---
name: "Brann Dailor"
band: "Mastodon"
page_type: "gear_evolution"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummers/brann-dailor"
evolution_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummers/brann-dailor/evolution"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-06-25"
---

# Brann Dailor Drum Kit Evolution — Complete Timeline

Brann Dailor is one of modern metal's most melodic and technically adventurous drummers, and his gear evolution mirrors Mastodon's rise from Atlanta's underground to progressive metal headliners. His switch from budget Mapex kits to an era-defining Gretsch USA Custom relationship — still ongoing — gave Mastodon's dense prog-sludge sound one of its most distinctive sonic signatures. Dailor's jazz-informed approach, constant melodic fills, and compositional drumming require a kit that is as musical as it is powerful.

See also: [Brann Dailor drummer profile](/llms/drummers/brann-dailor.md)

---

## Remission Era (1999–2003)

**Albums:** Lifesblood EP (2001), Remission (2002)
**Tours:** Early US club touring, Remission US Tour

Mastodon's ferocious debut. Dailor played a budget Mapex kit with the DW 5000 double pedal as the one priority investment — his jazz-influenced, melodic drumming over sludge metal riffs was immediately distinctive.

- **Drums:** Mapex V Series (poplar shells) — 22" kick, 10"/12"/16" toms
- **Snare:** Mapex Black Panther 14"×5" steel — thin hoops
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian A Series — 14" hi-hats, 16"/18" crashes, 20" ride
- **Hardware:** Mapex hardware + DW 5000 double pedal (priority investment)
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth 5B hickory
- **Heads:** Remo Ambassador — clear on toms, coated on snare
- **Estimated kit cost (original):** ~$2,800

**Key developments:**
- First Mastodon recording setup — budget but effective
- Jazz-influenced melodic approach applied to sludge metal from day one
- DW 5000 double pedal prioritized despite overall budget constraints

> "We were just a band from Atlanta with whatever gear we could afford. But the drumming concept was there from day one." — *Drum! Magazine, 2002*

---

## Leviathan Era (2004–2005)

**Albums:** Leviathan (2004)
**Tours:** Leviathan World Tour, Ozzfest 2004

The album that made Mastodon's name worldwide. Leviathan's complex, Moby Dick-themed arrangements pushed Dailor to upgrade from the V Series to Mapex Pro M maple shells — the first real professional kit.

- **Drums:** Mapex Pro M Series (maple shells) — 22" kick, 10"/12"/14"/16" toms *(upgrade)*
- **Snare:** Mapex Black Panther 14"×5.5" steel *(upgrade — deeper for larger venues)*
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian A Custom — 14" hi-hats, 17"/18" crashes, 21" ride, 18" China *(upgrade)*
- **Hardware:** DW 5000 Turbo double pedal (continued)
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth 5A *(switch — lighter sticks for faster melodic patterns)*
- **Heads:** Remo Emperor double-ply *(upgrade — outdoor festival durability)*
- **Estimated kit cost (original):** ~$5,500

**Key developments:**
- Upgrade to Mapex Pro M maple shells — first professional kit
- Switched to lighter Vic Firth 5A for fast melodic patterns
- Ozzfest 2004 brought Mastodon to a mainstream metal audience

> "Leviathan was our first major label record. We had to up our game in every department — including the drums." — *Modern Drummer, 2004*

---

## Blood Mountain Era (2006–2008)

**Albums:** Blood Mountain (2006)
**Tours:** Blood Mountain World Tour, Sounds of the Underground

Mastodon signs to Reprise/Warner. Dailor switches to Gretsch USA Custom — the most important gear decision of his career, beginning a relationship that continues to this day.

