Diamond Eyes Drum Setup: Abe Cunningham's Cathartic Comeback | MetalForge
Discover the exact drums, cymbals, and gear Abe Cunningham used to record Deftones' Diamond Eyes album. Complete setup breakdown with recording techniques an...
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit did Abe Cunningham use on Diamond Eyes?
Abe Cunningham recorded Diamond Eyes in 2009-2010 using a Tama Starclassic kit with bubinga/birch hybrid shells. The setup featured a single 22x18 inch bass drum, 10 and 12 inch rack toms, and 14 and 16 inch floor toms. The bubinga/birch combination delivered focused low-end punch with bright attack, perfectly suited to producer Nick Raskulinecz's clear, punchy mix philosophy.
What snare did Abe Cunningham use on Diamond Eyes?
Abe Cunningham primarily used a Tama Bell Brass 14"x6.5" snare on Diamond Eyes, with a Tama Starphonic Brass as a frequent alternate. The bell brass shell produces a bright, brassy crack with significant body — perfect for cutting through Stephen Carpenter's downtuned guitars without aggressive top-end EQ. This snare sound became a Deftones signature from Diamond Eyes onward.
Did Abe Cunningham use double bass on Diamond Eyes?
No. Abe Cunningham is a documented single-kick player, and Diamond Eyes uses no double bass drumming. The album's heaviness comes from pocket, dynamics, and the locked-in interplay between Abe's single 22-inch kick and Sergio Vega's bass guitar — not from sustained double-bass barrages.