You know if you read this blog that I rarely post about this kind of thing. But, seriously, this is pretty big news. Legendary drummer Vinnie Colaiuta, arguably one of the greatest drummers alive, has moved from Gretsch Drums to Ludwig and from Zildjian Cymbals to Paiste.
At first, I did not believe it. I thought it was some sort of April Fool’s joke. But I checked out Ludwig’s Facebook page and they posted a photo of Vinnie playing Ludwig drums (see photo, above left) with the caption, “welcome home.” Then I went to Vinnie’s website and looked at the link section. The Ludwig and Paiste logos are displayed on that page (see the link here: Vinnie’s Website: Links Page)
Looks pretty legitimate to me. Huge business move for Ludwig and Paiste. Exciting change.
He first gained attention as one of the winners of Modern Drummer magazine's very first drum solo contest, judged by Rush's Neil Peart.
He's played with Oz Noy, Will Lee, Alison Krauss, Curtis Stigers, Emily Remler, Joel Hoekstra, GE Smith, Andy York, Marshall Crenshaw, Tony Shanahan, The Drifters, The Marvelettes, Big Brother and The Holding Company, and many other artists.
For more info: onlinesessiondrummer.com
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Yeah, this is the biggest news from drumming in a LONG time. On the surface, it’s big, but when you think about what all he has with Gretsch and Zildjian, it’s even bigger. He’s got the signature kit/snare from Gretsch and the A Custom’s and sticks from Zildjian. He’ll sound good with anything, it’s Vinnie Colaiuta.
Ay Yo.
I been playing drums for over 35 years now and just as music changes your taste and feel for a different drum set sound or feel is gonna change. SIMPLE!!
Things will alway change .Good luck..Love you Vinnie!!!!!!
Ay Vinnie
I been playing Gretsch for the past 5 years and I love the s–t out of these drums.
Anywhere I take them live or studio any configuration I use they always feel good and sound freaking GREAT. If you need to get rid of one of your old gretsch sets I will gladly take one off your hands. That would just make my day. Keep playing vinnie ..Love you yo…Peace
Why is Vinnie’s name not on the Ludwig web site in their artist’s page? This has to be incorrect, right? He should be up front and center on their web site!
He has a link to Ludwig on his own website, but you’d think that Ludwig would be showing him off!
No matter what brand of drums and cymbals Vinnie plays he will always sound like Vinnie. Why the change? It’s business. Usually comes down to who’s paying the most, giving the most, and stroking the ego the most.
he won’t stick around long—ludwig is not up to par…..
you don’t know what your talking about.ludwig is the hottest thing going.ludwig will have to work overtime just to keep up with the new orders.yeah ludwig and good for you vinnie!
Excellent that Vinnie has joined Ludwig. Don’t sell Ludwig short. Their USA made shells are second to none, and the new Atlas Pro hardware is tremendous and innovative, including the pedals and throne. To some, Ludwig has that “old company” – “old technology” reputation. That is not so. DonÔÇÖt confuse legendary with old. Ludwig products are as high quality, or higher, as anyone. VinnieÔÇÖs previous company makes great drums as well ÔÇô he played them for many years. I personally am happy about him going to Ludwig. I’ve done the same thing after several years of playing other brands. The Legacy and Classic lines are USA made (and perhaps some of their other lines as well) – that is a good thing. So again, don’t sell Ludwig short. They make great drums and hardware. Give Mr. Colaiuta some respect and credit. He is way too great and experienced musician to switch to a company, unless he is totally confident and pleased that the quality and sound is up to his standards. Give Ludwig a look.
I have always thought Ludwig drums were great. But I also love Gretsch and Yamaha…..they all make great product.
I seem to remember reading something in a drum mag a few years ago where Vinnie said that he was not too happy about having to play Gretsch drums on the Herbie Hancock Tour that were not American made. Maybe this was the beginning of the end of the relationship?
The Ludwig and Paste connection goes back to the 60’s. Joe Morello had to switch from Zildjian to Paste because of his Ludwig endorsement.
I own cymbals from that area which are stamped:
” Ludwig Standard. Paste. Swiss made” ( They are amazing cymbals).
Lets face it, there are so many great drums out there these days that it really comes down to the artist’s (and/or drum tech’s) selection of heads and skill in tuning that gives any great set of drums their own personal sound. BTW, just saw Vinnie w/ Sting last week and those big black Ludwigs were killin!!!