I own a 1976 Ludwig Amber Vistalite kit. My Father purchased the kit in 1977. I was 8 at the time and it was the kit I learned on. Recently my 84 year old father had a stroke. I now own the kit that I learned on. Ok, how to make your vistalites sound huge..... Take a salad bowl and place it on the bottom head. Trace around it with a sharpie and cut out a hole. Because the bottom head is still partially there, you can still tune it, however, now that you have opened it up, in essence it sounds like a concert tom.
I happen to love the tone of Vistalites they feel and sound unique and I put coated ambassadors up top with clears on the reso side and tuned them up and they had sustain and were a killer jazz kit also! They were thunderous live and I am also a Gretsch guy but the vista’s were my 2nd favorite kit I ever owned and I have owned many!
Interesting how we all have different opinions and experiences with drums. My Pig Lites are the most versatile, responsive, and resonant drums I’ve ever heard or played. I’ve used them inside of course and outside in a large open space. When I played them outside I was concerned that without being micd, they might sound muffled or lack tone. They sounded like they were running through a P.A system. Anytime I’ve recorded with them, they sound exactly how I’ve always wanted my drums to sound. I use clear Emperors for batter, clear Ambassadors for resonant. That way, I can control exactly how I want them to sound, depending on what I need. I can muffle if I want or leave them wide open with beautiful long sustain, as a great man once said, go out for a bite, they’ll still be going. You can barely touch them and you’ll get an amazing sound. Also, being acrylic, they are not affected by temperature changes. Although head selection makes a big difference in drum sound, the shells have much more to do with it.
there are also the pearl crystal beat acrylic drum shell kits that actually the original ones first came out in 1973 and also zickos acrylic drum shell kits that are actually definitely really heavy in weight and they do definitely sonically project
I can only speak to my vistalites: I have a 70's red kit. 12,13,16,22. I have emperors on the batter side, and a coated amb on the snare. They sound surprisingly good, and surprisingly versatile. And, I feel like they do quite well in quiet situations. I have played other vistalites that had cs dot on them and they were horrible. Not sure if it was the heads with that kit combo or just the kit.
I remember the North drums made of fiberglass with unique tuba shape. I have Ludwig classic 6mm thick maple shells. They perfect projection and tone quality is second to none! The Pearl studio select Mahagany/ birch sound absolutely killer. The deep low and mid pitch is incredible!
I'm not trying to be one of those annoying know-it-all Commenters. I just thought someone watching might be interested to know that Ludwig doesn't exactly make their own acrylic drum shells. Well... they sort of do. Basically they buy 4 ft. x 8 ft sheets of 6mm general purpose acrylic from a company called Chemcast. Then, in their factory in North Carolina, Ludwig uses a panel saw to cut the panels to dimension and then they bake the acrylic sheets in a warm oven to soften them. Then then pop the wiggly acrylic sheets into a mold until they cool and harden. So they produce the shells, but they don't make the acrylic. Here is a great video that shows the whole process. It's super interesting. ua-cam.com/video/avFY9sO5whM/v-deo.html&ab_channel=LudwigDrums
I think fibes was the OG acrylic drum company and they fabricated their own shells and did a really great job of it. One of the founders was an engineer who specialized in that particular material. I think they mismanaged themselves out of business, even with buddy rich swearing by their snare drums. They eventually filed chapter 7 and got bought out by jim corder of corder drums. Who didn't go down the acrylic route. Rather just wanted to use their hardware on good ol wrapped jasper shells.
Are "That Great Keller Shell Sound" aka Gretsch drums any good? (Since Gretsch does not make their shells.) THAT is thee question. Or maybe I should say is Gretsch worth a thousand dollars + + more than Ludwig when Gretsch doesn't make they're own shell and Ludwig does? OR shall I ask/say does Gretsch actually sound a 1000.00 $$ + + + better than Ludwig?? [On a the same standard four piece...?] All good questions, guess i'll just settle for da Vistalight's. Peace, and happy drumming
Keller makes Gretsch’s proprietary shells for the USA made kits only. Are they really better than Ludwig’s? I’ve owned a few of both and they both sound awesome. You’ll get more cool points owning a Gretsch USA though!
