Scott Travis Drum Kit & Gear Setup — Judas Priest Drummer | MetalForge
Scott Travis Drum Kit, Gear & Setup
Complete biography of Scott Travis, Judas Priest's drummer since 1989. Explore his revolutionary double bass technique, career with Racer X, and influence on...
Quick Facts: Scott Travis
| Band | Judas Priest |
|---|---|
| Genre | Heavy Metal / Thrash Metal |
| Country | USA |
| Primary brand | Paiste |
| Drum kit | ddrum Dominion Series |
| Snare | ddrum Scott Travis Signature 14x6.5" |
| Sticks | Vic Firth American Classic 5B |
Scott Travis Biography
Scott Travis (born September 6, 1961, in Norfolk, Virginia) is an American drummer best known as the drummer for British heavy metal legends Judas Priest since 1989. He is the only American member in Judas Priest's history and brought a new level of technical prowess and double bass drumming to the band.
Before joining Judas Priest, Travis was a founding member of neo-classical metal band Racer X, where he established his reputation as a technically gifted drummer. His powerful double bass technique and precise playing reinvigorated Judas Priest's sound, particularly evident on albums like "Painkiller" (1990), which is considered one of the greatest metal drumming performances ever recorded.
Career Highlights
- 1985: Founded Racer X with Paul Gilbert; recorded "Street Lethal"
- 1987: Released "Second Heat" with Racer X
- 1989: Joined Judas Priest, replacing Dave Holland
- 1990: Recorded "Painkiller," a landmark of metal drumming
- 1991: Toured extensively on Painkiller World Tour
- 1996: Continued with Judas Priest through Tim "Ripper" Owens era
- 2003: Reunited with Rob Halford for "Angel of Retribution"
- 2008: Released "Nostradamus" concept album
- 2014: Released "Redeemer of Souls" to critical acclaim
- 2018: Released "Firepower," achieving highest chart positions in band history
- 2024: Released "Invincible Shield," continuing Judas Priest's legacy
Style & Influences
Scott Travis's drumming style combines powerful double bass technique with precision and musicality. His playing on "Painkiller" set a new standard for metal drumming, demonstrating that speed could coexist with groove and dynamics.
Key Influences:
- Neil Peart (Rush): Progressive precision and composition
- Dave Lombardo (Slayer): Thrash metal intensity
- Terry Bozzio: Technical innovation
- Tommy Aldridge (Whitesnake): Hard rock power
Signature Techniques:
- Relentless double bass patterns with machine-like precision
- Powerful, commanding snare sound
- Creative use of china cymbals and accents
- Dynamic control across extreme tempos
- Ability to play fast while maintaining groove
Gear Highlights
Scott Travis has been a long-time endorser of ddrum, Paiste Cymbals, DW Pedals, and Vic Firth Drumsticks. His setup emphasizes power and projection for arena-level performances.
Current Setup:
- Drums: ddrum Dominion Series shell pack
- Snare: ddrum Scott Travis Signature 14"x6.5"
- Cymbals: Paiste RUDE and 2002 Series (14" RUDE Hi-Hats, 18"/19" RUDE Crashes, 22" RUDE Power Ride, 18" RUDE China)
- Hardware: DW 9000 Series Double Pedal on a Gibraltar rack
- Sticks: Vic Firth American Classic 5B
- Heads: Remo
Setup Philosophy:
- ddrum shell pack built for cut through Judas Priest's dual-guitar attack
- Signature snare designed to his own specifications
- Paiste RUDE cymbals for aggressive, arena-cutting projection
- DW 9000 Series double pedal for speed and control on world tours
Frequently Asked Questions
What band does Scott Travis play drums for?
Scott Travis is the drummer for Judas Priest, a position he has held since 1989 — making him the only American member in the band's history.
What drums does Scott Travis play?
Scott Travis plays a ddrum Dominion Series drum kit.
What drum kit does Scott Travis play?
Scott Travis's drum kit is built around a ddrum Dominion Series shell pack, anchored by his ddrum Scott Travis Signature 14"x6.5" snare drum — a purpose-built shell designed for maximum cut through Judas Priest's dual-guitar attack.
What drum set does Scott Travis play?
Scott Travis's drum set is a ddrum Dominion Series kit fitted with his signature 14"x6.5" ddrum snare, Paiste RUDE and 2002 Series cymbals, and a DW 9000 Series double pedal mounted on a Gibraltar rack system.
What cymbals does Scott Travis use?
Scott Travis uses Paiste RUDE and 2002 Series cymbals, including 14" RUDE hi-hats, 18" and 19" RUDE crashes, a 22" RUDE Power Ride, and an 18" RUDE China.
What hi-hats does Scott Travis use?
Scott Travis plays 14" Paiste RUDE hi-hats, delivering the aggressive, cutting chick sound needed to punch through Judas Priest's dual-guitar attack.
What snare drum does Scott Travis use?
Scott Travis's primary snare is the ddrum Scott Travis Signature, a 14"x6.5" shell built to his own specifications.
What pedals does Scott Travis use?
Scott Travis drives his double bass technique with a DW 9000 Series double pedal, mounted in a Gibraltar rack system for consistent positioning on world arena tours.
What drumsticks does Scott Travis use?
Scott Travis plays Vic Firth American Classic 5B drumsticks, paired with Remo drumheads.
What drumheads does Scott Travis use?
Scott Travis uses Remo drumheads across his ddrum Dominion Series drum kit and drum set.