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A Comprehensive Guide to John Bonham’s Drum Sets

by Bethany /
21/01/2025

Featured image: Creative Commons License by Rest My Chemistry.

One of my all-time favourite drummers has to be John Bonham. His powerful drumming, lightning-fast footwork, and signature grooves… the energy he brought to his music has hardly been matched since his 12 years with Led Zeppelin. But what is a drummer without a kit? Bonham’s drum setup created that legendary sound. He often used larger drums to deliver that booming effect and shape the unforgettable music of Led Zeppelin. 

In this article, we will look into some of the key bits of kit Bonham used throughout his career. If you’re a Led Zeppelin fan or you’re curious about John Bonham’s drum sets, read on, We’ll walk you through his setup, from his early days to the later moments of his career.  

Secondhand drums

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In a nutshell, here are the main pieces of kit John Bonham used throughout his career:

DrumsSlingerland kit (1968)
Ludwig Green Sparkle (1970 - 1973)
Ludwig Amber Vistalite (1973 - 1975)
CymbalsPaiste Giant Beats
Paiste 2002 series
HardwareRogers Swiv-O-Matic tom holder
Ludwig Speed King pedal
ModificationsLudwig timpani
Paiste Symphonic gong

John Bonham’s drum sets 

Drum brands and configurations 

Bonham was known for his love of Ludwig drums, but before securing an endorsement deal with the brand, he experimented with various manufacturers. One of the standout kits he used was a Slingerland kit, which he used during Led Zeppelin’s first tour. He was also photographed playing a beautiful pearl-finished Trixon kit before he joined the band. 

Bonham’s most famed kit configuration was: 

  • 26″ x 14″ bass drum 
  • 14″ x 10″ mounted tom 
  • 16″ x 16″ floor tom 
  • 18″ x 16″ floor tom 
  • 14″ x 6.5″ Supraphonic Snare Drum 

This setup was great for Led Zeppelins’ high-energy sound. 

Bonham was introduced to Ludwig while touring with Carmine Appice. At the time, he was playing a Slingerland kit, but it wasn’t long before he made the switch to the iconic 26″, 14″ 16″, 18″ setup. This configuration was influenced by one of his drumming idols, Buddy Rich, who used the same sizes. This setup became a staple of his during his peak performance years. 

Bonham started performing at a time when micing up kits for live performances was rare, especially at smaller shows, so he needed something with excellent projection. Ludwig kits are known for their exceptional volume, tonal quality, and durability, making them the perfect fit.

He used extremely durable three-ply kits. These were perfect for on-the-road performances and the hard-hitting music that Led Zeppelin were famous for. Even though he experimented with different kits throughout the years, he always relied on a Supraphonic snare with every setup. Today, the Supraphonic is the most recorded snare in history because of its versatility and crisp tones.  

Led Zeppelin poster

Creative Commons License by B


Slingerland kit (1968) 

During the early days of Led Zeppelin, Bonham used a Slingerland kit. This was rumoured to have been gifted to him by the drummer from the Yardbirds after they broke up. The kit included a 22″ bass drum, a 13″ rack tom, and two 16″ floor toms. It had a dark sparkle finish.

The snare was either a Supraphonic or a Slingerland sound king Gene Krupa model, which came with Slingerland kits at the time.  

While using this kit, Bonham secured an endorsement deal with Ludwig, which paved the way for his most iconic kits. He upgraded his kit to a 26″ x 14″ bass drum and a 22″ bass drum. The 22″ had modified rims, meaning it could be used as a floor tom. He also had an 18″ x 16″ floor tom and a 15″ x12″ marching tenor drum as his rack tom.  


Ludwig Green Sparkle (1970 – 1973) 

Ludwig Green Sparkle drum kitWhen I think of John Bonham’s drum kit, this is the kit I picture. The Green Sparkle Ludwing was made up of a 26″ x 14″ bass drum, a 14″ x 10″ mounted tom (which later became 15″ x 12″), and two floor toms at 16″ x 16″ and 18″ x 16″.

He had three identical versions of this kit that were used live and in the studio roughly between the years of 1970 and 1973. This kit became one of Bonham’s longest-running kits. It was used on four albums and is believed to be Bonham’s favourite kit.  


Ludwig Amber Vistalite (1973 – 1975) 

In 1973, Ludwig launched the iconic Vistalite range which quickly became a favourite because of its eye-catching colours and interesting plexiglass design. Bonham played a Vistalite for many live performances. The stage lighting complimented the kit’s see-through design, making it appear to glow on stage.

The transparent shells also gave fans a better view of Bonham while he performed. His kit included a 26″ x 14″ bass drum, a 14″ x 10″ rack tom, and two floor toms, both with the 16″ x 16″ and 18″ x 16″ configuration Bonham was known for.  

Acrylic kits are known to offer better projection than wooden shells. The Visalite has a sharp sound that works with different genres, and it provides a punchy sound that is well-suited to both tours and recording sessions. Bonham used it for multiple songs such as “No Quarter” and “Dazed and Confused.” It is often a favourite of Led Zeppelin fans.

Ludwig have designed a replica version of this kit for drummers looking for a stunning kit that can produce the powerful projection needed for rock and metal.