@@ShawnxEdge Cool points yes, on those who believe Gretsch is an actually drum *manufacture! Those of us who know Gretsch is `not an actual drum *manufacture, y'all get lol minus points. Gretsch is a drum FINISHER. Any HS wood shop can ad bearing edges paint, lugs etc. What separates the men from the boys is turning your own shell, and/or making your own shell in your own mold. THAT is THE REAL DEAL - TOP TIER! Just like a Furniture Finisher vs an actual Furnisher maker *lol there's a BIG difference there Mr PunkskAterDemocrate or whatever y'all name is ; ) So Ludwig turns they're own shell "Drum Manufacture," and Gretsch is a "Drum Finisher" they don't have the skills and the tools to make they're own shell. *THEN!* Gretsch charges 800 -1800 dollars MORE for the same plastic wrap and sizes. So those of us who 'Know' know that's *very* unCool """Points""" But hey they do have YOU fooled but now me. DW and C&C used to be "Drum Finishers" now they have my respect and others who don't get fooled, and are now considered a *real* drum "manufacturer." Not a drum "finisher" like O'l Gretsch. Peace and happy drumming. "That Great Keller Shell *Sound."*
nope, not by a long shot. there is a video on youtube directly from the Ludwig channel that shows how Ludwig makes their Vistalite shells. the whole process is shown. ua-cam.com/video/avFY9sO5whM/v-deo.html
So many false things being said here. RCI builds their own acrylic drums and like Keller sells shells to anyone. SJC uses RCI for example. Ludwig is a using a lamp manufacturer to produce their newest shells. I’ve owned lots of vistalites, RCI shell kits, and various import brands using Chinese made seamless acrylic shells. Every Ludwig and RCI acrylic kit I’ve owned were absolutely amazing and the complete opposite from these 2 guy’s experience. However every Chinese made seamless acrylic kit I’ve owned was absolutely dead sounding..
Please don’t let these guys discourage you from trying an acrylic kit. They have limited experience with acrylic drums and frankly have no idea what they’re talking about!
I bought a red Vistalte kit when they first came out , I had owned a couple of 2nd hand Ludwig kits before and this was to be my first ' brand spanking new ' set of Luddies . Talk about disappointed . The snare was unusable and I immediately went back to the Supraphonic I was already using . The toms sounded like oil cans and the kick needed so much padding it pretty much ruined the whole see through feature . I still have a couple of 60s White Marine Pearl Super Classic kits and I love them to bits but the Vistalites ? Worst .Kit. Ever .
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #30 ДВА В ОДНОМ [Один человек]• Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/nrXy15orKhY/mqdefault.jpg)
I own a 1976 Ludwig Amber Vistalite kit. My Father purchased the kit in 1977. I was 8 at the time and it was the kit I learned on.
Recently my 84 year old father had a stroke. I now own the kit that I learned on.
Ok, how to make your vistalites sound huge..... Take a salad bowl and place it on the bottom head. Trace around it with a sharpie and cut out a hole.
Because the bottom head is still partially there, you can still tune it, however, now that you have opened it up, in essence it sounds like a concert tom.
So sorry, I hope that your Dad makes a full recovery.
I still have the blue vistalite 8 piece double bass kit I bought in 1982 in jr high school. Best sounding drums there is IMO
I happen to love the tone of Vistalites they feel and sound unique and I put coated ambassadors up top with clears on the reso side and tuned them up and they had sustain and were a killer jazz kit also! They were thunderous live and I am also a Gretsch guy but the vista’s were my 2nd favorite kit I ever owned and I have owned many!
Ludwig lifer, with the Paiste cymbals, enjoying the hell out of this kit, thanks guys, like your channel and comments
Interesting how we all have different opinions and experiences with drums. My Pig Lites are the most versatile, responsive, and resonant drums I’ve ever heard or played. I’ve used them inside of course and outside in a large open space. When I played them outside I was concerned that without being micd, they might sound muffled or lack tone. They sounded like they were running through a P.A system. Anytime I’ve recorded with them, they sound exactly how I’ve always wanted my drums to sound. I use clear Emperors for batter, clear Ambassadors for resonant. That way, I can control exactly how I want them to sound, depending on what I need. I can muffle if I want or leave them wide open with beautiful long sustain, as a great man once said, go out for a bite, they’ll still be going. You can barely touch them and you’ll get an amazing sound. Also, being acrylic, they are not affected by temperature changes. Although head selection makes a big difference in drum sound, the shells have much more to do with it.
My Vistalite sounds fantastic, it doesn't matter where I play it always delivers, I don't know what this guy is talking about
there are also the pearl crystal beat acrylic drum shell kits that actually the original ones first came out in 1973 and also zickos acrylic drum shell kits that are actually definitely really heavy in weight and they do definitely sonically project
I can only speak to my vistalites: I have a 70's red kit. 12,13,16,22. I have emperors on the batter side, and a coated amb on the snare. They sound surprisingly good, and surprisingly versatile. And, I feel like they do quite well in quiet situations. I have played other vistalites that had cs dot on them and they were horrible. Not sure if it was the heads with that kit combo or just the kit.
I loved my blue kit 70s …. Had to tune them real good at every gig the heads loosened de tuned ! ?
I remember the North drums made of fiberglass with unique tuba shape. I have Ludwig classic 6mm thick maple shells. They perfect projection and tone quality is second to none! The Pearl studio select Mahagany/ birch sound absolutely killer. The deep low and mid pitch is incredible!
I'm not trying to be one of those annoying know-it-all Commenters. I just thought someone watching might be interested to know that Ludwig doesn't exactly make their own acrylic drum shells. Well... they sort of do. Basically they buy 4 ft. x 8 ft sheets of 6mm general purpose acrylic from a company called Chemcast. Then, in their factory in North Carolina, Ludwig uses a panel saw to cut the panels to dimension and then they bake the acrylic sheets in a warm oven to soften them. Then then pop the wiggly acrylic sheets into a mold until they cool and harden. So they produce the shells, but they don't make the acrylic. Here is a great video that shows the whole process. It's super interesting. ua-cam.com/video/avFY9sO5whM/v-deo.html&ab_channel=LudwigDrums
Thanks man. 🤙edit...that's definitely worth watching. And 'wiggly' is a perfect word. But it made me quite sad at t workers not using masks. Cheers 🍻
Hey mate they don’t make the maple or oak either
They don’t make the trees either man.
