Ludwig Verse EX 10-Piece Electronic Drum Set *NEW*

[Hellfire]

I was looking over at guitarcenter.com and I saw this new edrum kit from Ludwig:

The kit looks to be an exclusive to Guitar Center, but this seems to be a new direction for Ludwig. The price is $699.99. This feels like a rebrand of some other kit, I just don't know which one.

Here's a link to the Ludwig Verse EX website.

Here's some video links as well:

[AlanK]

Interesting.. so is this the first ekit entry from Ludwig? I'd never heard of them being in the electronic drum business. Looks a bit like the DM10(X?) with snare still on frame tube and crappier cymbals. And different brain of course. Price is good though, I suppose.

[Hellfire]

Interesting.. so is this the first ekit entry from Ludwig? I'd never heard of them being in the electronic drum business. Looks a bit like the DM10(X?) with snare still on frame tube and crappier cymbals. And different brain of course. Price is good though, I suppose.

I think it is Ludwig's entry into electronic drums. The entry level kit makes a lot of sense. These days most kids/people getting into drums for the first time tend to buy and entry level ekit and not acoustic. I believe several years back ekits started out selling acoustic kits (at the entry level). This is why there has been a push for new entry level ekits in the last five or so years.

Ludwig is a well known name and I can see people who think, "well if Ludwig makes edrums then it must be legit". To be honest I don't know if Ludwig will go any bigger with ekits than entry level. Keep in mind this is a Guitar Center exclusive. So I'm not sure if this is Guitar Center with a license deal with Ludwig (for just the name) to producing the kit or if Ludwig is producing the kit and only having Guitar Center sell it as a "test". I agree with that the price (for what you get) is good.

After a little more digging it looks as if the Lugwig kit is a rebrand of an Avatar (HXW Technology) edrum kit. Similar type company to MEDELI and also based in China. Specifically the SD61-6 kit. It does look as if Lugwig did get a few upgrades on their version. Mainly the addition of a 4th tom and a second crash cymbal. The 3rd,4th tom and snare seem to be larger than the base kit as well. Also based on the videos I posted above, it seems as if Lugwig loaded the module with their own custom sounds. 

The base Avatar kit is available on Amazon: SD61-6 Professional Electric Drum Set For Adults @ $399.00
Here's a picture of the base kit:

[wildbill]

Those don't look very much alike to me. 
I think Ludwig spec'd out a set, and contracted a Chinese company to make it.
The Ludwig has three 10' pads, and three 8" (bass drum is 8"). 
It also has an extra cymbal and the drum shells are different.

The article here states:  
".... sound module loaded with 380 professional-grade sounds, including a brand-new library of sample highlights from Ludwig's iconic product line, including Classic Maple, vistalite, Black Beauty and Acrolite snares..."

https://www.moderndrummer.com/2025/11/ludwig-launches-its-first-electronic-drum-kit-with-guitar-center-exclusive-verse-ex/

For some reason, people want to dismiss this as Chinese junk, but I think it might be more than that.
I'll withhold judgement until I get to try one out.

[Chaser]

Those don't look very much alike to me.  I think Ludwig spec'd out a set, and contracted a Chinese company to make it.The Ludwig has three 10' pads, and three 8" (bass drum is 8").  It also has an extra cymbal and the drum shells are different.The article here states:  ".... sound module loaded with 380 professional-grade sounds, including a brand-new library of sample highlights from Ludwig's iconic product line, including Classic Maple, vistalite, Black Beauty and Acrolite snares..."https://www.moderndrummer.com/2025/11/ludwig-launches-its-first-electronic-drum-kit-with-guitar-center-exclusive-verse-ex/For some reason, people want to dismiss this as Chinese junk, but I think it might be more than that.I'll withhold judgement until I get to try one out.

It is a Re-Brand...
Ludwig is even using the Exact SD61-6 Setup Guide....Ludwig_Verse_EX_Setup_Guide_V2_2
and other than a different pic on pg 1...and throwing a LOGO on the Module the exact same 16 pg SD61-6 Manual... Ludwig_Verse_User_manual_V1

Definitely paying for the Name for this Re-Brand...
less Kits/sounds than the SD61-6 Kit and what is with the 4 Lug 10" Snare/ Tom and the 12" Floor Tom (if there is one)?
Is there anything 12" ?..Cymbals..Toms ?..according to Ludwig Verse EX Product Page NO.. "Featuring dual-zone 8" pads for toms and bass drum; 10" dual-zone pads for the snare and floor toms".
The Cymbals are 10" Dual Zone..NO mention of Triple Zone Ride and Dual Zone Hi Hat..which is in the SD61-6 Manual..

according to Guitar Center..."Exclusive" by the way (also distributed by it's Brands..Musicians Friend..Music & Arts)... the Snare is only 8".. .a Floor  Tom is  12"...Crash and Ride are 12"..Triple-zone ride cymbal offers bell, bow, and edge triggering

• Pad size: 8" snare, 8" toms, 10" toms, 12" floor tom..Kick pad size: 8"..Cymbal pads: 12" crash, 12" ride, 10" hi-hat

During the Ludwig Verse EX Sound Presets Demo he doesn't use the Ride Bell at least once..

so it's all a bit confusing...looks like a rushed release for Holiday Sales...

