Godsmack IV Drum Setup: Shannon Larkin's Pearl Reference Gear on the #2 Billboard Album (2006) | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drums did Shannon Larkin use on Godsmack IV?

On Godsmack's *IV* (2006), Shannon Larkin used a Pearl Reference Series kit — Pearl's flagship professional shell pack featuring a hybrid maple/birch shell construction. The configuration ran double 22" bass drums, 10" and 12" rack toms, and 14" and 16" floor toms — the same spread as his *Faceless* (2003) setup, now with the more attack-forward Pearl Reference character. This represented a significant gear transition from the Tama Starclassic Maple he had recorded *Faceless* with. His snare was a Pearl Free-Floating 14"x6.5" brass shell — a warmer, more complex instrument than the steel snare on *Faceless*. For his complete gear history, see the [Shannon Larkin drummer profile](/drummer/shannon-larkin).

How does Shannon Larkin's kit compare between Faceless and IV?

Between *Faceless* (2003) and *IV* (2006), Shannon Larkin underwent a substantial gear transition. His Tama Starclassic Maple kit — with its warm, all-maple shell construction — gave way to the Pearl Reference Series, whose maple/birch hybrid shells deliver a more punchy, attack-forward tone suited to *IV*'s heavier direction. His snare changed from a steel model to the Pearl Free-Floating 14"x6.5" brass — adding tonal complexity and warmth. His cymbals evolved from pure Sabian AAX (bright, machine-hammered) to a Sabian HH/HHX dual-series configuration (hand-hammered, darker, more complex). His pedals changed from DW 9000 to Pearl Eliminator, and his sticks from Vater Hickory 5B to Vic Firth SD1 General. Virtually every component of the kit shifted between the two albums. See the full [Faceless drum setup](/articles/faceless-drum-setup) for a direct comparison.

What cymbals does Shannon Larkin use?

Shannon Larkin is a Sabian endorsee. On *IV* (2006), he used a Sabian HH / HHX dual-series configuration — an evolution from the pure AAX setup on *Faceless*. His *IV* cymbal setup included Sabian HH 14" Medium Hi-Hats, HHX 17" and 19" Evolution Crashes, an HHX 21" Raw Bell Dry Ride, and an HH 18" Chinese cymbal. The shift from AAX to HH/HHX brought hand-hammered complexity and darker tonal character, suited to *IV*'s heavier arrangements. The HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride in particular became a defining element of his setup in subsequent Godsmack years. See the [Shannon Larkin drum setup](/articles/shannon-larkin-drum-setup) for his complete current cymbal configuration.

What pedals does Shannon Larkin use?

On *IV* (2006), Shannon Larkin transitioned from the DW 9000 double bass pedal he used on *Faceless* to the Pearl Eliminator — Pearl's flagship double bass pedal featuring an interchangeable cam system (round, oval, or eccentric cams available) that allows the player to customize the pedal's power curve and return speed. The Eliminator's chain-drive mechanism delivers consistent, reliable feel suited to the more aggressive double-kick patterns on *IV*. Larkin has continued using professional-grade chain-drive double pedals throughout his Godsmack career, prioritizing feel consistency over raw speed. See the [Shannon Larkin drummer profile](/drummer/shannon-larkin) for his complete current hardware setup.

What is the chart position of Godsmack IV?

Godsmack's *IV* (released April 25, 2006, on Republic Records) debuted at #2 on the Billboard 200 — one position below the #1 peak of its predecessor *Faceless* (2003). The album was certified Platinum in the United States, demonstrating that Godsmack maintained their large commercial following even with a heavier, less accessible direction. The #2 debut made *IV* one of the strongest-charting hard rock releases of 2006, a year when the format was facing commercial contraction. Shannon Larkin's drumming on *IV* — driving the album's harder-hitting arrangements with the Pearl Reference kit and Sabian HH/HHX cymbals — was central to the album's ability to satisfy both the band's existing audience and the harder rock direction they pursued.