Dave Lombardo vs Nicko McBrain — Drum Gear Comparison | MetalForge
Side-by-side gear: Dave Lombardo (Slayer) vs Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden). Kits, cymbals, pedals, sticks — compare specs and prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit does Dave Lombardo use?
Dave Lombardo uses Tama Starclassic Maple with Paiste RUDE & 2002 Series (15" Sound Edge Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" Crashes, 22" Reign Power Ride, 18" China). Lombardo plays a Tama Starclassic Maple kit with a Tama S.L.P. 14x6.5" G-Maple snare and Paiste RUDE & 2002 Series cymbals, driven by a Tama Iron Cobra 900 double pedal. McBrain plays a British Drum Co. kit with a Sonor Nicko McBrain Signature 14x6.5" snare and Paiste 2002 & Signature Series cymbals, powered by a single bass drum pedal.
What drum kit does Nicko McBrain use?
Nicko McBrain uses British Drum Co. with Paiste 2002 & Signature Series (14" Sound Edge Hi-Hats, 16" & 18" Power Crashes, 22" Power Ride, 20" China). Lombardo plays a Tama Starclassic Maple kit with a Tama S.L.P. 14x6.5" G-Maple snare and Paiste RUDE & 2002 Series cymbals, driven by a Tama Iron Cobra 900 double pedal. McBrain plays a British Drum Co. kit with a Sonor Nicko McBrain Signature 14x6.5" snare and Paiste 2002 & Signature Series cymbals, powered by a single bass drum pedal.
Which is better, Dave Lombardo or Nicko McBrain?
Dave Lombardo and Nicko McBrain represent two foundational eras and philosophies of metal drumming. Lombardo pioneered the double bass speed and aggression that gave rise to thrash and death metal, redefining what a metal drummer's feet could do. McBrain proved that a single pedal, galloping hi-hat work, and rock-solid musicality could anchor one of metal's most enduring and technically demanding catalogs. Both are godfather figures whose influence spans generations of drummers across very different corners of heavy metal.