Abe Cunningham Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Deftones Drummer | MetalForge
Abe Cunningham Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Complete biography of Abe Cunningham, founding drummer of Deftones. Explore his unique drumming style, career spanning 35+ years, signature gear, and influen...
Quick Facts: Abe Cunningham
| Band | Deftones |
|---|---|
| Genre | Alternative Metal / Nu Metal |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | Tama |
| Drum kit | Tama Starclassic Bubinga (Egyptian Night Mist) |
| Snare | Tama Starclassic matching snare (no separate model documented) |
| Sticks | Pro-Mark |
Abe Cunningham Biography
Abraham "Abe" Cunningham (born July 27, 1973, in Sacramento, California) is an American drummer and founding member of the alternative metal band Deftones since 1988. Over more than three decades, Cunningham has developed a distinctive drumming style that perfectly complements Deftones' signature blend of heavy riffs, atmospheric textures, and shoegaze-influenced soundscapes.
Cunningham's playing is characterized by creative, unconventional patterns that serve the song's emotional arc rather than technical showmanship. His ability to seamlessly transition between crushing heaviness and ethereal delicacy has made him one of the most distinctive and influential drummers in alternative metal.
Career Highlights
- 1988: Co-founded Deftones in Sacramento, California, as a teenager
- 1995: Released debut album "Adrenaline" on Maverick Records
- 1997: Released "Around the Fur," establishing Deftones' signature sound
- 2000: Released "White Pony," featuring the Grammy-winning "Elite"
- 2003: Released "Deftones" (self-titled), exploring darker territories
- 2006: Released "Saturday Night Wrist" after difficult recording process
- 2010: Released "Diamond Eyes," critically acclaimed comeback
- 2012: Released "Koi No Yokan," continuing artistic evolution
- 2016: Released "Gore," their eighth studio album
- 2020: Released "Ohms," acclaimed as one of their best albums
Style & Influences
Abe Cunningham's drumming style is immediately recognizable—unconventional patterns, creative use of space, and an intuitive feel for dynamics. Rather than following typical metal drumming conventions, he creates parts that breathe and evolve with the music.
Key Influences:
- John Bonham (Led Zeppelin): Heavy groove and pocket
- Stewart Copeland (The Police): Creative, unconventional patterns
- Chad Sexton (311): Syncopated, funk-influenced metal drumming
- Dave Grohl: Power and energy in alternative rock context
Signature Techniques:
- Unconventional snare placements and accents
- Creative use of hi-hat and ride patterns
- Seamless transitions between heavy and atmospheric sections
- Pocket-focused playing that prioritizes groove over complexity
- Dynamic control that mirrors the song's emotional content
Gear Highlights
Abe Cunningham is a longtime Tama endorser, playing a Starclassic Bubinga kit for its punchy attack and durability. His setup is relatively straightforward, reflecting his focus on groove and feel over technical complexity.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Tama Starclassic Bubinga (Egyptian Night Mist)
- Snare: Matching Tama Starclassic snare (no separate model documented)
- Cymbals: Zildjian (14" K Custom Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" K Custom Crashes, 22" K Custom Ride, 19" A Custom China)
- Hardware: Tama Iron Cobra Power Glide Twin Pedal (HP900PTW), Iron Cobra Lever Glide Hi-Hat (HH905)
- Sticks: Pro-Mark
- Heads: Remo (Powerstroke P3, Pinstripe, Ambassador)
Setup Philosophy:
- Compact, efficient kit for quick access
- Deep snare drum for powerful, cutting sound
- Zildjian cymbal mix designed for his playing style
- Emphasizes feel and tone over extensive kit size
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit does Abe Cunningham use?
Abe Cunningham plays a Tama Starclassic Bubinga drum kit (Egyptian Night Mist finish) with Zildjian K Custom and A Custom cymbals — the setup that has anchored Deftones' atmospheric alt-metal sound through the Koi No Yokan, Gore, and Ohms era. The snare matches the Starclassic Bubinga shell pack; no separate snare model is publicly documented.
What drum set does Abe Cunningham use?
Abe Cunningham's drum set pairs a Tama Starclassic Bubinga shell pack with a matching Tama Starclassic snare, a Tama Iron Cobra Power Glide Twin Pedal (HP900PTW), and Iron Cobra Lever Glide Hi-Hat (HH905), giving him the dynamic range to shift between crushing heaviness and delicate atmosphere within the same song.
What cymbals does Abe Cunningham play?
Abe Cunningham plays Zildjian cymbals: 14" K Custom Hi-Hats, 18" and 20" K Custom Crashes, a 22" K Custom Ride, and a 19" A Custom China.
What snare does Abe Cunningham use?
Abe Cunningham's snare matches his Tama Starclassic Bubinga shell pack; no separate snare model is publicly documented.
What sticks does Abe Cunningham use?
Abe Cunningham uses Pro-Mark drumsticks.
What bass drum pedal does Abe Cunningham use?
Abe Cunningham uses a Tama Iron Cobra Power Glide Twin Pedal (HP900PTW) mounted with a Tama Iron Cobra Lever Glide Hi-Hat (HH905).
What drumheads does Abe Cunningham use?
Abe Cunningham uses Remo drumheads (Powerstroke P3, Pinstripe, and Ambassador).
What band is Abe Cunningham in?
Abe Cunningham is a founding member and drummer of Deftones, with the band since its 1988 formation.
What hi-hats does Abe Cunningham use?
Abe Cunningham plays 14" Zildjian K Custom Hi-Hats, part of the K Custom cymbal setup that suits Deftones' shifts between crushing heaviness and atmospheric restraint.