# What Cymbals Does Gavin Harrison Use? Full Setup

**Band:** Porcupine Tree / King Crimson | **Brand(s):** Zildjian

---

## Direct Answer

Gavin Harrison plays Zildjian cymbals: 14" K Custom Special Dry Hi-Hats, 16" K Custom Special Dry Crash, 18" K Custom Special Dry Crash, 21" K Custom Special Dry Special Dry Ride, 18" K Custom Special Dry Trash China.

## Cymbal Breakdown

| Piece | Size | Series | Model |
|-------|------|--------|-------|
| Hi-hat | 14" | K Custom Special Dry | Hi-Hats |
| Crash | 16" | K Custom Special Dry | Crash |
| Crash | 18" | K Custom Special Dry | Crash |
| Ride | 21" | K Custom Special Dry | Special Dry Ride |
| China | 18" | K Custom Special Dry | Trash China |

Verified roster hardware entry: "Zildjian K Custom Special Dry Series (14" Hi-Hats, 16" & 18" Crashes, 21" Special Dry Ride, 18" Trash China)." Source: roster gear.cymbals (verified: true; sources on the drummer record).

## Setup Context

- **Hi-hat:** Two cymbals on a stand, played by foot and/or stick — the main timekeeper for tight, fast 16th-note patterns and blast beats.
- **Crash:** A short, explosive accent on strong beats and fills; metal kits often stack several sizes (e.g. 16"/17"/18") for different accent pitches.
- **Ride:** The largest, heaviest cymbal in most setups — carries sustained 16th-note "blast-beat" ride patterns and cuts through a dense mix, with the bell used for sharper accents.
- **China:** An upturned-edge cymbal with a trashy, explosive, dirty accent — a staple for breakdown and chorus hits in metal; sometimes mounted upside down for an even darker tone.

## FAQ

**Q: What cymbals does Gavin Harrison use?**
A: Gavin Harrison plays Zildjian cymbals: 14" K Custom Special Dry Hi-Hats, 16" K Custom Special Dry Crash, 18" K Custom Special Dry Crash, 21" K Custom Special Dry Special Dry Ride, 18" K Custom Special Dry Trash China.

## More Resources

- [Full cymbal setup page](https://metalforge.io/cymbals/setups/gavin-harrison)
- [Gavin Harrison's Drummer Profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/gavin-harrison)
- [Cymbals Guide](https://metalforge.io/llms/cymbals.md)
- [All LLM Resources](https://metalforge.io/llms/index.md)

---

*Last updated: 2026-07-13 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*