# What's In Scott Travis' Judas Priest Arsenal > Discover the complete drum setup of Judas Priest's Scott Travis. From his legendary Painkiller sessions to the Invincible Shield tour, explore the gear behind speed metal's most precise drummer. **Type:** Kit Breakdown **Drummer(s):** [Scott Travis](/llms/drummers/scott-travis.md) **Genre:** Heavy Metal / Speed Metal ## Overview When Scott Travis joined Judas Priest in 1989, he didn't just fill a drum seat — he transformed the band's entire sound. The Virginia-born drummer brought a level of technical precision and double bass ferocity that propelled Priest into the speed metal stratosphere. Born September 6, 1961, in Norfolk, Virginia, Travis cut his teeth with neo-classical shredders Racer X alongside guitarist Paul Gilbert. His work on albums like "Street Lethal" (1986) and "Second Heat" (1987) established him as one of metal's most technically gifted drummers. But it was his move to Judas Priest that would cement his legend. The opening drum fill of "Painkiller" — recorded within months of joining the band — announced a new era for heavy metal. Where previous Priest drummer Dave Holland was solid and workmanlike, Travis was explosive, precise, and relentless. The title track's sustained double bass assault, executed with machine-like consistency, set a new standard for what was possible in heavy metal drumming. "Painkiller" wasn't just good — it silenced every critic who claimed metal was dying at the dawn of the 90s. The album proved that heavy metal could evolve, could push technical boundaries, could remain vital. And at the center of that statement was Scott Travis, playing faster and more precisely than anyone thought possible. Thirty-five years later, Travis remains behind the kit for Priest. Albums like "Firepower" (2018) and "Invincible Shield" (2024) prove he hasn't lost a step. The recent tours have featured drum solos that rival his prime-era performances. He's not coasting on legacy — he's still earning it, night after night. This is the gear that powers heavy metal's longest-running speed demon. ## Gear Breakdown - **Drums:** Pearl Pearl Reference Series (Piano Black finish) - **Snare:** Pearl Pearl Reference Brass or Custom Brass, 14" x 6.5" - **Cymbals:** Sabian — HHX / AAX Series - **Hardware / Pedals:** Pearl Demon Drive Double Pedal; Pearl H-2050 Eliminator Hi-Hat; Pearl D-3500 Roadster; Vic Firth American Classic 5A or 5B; Remo Emperor or Powerstroke series - **Heads:** Remo Ambassador Coated (batter), Remo Ambassador Snare Side (resonant) - **Snare tuning:** Medium-high tension for cut, moderate snare wire tension ### Scott's Current Arsenal: Pearl Reference Series Scott Travis has been a Pearl endorser for decades, and his current setup centers on the Pearl Reference Series — the company's flagship professional line. The Reference shells combine maple and birch in a proprietary formula that delivers both warmth and attack. The 24" x 18" bass drum is crucial to Travis's sound. Larger and deeper than typical metal bass drums, it produces a commanding low-end that fills arenas without sacrificing definition. Despite the size, his double bass patterns remain clear and articulate — a testament to both his technique and Pearl's shell design. His three-rack-tom configuration (10", 12", 13") provides melodic options for fills while maintaining accessibility. The Reference shells' 45-degree bearing edges produce focused, powerful tones that cut through Priest's twin-guitar assault. The dual floor toms (16" and 18") anchor the kit's bottom end. Travis uses them sparingly but effectively, saving the thunder for moments of maximum impact. The 18" floor tom, in particular, adds weight to section endings and dramatic fills. What sets the Reference Series apart is consistency — every drum responds predictably, allowing Travis to execute his demanding patterns with confidence. For a drummer whose style depends on precision at extreme speeds, that reliability is essential. ### The Crack That Cuts Through Walls of Sound Scott Travis's snare sound is one of heavy metal's most distinctive — powerful, cutting, yet never harsh. He achieves this with Pearl brass snares, typically a Reference Brass or custom signature model. The brass shell provides the brightness and projection needed to slice through Priest's dense guitar arrangements. At 6.5" depth, the drum has enough body to avoid sounding thin, while still delivering the crack that defines Travis's backbeat. Listen to "Painkiller" — the snare is present in every mix, even during the most chaotic passages. That same snare tone appears across three decades of Priest albums, proving Travis's consistency in both performance and sound. Travis tunes his snare medium-high for maximum cut and sensitivity. The brass shell's natural brightness means he doesn't need extreme tension to project. His snare wire tension is moderate, allowing ghost notes to speak while keeping the crack tight on backbeats. For live shows, the same snare cuts through Priest's massive PA systems. In arenas where lesser snare sounds disappear, Travis's brass ring remains clear and commanding. ### The Sabian Heavy Metal Arsenal Scott Travis's cymbal setup is built for arena-level projection. His combination of Sabian HHX and AAX cymbals delivers the brightness and cut that heavy metal demands while maintaining musical quality. The 14" HHX Power Hi-Hats are the foundation. Heavier than standard hi-hats, they provide stability during aggressive playing and clear definition at all tempos. Travis's hi-hat work — often overlooked in favor of his double bass — is remarkably precise, providing the "chick" and "splash" sounds that drive Priest's rhythms. Multiple crashes allow dynamic variety. The AAX X-Plosion series crashes are designed for heavy hitting — they project immediately, sustain appropriately, then get out of the way. The 18", 19", and 20" sizing gives Travis options for different musical moments. The 22" HHX Power Ride is essential for songs with extended ride work. Heavier than typical rides, it maintains stick definition even during aggressive playing. The bell is particularly prominent, cutting through for accents. The AAX Chinese cymbal provides the trashy explosions that punctuate Priest's heaviest moments. Used sparingly but effectively, it adds aggression that standard crashes can't match. This cymbal array has remained relatively consistent since Travis joined Priest. He knows what works for their sound and sees no need to chase trends. ## Key Facts - Judas Priest drummer since 1989 — the only American in the band's history - Racer X founding member with Paul Gilbert - "Painkiller" set the benchmark for speed metal drumming - 35+ years with Priest — longer than any previous drummer - Still touring and recording at the highest level in 2026 - Pearl Reference Series — flagship professional line - 24" bass drum for arena-filling power - Three rack toms for melodic flexibility - Maple/Birch hybrid shells balance warmth and attack - Same basic configuration since mid-2000s - Estimated kit value: $6,000-8,000 (new) / $4,000-6,000 (used) - Estimated snare value: $600-900 (new) **Source:** https://metalforge.io/articles/whats-in-scott-travis-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)*