Ivor Arbiter

Ivor David Arbiter (31 December 1929 – 26 July 2005) was an English drum designer, manufacturer, instrument salesman, and entrepreneur.

[1] In his early career, he was the owner and operator of a specialty drum shop in the West End of London.

Ringo Starr, interested in a Black Oyster Pearl drum kit, then only available through Ludwig, approached Arbiter in early 1963.

Starr insisted that a large Ludwig logo be printed on the bass drum head, which was not available.

[2][7] Arbiter continued to find success in the music market, selling equipment to musicians including Brian Bennett, Jeff Beck, and Jimi Hendrix.