Painkiller Drum Setup: Scott Travis's Speed Metal Revolution | MetalForge
Scott Travis recorded Painkiller (1990) on a Tama Artstar II kit with a Tama Artstar II Steel snare.
Complete breakdown of Scott Travis's legendary drum setup on Judas Priest's Painkiller. The album that proved metal wasn't dead in 1990, featuring some of th...
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit did Scott Travis use on Painkiller?
Scott Travis recorded Painkiller in 1990 using a Tama Artstar II kit with birch shells and die-cast hoops. The setup featured dual 22x16 inch bass drums, three rack toms at 10, 12, and 13 inches, and 14 and 16 inch floor toms, delivering the tight, punchy attack that powered the album's relentless speed and precision. Travis switched to Pearl's Reference Series in the 2000s before moving to his current ddrum setup for Firepower (2018).
What cymbals did Scott Travis use on Painkiller?
Scott Travis used Paiste Signature and 2002 series cymbals on Painkiller. His setup included Paiste Signature 14 inch Heavy Hi-Hats, Paiste crashes ranging from 16 to 20 inches, a Paiste Signature 22 inch Power Ride, and a Paiste 2002 20 inch Novo China. The Signature series provided the cutting brightness and projection needed to match the ferocity of Judas Priest's heaviest recording.
How much does Scott Travis's Painkiller drum kit cost?
At the time of the 1990 recording, the Tama Artstar II kit was valued at approximately $1,800 to $2,400. Paiste Signature and 2002 cymbals from that era can add another $1,800 to $2,300. Reproducing the full setup in vintage condition typically costs between $1,300 and $4,000 today.