Gavin Harrison vs Mike Mangini — Drum Gear Comparison | MetalForge
Side-by-side gear: Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree / King Crimson) vs Mike Mangini (Godsmack (2026-present); Dream Theater (2010-2023)). 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). Gavin Harrison plays Sonor SQ2 Series drums with Zildjian K Custom Special Dry cymbals (14" Hi-Hats, 16" & 18" Crashes, 21" Special Dry Ride, 18" Trash China) — a dry, controlled sound ideal for his nuanced polyrhythmic work. He uses Sonor Gavin Harrison Signature snares (12"x5" and 14"x5.25") and Vic Firth Gavin Harrison Signature sticks. Mike Mangini plays Pearl Masterworks Maple with Sabian HHX Evolution and AAX X-Plosion cymbals, Pearl Eliminator Redline double pedal, and an extensive Roland TD-50 electronic integration — a massive, ergonomically optimized setup built for Dream Theater's complex sonic demands.
What drum kit does Mike Mangini use?
Mike Mangini uses Pearl Reference Series with Sabian HHX & AAX Series (14" HHX Evolution Hi-Hats, 17", 18", 19" HHX Evolution Crashes, 21" HHX Raw Bell Dry Ride). Gavin Harrison plays Sonor SQ2 Series drums with Zildjian K Custom Special Dry cymbals (14" Hi-Hats, 16" & 18" Crashes, 21" Special Dry Ride, 18" Trash China) — a dry, controlled sound ideal for his nuanced polyrhythmic work. He uses Sonor Gavin Harrison Signature snares (12"x5" and 14"x5.25") and Vic Firth Gavin Harrison Signature sticks. Mike Mangini plays Pearl Masterworks Maple with Sabian HHX Evolution and AAX X-Plosion cymbals, Pearl Eliminator Redline double pedal, and an extensive Roland TD-50 electronic integration — a massive, ergonomically optimized setup built for Dream Theater's complex sonic demands.
Which is better, Gavin Harrison or Mike Mangini?
Gavin Harrison and Mike Mangini are two of the finest technical drummers alive, arriving at mastery from different directions. Harrison is the master of polyrhythmic feel — his complexity emerges from deep musical intuition. Mangini is the master of technical science — his complexity emerges from rigorous mathematical analysis. Both are irreplaceable in their respective bands and collectively represent the pinnacle of progressive drumming in the 21st century.