Bill Ward's Drum Setup on Black Sabbath's Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973) | MetalForge
Bill Ward's drum setup for Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (1973) — the Ludwig kit and Zildjian cymbals on the album where Black Sabbath first used synthesizers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drums did Bill Ward use on Sabbath Bloody Sabbath?
Bill Ward recorded *Sabbath Bloody Sabbath* (1973) on a Ludwig kit that had grown from his *Master of Reality* setup — a 24" bass drum (up from 22"), two rack toms, and a second floor tom (18") added alongside his existing 16". The vintage maple shells in Silver Sparkle finish carried over from earlier sessions. For the full arc of Ward's gear through Black Sabbath's catalog, see the [Bill Ward drummer profile](/drummer/bill-ward).
What is the drum sound on Sabbath Bloody Sabbath?
The drum sound on *Sabbath Bloody Sabbath* is fuller and more dynamically varied than on the band's earlier albums, reflecting both Bill Ward's bigger Ludwig kit and the more ambitious, self-produced arrangements. Ward switched from the Ludwig Acrolite snare he'd used since *Paranoid* to a deeper Ludwig Supraphonic, giving his backbeat more body to sit against the album's denser production — including the first synthesizer ever used on a Black Sabbath record. Compare with the leaner, more riff-locked drum sound on [Master of Reality](/articles/master-of-reality-drum-setup), recorded two years earlier.
When did Black Sabbath first use synthesizers?
Black Sabbath first used synthesizers on *Sabbath Bloody Sabbath* (1973), specifically on the track "Sabbra Cadabra," which features guest musician Rick Wakeman of Yes on piano and synthesizer. This marked a turning point toward the more layered, progressive arrangements the band would explore further on subsequent albums. Bill Ward's drumming on the track stays relatively straightforward, anchoring the groove while the new keyboard textures take the spotlight.
How much did Bill Ward's 1973 drum kit cost?
Bill Ward's expanded Ludwig kit on *Sabbath Bloody Sabbath* — a 24" bass drum, two rack toms, and two floor toms in vintage maple — would have cost roughly $1,000 to $1,800 new in 1973. Comparable vintage Ludwig kits from that era sell for $6,000 to $15,000 today in good original condition. The Ludwig Supraphonic snare he switched to for this album is a sought-after vintage piece, typically selling for $200 to $450. See the [Bill Ward licks and technique breakdowns](/drummer/bill-ward/licks) for more on his evolving technique during this period.