I think fibes was the OG acrylic drum company and they fabricated their own shells and did a really great job of it. One of the founders was an engineer who specialized in that particular material. I think they mismanaged themselves out of business, even with buddy rich swearing by their snare drums. They eventually filed chapter 7 and got bought out by jim corder of corder drums. Who didn't go down the acrylic route. Rather just wanted to use their hardware on good ol wrapped jasper shells.
If you go for vistalite kit it has to be Ludwig, why ever consider a different brand?
Well, in my experience, Vistalites tend to respond better with thinner heads. Cs clear or ambassador are the way to go
My blue Vistalites sounded great… but had to tune them up before every gig ! Not a tweet a good go around the toms !
Actually, they sound fucking great.
I love my Vistas!
Are "That Great Keller Shell Sound" aka Gretsch drums any good? (Since Gretsch does not make their shells.) THAT is thee question. Or maybe I should say is Gretsch worth a thousand dollars + + more than Ludwig when Gretsch doesn't make they're own shell and Ludwig does? OR shall I ask/say does Gretsch actually sound a 1000.00 $$ + + + better than Ludwig?? [On a the same standard four piece...?] All good questions, guess i'll just settle for da Vistalight's. Peace, and happy drumming
Keller makes Gretsch’s proprietary shells for the USA made kits only. Are they really better than Ludwig’s? I’ve owned a few of both and they both sound awesome. You’ll get more cool points owning a Gretsch USA though!
@@ShawnxEdge Cool points yes, on those who believe Gretsch is an actually drum *manufacture! Those of us who know Gretsch is `not an actual drum *manufacture, y'all get lol minus points. Gretsch is a drum FINISHER.
Any HS wood shop can ad bearing edges paint, lugs etc. What separates the men from the boys is turning your own shell, and/or making your own shell in your own mold. THAT is THE REAL DEAL - TOP TIER! Just like a Furniture Finisher vs an actual Furnisher maker *lol there's a BIG difference there Mr PunkskAterDemocrate or whatever y'all name is ; )
So Ludwig turns they're own shell "Drum Manufacture," and Gretsch is a "Drum Finisher" they don't have the skills and the tools to make they're own shell. *THEN!* Gretsch charges 800 -1800 dollars MORE for the same plastic wrap and sizes. So those of us who 'Know' know that's *very* unCool """Points"""
But hey they do have YOU fooled but now me. DW and C&C used to be "Drum Finishers" now they have my respect and others who don't get fooled, and are now considered a *real* drum "manufacturer." Not a drum "finisher" like O'l Gretsch.
Peace and happy drumming. "That Great Keller Shell *Sound."*
RCI makes the shells for Vistalites
nope, not by a long shot. there is a video on youtube directly from the Ludwig channel that shows how Ludwig makes their Vistalite shells. the whole process is shown. ua-cam.com/video/avFY9sO5whM/v-deo.html
Theres no "tone" from acrylic kits. Its all about the heads. Choose wisely, and know how to tune well.
So many false things being said here.
RCI builds their own acrylic drums and like Keller sells shells to anyone. SJC uses RCI for example.
Ludwig is a using a lamp manufacturer to produce their newest shells.
I’ve owned lots of vistalites, RCI shell kits, and various import brands using Chinese made seamless acrylic shells.
Every Ludwig and RCI acrylic kit I’ve owned were absolutely amazing and the complete opposite from these 2 guy’s experience. However every Chinese made seamless acrylic kit I’ve owned was absolutely dead sounding..
Please don’t let these guys discourage you from trying an acrylic kit. They have limited experience with acrylic drums and frankly have no idea what they’re talking about!
I highly highly highly recommend RCI or a brand that uses RCI shells. They sound absolutely incredible!!!
My uncle didn't like them, he said they sounded too much like plastic, they are also known for cracking.
Bonzo used one to cut threw jimmy page, enough said.
I bought a red Vistalte kit when they first came out , I had owned a couple of 2nd hand Ludwig kits before and this was to be my first ' brand spanking new ' set of Luddies . Talk about disappointed . The snare was unusable and I immediately went back to the Supraphonic I was already using . The toms sounded like oil cans and the kick needed so much padding it pretty much ruined the whole see through feature . I still have a couple of 60s White Marine Pearl Super Classic kits and I love them to bits but the Vistalites ? Worst .Kit. Ever .
I have a few snare drums both wood and metal but the Vistalite snare I also have I think sounds really cool.
Fibes were the best they were far better than Ludwig
How so? You're just making that up without offering any evidence, not even anecdotal. Weak argument dude.
Cobham used them but the shells would crack. Rich had a fibes snare but that was fibreglass not acrylic
I think they sound absolutely dreadful. Ymmv