been the sound,” says Adam Schweitzer, Product Manager of Percussion for Ludwig-Musser. “We hold that in the highest regard and make sure it’s upheld as the standard for what we strive to achieve.”
To showcase that ongoing commitment, below are some current Ludwig-Musser offerings that would be welcome additions to any modern band-and-orchestra program.
Musser 2.5-Octave Xylophone Kit
An ideal level-up for the developing mallet percussion student, Musser’s 2.5-octave xylophone kit is essentially a concert xylophone in portable form. A striking improvement on the standard aluminum bell kit, the LMXYLO2 boasts padauk wood bars for a natural, resonant tone that approximates the sound of a concert xylophone.
Once the purview of toy instruments, padauk has evolved into a substitute for scarce rosewood, ensuring a consistency of sound and tuning that makes the instrument a perfect fit for practice rooms, pit orchestras or field shows. It’s a much gentler alternative to bell kits, Schweitzer points out, for players and listeners — as his own experience as a student reveals.
“Hitting aluminum bars with hard-rubber mallets left my own ears ringing, so my parents couldn’t have been very happy,” he says. “Anything that helps to keep parents and teachers sane while supporting the endeavors of their children is always a good thing to consider.”
The Musser xylophone kit comes with a 10-inch Ludwig silicone practice pad with a simulated rim that offers the feel of playing an authentic drum. Also included are Ludwig snare sticks, Musser rubber mallets and a custom stand that fits both the xylophone and drum pad. All of these components fit snugly into a convenient rolling carrying case.
“It’s a comprehensive percussion package,” Schweitzer says. “Everything you need to get started with both drumming and keyboard playing is all in one case.”
Ludwig Standard Series Polished Copper Timpani Set with Gauge 20, 23, 26, 29, 32 in.
Ludwig-Musser offers three lines of timpani: the Grand Symphonic, the Professional and the Standard Series. The Standard Series is the company’s base model, a more affordable solution for schools, churches, community ensembles or individuals. It is nearly identical to the original balanced-action timpani design that Ludwig pioneered in the 1920s, shortly after inventing the original bass-drum pedal.
The Standard Series’ polished copper bowl is the same drum used in the professional lines; the major difference is that the Standard timpani kettles are attached directly to the base struts, whereas the Grand Symphonic and Professional drums are mounted to a suspension ring. The Standard also use Ludwig Smooth White drumheads, which feature a brighter tone than the calfskin-like Remo Renaissance timpani heads on the higher-end alternatives.
“It’s a great option for marching and middle-school bands,” Schweitzer says, “because it provides a much clearer fundamental tone that will elevate instead of blending with the low frequencies of the large ensemble.”
In recent years the company has made hardware improvements across all three lines of timpani. These include a redesigned tuning-gauge placement that prevents accidental collisions and resists the temptation for tinkering by students distracted while counting rests. The new placement also minimizes the player’s required field of vision, allowing for attention to be focused on the conductor or band director. The rear wheels now resemble medical casters, making for smoother movement, and are detachable with a quick-release action. Finally, a third wheel has been added under the pedal, with an omni wheel design borrowed from the robotics industry that allows a fluid, 360-degree range of motion.
Ludwig-Musser LE104 Synthetic Temple Blocks
When instruments traditionally made of wood are crafted from a synthetic material, it’s often a compromise born of cost-cutting and environmental concerns. Rarely do these alternatives take on their own sonic character in quite the way that Ludwig-Musser’s synthetic temple blocks have. Built from a synthetic material designed to maximize projection and stand up to rigorous use, the LE104 also provides a distinctive range of tones familiar from symphony orchestras and hip-hop singles alike.
“You can almost hear them just by seeing them,” Schweitzer says. “It’s become an iconic sound in modern music.”
Synthetic temple blocks resist the climate-control problems that can impact wooden temple blocks, maintaining a consistency of sound throughout their lifetimes. They also stand up to repeated use with hard mallets that can offer a desired brightness and impact.
Ludwig-Musser’s blocks include a standard clamp mount that will attach to most cymbal stands while enhancing their portability. They come in a two-tiered arrangement but are adjustable to the player’s individual needs.
Ludwig Concert Snare Drum, Hammered Aluminum
Ludwig’s concert snare drums range across a variety of materials, including wood, aluminum, brass and copper. The wood snares are manufactured with the same tonewoods and processes used in the company’s popular professional drum sets, allowing for a superb balance of sound clarity, warmth and resonance. On the opposite end of the spectrum, the 14-by-5-inch aluminum snare optimizes a dry, crisp attack ideal for the precision articulation of a marching band, its tone focused even further through the imperfections created by its hammered finish.
All models feature Ludwig’s new three-wire throw-off mechanism, creating multiple sonic possibilities with an effortless transition.
Musser Studio Series 5.0-Octave Padauk Marimba
Musser’s Studio Series mallet instruments exemplify the company’s expanded use of partnerships to ensure expertise in every element of the manufacturing process. “Most of our legacy Musser products have a lasting, classic design that has gone through a few small tweaks over the years,” Schweitzer explains. “They’ve been made from the ground up here in our own factory for their entire lives.”
The Studio Series, on the other hand, is the company’s first modern hybrid product line, with the hardware for its stylish and sturdy frame designed to meticulous standards with a partner vendor. The same applies to its padauk wood bars, which are processed, cut and handled by a partner before being tuned at the Musser factory.
“By partnering with specialists for certain aspects of production, like frame construction and initial bar processing, we significantly reduce manufacturing costs without sacrificing the Musser sound or tuning expertise,” Schweitzer explains. “These savings allow us to offer a high-quality, concert-ready marimba at a more accessible price point, making it easier for schools, students and ensembles to invest in a professional instrument without exceeding their budgets.”