- **Drums:** Gretsch USA Custom (maple shells) — 22" kick, 10"/12"/14"/16" toms *(brand switch — career-defining)*
- **Snare:** Gretsch USA 14"×5" Maple *(switch — warm, round tone distinct from steel era)*
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian A Custom — 14" hi-hats, 17"/18"/19" crashes, 21" ride, 18" China (continued)
- **Hardware:** DW 9000 double pedal *(upgrade from DW 5000)*
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth 5A (continued)
- **Heads:** Remo Coated Ambassador *(switch — coated heads complement Gretsch maple warmth)*
- **Estimated kit cost (original):** ~$9,000

**Key developments:**
- Brand switch to Gretsch USA Custom — the defining move of Dailor's career
- DW 9000 double pedal upgrade for better control
- Gretsch warm maple tone becomes integral to Mastodon's sound
- Coated heads chosen to enhance Gretsch maple's natural warmth

> "Gretsch changed everything for me. The warmth of those maple shells under all that distortion — it was exactly the balance I was looking for." — *Gretsch Artist Profile, 2006*

---

## Crack the Skye Era (2009–2010)

**Albums:** Crack the Skye (2009)
**Tours:** Crack the Skye World Tour, Bonnaroo 2009

Widely considered Mastodon's greatest album and Dailor's finest performance. Crack the Skye earned Grammy consideration, and Dailor launched his Vic Firth signature drumstick during this period. The kit expanded significantly to match the album's progressive ambition.

- **Drums:** Gretsch USA Custom (expanded) — 22" kick, 8"/10"/12"/14"/16"/18" toms *(upgrade — 8" and 18" toms added)*
- **Snare:** Gretsch USA Custom 14"×6.5" *(upgrade — deeper for fuller, cinematic sound)*
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian A Custom / K Series — 14" A Custom hi-hats, K Dark crashes, 22" K Constantinople ride, China *(upgrade — K series added for complexity)*
- **Hardware:** DW 9000 double pedal (continued)
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth Brann Dailor Signature (hickory, medium taper) *(first signature sticks)*
- **Heads:** Remo Coated Ambassador / Fiberskyn *(upgrade — Fiberskyn on select toms for warmth)*
- **Estimated kit cost (original):** ~$14,000

**Key developments:**
- Vic Firth Brann Dailor signature drumstick launched
- Expanded 6-tom configuration for progressive arrangements
- K Constantinople ride adds orchestral complexity
- Fiberskyn heads on select toms for more vintage warmth

| Gear | Model | Change |
|---|---|---|
| Toms | 6-tom Gretsch configuration | Expanded |
| Snare | Gretsch 14"×6.5" deeper model | Upgrade |
| Cymbals | K Dark crashes + K Constantinople | Upgrade |
| Sticks | Vic Firth Brann Dailor Signature | First signature |
| Heads | Coated Ambassador + Fiberskyn | Upgrade |

> "Crack the Skye was about Bill and transcendence. Every fill was emotional. The Gretsch kit had to sing." — *Revolver Magazine, 2009*

---

## The Hunter Era (2011–2013)

**Albums:** The Hunter (2011)
**Tours:** The Hunter World Tour, Rockstar Energy Mayhem Festival 2011

Mastodon's most accessible, rock-oriented album. Dailor streamlined his kit to a tighter 4-tom configuration and chose a shallower snare for a punchier, more direct sound.

- **Drums:** Gretsch USA Custom — 22" kick, 10"/12"/14"/16" toms *(streamlined — 8" and 18" removed)*
- **Snare:** Gretsch USA Custom 14"×5" *(switch — shallower for sharper, punchier attack)*
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian A Custom — 14" hi-hats, 17"/18"/19" crashes, 21" ride, 18" China *(switch back — streamlined for rock context)*
- **Hardware:** DW 9000 double pedal (continued)
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth Brann Dailor Signature (continued)
- **Heads:** Remo Coated Ambassador (continued)
- **Estimated kit cost (original):** ~$12,000

**Key developments:**
- Streamlined 4-tom kit for more concise rock arrangements
- Shallower snare returns for punchier, brighter attack
- Mastodon performed at the Grammy Awards 2011 (for "Blood and Thunder")

> "The Hunter was us being a rock band. Stripped back. The kit reflected that — fewer toms, less complexity, more punch." — *Drum! Magazine, 2011*

---

## Once More 'Round the Sun Era (2014–2016)

**Albums:** Once More 'Round the Sun (2014)
**Tours:** Once More 'Round the Sun World Tour, Download Festival 2014

Mastodon returns to heavier and more progressive territory. Dailor's partnership with Gretsch produced its first signature drum kit — a major milestone in his career.