The Alesis Nitro Pro XL 10-Piece Electronic Drum Kit  is also a Guitar Center "Exclusive"

so.....(2) 10 pc "Exclusives"..competing against each other...

As far as having Samples...380..and a lot of Electronic/Techno stuff,World Percussion etc....so Not All Ludwig samples.
No Sample/Voice list to see what percentage is actual Ludwig samples.
Even the older Nitro Mesh (Medeli DD512) has more samples and the Nitro Series are single zone cymbals.
Another "A variable hi-hat controller tracks smooth movement between closed, half-open and open positions."..Not Continuous..

BFD Samples/Voices are pretty diverse in the New Nitro Modules.. Kicks,snares,toms from...Gretsch,Camco,Ludwig,Mapex.
The samples/Voices labeled  VRT (Virtual Recording Techniques) is the Ludwig Maple Classic...there are also other Ludwig Kits/Pieces.

Re-Branding is much simpler to do these days...you can have any samples you want provided there is room in the Module..Ludwig chose Stereo..
380 Samples is around the same count as the early Nitro/Surge Modules (Medeli DD512 Re-Brand).
The NEW Generation of Nitro Module hold much more....and they are BFD.

Module Sample Count Comparison

Nitro MESH - (40 kits) 385 + (11 Kits) GM Section (Medeli DD512)

Nitro MAX - 441 NEW GEN
Nitro PRO - 513 NEW GEN
Nitro ULTIMATE - 640 NEW GEN

The MAX,PRO,UlTIMATE use the exact same Module...

Different Triggers sizes is also easy..Note the EX..in the Ludwig Verse EX..."Expanded"..

Alesis had 5 Kits from a single Re-Branded Medeli Kit..all based on the DD650...
Crimson..Crimson II...Command..DM10 MKII Studio..Forge.
All had different Features..number of Trigger Zones.. ..Hardware..Trigger Model Sizes,..Samples..etc...same DB25 Harness.
The old days where you changed the DB25 Harness to upgrade/activate additional zones are long gone...
The DM6 had 4 Harnesses so you could expand it and the Module had the samples etc inside.

The Alesis Crimson III Module is a Re-Branded MEDELI MZ725/729 Drum Module which is the Upgraded DD635

The Crimson III Version is also loaded with BFD Samples.

The more recent Launches...DW, Zildjian put out the effort/expense for their "Debut" Kit......Not a Re-Brand..
Ludwig could just as easily developed at least shell pack.


EDIT:
Fixed Link

[wildbill]

So.....what's your bottom line - Chinese junk, or viable alternative?

[Chaser]

So.....what's your bottom line - Chinese junk, or viable alternative?

I don't make broad judgements on whether a Product is Junk or not...never have.
Those type of judgements are usually made by  the hardcore Fans of a competing product....
I try to provide as much info as possible to help anyone towards making an educated decision if considering a purchase.

Alesis made an error with quality control over the past few years and poor trigger design (cheap materials) along with quick to market releases with unfinished products and in return..got a Bad rep.
I always recommend checking Reviews,complaints etc etc  on anything.
In this case check for Avatar Reviews for Quality Control etc...they are using the same triggers with a Number of their kits.

I am pointing out that it is "Over-Hyped" and not an actual Ludwig product..it is a Re-Brand with Ludwig Samples thrown into a Module
along with , more than likely..Avatar Factory Samples.
Ii I were to take one of my STRIKE Modules and load it entirely with custom Sonor samples it does not turn it into a Sonor Product/Drum Kit

It also appears to be rushed to market....when the actual Product page and the Retailer Page differ...and not by a small amount , it is only going to cause confusion and a bad rep..misrepresentation etc etc.

