Undertow Drum Setup: Danny Carey's 1993 Tool Debut Kit Breakdown | MetalForge
Danny Carey recorded Undertow (1993) on a Unconfirmed kit with a Unconfirmed snare.
Complete breakdown of Danny Carey's drum gear on Tool's Undertow (1993). Discover the Paiste 2002 cymbals, why the early-90s drum kit brand isn't publicly do...
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit did Danny Carey use on Undertow?
Danny Carey's specific drum kit brand and model on Tool's Undertow (1993) aren't publicly documented — no period interview, endorsement listing, or verified photograph names them. What is confirmed is that his cymbal setup was Paiste 2002, and that his now-familiar Sonor endorsement, which produced the SQ2 Heavy Beech setup he uses today, didn't begin until the 2000s.
What cymbals did Danny Carey use on Undertow?
Danny Carey used Paiste 2002 cymbals on Undertow, including 14" Sound Edge hi-hats, 16" and 18" crashes, a 20" ride, and a Paiste RUDE 18" China. The 2002 series' bright, cutting character suited the raw early-90s production approach Sylvia Massy brought to the album, before Danny moved to the darker Paiste Signature and Traditional series for Lateralus.
Where was Undertow recorded?
Undertow was recorded primarily at Sound City Studios in Van Nuys, California, with additional work at Grand Master Recorders in Los Angeles. Sound City's Neve 8028 console and naturally great-sounding live room were ideal for capturing Danny Carey's drums with the dimensional, room-driven sound that distinguishes the album from more claustrophobic 1993 metal productions.
Who produced Undertow?
Undertow was produced by Sylvia Massy alongside Tool. Massy came to the project with engineering credits on Prince, Tom Petty, and Johnny Cash records. She is known for unconventional studio approaches — including reportedly tracking Maynard James Keenan's vocals from inside a sealed metal trash can — but her treatment of Danny Carey's drums emphasized capturing the source kit with minimal processing.
How does the Undertow drum setup differ from Ænima and Lateralus?
The Undertow drum kit and pedal brand aren't publicly documented, so a direct gear comparison to Ænima isn't possible. What's confirmed is the Paiste 2002 cymbal setup, which carried through Ænima before Danny moved to the darker Paiste Signature series for Lateralus. Lateralus also marked his documented transition to Sonor drums and a much larger seven-tom kit. Undertow represents Danny Carey's playing at its rawest and most song-focused, regardless of the specific gear.
What pedal did Danny Carey use on Undertow?
Danny Carey's bass drum pedal for Undertow isn't publicly documented. The album's material doesn't require double-bass pedaling — Danny's strong foot technique on a single pedal handles every section — but no source names the specific brand or model he used in 1993, well before his confirmed Sonor Giant Step pedal era.