# Master of Puppets Drum Setup: Lars Ulrich's Gear Breakdown

> Discover the exact drum kit, cymbals, and gear Lars Ulrich used to record Metallica's legendary Master of Puppets album. Complete setup breakdown with photos and recording techniques.

**Type:** Album Drum Setup
**Drummer(s):** [Lars Ulrich](/llms/drummers/lars-ulrich.md)
**Band / Album:** Metallica — *Master of Puppets* (1986)
**Genre:** Thrash Metal

## Overview

Released on March 3, 1986, "Master of Puppets" is widely regarded as Metallica's masterpiece and one of the greatest metal albums ever recorded. The album's drum sound — aggressive, tight, and perfectly suited to the complex arrangements — helped define the thrash metal template that countless bands would follow.

Lars Ulrich recorded the album at Sweet Silence Studios in Copenhagen, Denmark, with producer Flemming Rasmussen. The sessions were intense, with the band pushing themselves to new technical heights. Songs like "Battery," "Master of Puppets," and "Disposable Heroes" featured some of Lars's most demanding performances, with complex double-bass patterns and intricate fills.

The drum sound on Master of Puppets was revolutionary for its time. Unlike the often muddy production of earlier thrash records, the drums cut through with clarity while maintaining raw power. This was achieved through careful microphone placement, Lars's precise playing, and the natural acoustics of Sweet Silence's studio rooms.

This article breaks down every piece of gear Lars used during these legendary sessions, from his Camco drums to his Zildjian cymbals, and explores the recording techniques that captured the sound.

## Gear Breakdown

- **Drums:** Camco Camco Oaklawn Badge (Black finish)
- **Snare:** Ludwig Ludwig Supraphonic LM402, 14" x 6.5"
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian — Zildjian A Series
- **Hardware / Pedals:** Camco Chain Drive Single Pedal; Camco Hi-Hat Stand; Roc-N-Soc Standard; Regal Tip 5B
- **Heads:** Remo Ambassador Coated (batter), Remo Ambassador Snare Side (resonant)
- **Snare tuning:** Medium-high tension for maximum cut

### Lars's Studio Kit: The Camco Setup

Lars Ulrich's choice of Camco drums for Master of Puppets was unusual in the metal world of 1985-86. While most thrash drummers were using Tama, Pearl, or Ludwig, Lars favored the punchy, articulate sound of vintage Camco maple shells.

The Camco company (California Drum Company, later Chicago Drum) had ceased production in 1977, making Lars's kit a collector's item even then. The "Oaklawn Badge" drums (named after the Illinois factory location) were known for their superior shell construction and clear, projecting tone.

For Master of Puppets, Lars used a relatively compact setup by thrash standards: a single 22" bass drum, two rack toms (12" and 13"), and one floor tom (16"). This minimal configuration forced Lars to be creative with his fills and kept the focus on groove and power rather than flashy tom runs.

The shells' maple construction provided the attack and clarity needed to cut through Metallica's wall of guitars, while the vintage hardware gave the kit character that modern drums often lack.

### The Snare Sound That Changed Everything

The snare drum sound on Master of Puppets is instantly recognizable — crisp, cutting, with the perfect balance of crack and body. Lars achieved this with a Ludwig Supraphonic LM402, one of the most recorded snare drums in history.

The Supraphonic's seamless aluminum shell (marketed as "Ludalloy") produces a bright, sensitive sound with excellent projection. At 6.5" depth, the LM402 offers more body than the standard 5" Supraphonic while maintaining the articulation that made it popular.

Engineer Flemming Rasmussen placed microphones both above and below the snare to capture the full spectrum of the drum's sound. The top mic caught the attack and crack, while the bottom mic captured the snare wire response. This combination, blended carefully, produced the iconic sound.

Lars tuned the snare relatively high for maximum cut, essential for slicing through James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett's wall of rhythm guitars. The result was a snare that could be heard clearly even in the densest sections while still sounding aggressive and powerful.

### The Zildjian Arsenal

Lars's cymbal setup for Master of Puppets was built around Zildjian A series cymbals, the workhorses of professional drumming. The A series offered the perfect combination of brightness, projection, and musical tone that suited Metallica's complex arrangements.

The 14" New Beat hi-hats were essential to Lars's playing style, providing clear articulation for fast 16th-note patterns while cutting through the mix. The New Beats' heavier bottom cymbal gave stability during aggressive playing.

For crashes, Lars used a combination of 16" and 18" Medium Thin and Medium crashes. The variety allowed for dynamic contrast — the 16" for quick accents, the 18" for bigger moments and section endings.

The 20" Medium Ride provided a versatile sound for both riding and crashing. Lars used the bell frequently for accents, a technique that became part of his signature style.

The 18" China cymbal added the aggressive, cutting accents that punctuated songs like "Battery" and "Damage, Inc." The China's trashy, explosive sound became a thrash metal staple.

## Key Facts

- Recorded at Sweet Silence Studios, Copenhagen in late 1985
- Producer Flemming Rasmussen captured the definitive thrash drum sound
- Lars played Camco drums, a departure from typical metal setups
- The snare sound became a benchmark for thrash metal production
- Camco drums were already out of production, making them rare
- Single bass drum setup despite complex double-bass patterns
- Minimal tom configuration focused the sound
- Lars would switch to Tama after this album
- Estimated kit value: $2,000-4,000 (1986) / $8,000-15,000 (vintage today)
- Estimated snare value: $400-500 (1986) / $600-800 (vintage today)

**Source:** https://metalforge.io/articles/master-of-puppets-drum-setup

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*Last updated: 2026-06-16 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*