- **Drums:** Gretsch Brann Dailor Signature Kit (maple, custom finish) — 22" kick, 10"/12"/14"/16" toms *(first signature kit)*
- **Snare:** Gretsch Brann Dailor Signature Snare — 14"×6" Maple, custom wrap *(first signature snare)*
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian A Custom / K Dark — 14" hi-hats, K Dark crashes, 22" ride, China *(upgrade — K Dark crashes added)*
- **Hardware:** DW 9000 double pedal (continued)
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth Brann Dailor Signature (refined model) *(upgrade)*
- **Heads:** Remo Coated Ambassador (continued)
- **Estimated kit cost (original):** ~$16,000

**Key developments:**
- First Gretsch Brann Dailor signature drum kit
- Gretsch signature snare with custom wrap
- K Dark crashes complement heavier album dynamics

> "Having a signature kit with Gretsch was surreal. Those drums are a part of my identity at this point." — *Gretsch Artist Profile, 2014*

---

## Emperor of Sand Era (2017–2019)

**Albums:** Emperor of Sand (2017)
**Tours:** Emperor of Sand World Tour, Ozzfest Meets Knotfest 2017

Mastodon's most personal album — written while members dealt with family members' cancer battles. The kit expanded again and Dailor made a significant cymbal change — fully transitioning to Zildjian K Series for a darker, more emotionally complex sound. Emperor of Sand won the Grammy for Best Metal Performance.

- **Drums:** Gretsch Brann Dailor Signature (updated) — 22" kick, 8"/10"/12"/14"/16" toms *(upgrade — 8" tom re-added)*
- **Snare:** Gretsch Brann Dailor Signature 14"×6.5" *(upgrade — deeper for fuller body)*
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian K Series — 14" K hi-hats, K Dark crashes 16"/17"/18"/19", 22" K Constantinople ride, China *(switch — full K transition)*
- **Hardware:** DW 9000XF double pedal (extended footboard) *(upgrade)*
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth Brann Dailor Signature (continued)
- **Heads:** Remo Coated Ambassador / Fiberskyn *(upgrade — Fiberskyn on floor toms for warmth)*
- **Electronics:** Roland SPD-SX *(new — electronic pad for live samples)*
- **Estimated kit cost (original):** ~$20,000

**Key developments:**
- Full transition to Zildjian K Series — significant tonal shift
- DW 9000XF extended footboard upgrade
- Roland SPD-SX added for live electronic integration
- Grammy win for Best Metal Performance

> "Emperor of Sand was about death and survival. I needed the drums to sound like a beating heart — warm, alive, but with the threat of stopping." — *Modern Drummer, 2017*

---

## Hushed and Grim Era (2021–Present)

**Albums:** Hushed and Grim (2021)
**Tours:** Hushed and Grim World Tour 2022, Download Festival 2022

Mastodon's most ambitious work — a double LP tribute to their late manager Nick John. Dailor's most complete and refined setup, with an IEM click track system and a custom graphic wrap signature kit tied to the album artwork.

- **Drums:** Gretsch Brann Dailor Signature (current) — 22" kick, 8"/10"/12"/14"/16" toms, custom graphic wrap
- **Snare:** Gretsch Brann Dailor Signature 14"×6.5" (current production model)
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian K / K Constantinople — 14" K hi-hats, K Dark crashes, 22" K Constantinople ride, 20" China *(upgrade — K Constantinople ride for orchestral complexity)*
- **Hardware:** DW 9000XF double pedal (continued)
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth Brann Dailor Signature (decade-long partnership)
- **Heads:** Remo Coated Ambassador / Fiberskyn (continued)
- **Electronics:** Roland SPD-SX + IEM click track system *(upgrade — full IEM integration)*
- **Estimated kit cost:** ~$24,000

