Abe Cunningham vs Dirk Verbeuren — Drum Gear Comparison | MetalForge
Side-by-side gear: Abe Cunningham (Deftones) vs Dirk Verbeuren (Megadeth). Kits, cymbals, pedals, sticks — compare specs and prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit does Abe Cunningham use?
Abe Cunningham uses Tama Starclassic Bubinga (Egyptian Night Mist) with Zildjian K Custom & A Custom Series (14" K Custom Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" K Custom Crashes, 22" K Custom Ride, 19" A Custom China). Abe Cunningham plays Tama Starclassic Maple/Bubinga drums with Zildjian cymbals (14" A New Beat Hi-Hats, A Custom crashes, K Custom Ride) and Tama Iron Cobra double pedal — a compact, feel-focused setup with his signature Zildjian sticks. Dirk Verbeuren endorses Tama Starclassic Maple with Meinl Byzance cymbals (14" Dark Hi-Hats, Byzance crashes, Mb20 ride) and Tama Speed Cobra 910 double pedal — a darker, more projection-focused rig built for thrash metal's aggressive attack.
What drum kit does Dirk Verbeuren use?
Dirk Verbeuren uses Tama Starclassic Walnut/Birch with Meinl Byzance Brilliant & Classics Custom Dark Series (14" Byzance Brilliant Hi-Hat, 18"-21" Classics Custom Dark Crashes, 22" Byzance Brilliant Ride, 18" Byzance Brilliant China). Abe Cunningham plays Tama Starclassic Maple/Bubinga drums with Zildjian cymbals (14" A New Beat Hi-Hats, A Custom crashes, K Custom Ride) and Tama Iron Cobra double pedal — a compact, feel-focused setup with his signature Zildjian sticks. Dirk Verbeuren endorses Tama Starclassic Maple with Meinl Byzance cymbals (14" Dark Hi-Hats, Byzance crashes, Mb20 ride) and Tama Speed Cobra 910 double pedal — a darker, more projection-focused rig built for thrash metal's aggressive attack.
Which is better, Abe Cunningham or Dirk Verbeuren?
Abe Cunningham and Dirk Verbeuren represent two entirely different philosophies of modern metal drumming. Cunningham is the master of emotional restraint — his unconventional patterns and dynamic control make the Deftones sound what it is. Verbeuren is technical adaptability personified — equally at home in Swedish melodic death metal and classic American thrash. Both share a Tama endorsement while occupying opposite ends of metal's creative spectrum.