A piece of rock drumming history has officially hit the market. The 10-piece Ludwig Natural Maple Thermogloss drum set used by Carmine Appice throughout some of the most celebrated moments of his career is now available for purchase. The set, played between 1976 and 2003, spans decades of touring, recording, and live performance, and is widely considered one of the most iconic drum kits in rock music history.
Originally built by Ludwig for Appice in 1976, the set was used most prominently during his years performing with Rod Stewart from 1976 to 1981. During that time, Appice appeared on three of Stewart’s major studio albums, Footloose and Fancy Free, Blondes Have More Fun, and Tonight I’m Yours. His work on hit singles like “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” and “Hot Legs” helped define the rhythmic foundation of that era. The drum set itself was seen in several music videos, making it a recognizable symbol for fans during the peak of Stewart’s late-’70s commercial success.
The kit’s specifications reflect a level of customization that was well ahead of its time. Built from six-ply maple and poplar shells, the set includes two 24×15” bass drums notable for being the first deeper-shell models Ludwig had ever produced. The design later became standard for what would be known as “power-sized” drums. Among its more innovative features are the 6” and 8” concert toms, which were retrofitted with Syndrum triggers, making this one of the earliest known examples of acoustic drums being integrated with electronic sound technology.
Beyond his time with Rod Stewart, Appice also used the set on tour with other artists, including Ted Nugent and Rick Derringer. The drum kit was also featured prominently on the covers of Appice’s Realistic Rock and Realistic Reggae Rock instructional books titles which have influenced generations of drummers. Realistic Rock, in particular, remains one of the best-selling rock drum method books of all time.
The drum set includes not only the full array of toms and bass drums but also Appice’s original hardware, “Carmine Appice” logo heads, and an original 1980s promotional drum battle poster. While there are signs of use, including scuffs and wear from global touring, the set is reported to be in excellent working condition, with no missing parts or significant damage.
Also available for separate purchase are a pair of Ludwig Speed King pedals, Appice’s 1960s Ludwig Supraphonic 400 snare, and a complete cymbal set.
The kit’s availability presents a rare opportunity for collectors and drummers alike to own a key artifact from a drummer whose innovations in technique, gear, and performance left a lasting imprint on rock music.