# What's In Abe Cunningham's Deftones Arsenal: Complete Gear Breakdown > Discover the exact drums, cymbals, and gear behind Abe Cunningham's signature groove. Complete breakdown of his Tama Starclassic setup, Zildjian cymbals, and the philosophy behind one of alternative metal's most distinctive drummers. **Type:** Kit Breakdown **Drummer(s):** [Abe Cunningham](/llms/drummers/abe-cunningham.md) **Band / Album:** Deftones **Genre:** Alternative Metal ## Overview Abe Cunningham isn't trying to be the fastest drummer. He's not interested in the most complex fills or the biggest kit. What he does — better than almost anyone in heavy music — is make you *feel* something. For 35 years with Deftones, he's been the heartbeat of one of the most emotionally resonant bands in modern rock. Born Abraham Cunningham on July 27, 1973, in Sacramento, California, he co-founded Deftones in 1988 as a teenager. While his classmates were studying for exams, Abe was developing a style that would help define alternative metal's atmospheric approach. What makes Abe Cunningham unique isn't complexity — it's restraint. His drumming breathes. It builds. It knows when to explode and when to whisper. On a song like "Digital Bath," his playing is the tide — rising and falling with the emotional arc, never overwhelming, always essential. Deftones' Grammy win for "Elite" in 2001 validated what fans already knew: this band operated on a different level. And at the center of it all, Abe has remained a constant — the same founding member who started playing with Chino Moreno and Stephen Carpenter in their Sacramento high school. Nine studio albums. Multiple platinum certifications. Millions of devoted fans. And through it all, a drummer who values groove over flash, emotion over technique, and serving the song above all else. This is his gear. ## Gear Breakdown - **Drums:** Tama Tama Starclassic Maple/Bubinga (Custom finishes (varies by tour) finish) - **Snare:** Tama Tama S.L.P. Big Black Steel, 14" x 8" - **Cymbals:** Zildjian — A Custom / K Custom hybrid - **Hardware / Pedals:** Tama Iron Cobra 900 Rolling Glide; Tama Iron Cobra Hi-Hat Stand; Tama Roadpro series; Tama 1st Chair; Zildjian Abe Cunningham Artist Series - **Heads:** Evans G2 Coated (batter), Evans Hazy 300 Snare Side (resonant) - **Snare tuning:** Medium tuning for balance of body and response ### Abe's Tama Starclassic Setup Abe Cunningham's Tama Starclassic Maple/Bubinga kit is the perfect reflection of his musical priorities: warm, punchy, and versatile. The Maple/Bubinga shell combination provides the best of both worlds — the warmth and projection of maple with the focused attack and low-end punch of bubinga. The 22" bass drum is standard size but tuned for maximum punch without overwhelming sustain. Abe doesn't need the artillery of a 24" double bass setup — he needs a kick that sits in the mix with the bass guitar, creating that Deftones signature low-end synergy. His tom configuration is refreshingly compact: two rack toms (10" and 12") and two floor toms (14" and 16"). This gives him a melodic palette without unnecessary clutter. Every drum is there for a reason, and he uses them all. The Starclassic series represents Tama's professional line — these are no-compromise drums built for touring and recording. The Star-Cast mounting system suspends toms for maximum resonance, and the hardware is built to withstand years of gigging. What's notable about Abe's setup is its efficiency. No second rack of toms. No elaborate accessory setup. Just the essentials, positioned for ergonomic playing and quick access. This mirrors his playing philosophy: strip away everything unnecessary. ### The Big Black Steel Abe's snare choice — the Tama S.L.P. Big Black Steel — is significant. At 14" x 8", it's a deep drum with serious body and projection. The steel shell delivers the crack and cut that's essential for Deftones' heavier moments. The S.L.P. (Sound Lab Project) series represents Tama's exploration of unique snare sounds. The Big Black Steel lives up to its name: it's deep, it's powerful, and it cuts through any mix without being harsh. Deep snares (8" and above) have become increasingly popular in modern rock and metal because they provide body that shallow snares lack. The extra depth gives Abe room to tune the drum for a satisfying fundamental note while maintaining snare response. The black nickel hardware and black shell give it a distinctive look that matches Deftones' aesthetic. But the sound is what matters: wide dynamic range, sensitive response to ghost notes, and thunderous rimshots when needed. Abe typically tunes this snare medium — not too tight, not too loose. This allows the drum to sing on softer passages while still delivering power on heavier hits. The steel shell's inherent brightness balances the deep size. ### The Zildjian Arsenal Abe's cymbal setup is a thoughtful blend of Zildjian's A Custom and K Custom series, combining modern brightness with dark complexity. The A New Beat Hi-Hats are industry standard for a reason: they're versatile, articulate, and sound great in any genre. For Deftones' wide dynamic range, they provide definition at low volumes and body at high volumes. The A Custom crashes deliver quick attack and modern brightness — perfect for punctuating Deftones' heavier moments. The 16" and 18" sizes give Abe options for different intensities. The real secret weapon is the K Custom Ride. The K series delivers a darker, more complex sound than the brighter A series. For Deftones' atmospheric sections — the shimmering, dreamy passages that define their sound — this ride provides wash and overtones that blend into the soundscape rather than cutting through it. This hybrid approach (A Custom for attacks, K Custom for atmosphere) reflects Deftones' musical duality: they can be crushingly heavy one moment and ethereally beautiful the next. Abe's cymbal choices support both. ## Key Facts - Tama Drums endorsee with Starclassic Maple/Bubinga setup - Zildjian cymbal artist with signature drumsticks - Founding member of Deftones since 1988 (age 15) - Grammy Award winner for "Elite" (2001) - Known for groove-focused, dynamic playing style - One of alternative metal's most influential drummers - Maple/Bubinga hybrid shells for warmth and attack - Compact configuration: 4 toms total - Standard 22" bass drum for controlled low-end - Starclassic series for professional reliability - Setup prioritizes ergonomics and efficiency - Estimated kit value: $3,500-5,000 (Starclassic Maple/Bubinga kit) - Estimated snare value: $350-450 (S.L.P. Big Black Steel) **Source:** https://metalforge.io/articles/whats-in-abe-cunninghams-kit **More LLM resources:** [Site index](/llms.txt) · [Full database](/llms-full.txt) · [Master FAQ](/llms/faq.md) · [Drummer index](/llms/index.md) *Last updated: 2026-06-16 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*