DrumMechanix Souped Up Ludwig Speed King

Shows the common issues associated with the classic Ludwig Speed King pedal and the modifications that are made by DrumMechanix to super tune them.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• DrumMechanix
• Souped
• Up
• Speed
• King
• Ludwig
• Bass
• Kick
• Pedal
• Maintaining
• Repair
• Service

[DrumMechanix]

Thanks, I have done a few of the Ghost pedals but I tend to prefer the simplicity of the Speed King. The stoke is unchanged with my modifications so the "at rest" position is still the same. DrumMechanix

[DrumMechanix]

It is cheaper buying a new pedal. You will then have spent almost as much for something that still has all the construction flaws that the vintage ones do. Mainly, metal to metal pivots that will squeak and wear out quickly. The black finish on the new ones is actually less durable then on the older ones and mine are now powder coated for extreme durability. You can have a stock one with all its shortcomings or a "souped" up one that will perform and look better for years longer. Your call.

[DrumMechanix]

Thanks for your input, you bring up some interesting points. I tend to prefer the open bearings as they are easier to clean and repack and use Super Lube synthetic grease. I have not had to file the posts as mentioned. I have found that the uprights are sometimes to wide for the rocker assembly which results in misalignment and binding. My solution is to carefully "squeeze" the uprights in until the widths match. As to tension, I usually screw in only three or four full turns from flush. Jesse

[JohnMarrellaLive]

hi jesse, love your fresh ideas to an old classic. just saw your vid for 1st time. i have a few speed kings. i have new ones too. in the old days my dad had metal connector rods manufactured for me to replace bent or cracked ones. (end of beater shaft hits rod, now use longer throw no contact) also he had attachment wing nuts manufactured too(broken wing(s)). i have pedal(s) that one "tongue" of the base plate has cracked off. any possibility of re-welding etc? attach new full base-plate? ok

[pavadrummer]

Hi Jesse,

Are you still in business? I saw that you recently had some of your pedals listed on Ebay. Do you have any available for sale?

[blica1]

i don't understand why ludwig reissued this pedal and haven't made the modifications that you have made..you should be product manager for ludwig!! !..great ideas and simple but effective adjustments done to a classic pedal..makes you wonder how poor Bonham and so many other drummers put up with all the bugs this pedal is famous for..the fact that with good headphones and listening to a lot of zep tunes you can hear the pedal squeaking is testament to this annoying but true fact ! great job man!

[0stl3ygh]

I have a 42-year old Speed King that I replaced with a brand spanking new one about a year ago. Anyway, after reading about Jesse's work at DrumMechanix, and because I have a strong sentimental attachment to my old pedal, I sent it to Jesse for a complete overhaul. Now it's the only pedal I use. It's super fast for heal-toe work and is also smooth and quiet. It looks fantastic too! That old pedal and I have done a lot of gigging and it will out-live me now. I couldn't be more pleased!

[secuestroso]

Hi DrumMechanix!Maybe you can tell me where I could have that modified cabs you show us at 03:39. Thanks in advance.

[Yogiphildas]

Hi! I need one of these "souped" up Speed Kings. Where can I buy one ? Where do you sell them?

Cheers

[888SteveJ]

Thanks Jesse, for supplying me with the rare part I needed for my Speed King

pedal. I would recommend you to anyone who like myself is a fan of Speed

King Pedals, and would like to restore or keep their pedal in top condition.

I haven't actually seen your modified "souped-up" pedals, but I'm sure they are

great for players who, unlike me, don't carry a small can of grease with their

set at all times. Best to you and DrumMechanix.

[zeptimp]

Hello

Wondering if I could send you an old Ludwig timpani gauge that has snapped

and is made of aluminum. Would it be possible to re-weld and reinforce to points

where broken. Similar to the "toe" of the foot plate. Would pay of course.

[neurobloc]

greatest bass pedal to date buy one now!