# Pearl Snares: Metal-Relevant Models & Which Drummers Use Them

> Pearl's snare lineup splits into two verified-roster standards — the brass/steel Reference series for maximum cut, and the maple Masters series for a warmer tone — alongside multiple artist-signature models, including Joey Jordison's 13x6.5" and George Kollias's 14x6.5" snares.

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## Company Background

- **Founded:** 1946, Tokyo, Japan
- **Parent/Ownership:** Independent; one of the largest drum manufacturers in the world

## Notable Models for Metal Drummers

- **Reference:** Brass and steel shells built for maximum cut and volume — the most common single Pearl series on the verified metal roster, from Gene Hoglan to Mike Mangini.
- **Masters:** Pearl's maple shell line, chosen for a warmer tone by drummers including Flo Mounier, Jaska Raatikainen, and Paul Bostaph (Masters Steel).
- **Artist-signature models:** Purpose-built signature snares for roster drummers, including Joey Jordison (13x6.5"), George Kollias, and Daniel Erlandsson.

## Confirmed Metal Drummers (16)

| Drummer | Band | Snare |
|---------|------|-------|
| [Alex Bent](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/alex-bent.md) | ex-Trivium / Arkaik / Dragonlord | Pearl Reference 14x5" Brass |
| [Aquiles Priester](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/aquiles-priester.md) | Angra / W.A.S.P. | Pearl Reference 14x6.5" Brass |
| [Daniel Erlandsson](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/daniel-erlandsson.md) | Arch Enemy | Pearl Daniel Erlandsson Signature 14x5.5" |
| [Daray](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/daray.md) | Dimmu Borgir / Vader | Pearl Reference 14x5.5" Brass |
| [Flo Mounier](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/flo-mounier.md) | Cryptopsy | Pearl Masters 14x5.5" Maple |
| [Gene Hoglan](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/gene-hoglan.md) | Death / Testament / Dethklok | Pearl Reference 14x6.5" Brass |
| [George Kollias](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/george-kollias.md) | Nile | Pearl George Kollias Signature 14x6.5" |
| [Inferno](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/inferno.md) | Behemoth | Pearl Reference 14x5" Steel |
| [Jaska Raatikainen](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/jaska-raatikainen.md) | Children of Bodom | Pearl Masters 14x5.5" Maple |
| [Jocke Wallgren](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/jocke-wallgren.md) | Amon Amarth | Pearl Reference 14x6.5" Brass |
| [Joey Jordison](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/joey-jordison.md) | Slipknot | Pearl Joey Jordison Signature 13x6.5" |
| [Kevin Talley](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/kevin-talley.md) | Dying Fetus / Misery Index / Six Feet Under | Pearl Masters 14x5.5" Maple |
| [Mike Mangini](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/mike-mangini.md) | Dream Theater | Pearl Reference 14x5" & 14x6.5" Brass |
| [Paul Bostaph](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/paul-bostaph.md) | Slayer | Pearl Masters Steel 14x6.5" |
| [Paul Mazurkiewicz](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/paul-mazurkiewicz.md) | Cannibal Corpse | Pearl Masters 14x6.5" Maple |
| [Ryan Van Poederooyen](https://metalforge.io/llms/drummers/ryan-van-poederooyen.md) | Devin Townsend Project | Pearl Reference 14x6.5" Brass |

These 16 entries are pulled directly from MetalForge's verified snares database, parsed from each drummer's roster gear record — never guessed from a photo or a forum post.

Source: [Pearl Drums — Wikipedia (company history)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pearl_Drums).

## FAQ

**Q: What snares does Pearl make for metal drummers?**
A: Pearl's snare lineup splits into two verified-roster standards — the brass/steel Reference series for maximum cut, and the maple Masters series for a warmer tone — alongside multiple artist-signature models, including Joey Jordison's 13x6.5" and George Kollias's 14x6.5" snares.

**Q: Which metal drummers play Pearl snares?**
A: On our verified roster: Alex Bent, Aquiles Priester, Daniel Erlandsson, Daray, Flo Mounier, Gene Hoglan, George Kollias, Inferno, Jaska Raatikainen, Jocke Wallgren, Joey Jordison, Kevin Talley, Mike Mangini, Paul Bostaph, Paul Mazurkiewicz, Ryan Van Poederooyen. See the table above for each drummer's exact snare.

**Q: What are Pearl's most metal-relevant snare models?**
A: Reference, Masters, Artist-signature models. Full descriptions are in the Notable Models section above.

## Other Snare Brands We Cover

MetalForge tracks 6 snare brands relevant to metal drummers. Besides Pearl, see:

- [Tama](https://metalforge.io/llms/snares/brands/tama.md)
- [Ludwig](https://metalforge.io/llms/snares/brands/ludwig.md)
- [Sonor](https://metalforge.io/llms/snares/brands/sonor.md)
- [Mapex](https://metalforge.io/llms/snares/brands/mapex.md)
- [DW](https://metalforge.io/llms/snares/brands/dw.md)

## More Resources

- [Live page](https://metalforge.io/snares/brands/pearl)
- [All Snare Brands](https://metalforge.io/snares/brands)
- [Snares Guide](https://metalforge.io/llms/snares.md)
- [All LLM Resources](https://metalforge.io/llms/index.md)

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*Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*