# Lars Ulrich vs Joey Jordison — Drum Kit Comparison

> Side-by-side gear comparison between Lars Ulrich (Metallica) and Joey Jordison (Slipknot).

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

Compare Metallica's Lars Ulrich and Slipknot's Joey Jordison. Thrash metal pioneer vs nu-metal icon. Gear, technique, speed, and legacy compared.

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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

## Joey Jordison Setup

- **Drums:** Pearl Reference Series
- **Cymbals:** Paiste RUDE & 2002 Series (14" Wild Hi-Hats, 16", 17", 18", 19" Power Crashes, 20" & 22" Wild Chinas, 22" Power Ride)
- **Snare:** Pearl Joey Jordison Signature 13x6.5"
- **Pedals/Hardware:** Pearl Demon Drive Double Pedal, Pearl DR-501C Icon Rack, Pearl D-2000BR Throne
- **Sticks:** Promark Joey Jordison Signature TX515W

## Playing Style

Lars defined accessible thrash with groove-oriented power. Joey brought extreme metal intensity to mainstream nu-metal with blast beats and speed.

## Technique

Lars favors mid-tempo stomps with powerful fills and iconic ride patterns. Joey combined death metal speed with theatrical showmanship on a rotating drum kit.

## Key Differences

Lars plays Tama Starclassic with Zildjian cymbals and Ahead sticks. Joey endorsed Pearl drums with Paiste cymbals for aggressive attack. Lars favors mid-tempo stomps with powerful fills and iconic ride patterns. Joey combined death metal speed with theatrical showmanship on a rotating drum kit.

## Influence & Legacy

Lars shaped how millions perceive metal drumming through Metallica's commercial success. Joey proved extreme techniques could work in mainstream metal.

## Verdict

Lars Ulrich co-founded the biggest metal band in history and became the voice of the metal drummer. Joey Jordison revolutionized what a masked metal drummer could achieve. Both transcended their eras to become immortal icons of heavy music.

## FAQ

**Q: What are the main differences between Lars Ulrich's and Joey Jordison's drum kits?**
A: Lars Ulrich plays Tama Starclassic Maple with Zildjian cymbals, while Joey Jordison uses Pearl Reference Series with Paiste cymbals. Lars plays Tama Starclassic with Zildjian cymbals and Ahead sticks. Joey endorsed Pearl drums with Paiste cymbals for aggressive attack.

**Q: What drums does Lars Ulrich play vs Joey Jordison?**
A: Lars Ulrich plays Tama Starclassic Maple. Joey Jordison plays Pearl Reference Series.

**Q: Who is the better thrash metal drummer, Lars Ulrich or Joey Jordison?**
A: Both are legends in their own right. Lars Ulrich co-founded the biggest metal band in history and became the voice of the metal drummer. See the full analysis at [metalforge.io/vs/lars-ulrich-vs-joey-jordison](https://metalforge.io/vs/lars-ulrich-vs-joey-jordison).

**Q: What cymbals do Lars Ulrich and Joey Jordison 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). Joey Jordison uses Paiste RUDE & 2002 Series (14" Wild Hi-Hats, 16", 17", 18", 19" Power Crashes, 20" & 22" Wild Chinas, 22" Power Ride).

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

*[Lars Ulrich drummer profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/lars-ulrich)*
*[Joey Jordison drummer profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/joey-jordison)*

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