Ray Luzier Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Korn Drummer | MetalForge
Ray Luzier Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Complete biography of Ray Luzier, Korn's drummer since 2007. Explore his career from David Lee Roth to Korn, his technical style, Musicians Institute backgro...
Quick Facts: Ray Luzier
| Band | Korn |
|---|---|
| All bands | Korn, KXM, Army of Anyone |
| Genre | Nu Metal |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | Pearl |
| Drum kit | Pearl Reference Series |
| Snare | Pearl Reference 14x6.5" Brass |
| Sticks | Vic Firth Ray Luzier Signature |
Ray Luzier Biography
Ray Luzier (born Raymond Lee Luzier; June 14, 1970, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) is an American drummer best known as the drummer of nu metal band Korn since 2007. A graduate of the Musicians Institute in Hollywood, Luzier is regarded as one of the most technically proficient drummers in modern rock and metal.
Before joining Korn, Luzier built an impressive resume playing with David Lee Roth (1997-2005), Army of Anyone (with the DeLeo brothers of Stone Temple Pilots), and Steel Panther. His combination of technical prowess, versatility across genres, and groove-heavy playing has made him a perfect fit for Korn's complex, syncopated rhythms.
Career Highlights
- 1988: Moved to Hollywood to attend Musicians Institute; graduated 1989
- 1992: Began teaching at Musicians Institute (through 2001)
- 1997: Joined David Lee Roth's band; began touring with former Van Halen frontman
- 1997: Joined Steel Panther (then Metal Shop) as founding drummer
- 2004: Released instructional DVD through Hal Leonard Publishing
- 2006: Joined Army of Anyone with Stone Temple Pilots' DeLeo brothers and Richard Patrick
- 2007: Auditioned for Korn, learning 30 songs when asked to learn 5
- 2008: First Korn show on January 13 in Dublin, Ireland
- 2009: Officially announced as full member of Korn
- 2010: Filled in for Eric Kretz on Stone Temple Pilots reunion tour dates
- 2014: Formed supergroup KXM with George Lynch and Doug Pinnick
- 2022: Released "Requiem" with Korn, their 14th studio album
Style & Influences
Ray Luzier's drumming style combines technical precision with groove-heavy playing, perfectly suited for Korn's syncopated, hip-hop-influenced metal sound. His versatility allows him to seamlessly shift between funk, jazz, and metal techniques within the same song.
Key Influences:
- Vinnie Colaiuta: Technical precision and versatility
- Dennis Chambers: Funk and jazz fusion groove
- Steve Gadd: Session drumming mastery
- Neil Peart (Rush): Complex arrangements
Signature Techniques:
- Syncopated, hip-hop influenced grooves
- Complex double bass patterns with groove retention
- Jazz-influenced fills and ghost notes
- Seamless transitions between funk and metal
- Technical precision honed from years of teaching
Gear Highlights
Ray Luzier is a Pearl Drums and Sabian Cymbals endorser. His setup is designed for versatility, capable of handling Korn's complex grooves and heavy moments with equal precision.
Current Setup:
- Drums: Pearl Reference Pure in custom finishes
- Snare: Pearl Reference 14"x6.5" Brass
- Cymbals: Sabian AAX Series (14" Stage Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" X-Plosion Crashes, 21" Stage Ride, 18" AAXtreme China)
- Hardware: DW 9000 Series double pedal
- Sticks: Vic Firth Ray Luzier Signature
- Heads: Evans
Equipment Evolution:
- Previously endorsed ddrum and Orange County Drum and Percussion (OCDP)
- Known for adapting kit to match each project's requirements
- Uses hybrid acoustic/electronic setups for Korn's modern sound
Frequently Asked Questions
What band does Ray Luzier play drums for?
Ray Luzier has been the drummer for Korn since 2007, and also plays in the hard rock trio KXM.
What drums does Ray Luzier play?
Ray Luzier plays a Pearl Reference Series drum kit.
What drum kit does Ray Luzier play?
Ray Luzier's drum kit is a Pearl Reference Series shell pack built around a Pearl Reference 14"x6.5" brass snare, giving him the cut and volume needed for Korn's heavy, low-tuned sound.
What drum set does Ray Luzier play?
Ray Luzier's drum set pairs Pearl Reference Series shells and his 14"x6.5" brass Reference snare with Sabian AAX Series cymbals and a DW 9002 double pedal for Korn's touring and studio work.
What cymbals does Ray Luzier use?
Ray Luzier uses Sabian AAX Series cymbals, including 14" Stage Hi-Hats, 18" and 19" X-Plosion Crashes, a 21" Stage Ride, and an 18" AAXtreme China.
What snare drum does Ray Luzier use?
Ray Luzier's primary snare is the Pearl Reference 14"x6.5" Brass, chosen for its projection and attack.
What pedals does Ray Luzier use?
Ray Luzier drives his double bass playing with a DW 9002 double pedal, seated on a Pearl D-2000 Roadster throne.
What drumsticks does Ray Luzier use?
Ray Luzier plays his own Vic Firth Ray Luzier Signature drumsticks.
What drumheads does Ray Luzier use?
Ray Luzier uses Evans drumheads across his Pearl Reference Series drum kit and drum set.