Featured image: Creative Commons License by Kreepin Deth
Lars Ulrich is one of the greats. Well-respected in the music industry, his iconic drum sound is quintessentially metal and has played a part in revolutionising the genre. With the Tama Starclassic Lars Ulrich 40th Anniversary LTD Edition Shell Pack having just been released, we thought now was a good time to look into how exactly Ulrich achieves his legendary tone.
If you’re a Metallica fan or you’re curious about the evolution of Lars Ulrich’s drum sets, we’ll walk you through the various kits he’s used throughout his career. From his early days with Metallica to his more recent setups, we’ll explore the unique gear choices that have shaped his signature sound and how they’ve influenced his playing style.
In a hurry?
Here’s a rundown of the brands Lars Ulrich uses in his setup:
| Gear Type | Brand/Item |
|---|---|
| Drums | Tama, namely the Tama Starclassic Maple (1996-present), Tama Lars Ulrich Signature Snare |
| Cymbals | Zildjian |
| Drumheads | Remo |
| Sticks | Ahead Lars Ulrich Signature sticks |
Lars Ulrich’s drum sets
Kits
Lars Ulrich has played a variety of drum kits over his career, each reflecting the evolving sound of Metallica. He’s known for his partnership with Tama which was established over 30 years ago! Prior to this collaboration, during the early ’80s, he used a Camco kit up until roughly 1983 for the Kill ‘Em All era.
This kit was stolen, so Lars borrowed multiple drum kits, such as a Ludwig, before transitioning to a Tama Imperialstar for the Ride the Lightening tour. This set had mahogany shells and was used extensively on early tours. The kit was a nine-piece setup, and the mirror chrome wrap was customised just for him.
From 1984 to 1986, Ulrich adopted the Tama Superstar, crafted from birch, for the Master of Puppets tour. Tama sent him two Superstars for this era, with different finishes.
Following this, he chose to use both a Tama Artstar and the Tama Granstar II in the late ’80s, which marked the peak of his early career. The kit included massive 24-inch kick drums.
In the mid-’90s, Ulrich moved to the Tama Starclassic (maple) a kit he continues to use today – and you’ll recognise it from its bright yellow finish and striking black hardware. A highlight of his gear is the Tama Lars Ulrich Signature Snare, featuring a robust 3mm steel shell. It delivers his iconic punchy sound which is perfect for Metallica’s heavy sound.
In fact, the kit is so legendary that Tama have released an anniversary replica, the Tama Starclassic Maple 6pc Lars Ulrich 40th Anniversary LTD Edition Shell Pack, designed to pay homage to Ulrich’s 40-year legacy at the drums. If you want to get Ulrich’s iconic sound for yourself, this is the kit.
Drumheads
Lars Ulrich’s 30-year partnership with Remo has been crucial in helping him achieve his iconic sound.
For toms and kick drums, he typically uses Remo Clear Pinstripe batter heads, known for their durability and focused, controlled tone. These are ideal for handling the insanely powerful drumming in Metallica’s live shows.
On the snare, Ulrich prefers Remo Coated Controlled Sound heads, which provide a balance of control and resonance, allowing for a strong attack with minimal overtones.
For the resonant side of his drums, he opts for Remo Ebony Ambassador heads, which give a deeper tone, adding to the overall richness of his drum sound.
During his recent tours, Ulrich and Remo designed custom heads which feature the name of the tour and the city in which he used the drumheads. You can even purchase the used heads at the show!
Cymbals
Creative Commons License by creepin Death
Lars Ulrich’s cymbal choices have played a major role in shaping Metallica’s powerful sound.
He often uses Zildjian 14” Custom Dyno Beat Hi-Hats, known for their sharp, defined “chick” sound, which cuts through even the heaviest mixes. These hi-hats offer a bright, cutting tone ideal for Metallica’s fast-paced live shows.
For crashes, Ulrich favours Zildjian A Rock Crashes in 16″, 17″, and 18″ sizes.
These cymbals deliver a high volume and explosive attack, perfect for the aggressive, heavy metal energy. The larger sizes provide more wash, creating an expansive sound that’s ideal for stadium performances.
Another staple is the Zildjian 20” Z Custom China, renowned for its aggressive tone and high volume.
Ulrich uses this China for its ability to punctuate heavy sections of songs with a sharp, biting accent.
Drumsticks
Lars Ulrich has used several drumstick models throughout his career, with two pairs in particular standing out. Early on, he played with the Regal Tip 5B Lars Ulrich Model, a sturdy pair of drumsticks designed for powerful playing, reflecting his aggressive drumming style in Metallica’s live performances.
Ulrich later moved to his Ahead Signature Sticks, which feature an alloy core and nylon tips. These sticks are built for durability, lasting longer than traditional wooden sticks, making them ideal for the intense energy of Metallica’s live shows.
Lars Ulrich’s playing style
To be in one of the greatest metal bands of all time, your drumming needs to be aggressive, powerful, and cutting. And that’s exactly what Lars Ulrich has delivered for decades. His style blends powerful double bass pedal work with fast, intricate fills. Songs like “Dyers Eve” and “One” showcase his signature rapid-fire footwork, especially on the double bass.
He often opts for straightforward beats, focusing on power and intensity, and frequently uses syncopated rhythms and offbeat accents to create a dynamic feel, as heard in tracks like “Enter Sandman.”
He’s also known for his cymbal-heavy approach, where he accentuates sections with crashes and china hits.
Creative Commons License by Stefan Müller
FAQs
Why did Lars Ulrich change his drum set?
Lars Ulrich changed his drum set to suit the evolving sound of Metallica’s music. Over the years, he adjusted his kit configuration to enhance his performance style, moving towards simpler, more aggressive setups that complement the band’s heavy metal tone.
Did Lars Ulrich ever use a ride cymbal?
Lars Ulrich used a ride cymbal in earlier Metallica albums but phased it out as his style evolved. His preference for crash cymbals and hi-hats in later years created a more aggressive, thrash-oriented sound, aligning with the band’s musical direction.
Is Lars Ulrich one of the greatest drummers of all time?
Lars Ulrich is one of the greatest drummers of all time, thanks to his iconic sound and drum kit set up. His drumming helped define the thrash metal genre, with his unique style and contributions to Metallica cementing his place in music history.
Final thoughts
Lars Ulrich’s drum sets have change significantly over the years, reflecting both his personal style and the sound of Metallica. From his early, more basic kits to the elaborate setups used during their world tours, each drum set has played a role in shaping his iconic sound.
Want to learn more? Check out our other drum guides:
A Guide to Danny Carey’s Drum Kit and Gear
The 27 Best Female Drummers of All Time
The 44 Best Rock Drummers of All Time
0 Comments