**Key developments:**
- Custom graphic wrap signature kit — album tie-in artwork
- K Constantinople ride for orchestral depth on double album
- Full IEM click track system integrated
- Most refined and complete setup of Dailor's career

> "Hushed and Grim was for Nick. Every note was for him. The kit had to carry that weight — and Gretsch always delivers that warmth." — *Revolver Magazine, 2021*

---

## Career Cost Overview

| Era | Years | Kit Cost (Original) | Inflation-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Remission Era | 1999–2003 | $2,800 | ~$4,800 |
| Leviathan Era | 2004–2005 | $5,500 | ~$9,000 |
| Blood Mountain Era | 2006–2008 | $9,000 | ~$14,000 |
| Crack the Skye Era | 2009–2010 | $14,000 | ~$20,000 |
| The Hunter Era | 2011–2013 | $12,000 | ~$16,000 |
| Once More 'Round the Sun Era | 2014–2016 | $16,000 | ~$20,000 |
| Emperor of Sand Era | 2017–2019 | $20,000 | ~$24,000 |
| Hushed and Grim Era | 2021–present | $24,000 | ~$24,000 |

---

## Gear Brand Partnerships Timeline

- **Mapex V Series / Pro M** — 1999–2005 (early career budget era)
- **Gretsch USA Custom** — 2006–present (career-defining switch)
- **Gretsch Brann Dailor Signature Kit** — 2014–present
- **Zildjian** — throughout career (A → A Custom → K / K Constantinople)
- **DW 5000 / 9000 / 9000XF** — throughout career (consistent DW pedal preference)
- **Vic Firth Brann Dailor Signature** — 2009–present
- **Remo Coated Ambassador / Fiberskyn** — throughout career

---

## FAQ

**Q: What drum kit does Brann Dailor currently play?**
A: Dailor plays a Gretsch Brann Dailor Signature kit with maple shells — 22" kick drum and 8", 10", 12", 14", and 16" toms, currently in a custom graphic wrap finish. He has played Gretsch USA Custom since the Blood Mountain era (2006).

**Q: What is Brann Dailor's signature snare drum?**
A: Dailor plays the Gretsch Brann Dailor Signature snare — a 14"×6.5" maple shell model with a custom wrap finish. The current production model has been in use since approximately 2017's Emperor of Sand era.

**Q: What cymbals does Brann Dailor use?**
A: Dailor plays Zildjian K Series cymbals — 14" K hi-hats, K Dark crashes in multiple sizes (16", 17", 18", 19"), a 22" K Constantinople ride, and a 20" China. He fully transitioned to the K Series during the Emperor of Sand era (2017), after using A Custom throughout his earlier career.

**Q: When did Brann Dailor switch to Gretsch?**
A: Dailor switched from Mapex to Gretsch USA Custom for the Blood Mountain album in 2006, when Mastodon signed to Reprise/Warner. The warmer maple tone of the Gretsch complemented the dense, layered production of the Blood Mountain era and all subsequent albums.

**Q: What double pedal does Brann Dailor play?**
A: Dailor plays the DW 9000XF double pedal — the extended footboard version of DW's flagship 9000 series. He upgraded to the XF model during the Emperor of Sand era (2017) for better heel-up technique control. He used the standard DW 5000 through the early career and DW 9000 from Blood Mountain onward.

**Q: Did Brann Dailor win a Grammy?**
A: Yes — Mastodon won the Grammy Award for Best Metal Performance at the 2018 Grammy Awards for "Sultan's Curse" from Emperor of Sand (2017). Mastodon also performed "Blood and Thunder" at the 2011 Grammy Awards alongside Slash and Esperanza Spalding.

---

## Related Pages

- [Brann Dailor Drummer Profile](/llms/drummers/brann-dailor.md)
- [Crack the Skye Album Article](/llms/articles/crack-the-skye.md)
- [Emperor of Sand Album Article](/llms/articles/emperor-of-sand.md)
- [Mastodon Band Profile](/llms/bands.md)
- [Gretsch Drums Brand Guide](/llms/brands/gretsch.md)
- [Zildjian Cymbals Brand Guide](/llms/brands/zildjian.md)