---
name: "Ray Luzier"
band: "KoRn"
page_type: "gear_evolution"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/ray-luzier"
evolution_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummers/ray-luzier/evolution"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-07-01"
---

# Ray Luzier Drum Kit Evolution — Complete Timeline

Ray Luzier is a Musicians Institute-trained session veteran who spent a decade touring with David Lee Roth before joining KoRn in 2007, bringing technical precision and groove-heavy versatility to one of nu-metal's most identity-driven bands. He learned 30 KoRn songs for an audition that asked for 5, played his first show with the band in January 2008, and was officially announced as a full member in 2009. This timeline documents his complete gear evolution from his DW Performance Series debut through the DW Collector's Series and Paiste 2002 setup that has defined fifteen-plus years and five studio albums as KoRn's drummer.

See also: [Ray Luzier drummer profile](/llms/drummers/ray-luzier.md)

---

## Pre-Korn Session / Joining KoRn Era (2007–2009)

**Albums:** Session and touring work prior to official KoRn membership
**Tours:** David Lee Roth touring (1997–2005), Army of Anyone touring (2006–2007), early KoRn touring dates (2008)

Ray Luzier joined KoRn as a touring replacement in 2007 after founding drummer David Silveria's departure, following a decade of session and touring work with David Lee Roth, Army of Anyone, and Steel Panther. He learned 30 KoRn songs when asked to prepare just 5 for his audition. His first shows with the band began in early 2008, and he was officially announced as a full member in 2009. His DW Performance Series kit — mid-tier professional gear — was already paired with the Paiste 2002 cymbals that would define his entire KoRn tenure.

- **Drums:** DW Performance Series — professional-grade maple shells, 6-piece (mid-tier DW, below the Collector's level he'd reach as a full member)
- **Snare:** DW Performance Series 14"×5.5" — maple shell, standard configuration
- **Cymbals:** Paiste 2002 Series — 14" Sound Edge hi-hats, 18" crash, 20" crash, 22" ride (the pairing that would remain unbroken through his entire KoRn career)
- **Hardware:** DW 9002 Double Pedal — chain-drive double bass
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth 5A Hickory
- **Heads:** Evans G2 (toms), EMAD (kick), Genera (snare)
- **Estimated kit cost (original):** ~$5,500

**Key developments:**
- Joined KoRn as touring replacement for David Silveria (2007)
- Learned 30 KoRn songs for an audition that requested 5
- First KoRn performance — January 13, 2008, in Dublin, Ireland
- Officially announced as full KoRn member (2009)
- Paiste 2002 and DW 9002 pedal already established as career-long gear choices

> "They asked me to learn five songs. I learned thirty. I wanted them to know I was serious about this — this wasn't just a gig to me." — *Rhythm Magazine Interview, 2009*

---

## Korn III: Remember Who You Are Era (2010)

**Albums:** Korn III: Remember Who You Are (2010)
**Tours:** Korn III World Tour 2010

**Q: What drums did Ray Luzier use on Korn III?**
A: Korn III: Remember Who You Are (2010), produced by Ross Robinson — the same producer behind KoRn's 1994 debut — was Luzier's first full studio album with the band and his DW Collector's Series debut. The maple/mahogany hybrid shells delivered deeper fundamentals suited to the album's raw, back-to-basics production, and his 6.5"-deep aluminum snare became instantly recognizable on tracks like "Oildale (Leave Me Alone)" and "Move On."

- **Drums:** DW Collector's Series Maple/Mahogany — 7-piece, custom KoRn livery: 22"×18" kick (×2), 10"×8" rack, 12"×9" rack, 14"×12" floor, 16"×14" floor *(upgrade — full endorsement upgrade to DW Collector's)*
- **Snare:** DW Collector's Series 14"×6.5" Aluminum *(upgrade — sharp crack heard on "Oildale (Leave Me Alone)" and "Move On")*
- **Cymbals:** Paiste 2002 Series (expanded) — 14" Sound Edge hi-hats, 18" crash, 20" crash, 22" ride, 18" China *(upgrade — added China for heavier material)*
- **Hardware:** DW 9002D Double Pedal *(switch — direct-drive for more immediate double-kick response)*
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth 5A American Classic (continued 5A preference)
- **Heads:** Evans G2 (toms), EMAD2 (kick), Genera HD Dry (snare) *(upgrade — more focused, controlled sound)*
- **Estimated kit cost (original):** ~$9,140

**Key developments:**
- Korn III: Remember Who You Are (2010) — first full studio album with KoRn
- DW Collector's Series debut — maple/mahogany hybrid shells
- Produced by Ross Robinson, who also produced KoRn's 1994 debut
- "Oildale (Leave Me Alone)" and "Move On" showcase the new aluminum snare sound

> "Ross wanted us to strip everything back to what made Korn dangerous in the first place. The Collector's kit gave me the low end to do that without losing definition." — *Modern Drummer Interview, 2010*