Cymbals 

Bonham’s use of cymbals was an important part of his iconic sound. He was a big fan of the Paiste Giant Beats, which were first introduced in the mid-1960s and were well known for having a bright sound that perfectly complemented Zeppelin’s powerful music. They were made from a B8 bronze alloy which made them quite durable. Bonham was a heavy hitter, so these cymbals worked perfectly for his playing style.  

When the Giant Beat series was discontinued in 1971, Bonham turned to Paiste’s 2002 series. These were very similar in style to his previous cymbals, but they also offered him a bit more tonal depth. Paiste designed the 2002s in the late ’60s specifically for heavier genres, which wasn’t common at the time.

These cymbals have become heavily associated with Bonham’s setup and they’re loved by rock and metal drummers around the world.  

His typical setup would include: 

Bonham’s use of these cymbals is still a talked-about topic today, and it has earned the 2002s a legendary status within the drumming community. 


Hardware 

John Bonham used double-braced Rogers hardware for his cymbal stands and tom holders. He needed something durable that could withstand his heavy-hitting style, and these stands offered him just that.

His most interesting piece of hardware was the Rogers Swiv-O-Matic tom holder, which made the Ludwig kits a little more versatile and adaptable to different setups. Bonham modified his kits to fit this tom mount, which helped define his setup throughout the years.  

Another key piece of hardware was the Ludwig Speed King pedal. This pedal has an exceptionally smooth response and yet still provides immense power (it was designed with heavier genres in mind). 


Modifications 

Bonham would often modify his setup by adding different percussive options. While on tour, he would use copper-shelled Ludwig timpani because they added richness, depth, and an orchestral feel to his drumming. You can hear timpani in songs such as “Moby Dick.” If you want to add timpani to your setup, we’d recommend the Premier Concert 29″ Pedal Timpani for its sharp projection and natural sounding tones. 

He would also use a Paiste Symphonic gong to add to this orchestral sound. Bonham would use this cymbal as a clever “warm-up” to add a dynamic effect to his performances.  

Other percussive instruments, such as cowbells and bongos, found their place in John Bonham’s setup over the years. These gave him new textures to experiment with and helped create a distinctive sound that earned him his reputation as one of the greats.  

Led Zeppelin - Plant and Bonham

Creative Commons License by JimmyGuano

John Bonham’s legendary drumming style 

Bonham may have passed away at a young age, but in the time he had, he created some memorable grooves that are still inspiring drummers today. His drumming patterns and fills set the standard for drummers worldwide.

If you want to hear drumming mastery, listen to the bass drum triplets in “Good Times Bad Times,” particularly the expressive kick drum fills and offbeats, and the groove of “Kashmir.” For an idea of just how explosive Bonham could be at the kit, listen to the drum solo in “Moby Dick.” 

Another great groove is the “Bonham Shuffle,” heard in “Fool in the Rain.” It’s tight, has a triplet-based groove, and has inspired countless drummers, including Jeff Porcaro’s shuffle in Toto’s “Rosanna.” 

Bonham also collaborated with producers like Jimmy Page and engineers like Andy Johns. His legendary recording of “When the Levee Breaks” influenced multiple genres and inspired rock drummers like Dave Grohl. It has been widely sampled in hip-hop, cementing Bonham’s legacy as one of the most impactful drummers of all time. 

John Bonham was so influential that we’ve included the “Bonham Triplets” on our list of the best drum fills for beginners – take a look if you’re a budding drummer wanting to add some flair to your performances. 

 

FAQs 

What happened to John Bonham’s drum set? 

John Bonham’s drum sets have become a cherished artefact in music history. Some pieces are displayed in museums or private collections, while others are owned by his family or fans. His kits, especially the iconic Ludwig sets, are legendary among drummers and collectors worldwide. 


What kind of drumheads did John Bonham use? 

John Bonham used drumheads that complemented his powerful playing style, primarily Remo drumheads. He preferred to use clear, medium-weight heads on toms and a coated head for his snare. These choices contributed to his iconic, resonant, and punchy drum sound. 


How many pieces was John Bonham’s drum set? 

John Bonham’s drum set typically consisted of five pieces. This included a bass drum, snare, one mounted tom, and two floor toms. He often paired this setup with large cymbals, which further defined his thunderous and unmistakable drumming style. 

Final thoughts 

John Bonham’s drum sets are as iconic as the man himself. His kit setup has helped to shape modern drumming… not to mention the legendary sound of Led Zeppelin. And best of all, if you’re a drummer, there are plenty of ways you can build a similar setup for yourself.

Want to learn more? Check out our other drum guides: 

A Guide to Lars Ulrich’s Drum Sets 

A Guide to Danny Carey’s Drum Kit and Gear 

The 44 Best Rock Drummers of All Time

 

Beth is a drummer and songwriter from Hull. Having played music from an early age, Beth has been writing and producing original work with All Gone South, a five-piece band who began their journey in their early teens. After achieving a degree and master’s in Music at Leeds Conservatoire, Beth’s experience provides a great foundation for a future career in the industry. Beth continues to follow her passion within music, playing in a multitude of bands within East Yorkshire.

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