If you are happy with your triggers/Module and just looking for better sounds or a Sound Module with the exact samples you desire..look at the DrumPi..It's being finalized and is in Beta Testing etc.
It will run you under $200 to build (Raspberry Pi) and the OS is currently FREE but will soon be a Paid Product.
The FREE OS have an expiration date/License check which is in the final stages of development.
Currently there are actually 2 Kits included with the OS..TAMA..YAMAHA..and just recently Steve Welsh recorded/Sampled a PEAVEY Radial Pro 1000 Kit (Try to find one of those) and it was added using/Testing the Kit adding feature.(Wifi)
You can load samples from any Vst Software by using MIDI Automation utilities/Programs like SDSE..Argonaut..Xtractpler etc etc toexport the samples and use the DrumPi Studio software (FREE) to prepare (build kits,Instruments) the samples for import into the DrumPi which does a lot of Auto-Arranging and connect any MIDI Controller/Drum Module etc...DrumPi has already been tested out by a few ...live..gigs etc.
I expect there will be those creating/selling kits and offer  them for sale...the foolish ones will try to advertise/sell kits on the open market from the most popular Drum Software..Toontrack..etc etc.

I have already setup kits with DrumPi for the Sound Module and eDRUMin for the TMI....both can be used on an iPad.

EDIT:
Added Link

[wildbill]

....
I am pointing out that it is "Over-Hyped" ....

OK - we must be looking at different material.  I haven't seen anything that would indicate it is "Over-Hyped'.
If anything, just the opposite.

[Chaser]

....
I am pointing out that it is "Over-Hyped" ....

OK - we must be looking at different material.  I haven't seen anything that would indicate it is "Over-Hyped'.
If anything, just the opposite.

Not different Material...A simple Web Search for Ludwig Verse EX.

"Ludwig makes history with its first electronic drum kit: the new Verse EX, exclusively at Guitar Center."

"Ludwig pulled out all the stops with the new Verse EX electronic drum set."

"Ludwig has been at the center of drumming for more than a century, and giving customers first access to its debut electronic kit is a major moment for Guitar Center"

"Since 1909, the vision of our founders has remained steady: build for the player.
That spirit has guided Ludwig across drum sets, marching fields, and concert halls for over a century.
Today, we carry that same intent into electronic drums.
Authentic Ludwig sound and dependable innovation that help you practice, create, and perform."

"Ludwig's Verse EX 10-piece electronic drum set delivers the feel of an acoustic kit with the control and convenience of a modern e-kit"

"The Guitar Center configuration features pads designed to respond with precision to rimshots, cross-sticks, and nuanced playing"

"The collaboration marks Ludwig's entry into electronic percussion and reinforces Guitar Center's leadership in developing exclusive products for today's players"

The only thing left out was the tired...  "Game Changer"
There is no History making design, innovation with a magical configuration and the feel of an Acoustic Kit.
No Exclusive Development.....Not a Flagship E-Kit

The Verse EX is a 2 up 2 down.. Entry Level Re-Brand from China.....with some Ludwig Samples...

Nothing More..Nothing Less..

GC recently did similar with another "Exclusive" the Titan 75 (released a month or so ago)...It is Not a New Kit..it is a Titan 70 with a larger snare now on a stand.
Simmons is a Guitar Center Brand..Currently On sale $799.99

As mentioned previously..check AVATAR Reviews for Build Quality...The reviews for the Module will follow after the Kits been out awhile.

According to the Manual it is a very basic Module..Volume..Tuning..Pan..Muffling.
There isn't a FX section..not even basic Reverb or even an EQ..You have to copy a Kit first in order to edit it..

The Exact count of Ludwig samples are unknown and TBD if/when a sound list is released....
The user may be paying a premium price for Ludwig samples so you may just have a few kits with great sounding samples.

The Samples/Articulations should be very good...

The Drummer in the DEMO is John Emrich .Former Sound Designer and Product Development for eDrums and VSTi work for the following companies: FXPansion, KAT, Simmons, Yamaha, Zildjian, Sabian, Native Instrumentsr,,NFUZD,Platinum Samples along with numerous others..and most recently Alesis/InMusic (STRIKE Series) where he was Senior Director of Product Development for Alesis Drums/InMusic and left in 2020..same year InMusic acquired Fxpansion (BFD Drums)and started developing the STRATA Series..
He just completed his New Studio and released a Video a Month or so ago.
He isn't credited/mentioned anywhere for any of the Sound Design/Product Development.

The DEMO is in that Studio...

Ludwig Verse EX Sound Presets Demo

John Emrich NEW STUDIO 2025

The Kits are now being offered on ebay...still with the incorrect info/specs pointed out earlier..
Both Product not only  differ from each other (Guitar Center is Parent Company)..both descriptions are entirely different than Ludwigs product Page..