---

## The Path of Totality / The Paradigm Shift Era (2011–2013)

**Albums:** The Path of Totality (2011), The Paradigm Shift (2013)
**Tours:** The Path of Totality Tour 2011–2012, The Paradigm Shift Tour 2013–2014

**Q: How did Ray Luzier's gear handle Path of Totality's dubstep fusion?**
A: The Path of Totality (2011) — a dubstep-fusion experiment — and The Paradigm Shift (2013) — a heavier return to form — showed the versatility of Luzier's DW Collector's setup across dramatically different production contexts. The same maple/mahogany kit handled the electronic-heavy layering of Path of Totality and the back-to-metal aggression of Paradigm Shift without tonal compromise, with selected Paiste Signature pieces added alongside his core 2002 setup.

- **Drums:** DW Collector's Series Maple/Mahogany (continued) — same core kit, updated custom finishes per album cycle
- **Snare:** DW Collector's Series 14"×6.5" Aluminum (continued, unchanged through both records)
- **Cymbals:** Paiste 2002 Series + Paiste Signature (selected) *(new additions — extra tonal options for contrasting production)*
- **Hardware:** DW 9002D Double Pedal (continued)
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth 5A (continued)
- **Heads:** Evans G2 / EMAD2 / Genera HD Dry (continued)
- **Estimated kit cost (original):** ~$9,800

**Key developments:**
- The Path of Totality (2011) — dubstep-fusion experiment; DW kit handles electronic-heavy layering
- The Paradigm Shift (2013) — heavier return to form after Path of Totality
- Paiste Signature pieces added alongside core 2002 setup
- DW Collector's Series demonstrates tonal versatility across contrasting production styles

> "Path of Totality asked the kit to sit inside all this electronic production without disappearing. Paradigm Shift asked it to be Korn again. Same kit did both." — *Rhythm Magazine Interview, 2013*

---

## The Serenity of Suffering / The Nothing Era (2016–2019)

**Albums:** The Serenity of Suffering (2016), The Nothing (2019)
**Tours:** The Serenity of Suffering Tour 2016–2017, The Nothing Tour 2019–2020

**Q: What gear did Ray Luzier use on The Serenity of Suffering and The Nothing?**
A: By The Serenity of Suffering (2016), Luzier refined his DW Collector's setup from the maple/mahogany hybrid to pure maple shells for a brighter, more articulate tone, in an expanded configuration for arena-level projection. The Nothing (2019) — written during Jonathan Davis's personal crisis following the death of his wife — captured some of Luzier's most emotionally dynamic drumming, with the Paiste 2002 ride cymbal's sustained shimmer integral to the album's atmospheric passages.

- **Drums:** DW Collector's Series Maple — pure maple shells, expanded configuration *(switch from maple/mahogany hybrid — brighter, more articulate tone)*
- **Snare:** DW Collector's Series 14"×6.5" Maple *(switch — matched maple replacing the aluminum model used since Korn III)*
- **Cymbals:** Paiste 2002 and Signature (mixed) — larger crash coverage for arena-level projection *(upgrade)*
- **Hardware:** DW 9002D Double Pedal (continued)
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth 5A American Classic (continued)
- **Heads:** Evans UV2 (toms), EMAD2 (kick), Genera HD Dry (snare) *(switch — UV2 for brighter attack matching new maple shells)*
- **Estimated kit cost (original):** ~$11,000

**Key developments:**
- Switched from maple/mahogany hybrid to pure maple DW Collector's shells
- The Serenity of Suffering (2016) — Grammy-winning single "Rotting in Vain"
- The Nothing (2019) — written during Jonathan Davis's grief following his wife's death
- Expanded Paiste crash coverage for arena-scale touring

> "The Nothing was the heaviest record emotionally I've ever been part of. I wanted the drums to breathe with Jonathan — not just hit hard, but feel everything he was going through." — *Modern Drummer Interview, 2019*

---

## Requiem / Current Era (2022–Present)

**Albums:** Requiem (2022)
**Tours:** Requiem World Tour 2022–2023, KoRn 30th Anniversary touring

**Q: What is Ray Luzier's current drum setup?**
A: Requiem (2022) — KoRn's 14th studio album — arrived as a tighter, more direct record after The Nothing's emotional weight. Luzier's current touring rig maintains the DW Collector's Maple and Paiste 2002 foundation that has defined every KoRn album since Korn III, now fifteen-plus years and five studio albums into his tenure — the longest-serving drummer in KoRn's history after founding member David Silveria.

