What drums are included in the Ludwig Neusonic 22" Fab 3pc Shell Pack?

The pack includes a 22-inch bass drum, a 16-inch floor tom, and a 13-inch rack tom. It is a 'shell pack', meaning it contains only the drum shells.

Are cymbals and hardware included with this kit?

No, cymbals, stands, pedals, and a snare drum are not included. The purchase price covers the three specific drum shells and their mounted hardware only.

What is the shell composition of the Neusonic series?

The shells are 7-ply hybrids. They feature a 4-ply maple exterior and a 3-ply cherry interior.

What is the R.F.S.T. bonding process?

R.F.S.T. stands for Radio Frequency Shell Technology. It is a proprietary Ludwig manufacturing process used in Monroe, NC, to ensure the wood plies are bonded consistently and durably.

What kind of bearing edges does this kit have?

The drums feature a single 45-degree bearing edge. This design is intended to provide a wide tuning range and a sharp, modern attack.

Where is the Ludwig Neusonic kit manufactured?

The Neusonic series is manufactured in the United States at Ludwig’s factory in Monroe, North Carolina.

How does the Merlot Super Sparkle finish look?

The Merlot Super Sparkle is a deep red, high-gloss wrap finish with reflective metallic flakes. It is designed for high visibility and durability under stage lighting.

What is the difference between the 'Fab' and 'Downbeat' configurations?

The 'Fab' configuration uses a larger 22-inch bass drum and a 13-inch rack tom. The 'Downbeat' configuration typically uses a smaller 20-inch bass drum and a 12-inch rack tom.

Is a snare drum included in this shell pack?

No, this is a 3-piece shell pack that does not include a snare drum. Snare drums are typically purchased separately to allow for player preference.

What music styles is the Neusonic 22" Fab best suited for?

Due to its 22-inch bass drum and hybrid wood shells, it is highly versatile. It is suitable for rock, pop, blues, and session work where a balance of punch and warmth is required.

How does the cherry interior affect the sound?

The cherry plies add a darker, richer low-end frequency response compared to standard all-maple or all-birch drums. This provides a 'woodier' and warmer tone.

Does this kit come with a bass drum mount for the rack tom?

The Neusonic series typically uses a Triad bracket for the floor tom legs, but users should check if a specific mounting arm for the 13-inch tom is included or if it requires a separate stand.

Gear article

Ludwig Neusonic 22" Fab 3pc Shell Pack

The Ludwig Neusonic 22" Fab 3pc Shell Pack is a professional-grade acoustic drum kit manufactured in Monroe, North Carolina. It features a unique 7-ply hybrid shell construction designed to provide a balanced blend of warmth, sustain, and tuning versatility for live and studio applications.

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Overview and Design

The Ludwig Neusonic series represents a modern approach to drum manufacturing, blending traditional aesthetics with contemporary shell technology. This specific 3-piece shell pack is presented in a 'Merlot Super Sparkle' finish and uses the 'Fab' configuration, which consists of a 22-inch bass drum, a 16-inch floor tom, and a 13-inch rack tom.

Central to the design is the hybrid shell construction. Ludwig utilizes a 7-ply layout consisting of a 4-ply maple exterior for structural integrity and classic resonance, paired with a 3-ply cherry interior. The shells are bonded using Ludwig's Radio Frequency Shell Technology (R.F.S.T.), a process intended to enhance durability and ensure consistent circularity across all drums in the set.

Sonic Character

The combination of maple and cherry woods results in a specific tonal profile. The maple exterior provides a familiar, crisp attack, while the cherry interior adds rich low-end depth and a distinct warmth.

Each shell is cut with a single 45-degree bearing edge. This design choice minimises the contact point between the drumhead and the shell, which facilitates a broad tuning range and increased sustain. This makes the kit versatile enough to handle high-tension jazz tunings or lower-tension rock and pop applications.

Manufacturing and Build Quality

Unlike many mid-range kits produced overseas, the Neusonic series is built in Ludwig’s facility in Monroe, North Carolina. The R.F.S.T. bonding process is a critical part of the build, using a unique system that allows the plies to cure evenly for a stable shell. The result is a kit that maintains its tuning under varying environmental conditions and provides professional-level reliability for touring drummers.

Comparison and Market Context

The Neusonic Fab pack sits in a competitive space alongside other high-performance kits. Compared to the DW Performance Series, which typically uses all-maple shells, the Neusonic offers a different tonal texture due to its cherry interior. It provides a more expansive sound than compact kits like the Sonor AQ2 Safari or the Ludwig Neusonic Downbeat (which uses a 20" bass drum).

For players seeking modern materials, the Natal Arcadia Acrylic offers a sharper, louder attack, while the Tama Superstar Classic provides a more traditional all-maple alternative at a different price point. The Neusonic is positioned as a versatile workhorse that bridges the gap between vintage Ludwig warmth and modern projection.

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Frequently asked questions

What drums are included in the Ludwig Neusonic 22" Fab 3pc Shell Pack?: The pack includes a 22-inch bass drum, a 16-inch floor tom, and a 13-inch rack tom. It is a 'shell pack', meaning it contains only the drum shells.
Are cymbals and hardware included with this kit?: No, cymbals, stands, pedals, and a snare drum are not included. The purchase price covers the three specific drum shells and their mounted hardware only.
What is the shell composition of the Neusonic series?: The shells are 7-ply hybrids. They feature a 4-ply maple exterior and a 3-ply cherry interior.
What is the R.F.S.T. bonding process?: R.F.S.T. stands for Radio Frequency Shell Technology. It is a proprietary Ludwig manufacturing process used in Monroe, NC, to ensure the wood plies are bonded consistently and durably.
What kind of bearing edges does this kit have?: The drums feature a single 45-degree bearing edge. This design is intended to provide a wide tuning range and a sharp, modern attack.
Where is the Ludwig Neusonic kit manufactured?: The Neusonic series is manufactured in the United States at Ludwig’s factory in Monroe, North Carolina.
How does the Merlot Super Sparkle finish look?: The Merlot Super Sparkle is a deep red, high-gloss wrap finish with reflective metallic flakes. It is designed for high visibility and durability under stage lighting.
What is the difference between the 'Fab' and 'Downbeat' configurations?: The 'Fab' configuration uses a larger 22-inch bass drum and a 13-inch rack tom. The 'Downbeat' configuration typically uses a smaller 20-inch bass drum and a 12-inch rack tom.
Is a snare drum included in this shell pack?: No, this is a 3-piece shell pack that does not include a snare drum. Snare drums are typically purchased separately to allow for player preference.
What music styles is the Neusonic 22" Fab best suited for?: Due to its 22-inch bass drum and hybrid wood shells, it is highly versatile. It is suitable for rock, pop, blues, and session work where a balance of punch and warmth is required.
How does the cherry interior affect the sound?: The cherry plies add a darker, richer low-end frequency response compared to standard all-maple or all-birch drums. This provides a 'woodier' and warmer tone.
Does this kit come with a bass drum mount for the rack tom?: The Neusonic series typically uses a Triad bracket for the floor tom legs, but users should check if a specific mounting arm for the 13-inch tom is included or if it requires a separate stand.