Mike Portnoy vs Gavin Harrison — Drum Gear Comparison | MetalForge
Side-by-side gear: Mike Portnoy (Dream Theater / Liquid Tension Experiment / The Winery Dogs) vs Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree / King Crimson). 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 Starclassic Maple/Birch drums with Sabian cymbals on his iconic multi-bass signature setup. Gavin uses Sonor SQ2 drums, known for their craftsmanship and tonal depth, paired with a streamlined kit philosophy.
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). Mike plays Tama Starclassic Maple/Birch drums with Sabian cymbals on his iconic multi-bass signature setup. Gavin uses Sonor SQ2 drums, known for their craftsmanship and tonal depth, paired with a streamlined kit philosophy.
Which is better, Mike Portnoy or Gavin Harrison?
Mike Portnoy is the definitive progressive metal powerhouse — explosive, theatrical, and relentless. Gavin Harrison is the prog drummer's drummer — subtle, sophisticated, and polyrhythmically brilliant. The debate between power and finesse makes this the ultimate prog drumming comparison.