Dave Lombardo Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Slayer Drummer | MetalForge
Dave Lombardo Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Complete biography of Dave Lombardo, Slayer's legendary drummer and godfather of thrash metal drumming. Explore his revolutionary style, Reign in Blood legac...
Quick Facts: Dave Lombardo
| Band | Slayer |
|---|---|
| All bands | Slayer, Suicidal Tendencies, Dead Cross, Mr. Bungle, Fantômas |
| Genre | Thrash Metal |
| Country | Cuba/USA |
| Primary brand | Tama |
| Drum kit | Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch |
| Snare | Tama S.L.P. 14x6.5" |
| Sticks | Promark Dave Lombardo Signature 2Bx |
Dave Lombardo Biography
Dave Lombardo (born February 16, 1965, in Havana, Cuba) is a Cuban-American drummer widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential drummers in heavy metal history. As the original and primary drummer of Slayer, Lombardo pioneered the double bass drumming style that defined thrash metal in the 1980s.
His work on landmark albums such as "Reign in Blood," "South of Heaven," and "Seasons in the Abyss" established the template for extreme metal drumming. Beyond Slayer, Lombardo has explored diverse musical territories with Fantômas, Suicidal Tendencies, Dead Cross, Mr. Bungle, and the 2022 reunited Pantera as a touring member.
Career Highlights
- 1981: Joined Slayer as founding drummer alongside Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman, and Tom Araya
- 1983: Released "Show No Mercy," Slayer's debut album
- 1986: Recorded "Reign in Blood," revolutionizing extreme metal drumming
- 1988: Released "South of Heaven," showcasing dynamic range beyond speed
- 1992: First departure from Slayer due to financial disputes
- 1998: Joined Mike Patton's Fantômas, exploring avant-garde metal
- 2001: Rejoined Slayer for "God Hates Us All" album
- 2006: Released "Christ Illusion" with Slayer, winning Grammy for Best Metal Performance
- 2013: Second departure from Slayer
- 2017: Formed Dead Cross with Mike Patton; joined Mr. Bungle reunion
- 2019: Recorded "The Raging Wrath of the Easter Bunny Demo" with Mr. Bungle
- 2022: Joined reunited Pantera as touring drummer, honoring Vinnie Paul's legacy
Style & Influences
Dave Lombardo's drumming style is characterized by incredible speed, precise double bass technique, and a unique Latin-influenced groove that sets him apart from other thrash drummers. His ability to play complex, rapid patterns while maintaining groove and musicality revolutionized metal drumming.
Key Influences:
- Tito Puente: Latin percussion and rhythm
- Buddy Rich: Jazz precision and speed
- John Bonham (Led Zeppelin): Power and groove
- Ian Paice (Deep Purple): Hard rock drumming foundation
Signature Techniques:
- Pioneering double bass drumming in thrash metal
- Latin-influenced fills and polyrhythmic patterns
- Precision blast beats that maintain clarity
- Dynamic control—from blinding speed to controlled groove
- Creative use of china cymbals and unusual accents
Gear Highlights
Dave Lombardo has been a Tama endorser for most of his career, though he's used various brands throughout different projects. His signature 2Bx sticks from Promark are designed for power and speed.
Current Setup (Pantera Era):
- Drums: Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch
- Snare: Tama S.L.P. 14"x6.5" G-Maple
- Cymbals: Paiste RUDE and 2002 series (15" Sound Edge Hi-Hats, crashes, Reign Power Ride)
- Hardware: Tama Iron Cobra 900 double pedal
- Sticks: Promark Dave Lombardo Signature 2Bx
- Heads: Evans (or Remo depending on project)
Gear Evolution:
- Started with Tama Imperialstar, evolved to Artstar and Starclassic
- Known for preferring larger bass drums (22"-24")
- Pioneered use of Paiste RUDE cymbals in thrash metal
- Has collaborated with Paiste on the "Reign" series ride cymbal
Frequently Asked Questions
What drums does Dave Lombardo play?
Dave Lombardo plays Tama Starclassic drums with Paiste RUDE and 2002 cymbals.
Is Dave Lombardo still in Slayer?
No, Dave left Slayer in 2013 but tours with the reunited Pantera as of 2022.
Where is Dave Lombardo from?
Dave was born in Havana, Cuba on February 16, 1965, and emigrated to the US as a child.
What album is Dave Lombardo most famous for?
Dave is most famous for drumming on Slayer's "Reign in Blood" (1986), a thrash metal landmark.
Did Dave Lombardo found Slayer?
Yes, Dave co-founded Slayer in 1981 with Kerry King, Jeff Hanneman, and Tom Araya.
What drum kit did Dave Lombardo use?
Dave Lombardo's drum kit is built on Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch shells, anchored by a Tama S.L.P. 14"x6.5" G-Maple snare drum. The kit carries Paiste RUDE and 2002 series cymbals, including 15" Sound Edge hi-hats and the signature Paiste Reign Power Ride, powered by a Tama Iron Cobra 900 double pedal. He started on a Tama Imperialstar kit, evolving through Artstar to Starclassic over his career.
What drum set did Dave Lombardo use?
Dave Lombardo's drum set is Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch shells, built around a Tama S.L.P. 14"x6.5" G-Maple snare drum. Paiste RUDE and 2002 series cymbals — 15" Sound Edge hi-hats, crashes, and the Paiste Reign Power Ride he co-designed — complete the drum set, powered by a Tama Iron Cobra 900 double pedal. Lombardo prefers larger bass drums, typically 22"-24", within this configuration.
What cymbals does Dave Lombardo use?
Dave Lombardo uses Paiste RUDE and 2002 series cymbals, including 15" Sound Edge hi-hats, RUDE crashes, and the Paiste Reign Power Ride — a signature ride cymbal he co-designed with Paiste and named after Slayer's "Reign in Blood" album.
What snare drum does Dave Lombardo use?
Dave Lombardo plays a Tama S.L.P. 14"x6.5" G-Maple snare drum, paired with Promark Dave Lombardo Signature 2Bx sticks designed for the power and speed his double bass style demands.
What is Dave Lombardo's drum setup?
Dave Lombardo's drum setup is built on Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch shells, anchored by a Tama S.L.P. 14"x6.5" G-Maple snare drum, with Paiste RUDE and 2002 series cymbals — including 15" Sound Edge hi-hats and the signature Paiste Reign Power Ride — powered by a Tama Iron Cobra 900 double pedal.