Where are the actual sound samples from the drums?
We shot video of me doing a little kick/tom thing on the Signet, Keystone, Classic Maple and Legacy kits for comparison purposes. I don't know yet how the audio turned out, but if the camera's mic didn't capture a decent sound, there's no point posting it.
The Signets were displayed with clear heavy Ludwig batters, which is how they're shipped, and the other kits have coated mediumLudwig batters, which I believe is how
they're shipped. It doesn't make for a true apples-to-apples, although the Signets sounded great on their own. I just prefer a different head on the essentially Classic Maple shell. Something a little thinner would sing better, especially on the 10 & 12" tomsm, and i'm sure a 2-ply would bring out a nice punch.
Anyway, hopefully the video will yield a representative sound, and you'll be able to tell how the Signets stack up.
Bermuda - Sorry if I missed this, but how do you think the signet drums sound compared to other ludwig offerings? Similar or eeven identical to classic maples?
They're most akin to Classic Maples, but I wouldn't think
identical, due to the Signet's dual 45 edge (also found on the Keystones.)
Since I was the most hands-on with tuning and demoing the Signets at the show, I will also be field-testing them at upcoming gigs and rehearsals.
Jon, I think the implication is the splintering is from machining of the holes, not the removal & replacement of the lugs. "Breakout" is a very common issue when drilling wood, especially on thin sections & on larger holes. If the drilling operation is performed at speed, the chances of such damage occurring on the hole exit is greatly increased. There are special tools available that minimise such damage, so if it's an issue, I'm sure Ludwig can have that solved fairly quickly. It looks bad, but it's not a major flaw.
On the other hand Ian, I agree. Allowing damaged shells to be displayed at your product launch is very surprising indeed.
I saw some very
minor blowout on the finish side of the holes, but not the inner shell. the maple side is clean as a whistle. I don't know what possible effect that could have on anything, and the lug more than covers it.
There was a subsequent comment about the same problem at the bearing edge, but I didn't know I was supposed to look for that, and didn't happen to notice it. I will check the drums I brought home.
Bermuda