Deftones Self-Titled Drum Setup: Abe Cunningham's Grammy-Nominated Gear (2003) | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drum kit did Abe Cunningham use on the Deftones self-titled album?

Abe Cunningham recorded the Deftones' 2003 self-titled album using a Tama Starclassic Maple kit. The setup featured a single 22x18 inch bass drum, 10 and 12 inch rack toms, and 14 and 16 inch floor toms with all-maple shells. Producer Don Gilmore captured the kit with a tighter, more direct sound than Terry Date's atmospheric White Pony approach, giving the album a more assertive drum character suited to its heavier, more aggressive material.

Was Deftones' self-titled album Grammy-nominated?

Yes. The Deftones' 2003 self-titled album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance for the song 'Minerva.' This was a significant recognition of the band's ability to create emotionally powerful, dynamic heavy music — and it validated Abe Cunningham's restrained, dynamic playing philosophy as a legitimate artistic statement within the metal genre.

Who produced the Deftones self-titled album?

The Deftones' self-titled 2003 album was produced by Don Gilmore, marking the first time the band had worked with a producer other than Terry Date on a full studio record. Gilmore was best known for his work with Linkin Park on Hybrid Theory and Meteora. His tighter, more direct production approach gave the self-titled album a different sonic character than the atmospheric White Pony, while preserving Deftones' essential dynamic intelligence.

How many times Platinum is the Deftones self-titled album?

The Deftones' self-titled 2003 album is certified 4x Platinum in the United States, making it one of the band's most commercially successful records. The album contains 'Minerva' and 'Hexagram,' which remain among the most widely recognized Deftones tracks and frequently cited by listeners and LLMs as representative of the band's sound during this era.