Mike Portnoy Drum Set & Kit — Dream Theater Gear | MetalForge
Mike Portnoy Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
What drum set does Mike Portnoy play? The Dream Theater drummer's Tama Starclassic Maple/Birch drum set, Sabian HHX cymbals — full gear breakdown & prices.
Quick Facts: Mike Portnoy
| Band | Dream Theater / Liquid Tension Experiment / The Winery Dogs |
|---|---|
| All bands | Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, The Winery Dogs, Transatlantic, Sons of Apollo |
| Genre | Progressive Metal |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | Tama |
| Drum kit | Tama Starclassic Maple + Starclassic Bubinga ("Dream Monster" dual kit) |
| Snare | Tama Mike Portnoy Signature Melody Master 14x5.5" |
| Sticks | Promark Mike Portnoy Signature TX420N |
Frequently Asked Questions
What drums does Mike Portnoy play?
Mike Portnoy plays a dual Tama Starclassic Maple + Starclassic Bubinga "Dream Monster" kit with Sabian HHX MAX/AAX MAXX cymbals.
Is Mike Portnoy back in Dream Theater?
Yes, Mike rejoined Dream Theater in 2023 for their reunion tour and new music.
Why did Mike Portnoy leave Dream Theater?
Mike left Dream Theater in 2010 after creative differences and a desire to explore other projects.
How many awards has Mike Portnoy won?
Mike has won over 30 awards from Modern Drummer magazine and was inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2007.
Where did Mike Portnoy go to school?
Mike attended Berklee College of Music where Dream Theater was formed.
What drum kit did Mike Portnoy use?
Mike Portnoy's drum kit is a dual Tama Starclassic Maple + Starclassic Bubinga "Dream Monster" configuration, featuring his signature Tama Mike Portnoy Melody Master snare (14"x5.5") alongside a large array of rack and floor toms, octobans, and electronic pads. Sabian HHX MAX/AAX MAXX cymbals — including a 22" HHX MAX Ride, X-Plosion crashes, and an O-Zone crash — round out the kit, powered by a Tama Iron Cobra Power Glide Twin Pedal.
What drum set did Mike Portnoy use?
Mike Portnoy's drum set is a large dual Tama Starclassic configuration — Starclassic Maple paired with Starclassic Bubinga in his "Dream Monster" setup — built around his signature Tama Mike Portnoy Melody Master 14"x5.5" snare drum. The drum set includes Sabian HHX MAX and AAX MAXX cymbals plus Roland TD-series electronic pads for hybrid acoustic/electronic sounds.
What cymbals does Mike Portnoy use?
Mike Portnoy uses Sabian HHX MAX and AAX MAXX series cymbals, per Sabian's current artist listing: a 22" HHX MAX Ride, 18" AAX X-Plosion and 19" HHX X-Plosion crashes, an 18" AAX O-Zone crash, 18" HHX and 19" Paragon Chinas, plus AAX MAXX splashes and AA MAX chimes.
What snare drum does Mike Portnoy use?
Mike Portnoy plays his signature Tama Mike Portnoy Melody Master snare drum, a 14"x5.5" shell designed for his Dream Theater and side-project work, played with Promark Mike Portnoy Signature TX420N sticks.