Rust in Peace Drum Setup: Nick Menza's Gear Breakdown | MetalForge
Nick Menza recorded Rust in Peace (1990) on a Tama Artstar II 5-piece, Midnight Blue finish kit with a Tama Steel Snare snare.
Complete breakdown of Nick Menza's drum gear on Megadeth's Rust in Peace. Discover the Tama kit, cymbals, and recording techniques behind one of thrash metal...
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit did Nick Menza use on Rust in Peace?
Nick Menza played a Tama Artstar II 5-piece kit in Midnight Blue finish on Rust in Peace, recorded in 1990 — Tama's pro-tier kit of the period. The setup featured a 22x16 inch bass drum driven by a DW 5000 double pedal, 12x10 and 13x11 inch rack toms, and a 16x16 inch floor tom. All shells were birch, giving the kit a tight, focused attack that cut through Megadeth's aggressive riff-driven arrangements on that album.
What cymbals did Nick Menza use on Rust in Peace?
Nick Menza used Zildjian A Custom and A Series cymbals on Rust in Peace. His setup included 14 inch A Custom hi-hats, A Custom crashes ranging from 16 to 19 inches, a 20 inch A Custom Medium Ride, an 18 inch A China Boy High for aggressive accents, and a 10 inch A Custom splash. The A Custom series delivered the bright, cutting tone heard throughout the record.
How much does Nick Menza's Rust in Peace kit cost?
At the time of recording in 1990, the Tama Artstar II kit was valued at approximately $900 to $1,200 new — Tama's pro-tier kit of the period, reflecting the technical precision of Menza's playing. Today, a vintage Tama Artstar II in good condition typically fetches around $1,000 to $1,200 depending on configuration and condition. The Tama Steel snare he used, originally around $150 to $250, now commands $200 to $350 or so on the vintage market.