Jon Dette Drum Setup — Slayer's Underrated Thrash Machine | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drums did Jon Dette use with Slayer?

Jon Dette used Ludwig Classic Maple drums during his 1996–1997 Slayer touring period. This setup distinguished him from both Dave Lombardo (who used Tama throughout his Slayer tenure) and Paul Bostaph (who later played DW for the Final World Tour era). The Ludwig Classic Maple's six-ply maple construction delivers a warm, open resonance with a focused attack — a different sonic character than Tama's tighter construction, but equally capable of handling Slayer's demanding catalogue at live touring volumes. His double bass configuration used two 22" kick drums for the sub-bass frequency mass that Slayer's double-kick intensive material requires.

What is Jon Dette's drum kit setup?

Jon Dette's core setup centers on Ludwig Classic Maple drums (from his Slayer era), with Sabian or Zildjian cymbals and DW 9000 or Tama Iron Cobra double bass pedals. His kit configuration typically includes two 22" bass drums (double kick), two rack toms (10" and 12"), and two floor toms (14" and 16"). His snare is a 14" x 6.5" metal or maple model tuned medium-bright for cut in thrash metal mixes. He plays Promark or Vater 5B sticks. Across his Testament period, Dette adapted his setup to the band's different studio and live requirements while maintaining the same fundamental professional configuration.

How does Jon Dette's style compare to Dave Lombardo's?

Jon Dette and Dave Lombardo represent different approaches to Slayer's material. Lombardo — who defined Slayer's drum sound on the foundational albums Reign in Blood, South of Heaven, and Seasons in the Abyss — brings a primal, slightly looser feel that is inseparable from the original recordings. His Tama setup and aggressive, slightly ahead-of-the-beat approach creates the specific energy those albums are known for. Dette's approach is more metronomic and precision-focused — closer in philosophy to Paul Bostaph's technically consistent style. Where Lombardo plays with controlled aggression and slight rhythmic freedom, Dette prioritizes accuracy and reliability. For the full Lombardo comparison, see [Dave Lombardo's drum setup](/drummers/dave-lombardo). For Paul Bostaph's DW-based setup, see [Paul Bostaph's drum setup](/drummers/paul-bostaph).

What Testament albums did Jon Dette record?

None. Jon Dette was Testament's touring drummer only, across two stints (1997–1999 and 2001–2012), a tenure documented on the live album Live at the Fillmore (2005). The band's studio albums released during those years were recorded by other drummers: The Gathering (1999) by Dave Lombardo, The Formation of Damnation (2008) by Paul Bostaph, and Dark Roots of Earth (2012) by Gene Hoglan. Dette toured extensively behind all three records without playing on them.

Did Jon Dette play with Anthrax?

Yes. In 2010, Jon Dette filled in for Charlie Benante on Anthrax tour dates. This made him one of the very few drummers in thrash metal history to have performed with three of the genre's major acts: Slayer, Testament, and Anthrax (three of the Big Four). His ability to learn complex setlists quickly — established during his Slayer fill-in work in 1996 — made him the reliable choice for these short-notice touring situations. Charlie Benante returned to Anthrax's kit following the touring period.