Brann Dailor vs Mike Portnoy — Drum Gear Comparison | MetalForge
Side-by-side gear: Brann Dailor (Mastodon) vs Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater / Liquid Tension Experiment / The Winery Dogs). Kits, cymbals, pedals, sticks — compare specs and prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit does Brann Dailor use?
Brann Dailor uses Tama Starclassic Performer B/B with Meinl Byzance Series (14" Dark Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" Brilliant Heavy Hammered Crashes, 21" Ghost Ride, 18" Extra Dry China). Brann plays Tama Starclassic Performer B/B with Meinl Byzance cymbals and Vater 5B sticks. Mike uses Tama Starclassic Maple/Birch with Sabian HHX cymbals on his iconic multi-bass-drum signature setup.
What drum kit does Mike Portnoy use?
Mike Portnoy uses Tama Starclassic Maple + Starclassic Bubinga ("Dream Monster" dual kit) with Sabian HHX MAX / AAX MAXX Series (22" HHX MAX Ride, 18" AAX X-Plosion Crash, 19" HHX X-Plosion Crash, 18" AAX O-Zone Crash, 18" HHX Chinese, 19" Paragon Chinese, 7"/9"/11" AAX MAXX Splashes, 6"/6.5"/7" AA MAX Chimes). Brann plays Tama Starclassic Performer B/B with Meinl Byzance cymbals and Vater 5B sticks. Mike uses Tama Starclassic Maple/Birch with Sabian HHX cymbals on his iconic multi-bass-drum signature setup.
Which is better, Brann Dailor or Mike Portnoy?
Brann Dailor represents the organic, melody-driven approach to progressive metal drumming — his fills are the song. Mike Portnoy represents the theatrical, technically overpowering approach — his fills are the spectacle. Both are quintessentially American visions of what progressive metal drumming can be.