# Ray Luzier vs Abe Cunningham — Drum Kit Comparison

> Side-by-side gear comparison between Ray Luzier (Korn) and Abe Cunningham (Deftones).

**Category:** Alternative / Nu-Metal · **URL:** https://metalforge.io/vs/ray-luzier-vs-abe-cunningham

Korn's Ray Luzier vs Deftones' Abe Cunningham. Alternative metal drumming, groove, and feel compared. Nu-metal's finest.

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## Ray Luzier Setup

- **Drums:** Pearl Reference Series
- **Cymbals:** Sabian AAX Series (14" Stage Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" X-Plosion Crashes, 21" Stage Ride, 18" AAXtreme China)
- **Snare:** Pearl Reference 14x6.5" Brass
- **Pedals/Hardware:** DW 9002 Double Pedal, Pearl D-2000 Roadster Throne
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth Ray Luzier Signature

## Abe Cunningham Setup

- **Drums:** SJC Custom Drums
- **Cymbals:** Zildjian K Custom & A Custom Series (14" K Custom Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" K Custom Crashes, 22" K Custom Ride, 19" A Custom China)
- **Snare:** SJC Custom 14x6.5" Brass
- **Pedals/Hardware:** DW 9000 Series Double Pedal, DW Hardware
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth American Classic 2B

## Playing Style

Ray brings session musician precision to Korn's heavy grooves. Abe delivers atmospheric, dynamic playing with emotional depth.

## Technique

Ray excels at tight, syncopated patterns with David Silveria's legacy. Abe masters dynamics and textural playing.

## Key Differences

Ray endorses Pearl drums with Zildjian cymbals. Abe plays DW drums with Zildjian for warm tones. Ray excels at tight, syncopated patterns with David Silveria's legacy. Abe masters dynamics and textural playing.

## Influence & Legacy

Ray maintains Korn's classic sound while adding technical flair. Abe helped define the Deftones' atmospheric metal approach.

## Verdict

Ray Luzier honors and evolves Korn's signature sound. Abe Cunningham pioneered atmospheric metal drumming. Both define alternative metal's evolution.

## FAQ

**Q: What are the main differences between Ray Luzier's and Abe Cunningham's drum kits?**
A: Ray Luzier plays Pearl Reference Series with Sabian cymbals, while Abe Cunningham uses SJC Custom Drums with Zildjian cymbals. Ray endorses Pearl drums with Zildjian cymbals. Abe plays DW drums with Zildjian for warm tones.

**Q: What drums does Ray Luzier play vs Abe Cunningham?**
A: Ray Luzier plays Pearl Reference Series. Abe Cunningham plays SJC Custom Drums.

**Q: Who is the better alternative / nu-metal drummer, Ray Luzier or Abe Cunningham?**
A: Both are legends in their own right. Ray Luzier honors and evolves Korn's signature sound. See the full analysis at [metalforge.io/vs/ray-luzier-vs-abe-cunningham](https://metalforge.io/vs/ray-luzier-vs-abe-cunningham).

**Q: What cymbals do Ray Luzier and Abe Cunningham use?**
A: Ray Luzier uses Sabian AAX Series (14" Stage Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" X-Plosion Crashes, 21" Stage Ride, 18" AAXtreme China). Abe Cunningham uses Zildjian K Custom & A Custom Series (14" K Custom Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" K Custom Crashes, 22" K Custom Ride, 19" A Custom China).

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*Full comparison: [metalforge.io/vs/ray-luzier-vs-abe-cunningham](https://metalforge.io/vs/ray-luzier-vs-abe-cunningham)*

*[Ray Luzier drummer profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/ray-luzier)*
*[Abe Cunningham drummer profile](https://metalforge.io/drummer/abe-cunningham)*

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