# Ludwig Classic Maple Drummers — Which Metal Drummers Use It?

> MetalForge's guide to pro metal drummers who play the Ludwig Classic Maple drum kit.
> Last updated: 2026-06-25

The Ludwig Classic Maple is one of the most iconic drum kits in rock and metal history. Built from North American hard maple, it delivers the warm, punchy tone that defined an era of heavy music. From Black Sabbath's thunderous grooves to Lamb of God's modern groove metal, the Classic Maple has been the choice of legendary players across generations.

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## Pro Metal Drummers Who Use the Ludwig Classic Maple

### Bill Ward — Black Sabbath
**Years used:** 1968–2006
**Configuration:** Ludwig Classic Maple (24"×16" Bass, 13"×9", 16"×16" Floor Tom)
**Endorsee:** Yes

Bill Ward is the co-founder of heavy metal drumming. As the original drummer of Black Sabbath, Ward's jazz-influenced, thunderous style helped define what heavy metal sounded like. He played Ludwig throughout the classic Sabbath era, recording landmark albums including *Paranoid* (1970), *Master of Reality* (1971), and *Heaven and Hell* (1980). His 24" bass drum gave Sabbath's recordings their distinctive earth-shaking low end. Ward's swinging, off-beat approach contrasted beautifully with Tony Iommi's heavy riffs — a combination that remains unmatched in metal history.

See full profile: [Bill Ward Drummer](/drummers/bill-ward)

### Art Cruz — Lamb of God
**Years used:** 2019–present
**Configuration:** Ludwig Classic Maple (22"×18" Bass, 10"×8", 12"×9", 14"×12", 16"×14" Toms)
**Endorsee:** Yes

Art Cruz stepped into one of the most demanding drummer roles in groove metal when he joined Lamb of God in 2019. His precise, powerful playing on albums like *Lamb of God* (2020) and *Omens* (2022) demonstrates the Classic Maple's versatility across modern heavy subgenres. Cruz's tight double bass work and explosive dynamics showcase the kit's attack and projection under intense performance conditions. As a Ludwig endorser, Cruz has been outspoken about the Classic Maple's punch and clarity in live and studio settings.

See full profile: [Art Cruz Drummer](/drummers/art-cruz)

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## About the Ludwig Classic Maple

The Ludwig Classic Maple features 7-ply North American hard maple shells with a 45-degree bearing edge — the same formula used on Ludwig's most iconic kits dating back to the 1960s. The maple construction provides warm low-mids with a defined attack, making it suitable for both heavy rock and extreme metal applications.

**Key specifications:**
- Shell: 7-ply North American maple
- Bearing edge: 45-degree
- Hardware: Ludwig Classic Black hardware
- Finish options: Lacquer and wrap finishes
- Approximate price range: €2,500–€4,200 (configuration dependent)

The kit is available through Thomann and Sweetwater. See the [Ludwig brand page](/gear/ludwig) for more on available configurations.

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## FAQ

**Q: Which pro metal drummers use the Ludwig Classic Maple?**
A: Bill Ward (Black Sabbath) and Art Cruz (Lamb of God) are among the most prominent metal drummers using the Ludwig Classic Maple. Bill Ward used Ludwig throughout the classic Sabbath era, and Art Cruz has been a Ludwig endorser since joining Lamb of God in 2019.

**Q: Is the Ludwig Classic Maple good for metal drumming?**
A: Yes — the Ludwig Classic Maple delivers the warm attack and punchy projection that metal drumming demands. Its 7-ply maple construction handles high-volume playing well, and the 45-degree bearing edge gives it quick response for fast fills and double bass patterns.

**Q: What configuration does Bill Ward use on the Ludwig Classic Maple?**
A: Bill Ward's classic setup featured a 24"×16" bass drum for maximum low-end punch, paired with a 13"×9" rack tom and a 16"×16" floor tom — a sparse, powerful configuration that gave Black Sabbath its unmistakable groove.

**Q: How does the Ludwig Classic Maple compare to other metal drum kits?**
A: Compared to Tama Starclassic (birch/maple hybrids) or Pearl Reference (size-specific shells), the Ludwig Classic Maple offers a more vintage-voiced tone with greater warmth in the low-mids. It suits rock, groove metal, and doom metal particularly well. For ultra-fast death metal, players may prefer kits with more attack-focused bearing edges.