# What's In Lars Ulrich's Kit in 2026: The Most Famous Metal Drummer's Complete Setup

> Discover the exact drums, cymbals, and gear behind Lars Ulrich's iconic sound in 2026. Complete breakdown of his Tama Starclassic setup, signature LU1465 snare, Zildjian cymbals, and the 72 Seasons tour configuration.

**Type:** Kit Breakdown
**Drummer(s):** [Lars Ulrich](/llms/drummers/lars-ulrich.md)
**Band / Album:** Metallica
**Genre:** Thrash Metal / Heavy Metal

## Overview

Love him or debate him, Lars Ulrich is the most famous metal drummer alive. As co-founder of Metallica — the band that defined thrash metal and then transcended it to become rock royalty — Lars has spent over four decades behind the kit, selling over 125 million albums and playing for millions of fans worldwide.

Born December 26, 1963, in Gentofte, Denmark, Lars moved to Los Angeles with dreams of becoming a professional tennis player like his father. Instead, he discovered heavy metal — specifically, the New Wave of British Heavy Metal — and the world of drumming changed forever. That 1981 newspaper ad seeking musicians to form a band led to James Hetfield, and Metallica was born.

In 2026, at 62 years old, Lars is still going strong. The M72 World Tour (2023-2025) showcased a drummer who may not have the flash of younger players but possesses something more valuable: the ability to serve Metallica's songs with pocket, power, and that unmistakable feel. His fills are instantly recognizable. His tempo is the backbone of metal's biggest band. His sound IS Metallica.

This article breaks down every piece of gear Lars is using right now — from his signature Tama Starclassic setup to the controversial choices that have defined his career. Whether you're a devoted fan or a skeptic, understanding Lars's setup means understanding thrash metal's sonic DNA.

## Gear Breakdown

- **Drums:** Tama Tama Starclassic Maple (Custom Black / Various tour-specific finishes finish)
- **Snare:** Tama Tama LU1465 Lars Ulrich Signature, 14" x 6.5"
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian — Zildjian A Custom
- **Hardware / Pedals:** Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide Double Pedal; Tama Iron Cobra 900 Hi-Hat Stand; Tama 1st Chair Round Rider; Ahead Lars Ulrich Signature
- **Heads:** Remo Emperor Clear (batter), Remo Ambassador Snare Side (resonant)
- **Snare tuning:** Medium-high for maximum cut

### Lars's Current Tama Starclassic Setup

Lars Ulrich's drum setup is notably compact by metal drummer standards. Where many modern metal players surround themselves with a wall of toms, Lars has stuck with a relatively minimalist configuration: two rack toms, one floor tom, and a single bass drum with a double pedal.

The Tama Starclassic Maple shells provide the warm, punchy tone that's been Metallica's foundation for decades. The maple construction offers excellent attack with a rounded low-end — perfect for cutting through James Hetfield and Kirk Hammett's wall of guitars while still providing the punch that metal demands.

At 22" x 16", the bass drum is standard metal size — large enough for authority, not so large that it becomes boomy. Lars uses a double pedal rather than double bass drums, allowing for a more compact setup and easier touring logistics. For a band that plays 250+ shows per tour, this practical choice matters.

The tom sizes (12", 13", and 16") provide a good melodic range for Lars's trademark fills. His fills often move from high to low in rapid succession — a technique that's become so identified with his playing that drummers worldwide imitate it instinctively.

For the M72 tour, the kit features various custom finishes depending on the specific show design. The black finish remains his most iconic look, connecting visually to Metallica's aesthetic from the Black Album era onward.

### The Signature Crack: LU1465

The Tama LU1465 is one of the most recognized signature snare drums in metal history. This 14" x 6.5" steel shell snare has been Lars's weapon of choice for decades, and its crack-like attack has defined Metallica's sound on countless recordings and tours.

Steel shells are known for their bright, cutting tone — essential for penetrating Metallica's dense guitar mix. The LU1465's seamless steel construction provides maximum resonance and overtones, creating that distinctive "ping" that's become synonymous with Metallica's studio and live sound.

At 6.5" depth, the snare offers more body than a standard 5" drum while maintaining the sensitivity needed for Lars's ghost notes and detailed work. The deeper shell also projects better in large venues — crucial for a band that routinely fills stadiums.

Lars typically tunes the snare medium-high, achieving the balance between crack and body that serves Metallica's music. The steel shell responds well to this tension, providing articulation without choking.

Fun fact: The "St. Anger" snare sound — controversial, divisive, and endlessly debated — was achieved by loosening the snare wires on this very type of drum. Love it or hate it, that raw, trashy sound proved Lars's willingness to experiment with "his" signature sound for artistic purposes.

### The Zildjian Arsenal

Lars Ulrich's cymbal setup centers on Zildjian's A Custom series — a line known for its bright, cutting tone and excellent projection. The A Custom series was developed in collaboration with artists who needed cymbals that could cut through dense, amplified music, making them ideal for Metallica's wall of sound.

The 14" Dyno Beat hi-hats feature a heavier bottom cymbal that provides stability during aggressive playing. The "chick" sound is crisp and defined, essential for Lars's hi-hat work on tracks like "Enter Sandman" and "One."

Lars uses multiple crashes in the 17"-19" range, providing tonal variety for different accent needs. The A Custom crashes are known for their bright attack and quick decay — they speak immediately and get out of the way, perfect for thrash metal's precise accents.

The 22" Medium Ride serves both riding and crashing duties. Lars frequently crashes on the ride during intense sections, using the larger cymbal's wash to build energy. The defined bell is crucial for the bell-centric riding patterns on songs like "Blackened."

A single China cymbal provides the trashy, aggressive accents that have been part of metal since the early 80s. Lars uses it sparingly but effectively — it's there for moments that need extra aggression.

Compared to drummers like Dave Lombardo (who runs a massive Paiste setup), Lars's cymbal configuration is modest. But like everything in his setup, it's about efficiency and serving the music rather than visual spectacle.

## Key Facts

- Co-founder of Metallica since 1981 — over 43 years
- First Danish-born musician inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2009)
- Tama endorser for nearly 40 years
- Signature LU1465 snare drum is a metal icon
- Currently touring on M72 World Tour supporting "72 Seasons"
- Over 125 million albums sold with Metallica
- Compact setup by metal standards (3 toms total)
- Single bass drum with double pedal
- Maple shells for warmth and punch
- 22" kick provides authority without boominess
- Configuration unchanged for 30+ years
- Estimated kit value: $4,000-7,000 (Starclassic Maple configuration)
- Estimated snare value: $350-450 (LU1465 signature model)

**Source:** https://metalforge.io/articles/whats-in-lars-ulrichs-kit

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