GC/Ludwig should focus on the basics first...like an accurate product description....currently there are 3


Musicians Friend
Pad size: 8" snare, 8" toms, 10" toms, 12" floor tom
Kick pad size: 8"
Cymbal pads: 12" crash, 12" ride, 10" hi-hat
Choke feature: Yes (crash and ride)
Hi-hat controller: Included

Guitar Center...Music and Arts
10" dual-zone snare pad allows rimshot and head triggering
Three 8" dual-zone tom pads for versatile, expressive performance
Triple-zone ride cymbal offers bell, bow, and edge triggering
Hi-hat controller with smooth transitions between open and closed states
Robust drum module with customizable kits and onboard effects

LUDWIG PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
8" pads for toms and bass drum;
10" dual-zone pads for the snare and floor toms
10" dual-zone cymbals with choke

and an FYI for those unaware...
Ludwig sold out in the 1981 to the Selmer Company (now Conn-Selmer) and the Family still manufactures drums under WFL III..which is the initials of William F Ludwig the 3rd..

EDIT:
Added Links

[wildbill]

Not different Material...

I'm referring to comments from drummers, not from the marketing propaganda.

" Looks like some cheap, rebranded OEM drums, not up to even the Premier Powerplay or Simmons Titan.
In China we can often buy the OEM drums from their original companies, and this looks like the rock bottom brand."

" This is a joke right? A couple of hundred Ludwig stickers, a container of budget stencil kits and a load of ChatGPT press releases? They're 4 months early for April Fools' Day..."

" Why Ludwig is gambling on their name evoking regret is beyond me."

and many, many more. 
I haven't seen anything positive about them from drummers - only from marketing, which is to be expected.

[Hellfire]

To be totally honest, it is hard to get excited about "another entry level ekit".  

Unfortunately most of the money being made in that industry is at the entry level. That's why there is sooo many different ekits at these price points and why so many companies just do a slight "refreshes" of those particular ekits (example Simmons Titan 70/75). That is also why I stated earlier "...I don't know if Ludwig will go any bigger with ekits than entry level." I think this is just a holiday money grab. Ludwig is leveraging their name to make a little for the bottom line for this year. Nothing wrong with that.

I did raise an eyebrow when I saw John Emrich in that third video. I just thought, Oh he's working with Ludwig and/or Guitar Center now. Didn't give it much more thought than that. 

I do think the marketing for these entry level ekit is way over the top. Don't get me wrong, most of them a okay-to-decent for the money people pay for them. The thing is, most of them all are pretty much the same thing. So you have 100 different named ekits and it doesn't really matter which one you purchase because they are all the same. 

I would be really surprised if Ludwig goes any further down the edrum path than this.

[wildbill]

To be totally honest, it is hard to get excited about "another entry level ekit".  .........

Just curious - what, in your opinion makes an entry level ekit? 
Or to put it another way, what is necessary for a kit to be pro level?

I'm withholding judgement on the Ludwig until I get to try one, but it doesn't look bad to me.
That said, the only ekit I've had is one that I pieced together from individual parts,
and I've only done that recently.

[Hellfire]

That said, the only ekit I've had is one that I pieced together from individual parts,
and I've only done that recently.

That's awesome! My first ekit was made from gravy cans (I worked at a restaurant at the time), PVC pipe, and two Yamaha portable electronic drum units (DD5 and DD6). I learned from that how edrums work. And that was before the web. Yep, I'm old. 

I'm withholding judgement on the Ludwig until I get to try one, but it doesn't look bad to me.

I don't believe I passed judgement of being "good" or "bad". For what it is, it doesn't look bad to me either. I always tell people to try before you buy (if you can).

Just curious - what, in your opinion makes an entry level ekit?

I've worked with people in the industry and they have loosely defined what it means to be an "entry level ekit". Basically, it is the first ekit that people tend to purchase brand new (based on price) when they first get into buying an electronic drum kit. That's changed a little over time because of the value of the dollar. Right now that range at it's lowest is about $200.00 and at it's highest is about $600.

Unfortunately too many people think that when someone states a kit is "entry level" they think that person is somehow passing judgement of it being "bad" or at least something is wrong with it. For the record that's not what I'm doing. I'm stating a fact about the position in the market this kit is sitting in.

Or to put it another way, what is necessary for a kit to be pro level?

Good question! Like "entry level", it too is somewhat of a moving scale. What most people buy tend not to be true pro level equipment. Heck, I don't use what would be consider pro level equipment. At the end the day true Pro level equipment can handle being taken apart and put back together every week (for about two years or more) for a gigging musician.

There is a heck of a lot more than just "entry level" and "pro level" when talking about edrums. There is all kinds of stuff that falls in between that scale.

What do you consider "entry level" and "Pro Level"? Maybe we should make that a new topic (since this one is getting a little side tracked). It would interesting to see what people might say.

[Hellfire]

Just found an article in "Modern Drummer" about this new Ludwig kit. 

Ludwig Launches Its First Electronic Drum Kit with Guitar Center Exclusive Verse EX