The Making of a Drum Company : The Autobiography of William E. Ludwig II [Paperback]

William F. II Ludwig (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2001

The Ludwig Drum Company was the world's largest drum company in the 1920s under founder William F. Ludwig, and again in the 1960s under his son. This fascinating autobiography by William F. Ludwig II begins with his childhood recollections of home life and his father's drum factory. As a teenager, Mr. Ludwig became the national rudimental champion and member of the famous International Marimba Symphony Orchestra. Taking time out for distinguished wartime military service, the author helped his father start a second drum company, W.F.L. Restoration of the family name to the business, Total Percussion, The Beatles, N.A.R.D., selling the company to Selmer, and his active lecture career since - all these topics are addressed here in captivating detail, in the words of William F. Ludwig II.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Rebeats Press (December 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1888408057
• ISBN-13: 978-1888408058
• Product Dimensions: 11.1 x 8.5 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,868,039 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The best book on drums, August 20, 2002

By 

Eric Pickard (Scarborough, Ontario Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Making of a Drum Company : The Autobiography of William E. Ludwig II (Paperback)

I loved this book, I could not put it down.It was fascinating
to read the story of arguably the most famous name in drums.
His honesty about mistakes made as well as his relationship with his competitors and his father was really interesting.This is a must read.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Another great one from RC!, April 2, 2002

By 

P. K MADEIRA "P Kamm" (Chronosynclastic infundibulum) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Making of a Drum Company : The Autobiography of William E. Ludwig II (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this charming account of Bill Ludwig's life. I have to say that I'm glad I'm not on his bad side, because he spares none of his enemies!

Still, it is a sentimental and lovely book, betraying a golden hearted yet savvy businessman. A must for any drum collectors.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An easy read, October 15, 2008

By 

M. R. Stackwick (AZ) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Making of a Drum Company : The Autobiography of William E. Ludwig II (Paperback)

Reading this book one wonders how in the world this man ever created and led one of the greatest drum companies in the world. He seems to focus more on his screw-ups and geek-dom than his successes. But I was recently reminded that he wrote this book as a very old man and he is to be forgiven on that basis. Not that there is really anything to forgive; the book is a fascinating look into the business world of a difficult field in the pre-digital age. Lots of trivia and not a few personal tell-all tales about people we know well. Recommended for all drummers and drum builders.