Featured image: Creative Commons License by speric
If you’re a Tool fan or just a drummer with an interest in some icons’ setups, Danny Carey’s influential style and illustrious career make him a great place to get some inspiration.
From his custom Sonor kit to Axis kick pedals to a Paiste gong, every part of Carey’s setup has been either co-designed by himself for a precise, personalised response or chosen specifically for its ability to keep up with his powerful progressive metal/rock style.
In this guide, we’ll look into Danny Carey’s drum kit as well as his electronics and other gear, providing insight into the equipment that has shaped his sound.
The full list
Before we dive into the nitty gritty, let’s take a quick look at the equipment Danny Carey has used and uses to this day.
| Gear Type | Item/Brand |
|---|---|
| Drum Kit | Custom Sonor drum kit with beech shells and inner and outer Makassar ebony veneers |
| Cymbals | Paiste |
| Drumheads | Evans |
| Hardware and accessories | Sonor stands, Roc ‘N’ Soc throne, Pearl RH-2000 remote hi-hat stand, Axis kick pedals |
| Electronics | Co-designed by Danny himself and Vince DeFranco, Native Instruments Battery, Korg Wave Drum, Roland Handsonic |
Danny Carey’s drum kit
Drum shells
Carey’s shells are crafted from old broken cymbals reformed into drum shells – a material that certainly sets him apart from other drummers out there. This very specific construction has contributed to the unique tonal characteristics that have become world-famous with his drumming.
As well as being creative and sustainable, these unconventional shells deliver a rich, resonant sound that complements Tool’s music.
In terms of size, the drum shells range from 8×8’’ rack toms to twin 22’’ bass drums, with one with a slightly larger depth of 18’’ as opposed to 16’’.
Throughout his career, these distinctive drum shells have accompanied Carey on various gigs and recordings, becoming the symbol of his signature sound both in the studio and on stage.
Although there aren’t any drum shells made from old cymbals on today’s market, if you’re looking for harsh and brash tones similar to Danny Carey’s sound, consider the Sonor AQ1 22” 6pc Drum Kit. It comes with a free floor tom!
With it being a large configuration and Sonor-branded (just like the kit Danny uses) – this is the perfect kit to tap into your inner Danny Carey. Similar to the repurposed cymbals used for Carey’s shells, the birch featured in this kit delivers brilliant powerful tones.
Cymbals
Arguably the most important aspect of his setup, the cymbal brand that Carey stands by is Paiste – including the giant gong he has behind him.
Throughout his career, Carey’s cymbal selection has accompanied him on countless gigs and recordings. They’re the hallmark of his sound. He even brought out a signature Paiste cymbal in 2016, confirming his love for the brand and allowing drummers all over the world to get a taste of his exact specifications.
To stand out just as Danny does, the cymbal is coated in a vibrant purple finish, which is carefully layered, ensuring it’s as durable as any naturally-finished cymbal. The cymbal delivers a pronounced and controlled sound, reflecting Carey’s preference for cymbals that offer responsiveness and warmth.
Carey has chosen Paiste cymbals as his career-long partner because they deliver the dynamics, textures, and wide variety of tones he needs – from powerful crashes to rich, bright hi-hats. The cymbals are also easily controllable, perfect for Carey’s complex rhythms and meeting his demands on stage and in the studio
He uses multiple chinas, such as the Paiste 2002 18” China Cymbal, ranging from thick to thin and small to large for every possible tone and sound combination.
He even uses a Paiste Symphonic Gong which can be heard in Tool’s hit song “Lateralus”.
Drumheads
Danny Carey meticulously selects his drumheads. Among his preferred choices is the Evans Power Centre snare head, renowned for its ability to produce a focused and resonant crack that’s essential for the commanding presence and precision in his snare drum sound.
Other drumheads Carey uses include the Evans G2 Clear Drum Head, 8”, the Evans G1 Clear Drum Head, 8”, and the prestigious Evans EQ3 Clear Bass Drum Head 22” – not to mention the Retro screen mesh resonant bass drum head – just when you thought it couldn’t get any more custom.
The Evans drumheads utilised across his kit contribute to the drum set’s durability, tonal consistency, and clarity, allowing Carey to produce articulate tones right around the kit with fluidity and precision.
Hardware and accessories
When it comes to hardware and accessories, Danny Carey endorses various reputable brands.
His gear includes the Mandala Drum, Sonor Bubinga Limited Edition Signature Series, and the Vic Firth Danny Carey Signature Drumsticks which are designed to his specific requirements and feature a unique cut-in design to enhance the grip.
Additionally, his hardware setup includes the Pearl RH2050 Eliminator Redline Twin-Cam Remote Hi-Hat, Pearl P-2050C Eliminator Redline Single Pedal, and a Roc N Soc Nitro Base With Seat 18-24″.
He also has used rototoms such as the Remo 6”, 8” and 10” Rototom Set With Stand in some of his performances and even replaced his entire tom drums with rototoms for a period of time.
Electronics
A huge part of Danny’s signature sound is the electronics and technology he uses alongside his drumming. Notably, he incorporates drum pads, with the Roland V-Drums TD-20S being prominent in his setups.
He’s also known to use the Native Instruments Battery for electronic percussion sounds and incorporates the Korg Wavedrum’s range of sounds that are all programmable to the responsive drum pad.
Danny Carey’s playing style
You’ll recognise Carey’s playing style for its complex polyrhythms and odd time signatures.
He’s known for his natural and fluid approach which allows him to play off-tempo at times, creating a sense of rhythm and groove that is difficult to replicate and sure to mess with your mind!
Carey’s technique is extremely intricate and has developed significantly over the years to something unique. Progressive metal is so diverse and vast, and it’s fair to say that Danny Carey has developed his very own style and sound within the complex genre.
Made possible with his huge kit setups, his drumming has inspired an incredible number of drummers all around the world.
FAQs
What drums does Danny Carey Use?
Danny Carey uses a diverse set of drums, including custom Sonor drum shells that give him the exact specifications and rich, full sounds he needs. He is also known for staying loyal to Paiste cymbals throughout his career.
How much does Danny Carey’s drum kit cost?
The price of Danny Carey’s drum kits varies greatly based on the specific components and customisations he uses for performances. His ‘’Drumtree’’ kit costs roughly $70,000 due to its cast bronze brass shells and multiple cymbals and accessories.
How good of a drummer is Danny Carey?
Danny Carey is an exceptional drummer, known for his innovative playing style in the progressive metal genre. His ability to utilise the whole of his giant setups and include unique ideas, such as the recycled cymbal drum shells and implementation of a symphonic gong, make him stand out as one of the top drummers in the world.
Final thoughts
Danny Carey’s drum kit features a diverse blend of traditional and electronic elements. From cymbals-turned-shells to rototoms, Carey is specific in his setup – and he has to be to have had such a huge legacy!
Explore more influential drummers in our article about the best rock drummers! And let us know in the comments which other drummers’ setups you’d like a deep-dive into!
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