Gavin Harrison Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Porcupine Tree & King Crimson Drummer | MetalForge
Gavin Harrison Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Complete biography of Gavin Harrison, acclaimed drummer for Porcupine Tree, King Crimson, and The Pineapple Thief. Explore his polyrhythmic mastery, awards, ...
Quick Facts: Gavin Harrison
| Band | Porcupine Tree / King Crimson |
|---|---|
| All bands | Porcupine Tree, King Crimson, The Pineapple Thief |
| Genre | Progressive Metal / Progressive Rock |
| Country | UK |
| Primary brand | Sonor |
| Drum kit | Sonor SQ2 Series |
| Snare | Sonor Gavin Harrison Signature 12x5" & 14x5.25" |
| Sticks | Vic Firth Gavin Harrison Signature |
Gavin Harrison Biography
Gavin Harrison (born May 28, 1963, in Harrow, London, England) is an English drummer widely regarded as one of the finest and most influential drummers in progressive rock and metal. He is best known for his work with Porcupine Tree (2002-2010, reunited 2021), King Crimson (2008-present), and The Pineapple Thief (2016-present).
Harrison's playing is characterized by intricate polyrhythmic patterns, masterful use of ghost notes, and an extraordinary ability to navigate complex odd-time signatures with musicality and groove. His technical prowess combined with tasteful restraint has earned him numerous awards from Modern Drummer magazine and the respect of drummers across all genres.
Career Highlights
- 1980s: Session drummer in London, working with various pop and rock artists
- 1996: Released instructional video "Rhythmic Visions"
- 2002: Joined Porcupine Tree, recording "In Absentia"
- 2005: Released "Deadwing" with Porcupine Tree to critical acclaim
- 2007: Released "Fear of a Blank Planet" with Porcupine Tree; won Modern Drummer awards
- 2008: Joined King Crimson; started "05Ric" collaboration with 05Ric drummer trio
- 2009: Released "The Incident" with Porcupine Tree
- 2010: Porcupine Tree went on hiatus; continued with King Crimson
- 2016: Joined The Pineapple Thief, revitalizing the band's sound
- 2021: Porcupine Tree reunited; released "Closure/Continuation" in 2022
- 2022: Toured with Porcupine Tree for first time in over a decade
Style & Influences
Gavin Harrison's drumming style is defined by sophisticated polyrhythmic concepts, impeccable dynamics, and a deep understanding of how drums interact with other instruments. His approach emphasizes serving the music while adding subtle complexities that reward repeated listening.
Key Influences:
- Vinnie Colaiuta: Technical versatility and musicality
- Steve Gadd: Groove and pocket playing
- Bill Bruford: Progressive rock drumming concepts
- Tony Williams: Jazz fusion polyrhythms
- African and World Music: Polyrhythmic foundations
Signature Techniques:
- Complex polyrhythms layered over simple grooves
- Masterful ghost notes that add texture and depth
- Fluid navigation of odd time signatures (7/8, 11/8, 13/8)
- Linear drumming patterns with musical phrasing
- Extreme dynamic control from whisper-quiet to thunderous
Gear Highlights
Gavin Harrison is a longtime Sonor Drums endorser and has signature products with both Sonor and Zildjian. His setup emphasizes tonal clarity, dynamic range, and the ability to execute his complex patterns with precision.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Sonor SQ2 Series in custom finishes
- Snares: Sonor Gavin Harrison Signature 12"x5" and 14"x5.25"
- Cymbals: Zildjian K Custom Special Dry Series (14" Hi-Hats, 16" & 18" Crashes, 21" Special Dry Ride, 18" Trash China)
- Hardware: Sonor Perfect Balance Pedal, Sonor 600 Series Hardware
- Sticks: Vic Firth Gavin Harrison Signature
- Heads: Remo Ambassador
Signature Product Features:
- Sonor signature snares designed for sensitivity and articulation
- Zildjian K Custom Special Dry cymbals for dry, controlled sound
- Vic Firth signature sticks with unique taper for control
- Perfect Balance pedal allows extreme dynamic control
Frequently Asked Questions
What bands does Gavin Harrison play drums for?
Gavin Harrison drums for Porcupine Tree, King Crimson (since 2008), and The Pineapple Thief (since 2016).
What drums does Gavin Harrison play?
Gavin Harrison plays a Sonor SQ2 Series drum kit.
What drum kit does Gavin Harrison play?
Gavin Harrison's drum kit is a Sonor SQ2 Series shell pack, built around his own Sonor Gavin Harrison Signature snares (12"x5" and 14"x5.25"), with Remo Ambassador drumheads.
What drum set does Gavin Harrison play?
Gavin Harrison's drum set pairs Sonor SQ2 shells and his signature 12"x5" and 14"x5.25" snares with Zildjian K Custom Special Dry Series cymbals and a Sonor Perfect Balance pedal.
What cymbals does Gavin Harrison use?
Gavin Harrison uses Zildjian K Custom Special Dry Series cymbals, including 14" Hi-Hats, 16" and 18" Crashes, a 21" Special Dry Ride, and an 18" Trash China.
What snare drum does Gavin Harrison use?
Gavin Harrison plays two signature Sonor snares — a 12"x5" and a 14"x5.25" — switching between them for different textures.
What pedals does Gavin Harrison use?
Gavin Harrison plays a Sonor Perfect Balance pedal on Sonor 600 Series hardware.
What drumsticks does Gavin Harrison use?
Gavin Harrison plays his own signature Vic Firth Gavin Harrison Signature drumsticks.
What drumheads does Gavin Harrison use?
Gavin Harrison uses Remo Ambassador drumheads across his Sonor SQ2 Series drum kit, giving him the sensitivity and articulation his ghost-note-heavy, polyrhythmic playing requires.