# What's In Joey Jordison's Legendary Kit: Complete Gear Breakdown > A tribute to Joey Jordison (1975-2021). Discover the exact drums, cymbals, and gear that made him one of metal's greatest drummers. Complete breakdown of his Pearl setup, Paiste cymbals, and signature equipment. **Type:** Kit Breakdown **Drummer(s):** [Joey Jordison](/llms/drummers/joey-jordison.md) **Band / Album:** Slipknot **Genre:** Nu Metal / Death Metal ## Overview Joey Jordison wasn't just Slipknot's drummer — he was the heartbeat of a revolution. From the underground chaos of Des Moines to sold-out arenas worldwide, his blistering speed, theatrical showmanship, and relentless intensity redefined what metal drumming could be. Born Nathan Jonas Jordison on April 26, 1975, in Des Moines, Iowa, Joey began drumming at age 8. By the time he co-founded Slipknot in 1995, he had already developed the technical prowess and aggressive style that would make him legendary. His passing on July 26, 2021, at age 46 sent shockwaves through the metal community. But Joey's legacy lives on in every blast beat, every double bass pattern, and every drummer who picked up sticks because they saw him play. This article is a tribute to Joey Jordison — a deep dive into the gear that helped him create some of metal's most iconic drum performances. From his signature Pearl kit to his punishing Paiste cymbals, we'll explore every piece of equipment that made Joey's sound unmistakable. ## Gear Breakdown - **Drums:** Pearl Pearl Reference Series / MasterWorks Custom (Various (notably Granite Sparkle, Custom Purple) finish) - **Snare:** Pearl Pearl Joey Jordison Signature Snare, 13" x 6.5" - **Cymbals:** Paiste — Paiste RUDE / 2002 Series - **Hardware / Pedals:** Pearl Demon Drive Double Pedal; Pearl DR-501C Icon Rack; Pearl H-2000 Eliminator; Pearl D-2000BR Throne; Promark Joey Jordison Signature TX515W - **Heads:** Evans EC Reverse Dot (batter), Evans Hazy 300 (resonant) - **Snare tuning:** Medium-high tension, tight snare wires for maximum attack ### Joey's Signature Pearl Setup Joey Jordison's drum setup was as extreme as his playing. His Pearl kit featured oversized, deep-shelled drums designed to project power through Slipknot's wall of noise — three guitarists, turntables, samples, and eight other masked maniacs. The double 22" x 18" bass drums were the foundation of Joey's sound. Deeper than standard configurations, they produced a low-end punch that cut through the mix while providing the attack needed for his lightning-fast double bass work. Joey triggered them for additional consistency, blending the acoustic sound with samples. The rack tom configuration — from 8" to 14" — gave Joey options for his signature rapid-fire fills. The Reference series' 20-ply shells provided the attack and projection needed for extreme metal, while the maple/birch combination delivered both warmth and cut. Joey's kit was mounted on the Pearl Icon Rack System, which allowed for extreme positioning and easy setup for his theatrical staging — including the famous rotating platform that let him play upside down. ### The Signature Snare Joey's signature snare became one of the most popular metal snare drums ever produced. The Pearl Joey Jordison Signature (model JJ1365) features a 13" x 6.5" steel shell with a 1.0mm beaded construction that delivers the piercing crack and aggressive overtones that defined his sound. The smaller 13" diameter (compared to standard 14") provides a higher, tighter fundamental pitch that cuts through dense mixes. This was essential for Slipknot's complex arrangements where the snare needed to punch through layers of guitars, samples, and percussion. The steel shell delivers brightness and projection, while the 6.5" depth provides enough body to prevent the drum from sounding thin. Joey tuned it medium-high with tight snare wire tension for maximum attack and minimal ring. This snare is still in production today — a testament to its enduring popularity among metal drummers worldwide. It remains one of the most affordable ways to get "that" Joey Jordison sound. ### Paiste Destruction Joey's cymbal setup was built around Paiste's RUDE series — cymbals specifically designed to withstand the punishment of extreme metal playing while delivering aggressive, cutting tones. The RUDE series features unlathed bells and raw finishes that produce trashy, aggressive overtones. They're virtually indestructible compared to traditional cymbals, essential for Joey's hard-hitting style. The 14" Wild Hi-Hats provided the crisp, cutting sound needed for Joey's fast hi-hat work. The "Wild" designation indicates their aggressive character — these aren't subtle cymbals. Multiple crashes ranging from 16" to 19" gave Joey options for different dynamics and positions around his massive kit. The RUDE Power Crashes are explosive and loud, designed to cut through any mix. The twin China cymbals (20" and 22") were crucial to Slipknot's sound. Joey used them constantly for accents, and their trashy, explosive character became part of the band's sonic identity. The Wild Chinas are among the most aggressive China cymbals ever made. ## Key Facts - Pearl Drums endorsee for most of his career - Signature snare drum still in production today - Famous for the rotating/inverted drum riser - Recorded Iowa drums in just 10 days - Voted #1 in Revolver's Greatest Metal Drummers list - Double bass drum setup — two separate 22" drums, not a double pedal - Pearl Icon Rack System for mounting stability and positioning - Reference Series 20-ply shells for attack and projection - Triggered bass drums for consistent attack at extreme speeds - Kit designed to project through Slipknot's nine-member wall of sound - Estimated kit value: $6,000-10,000 (Reference Series custom configuration) - Estimated snare value: $250-350 (signature model still available) **Source:** https://metalforge.io/articles/whats-in-joey-jordisons-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)*