History and Features of Ludwig Vistalite Drums

Ludwig Vistalite drums were originally introduced in 1972. They are available in four colors, amber, blue, yellow and clear or you can customize your own “Jelly Bean” kit by mixing and matching colors.  They changed the world of drumming sonically and visually. John Bonham of Led Zeppelin helped to make these drum famous with his own amber set. You can purchase a replica Vistalite Zep drum set right here.  The original Amber set was featured in the Led Zeppelin documentary “Tbe Song Remains the Same.” The 45th Anniversary of the Ludwig Vistalite is in 2017. To celebrate Ludwig is offering a limited run of 45th Anniversary Vistalite drum sets. Below are a few videos that will demonstrate the different colors available and show you how these drums sound when played. The first video shows the Jelly Bean option, a completely customizable kit where you can pick the size and color of each drum.

History

When bands started to play large baseball stadiums in the 1970’s they also looked for drums that could keep up with the pyrotechnic and special effect filled shows. Keeping up meant drums with a big sound and visual appeal.  John Bonham of Led Zeppelin fame popularized Ludwig Vistalite Drums with an Amber set.  You couldn’t miss him when the lighting effects played off the transparent drums.  While these weren’t the first acrylic drums to ever been played, the first were introduced in 1972 by an American Company called the John Bonham of Led Zeppelin fame popularized Ludwig Vistalite Drums with an Amber set.  You couldn’t miss him when the lighting effects played off the transparent drums.  While these weren’t the first acrylic drums to ever been played, the first were introduced in 1972 by an American Company called the Fibes, they are the most famous. Ludwid began manufacturing the drums in 1972, but didn’t offer them in the Ludwig catalog until 1974. Colors included blue, clear, green, red and yellow.  Black and white were added in 1975. Drawbacks of the Vistalite line of drums were shells that are heavier than wood and cracks that sometimes form when drilled for hardware.

Rainbow Vistalites

Later on, the Vistalites also were available in 6 patterns that used two or more colors with vertical or horizontal stripes, spirals or swirls.   Patterned Vistalites were referred to as Rainbow Vistalites.

Rainbow Vistalites

The Tivoli-kit is particularly well known.  It was a Rainbow set comprised of yellow, amber and red.  The Tivoli included light strings that were strung in plastic tubes.   Some sets came with lights that continuously stayed on while others had blinking lights. The color Green went out of production in the late 70’s since only 50 were made and sold, making them incredibly rare.

Vistalite Drum Review

The Vistalites offer a big sound and are ideal for unmiked playing, outdoor venues or for drummers that want a big warm resonant sound.  If you are a studio drummer you might want to consider a classic maple kit.  A wood alternative to Vistalites is an Oak set such as the Yamaha Custom Oak. Some professional drummers will use a Vistalite set on the road and classic Ludwigs or Gretchsh drums in the studio. Vistalites due have a reputation for cracking, particularly when drilled for hardware. If you take care of your drums this shouldn’t be a problem.

Jelly Bean Ludwig Vistalite Drums Option

The John Bonham Amber DrumSet

Another John Bonham impersonator from Moby Dick, shown here in blue.

Interview with Charles “The Crab” Collings of the Bama Lamas

Explains why he likes this Ludwig Kit.

45th Anniversary Limited Edition Vistalite

      Find Drum Sheet Music from Led Zeppelin and other bands. Learn the Drum Techniques of Led Zeppelin See the latest Ludwig Drums.

Learn To Play Like John Bonham

Reference

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