What's In Matt Garstka's Kit: The Jazz-Fusion Meets Progressive Metal Arsenal | MetalForge
Discover Matt Garstka's complete drum setup — the Pearl Masterworks kit, Meinl Byzance cymbals, and signature gear that power Animals as Leaders. Complete br...
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit does Matt Garstka use?
Matt Garstka plays a Pearl Masterworks Maple kit configured with a 20x16 inch bass drum, 10x7 and 12x8 inch rack toms, and a 14x14 inch floor tom. The shells feature maple construction with Pearl's MasterCast hoops, which provide enhanced resonance and tuning stability. This is a professional-grade custom shell pack that Pearl builds to order, reflecting Garstka's demand for precise tonal control across his technically complex Animals as Leaders performances.
What cymbals does Matt Garstka use?
Matt Garstka uses Meinl Byzance cymbals across multiple lines. His setup includes Byzance 15 inch Dual Hi-Hats, Byzance crashes in 18 and 20 inch sizes, a Byzance 22 inch Sand Ride, a Byzance 18 inch Vintage Trash Hat used as a China, and various stack effects. The Byzance line's handcrafted Turkish feel suits his blend of jazz-fusion sensitivity and progressive metal attack.
How much does Matt Garstka's drum kit cost?
Matt Garstka's Pearl Masterworks Maple shell pack runs approximately $4,000 to $6,000 new, depending on finish and configuration. His Pearl Matt Garstka Signature Snare adds around $400 to $500. His Meinl Byzance cymbal setup can easily exceed $2,500 to $4,000 when factoring in multiple specialty pieces. Total kit cost with hardware and accessories lands in the range of $10,000 to $14,000 for a comparable full setup.