What's In Abe Cunningham's Deftones Arsenal: Complete Gear Breakdown | MetalForge
Discover the exact drums, cymbals, and gear behind Abe Cunningham's signature groove. Complete breakdown of his Tama Starclassic setup, Zildjian cymbals, and...
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit does Abe Cunningham use with the Deftones?
Abe Cunningham plays a Tama Starclassic Maple/Bubinga kit. His configuration includes a 22x18 inch bass drum, 10 and 12 inch rack toms, and 14 and 16 inch floor toms. He's been a longtime Tama endorser since 1997, valuing the Starclassic shells for their punchy attack and durability, which suits the Deftones' dynamic range from atmospheric passages to full-on heavy sections. He pairs the kit with a matching 14x6.5 inch Tama Starclassic snare.
What cymbals does Abe Cunningham use with the Deftones?
Abe Cunningham uses a Zildjian A Custom and K Custom hybrid setup. His cymbals include 14 inch A New Beat hi-hats, 16 and 18 inch A Custom crashes, a 21 inch K Custom Ride for dark, complex overtones, a 20 inch A Custom Crash/Ride, and an 18 inch A Custom China. This combination of A Custom brightness and K Custom darkness mirrors the Deftones' blend of aggressive attack and atmospheric texture.
How much does Abe Cunningham's Deftones kit cost?
A Tama Starclassic Maple/Bubinga shell pack comparable to Abe Cunningham's setup costs approximately $2,500 to $4,500. The matching Tama Starclassic 14"x6.5" snare adds $300 to $450. Completing the rig with a full Zildjian A Custom and K Custom cymbal package brings the total to roughly $7,000 to $10,000.