Yet again, Ludwig produces a snare drum that sounds marvellous. The Heirloom mixes classic Ludwig components with a strikingly contemporary stainless steel shell and much-improved throw-off.

Ludwig's Acrolite and Supraphonic snare drums are decades-old designs, here given updates with hammered shells. It's hard to justify the Copperphonic's suggested price, but it does sound wonderful.

Tucked away past the chicken plant near the railroad tracks sits an unassuming cluster of buildings with beige aluminum siding. Step inside and you’ll find the one place in the world that makes drums ...

Ask Ringo Starr about his decades-long love affair with Ludwig drums. Go ahead; we did. You’re guaranteed to smile. What’s more, the Beatles drummer also gave two thumbs up (and playfully stuck out ...