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Signature Series: The Brands Behind Legendary Artist-Endorsed Drums

In this article, we explore the remarkable signature drums created in collaboration with legendary drummers like Lars Ulrich, Joey Jordison, Carl Palmer, Gavin Harrison, Charlie Benante, and Peter Erskine.

From innovative snare designs to groundbreaking drum kits, discover how brands like TAMA, Ludwig, Sonor, and Pearl have pushed the boundaries to deliver gear that defines an artist's legacy.

By Magesh MageshContributing Author

Attribution: Kreepin Deth, CC BY 3.0

There are many perks to being a famous drummer. One is being able to have custom gear made for you.

Years ago I was endorsing Sabian cymbals. I saw legendary product specialist Mark Love at a music expo in California. I spoke to him about possibly making me my own unique ride cymbal. He was very cool and said if we don't have the sound you hear in your head we can make it for you!

In this article, I would like to focus mainly on signature snare drums. Also why these artists created these products and how they help a drummer's overall sound.

TAMA Drums | Lars Ulrich 40th Anniversary Signature Drum Kit -Limited Edition

It is rare that a drum company will make a full signature series drum kit for an artist. The exception might be a super famous drummer from a super famous band, such as Lars Ulrich from Metallica.

Another reason a company will make a full drumkit for an artist is if it is incredibly groundbreaking.

Ludwig Breakbeats Series Drums

The drummer Questlove who plays for the Roots and is also the drummer for the Jimmy Falon show, designed The Ludwig breakbeat kit. This small powerhouse drum set was an instant hit for jazz, funk, pop, and drum and bass drummers. Although, small it sounded massive! You could also fit the whole drumkit into the boot of your car.

The reason the company can afford to make a complete kit is because they know loyal fans of the band will buy this product. In reality, companies prefer to make a signature snare drum as it costs less to manufacture.

Snare drums

Pearl JJ1365 Joey Jordison Snare

Joey Jordison was an outstanding drummer who played with the popular band 'Slipknot'. His signature snare drum is not what you expect! It is 13 inches in diameter whereas a standard snare drum is 14 inches.

The reason he made his signature snare drum smaller is for volume. The drum is deeper than a standard snare drum by one inch which gives it more depth. The shell is made from steel which gives it tremendous volume.

Although people assume this drum could just be used for heavy music it will sound just as great for funk!

Ludwig LW0414CP Carl Palmer Snare

Carl Palmer is the legendary drummer from the progressive rock band ELP. I was surprised to see the dimensions of his snare drum considering the music he plays. It is 14 inches in diameter and has a depth of 3.7 inches.  Almost 2 inches less than a standard snare drum. A drum of this depth is usually referred to as a piccolo. Being shallow creates a higher pitch and increases volume.

A lot of drummers use a piccolo snare drum as an auxiliary snare, meaning it is an extra snare placed to their left side. This is an amazing-sounding drum regardless of what style you are playing.

Sonor 12'x05' Signature G. Harrison

Gavin Harrison has worked with King Crimson and now with Porcupine Tree. He has a very interesting signature snare drum! It is 12 inches by 5 inches. Its standard depth gives a good amount of tone. Being 12 inches means it has a great 'cracking' sound perfect for funk and pop music. It is made of birch wood, which I find sounds warmer than metal snare drums.

Tama CB1465 Charlie Benante Snare

Charlie Benante is a phenomenal drummer who works with Anthrax and Pantera. His signature snare drum is very unique. The snare wires are made from carbon, not regular steel. I think this is due to the volume that Charlie plays at.

Being made from carbon gives added strength to the snare wires. Tama is often referred to as the strongest name in drums for good reason. This snare drum is made from steel with reinforced die-cast hoops. A great drum for heavy hitters!

Tama 14'x4,5' Peter Erskine Jazz S.

Peter Erskine is a legendary drummer who has worked with Joni Mitchell, Steely Dan, and Boz Scaggs. Although he is known for his jazz chops, his snare drum is quite versatile! It's one of the few snare drums with a depth of 4.5 inches. This means it's deeper than a piccolo but not as deep as a standard snare drum. It is made from Maple wood giving it a warm sound.

I found this great to play straight-ahead pop music for a consistent sound that wasn't too high-pitched.

In conclusion, I would say don't judge a book by its cover. Just because a drummer uses a snare for heavy metal it doesn't mean it can't be used for funk.

Listen with your ears, not your eyes!

About Magesh Magesh

Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour. He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk

Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com

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