Ray Luzier Drum Setup: Korn's Groove Machine Complete Gear Guide | MetalForge
Ray Luzier's Pearl drums, Sabian AAX cymbals, and Pearl Demon Drive pedals — the complete rig behind Korn's nu-metal live machine. Full setup and technique b...
Frequently Asked Questions
What drums does Ray Luzier use?
Ray Luzier plays Pearl Masters Maple Complete drums with Korn. The Masters Maple Complete features all-maple shell construction across every ply, delivering the focused attack and balanced tone needed to cut through Korn's dense, seven-string guitar-driven mix. His kit is configured with double 22" bass drums and a five-tom spread, giving him the range for Korn's groove-heavy arrangements and melodic fills.
What cymbals does Ray Luzier play?
Ray Luzier plays Sabian AAX cymbals. His setup includes Sabian AAX 14" Stage Hi-Hats, 18" and 19" X-Plosion Crashes, a 21" Stage Ride, and an 18" AAXtreme China. The AAX series' bright, fast-responding character is ideal for Korn's dense live mix — cymbals that cut through wall-of-sound production and decay quickly without smearing the groove.
What pedals does Ray Luzier use?
Ray Luzier uses the Pearl Demon Drive double bass pedal. Unlike chain-drive or belt-drive pedals, the Demon Drive uses a direct-drive design — the footboard connects directly to the beater shaft with no intermediate mechanism. This provides immediate, 1:1 response that Luzier relies on for Korn's groove-oriented double-kick patterns, where feel and consistency are more important than maximum burst speed.
What drumsticks does Ray Luzier use?
Ray Luzier plays Vic Firth Ray Luzier Signature drumsticks. The signature model was developed with Luzier for Korn's demanding live and studio contexts. It features a nylon tip for consistent, bright cymbal articulation and a taper balanced for power and control — enough mass to project through Korn's mix, with enough precision for nuanced groove work.
When did Ray Luzier join Korn?
Ray Luzier began touring with Korn in 2007 following the departure of founding drummer David Silveria. He initially joined as a touring drummer and was later confirmed as an official band member. His first full studio album with Korn was Korn III: Remember Who You Are (2010), produced by Ross Robinson — the same producer who helmed Korn's influential debut. Luzier has recorded four studio albums with the band and has toured extensively worldwide.