Gavin Harrison vs Danny Carey — Drum Gear Comparison | MetalForge
Side-by-side gear: Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree / King Crimson) vs Danny Carey (Tool). Kits, cymbals, pedals, sticks — compare specs and prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit does Gavin Harrison use?
Gavin Harrison uses Sonor SQ2 Series with Zildjian K Custom Special Dry Series (14" Hi-Hats, 16" & 18" Crashes, 21" Special Dry Ride, 18" Trash China). Harrison plays Sonor SQ2 drums with Zildjian K Custom Special Dry cymbals and a Vic Firth Gavin Harrison Signature stick — a refined setup built for clarity and articulation. Carey plays Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech drums with Paiste Signature cymbals and custom Mandala electronic pads, plus a 14x8" deep bronze snare that gives Tool its cavernous low-end.
What drum kit does Danny Carey use?
Danny Carey uses Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech with Paiste Signature Series (14" Sound Edge Hi-Hats, 18" & 20" Power Crashes, 22" Dry Heavy Ride "Monad", 2002 & Signature China cymbals). Harrison plays Sonor SQ2 drums with Zildjian K Custom Special Dry cymbals and a Vic Firth Gavin Harrison Signature stick — a refined setup built for clarity and articulation. Carey plays Sonor SQ2 Heavy Beech drums with Paiste Signature cymbals and custom Mandala electronic pads, plus a 14x8" deep bronze snare that gives Tool its cavernous low-end.
Which is better, Gavin Harrison or Danny Carey?
Gavin Harrison and Danny Carey represent two philosophical poles of progressive drumming excellence. Harrison is the craftsman-musician who makes impossible polyrhythms feel like natural conversation — his drumming serves the music so transparently the technical difficulty is invisible until you try to copy it. Carey is the shaman-mathematician who turned Tool's albums into percussive spiritual experiences built on sacred numerical laws. Both are irreplaceable.