What is the primary purpose of the Ludwig A.T.L.A.S. Tom Mount?

The primary purpose is to provide a flexible mounting point for a tom anywhere on the drum shell without needing to drill new holes. It replaces an existing lug to serve as both a tuning point and a bracket receptacle.

How does the A.T.L.A.S. mount attach to the drum?

It attaches by replacing a standard lug on the drum shell. You simply remove the original lug and bolt the A.T.L.A.S. mount into the same holes, making the process entirely reversible.

Is drilling required for installation?

No, drilling is not required. The system is designed to fit into existing lug hole spacings, preserving the original condition of the drum shell.

Does this mount affect the resonance of the drum?

Yes, it is designed to improve resonance compared to traditional mounts. It functions as an integrated lug suspension system, which reduces shell dampening and allows the drum to vibrate more freely.

Is the mounting bracket durable enough for touring?

Yes, the A.T.L.A.S. mount is described as durable and built to last. It is engineered to stay securely in position even under the stress of heavy playing or frequent transport.

Can I use this mount on any brand of drum?

While manufactured by Ludwig, it is designed to be versatile; however, compatibility depends on the hole spacing of the lug you are replacing. It is specifically intended for drums where the lug footprint matches the A.T.L.A.S. specifications.

What makes this different from a standard RIMS mount?

Unlike RIMS mounts that attach to the hoop or tension rods, the A.T.L.A.S. replaces the lug itself. This provides a more low-profile look and often offers greater stability with less movement during play.

What is the typical price for a single Ludwig A.T.L.A.S. mount?

In the UK market, the typical price range for this hardware is approximately GBP 64.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific regional taxes.

Can this be used to mount items other than toms?

Yes, because it provides a standard mounting bracket, it can be used for various accessories such as cymbal arms or percussion holders, provided the weight is supported by the drum shell.

Does the mount include a tension rod receiver?

Yes, it functions as a fully operational lug. It includes the necessary threading to accept a standard drum tension rod so you can tune the drum as normal.

Will the mount slip during performance?

Ludwig states that the mount is designed to stay in position while you play. Its construction ensures a firm grip on the mounting arm to prevent unwanted movement.

Is the installation process permanent?

No, the installation is completely non-permanent. You can remove the A.T.L.A.S. mount and reinstall the original lug at any time without leaving any marks or holes on the shell.

Gear article

Ludwig A.T.L.A.S. Tom Mount

The Ludwig A.T.L.A.S. Tom Mount is a professional drum hardware solution designed for flexible tom positioning without the need for drilling shell holes. As the industry's only integrated lug suspension system and mounting bracket, it replaces a standard lug to provide a stable, vibration-isolating mounting point.

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Overview

The Ludwig A.T.L.A.S. (Arch Type Lug Absorption System) Tom Mount represents a significant advancement in drum hardware by combining the functions of a lug and a mounting bracket. Designed to offer drummers maximum flexibility in kit configuration, it allows for a tom to be mounted virtually anywhere on the shell where a lug is present. This eliminates the traditional requirement of drilling permanent holes into the drum shell to accommodate mounting brackets, thereby preserving the integrity and potential resale value of the instrument.

Design and Functionality

The system works by replacing a standard lug on the drum shell. The A.T.L.A.S. unit serves as both the tension point for the tuning rod and the receptacle for the mounting arm.

Key design features include: * Integrated Lug Suspension: It isolates the drum shell from the mounting hardware, reducing dampening and allowing for increased resonance. * Tool-free Positioning: Once installed, it provides a secure grip that ensures the drum stays in position during heavy play. * Durable Construction: Built with heavy-duty materials, the mount is designed to withstand the rigours of touring and frequent adjustments.

Sonic Character and Performance

By utilising a suspension-based approach rather than a direct-to-shell bolt-on bracket, the A.T.L.A.S. mount aids in maintaining the natural sustain of the drum. Because it interacts with the shell via the existing lug holes, it minimizes the metal-to-wood contact that can often choke a drum's tone. The result is a more open sound compared to traditional hard-mounted systems, while providing more stability than some rim-mounted suspension systems that can be prone to 'bouncing' during play.

User Suitability and Comparisons

This hardware is primarily suited for drummers looking to customise their kit layout—such as converting a floor tom to a rack tom or adding auxiliary percussion—without permanent modifications.

When compared to alternatives like the Tama Roadpro Single Tom Stand or the Pearl Mini Closed Hi-Hat Holder, the Ludwig A.T.L.A.S. offers a more integrated look. Unlike standard stands, it keeps the footprint of the drum kit smaller by utilizing the drum's own shell as the mounting interface rather than requiring additional floor-based tripods.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Ludwig A.T.L.A.S. Tom Mount?: The primary purpose is to provide a flexible mounting point for a tom anywhere on the drum shell without needing to drill new holes. It replaces an existing lug to serve as both a tuning point and a bracket receptacle.
How does the A.T.L.A.S. mount attach to the drum?: It attaches by replacing a standard lug on the drum shell. You simply remove the original lug and bolt the A.T.L.A.S. mount into the same holes, making the process entirely reversible.
Is drilling required for installation?: No, drilling is not required. The system is designed to fit into existing lug hole spacings, preserving the original condition of the drum shell.
Does this mount affect the resonance of the drum?: Yes, it is designed to improve resonance compared to traditional mounts. It functions as an integrated lug suspension system, which reduces shell dampening and allows the drum to vibrate more freely.
Is the mounting bracket durable enough for touring?: Yes, the A.T.L.A.S. mount is described as durable and built to last. It is engineered to stay securely in position even under the stress of heavy playing or frequent transport.
Can I use this mount on any brand of drum?: While manufactured by Ludwig, it is designed to be versatile; however, compatibility depends on the hole spacing of the lug you are replacing. It is specifically intended for drums where the lug footprint matches the A.T.L.A.S. specifications.
What makes this different from a standard RIMS mount?: Unlike RIMS mounts that attach to the hoop or tension rods, the A.T.L.A.S. replaces the lug itself. This provides a more low-profile look and often offers greater stability with less movement during play.
What is the typical price for a single Ludwig A.T.L.A.S. mount?: In the UK market, the typical price range for this hardware is approximately GBP 64.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and specific regional taxes.
Can this be used to mount items other than toms?: Yes, because it provides a standard mounting bracket, it can be used for various accessories such as cymbal arms or percussion holders, provided the weight is supported by the drum shell.
Does the mount include a tension rod receiver?: Yes, it functions as a fully operational lug. It includes the necessary threading to accept a standard drum tension rod so you can tune the drum as normal.
Will the mount slip during performance?: Ludwig states that the mount is designed to stay in position while you play. Its construction ensures a firm grip on the mounting arm to prevent unwanted movement.
Is the installation process permanent?: No, the installation is completely non-permanent. You can remove the A.T.L.A.S. mount and reinstall the original lug at any time without leaving any marks or holes on the shell.