LUDWIG LS-4426-MM Classic Outfit 1988, Rock Onyx.

Wonderful drum kit in very good condition, apart from a few scratches mostly on the 12” tom, no flaws to report. 22”x16”, 10”x9”, 12”x11”, 13”x12”, 14”x13”.

In the 1988 catalog Ludwig presented two top-of-the-line series, both with maple/poplar shells: the six-ply Classic and the four-ply Super Classic. This is the Classic, massive, thick and heavy. The black covering was called, in that year only, Rock Onyx; it was none other than Black Cortex. In this configuration of drums the set was called LS-4426; many others were shown, in the most varied sizes, compositions and colors.

We note the Modular tom supports, rather large and extremely sturdy, and the double pair of legs on the bass drum (model 1308).

In 1988 I was 21 years old and I played with a Pearl Export, drums like these were absolutely out of reach; at the time they cost about six million Italian Lire.

It has a powerful, defined, full-bodied sound, with a controlled sustain. I think it is an excellent drum kit and although that period coincided with a relative collapse of interest and sales for the Monroe brand, we cannot fail to appreciate the very high level of construction and sound. A drum kit like this may have gone out of fashion, but it has a truly magnificent sound!