With pedals it is personal preference,IMO.I like the floating feel of the old camco pedal,by the way from what I understand the Gretsch floating action and the camco are one and the same,the g was made by Camco.I started on a Speed king,and keep one in the trunk of my car as a spare,it still is a good pedal,but it is harder to live with for me as a gigging pedal.I normally use an Iron Cobra power glide,but lately my band has been doing some quieter gigs/songs and I have been having to try to actually feather the Bass Drum,and the cam on the IC I have a hard time controlling,whether heel up or down,a little tweak on the Speed King and I am having a much easier time learning the feathering technique.

I used Speed Kings from 1965 to 1982. Sold my last to mcjnic a couple of years ago.

Tried a pre-Ludwig Ghost in the early 70's, but broke the footboard first set of first gig I tried it, and I'm not that heavy footed.

I still have a mid 70's Ippolito (sp?) Oaklawn Camco strap-to-chain conversion that has a great feel (but stayed w/ Speed King for gigs), then opted for the Tama Camco single chain pedal in '82 and still use it.

If you plan to display your Ludwig kit with the proper pedal, then Speed King for sure. If you like a lighter feel, the Speed King might still apply. If you want higher spring tension and a tighter feel, maybe a Rogers Swivo model.

I wish I had a Caroline. And a Premier 252.

Without a Caroline, or a 252; my favourite vintage pedal is the Tama Camco. My feelings on the Speed King--of which I have owned many--are in line with JR's, in serious need of a re-engineering update.

Ghosts I always found very smooth but not terribly quick.

The Capelle is a sweetie, but not as fast as the Camco.

I also have a soft spot for Swivos.

Patrick

My go to pedal as of late is a Tama Camco. Simple design, and it has the feel I like.

Long Live The Speed King!!!!!!!!!

I`m trying to fing one of these for my kit, early 1970, I`d like both but the top one I`ve used and liked alot,....(look`n to retire my Speed King !!)

The top one is ROCK all the way !! Hit as hard or soft as you can, it`ll take it all day !!

Wow a can of worms. It seems that everyone has a favorite.

Should have started a poll.

I started playing in 1966 with my first kit, a Del Ray set so I used that and some speed kings until I got my Ludwigs in 1971. I remember using speed kings back then and they seemed to break on me but I was a heavy hitter then. Same thing with the Ghost pedal, I had problems with the springs on both of them back then. I finally ended up with my Rogers swivo that I liked and still have in great condition other than the leather strap replacement.

The problem is double base means two so I have to either get another swivo like mine or two speed kings. The cost would probably be about the same as I have not seen a Rogers for under $120 yet.

Oh and I still have a ghost here in the attic that has a replacement bottom brace and maby some speed king parts as well.

Stallwart is right, for display the SK's would be best as that is what the kit came with. For playing, (which is what I want at the moment) I kinda gravitate towards that second Rogers swivo.

You know, I love my vintage pedals. They are ALL good, and a couple of them e.g. the aforementioned ASBA Caroline, are downright awesome. However, there is no shortage of good NEW pedals either. Just an observation.

I have used both Speedking and Ghost and each has it's own advantage.

I have used the Ghost for double base rock applications as you can adjust the tension on the pedals and get a quicker/heavier response than the speedking. However, the round tension springs break on the Ghost!

The speed king is ideal for older 60's classic rock and a more reliable pedal. The only issue I have had with the speedking is the metal piece connecting the footboard to the beater assembly breaks if the pedal isn't set up correctly. The Speedking,after a lot of use the pedal may get a little slugglish and the springs will have to be adjusted.

If you can,I would suggest you try them both and choose for yourself..

Thumper

Speed King and Iron Cobra and Tama/Camco.I usually mix them around,they all feel great to me.And guys......hate to sound like a teacher...but its BASS drum not base.

Steve B