# Lars Ulrich vs Dave Lombardo — Drum Kit Comparison

> Side-by-side gear comparison between Lars Ulrich (Metallica) and Dave Lombardo (Slayer).

**Category:** Thrash Metal · **URL:** https://metalforge.io/vs/lars-ulrich-vs-dave-lombardo

Compare Metallica's Lars Ulrich and Slayer's Dave Lombardo. Gear, technique, speed, and influence analyzed. Who is the ultimate thrash drumming icon?

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## Lars Ulrich Setup

- **Drums:** Tama Starclassic Maple
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian A Custom Series (14" Dyno Beat Hi-Hats, 16", 17" & 18" Rock Crashes, 20" Z Custom China, 22" Ride)
- **Snare:** Tama LU1465 Lars Ulrich Signature 14x6.5"
- **Pedals/Hardware:** Tama Iron Cobra 900 Power Glide Double Pedal, Tama 1st Chair Throne
- **Sticks:** Ahead Lars Ulrich Signature Drumsticks

## Dave Lombardo Setup

- **Drums:** Tama Starclassic Maple
- **Cymbals:** Paiste RUDE & 2002 Series (15" Sound Edge Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" Crashes, 22" Reign Power Ride, 18" China)
- **Snare:** Tama S.L.P. 14x6.5" G-Maple
- **Pedals/Hardware:** Tama Iron Cobra 900 Double Pedal, Tama 1st Chair Throne
- **Sticks:** Promark Dave Lombardo Signature 2Bx

## Playing Style

Lars brings groove-oriented thrash with iconic mid-tempo stomps. Dave delivers relentless speed and technical precision with blast beat pioneering.

## Technique

Lars favors powerful, punchy patterns with signature fills. Dave revolutionized double bass in thrash with surgical timing and speed.

## Key Differences

Both endorse Tama drums. Lars uses Zildjian cymbals for bright attack; Dave prefers Paiste RUDE for aggressive cut. Lars favors powerful, punchy patterns with signature fills. Dave revolutionized double bass in thrash with surgical timing and speed.

## Influence & Legacy

Lars shaped mainstream metal drumming through Metallica's commercial success. Dave defined extreme thrash drumming and influenced death metal.

## Verdict

Lars Ulrich defined accessible thrash drumming for millions. Dave Lombardo pushed technical boundaries that influenced generations of extreme drummers. Both are irreplaceable icons of the genre.

## FAQ

**Q: What are the main differences between Lars Ulrich's and Dave Lombardo's drum kits?**
A: Lars Ulrich plays Tama Starclassic Maple with Zildjian cymbals, while Dave Lombardo uses Tama Starclassic Maple with Paiste cymbals. Both endorse Tama drums. Lars uses Zildjian cymbals for bright attack; Dave prefers Paiste RUDE for aggressive cut.

**Q: What drums does Lars Ulrich play vs Dave Lombardo?**
A: Lars Ulrich plays Tama Starclassic Maple. Dave Lombardo plays Tama Starclassic Maple.

**Q: Who is the better thrash metal drummer, Lars Ulrich or Dave Lombardo?**
A: Both are legends in their own right. Lars Ulrich defined accessible thrash drumming for millions. See the full analysis at [metalforge.io/vs/lars-ulrich-vs-dave-lombardo](https://metalforge.io/vs/lars-ulrich-vs-dave-lombardo).

**Q: What cymbals do Lars Ulrich and Dave Lombardo use?**
A: Lars Ulrich uses Zildjian A Custom Series (14" Dyno Beat Hi-Hats, 16", 17" & 18" Rock Crashes, 20" Z Custom China, 22" Ride). Dave Lombardo uses Paiste RUDE & 2002 Series (15" Sound Edge Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" Crashes, 22" Reign Power Ride, 18" China).

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*Full comparison: [metalforge.io/vs/lars-ulrich-vs-dave-lombardo](https://metalforge.io/vs/lars-ulrich-vs-dave-lombardo)*

*[Lars Ulrich drummer profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/lars-ulrich)*
*[Dave Lombardo drummer profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/dave-lombardo)*

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*Last updated: 2026-06-18 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*