I think it's more of a visual thing in this day and age. Ludwigs were one on the more popular brands back in the day. But now, it's all about exotic woods, finishes, and shiny gold hardware. Plus the other brands are marketing themselves towards the mainstream genres. Ludwig is more known in the be-bop and traditional jazz circles these days. I think the Speed King pedal is what has mainly kept them in business, and I too BBD have broken one.
