Mike Portnoy vs Danny Carey — Drum Gear Comparison | MetalForge
Side-by-side gear: Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater / Liquid Tension Experiment / The Winery Dogs) vs Danny Carey (Tool). Kits, cymbals, pedals, sticks — compare specs and prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
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). Mike plays Tama drums with Sabian cymbals. Danny uses Sonor drums with Paiste cymbals, including custom Mandala pads.
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). Mike plays Tama drums with Sabian cymbals. Danny uses Sonor drums with Paiste cymbals, including custom Mandala pads.
Which is better, Mike Portnoy or Danny Carey?
Mike Portnoy epitomizes technical progressive metal. Danny Carey represents artistic, spiritual drumming. Both are genre-defining visionaries.