The Drums in Chicago Tour explores the sites related to two of the largest drum manufacturers, Ludwig Drums and the now defunct Slingerland Drums. Ludwig was the manufacturer of the first practical bass drum pedal as well as making major innovations with the snare drum. Slingerland Drums helped create the tunable tom-tom with the help of legendary drummer, Gene Krupa, who was born and raised in Chicago.

Drums Tour Maps

Drums Tour Information

Drums Tour Information -> PDF files

BASS DRUM PEDAL CREATED – SITE
1026th W. 20th Place, Chicago. The site where William and Theo Ludwig created the first practical bass drum pedal in 1909.

There was a bass pedal that existed before William F. Ludwig Sr. patented his pedal. This pedal hung down from the top of the bass drum beater head. However, its design did not allow for volume or precision of the pedal. Ludwig’s design allowed a drummer to have volume and allowed the drummer to precisely control the bass pedal beater. It also folded up so the travelling drummer could easily take it with.

EARLY LUDWIG DRUM FACTORY – SITE
1611 N. Wolcott Avenue, Chicago (originally 1611 N. Lincoln Street). The site of the first Ludwig Drums factory.

LUNDWIG DRUM FACTORY – SITE
1728 N. Damen Avenue, Chicago. The site of the Ludwig Drum factory.

EARLY SLINGERLAND DRUM FACTORY – SITE
1815 N. Orchard Avenue, Chicago. The site of the original Slingerland Drum factory.

EARLY SLINGERLAND DRUM FACTORY – SITE
1325 W. Belden Avenue, Chicago. The site of an early Slingerland Drum factory.

SLINGERLAND DRUM FACTORY – SITE
6633 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Niles. The site of the Slingerland Drum factory.

Drums Tour Links

LUDWIG DRUMS
Ludwig Drum Company -> Ludwig Drums
Ludwig Drums -> Wikipedia

SLINGERLAND DRUMS
Slingerland Drum Company -> Made in Chicago Museum
Slingerland Drum Company -> Wikipedia