- **Drums:** DW Collector's Series Maple — current touring configuration, pure maple shells (unchanged since 2016)
- **Snare:** DW Collector's Series 14"×6.5" Maple — current standard snare
- **Cymbals:** Paiste 2002 and Signature (current configuration) — KoRn's longest-running cymbal partnership at over fifteen years
- **Hardware:** DW 9002D Double Pedal — same direct-drive model used since his 2010 DW Collector's debut
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth 5A American Classic — current standard sticks
- **Heads:** Evans UV2 / EMAD2 / Genera HD Dry (unchanged)
- **Estimated kit cost (original):** ~$12,000

**Key developments:**
- Requiem (2022) — KoRn's 14th studio album, Luzier's fifth with the band
- DW Collector's Maple / Paiste 2002 foundation unchanged since 2016
- Now the longest-serving KoRn drummer after founding member David Silveria
- Continued KXM supergroup work alongside KoRn touring commitments

> "Fifteen years in, the gear doesn't need to change every album. What changes is how I use it — how much restraint, how much power, where I put the accents." — *DRUM! Magazine Interview, 2022*

---

## Career Cost Overview

| Era | Years | Kit Cost (Original) | Inflation-Adjusted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Korn Session / Joining KoRn Era | 2007–2009 | $5,500 | ~$8,500 |
| Korn III: Remember Who You Are Era | 2010 | $9,140 | ~$13,728 |
| Path of Totality / Paradigm Shift Era | 2011–2013 | $9,800 | ~$13,200 |
| Serenity of Suffering / The Nothing Era | 2016–2019 | $11,000 | ~$15,000 |
| Requiem / Current Era | 2022–Present | $12,000 | ~$12,500 |

---

## Gear Brand Partnerships Timeline

- **DW Performance Series (drums)** — 2007–2009 (pre-Korn III mid-tier kit)
- **DW Collector's Series Maple/Mahogany (drums)** — 2010–2013 (Korn III through Paradigm Shift)
- **DW Collector's Series Maple (drums)** — 2016–present (pure maple from Serenity of Suffering onward)
- **DW Collector's Series (snares)** — 2010–present (Aluminum through 2013, Maple from 2016)
- **Paiste 2002 (cymbals)** — 2007–present (lifelong, unbroken endorsement)
- **Paiste Signature (cymbals)** — 2011–present (selected pieces alongside core 2002 setup)
- **DW 9002 / 9002D (hardware)** — 2007–present (direct-drive from 2010 Korn III era onward)
- **Vic Firth 5A (sticks)** — 2007–present (lifelong consistent choice)
- **Evans (heads)** — throughout Korn career (G2/EMAD through UV2/EMAD2)

---

## FAQ

**Q: What drum kit does Ray Luzier use?**
A: Ray Luzier plays a DW Collector's Series drum kit, paired with Paiste 2002 and Signature cymbals and a DW 9002D direct-drive double pedal. He has been a DW Collector's endorsee since recording Korn III: Remember Who You Are (2010), switching from maple/mahogany hybrid shells to pure maple around The Serenity of Suffering (2016).

**Q: What drums did Ray Luzier use on Korn III?**
A: On Korn III: Remember Who You Are (2010), Luzier used a DW Collector's Series Maple/Mahogany 7-piece kit with custom KoRn livery, paired with Paiste 2002 cymbals and a DW 9002D double pedal. The full setup cost approximately $9,140 at the time — his first studio album with the band, produced by Ross Robinson.

**Q: What cymbals does Ray Luzier use?**
A: Luzier is a long-term Paiste endorsee, primarily using the 2002 series (Sound Edge hi-hats, crashes, ride, china) alongside selected Paiste Signature pieces for larger arena setups. The 2002 series' full, powerful voice has been consistent throughout his entire KoRn career, dating back to before he officially joined the band in 2007.

**Q: When did Ray Luzier join KoRn?**
A: Ray Luzier joined KoRn as a touring replacement for David Silveria in 2007, played his first show with the band on January 13, 2008, in Dublin, Ireland, and was officially announced as a full member in 2009. He has since recorded five studio albums with KoRn: Korn III (2010), The Path of Totality (2011), The Paradigm Shift (2013), The Serenity of Suffering (2016), The Nothing (2019), and Requiem (2022).

**Q: What double bass pedal does Ray Luzier use?**
A: Luzier uses the DW 9002D direct-drive double pedal — the direct-drive variant of DW's flagship 9002 model — consistently since his Korn III debut in 2010. The direct-drive mechanism gives him a more immediate, linear response compared to chain-drive, suited to KoRn's syncopated double-kick patterns.

---

## Related Pages

- [Ray Luzier Drummer Profile](/llms/drummers/ray-luzier.md)
- [Ray Luzier Gear History](/llms/gear-history/ray-luzier.md)
- [Korn III Drum Setup Article](/llms/articles/korn-iii-drum-setup.md)
- [DW Drums Brand Guide](/llms/brands/dw.md)
- [Paiste Cymbal Guide](/llms/brands/paiste.md)
- [Ray Luzier vs Abe Cunningham Comparison](/llms/vs/ray-luzier-vs-abe-cunningham.md)
- [Metal Drumming Facts & Stats](/llms/facts.md)