Joey Jordison, the legendary drummer of the heavy metal band Slipknot, is known not only for his exceptional drumming skills but also for the unique sound he brought to the world of metal music. Over the years, he developed a distinctive drum kit that reflected his style, creativity, and passion for percussion. This article will delve into the specific components of Jordison’s drum kit, exploring the brand, configuration, snare drum, cymbals, drum heads, hardware, and the evolution of his setup throughout his career. We will also include personal insights and quotes from Jordison himself, revealing his thoughts on his gear and the importance of his drum kit in his musical journey.
Drum Kit Used by Joey Jordison
Joey Jordison primarily used Pearl drums, particularly favoring the Pearl Reference series. Pearl has long been recognized as one of the leading drum manufacturers in the world, renowned for their craftsmanship and innovative designs. The Reference series is celebrated for its versatility and sound quality, making it an ideal choice for drummers across various genres, including rock and metal.
Jordison’s preference for Pearl drums was not only about brand loyalty but also about the sonic characteristics they offered. The Reference series features shells made from a combination of woods, allowing for a warm, resonant tone that can cut through the mix in heavy music. This series’ superior sound quality complements Jordison’s aggressive playing style, enabling him to express himself fully during performances.
Drum Kit Configuration
Throughout his career, Joey Jordison’s drum kit configuration evolved, but he often utilized a 9-piece kit for his performances. The specific sizes of the drums varied, ranging from 8-inch toms to a 22-inch bass drum. This configuration allowed him to achieve a wide range of sounds and dynamics, essential for the intricate drumming patterns and aggressive beats characteristic of Slipknot’s music.
Bass Drums: 22” x 18” – Providing a powerful and punchy low end that is vital for heavy metal drumming.
Toms:
- 8” x 7”
- 10” x 8”
- 12” x 9”
- 14” x 12”
- 16” x 14” – These varying sizes contributed to a diverse range of tonal possibilities.
Floor Toms: 18” x 16” – Offering a deep, resonant sound for filling transitions.
Snare Drum: His signature Pearl Joey Jordison snare, which we will discuss in detail later.
This diverse kit configuration allowed Jordison to create complex rhythms, seamless fills, and explosive accents, enhancing the overall energy of Slipknot’s live performances.
1. Snare Drum
One of the standout features of Joey Jordison’s drum kit was his signature snare drum: the Pearl Joey Jordison Signature Snare. This snare measures 13” x 6.5” and is constructed with a steel shell, which gives it a sharp, cutting sound that excels in high-volume situations. The choice of steel not only contributes to the snare’s brightness but also enhances its projection, making it ideal for live performances where clarity is crucial.
Steel Shell: The steel construction provides a strong attack and pronounced overtones, which are essential for cutting through heavy guitar riffs.
Size: The 13” diameter offers a unique tonal quality, differentiating it from standard 14” snares commonly used in rock music.
Lug Design: The snare features specially designed lugs that enhance tuning stability, allowing Jordison to maintain the precise sound he desired during performances.
Jordison’s signature snare is not just a functional component of his kit; it represents his personal style and approach to drumming. The sound produced by this snare became an integral part of Slipknot’s identity, helping to define their sound.
2. Cymbals
The choice of cymbals is another crucial aspect of a drummer’s setup, and Joey Jordison was known for using Paiste cymbals. Paiste is a respected brand in the drumming community, known for their high-quality, innovative designs. Jordison’s cymbal setup included a variety of types and sizes, each chosen for its specific sound and response.
Hi-Hats: 14” or 15” – Providing a crisp, cutting sound essential for accentuating rhythms.
Crash Cymbals: 16”, 18”, and 20” – These cymbals were used for explosive accents during heavy riffs and transitions.
Ride Cymbal: 20” – Used for maintaining the groove during verses and choruses, providing a steady pulse to the music.
China Cymbals: 18” or 19” – Known for their trashy sound, these were often used for accents and creating dramatic moments in songs.
Jordison’s choice of cymbals was crucial in achieving the dynamic sound for which Slipknot is known. The bright and cutting characteristics of Paiste cymbals complemented his aggressive playing style, allowing for a blend of rhythmic precision and expressive accents.
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3. Drum Heads
When it comes to drum heads, Joey Jordison preferred using Remo drum heads. Remo is another leading brand in the drumming industry, celebrated for its quality and innovation. The selection of drum heads is vital in shaping a drummer’s sound, and Jordison’s choices played a significant role in the overall tone of his kit.
Bass Drum Heads: Jordison often opted for Remo Powerstroke 3 heads, known for their durability and ability to produce a focused, punchy sound. This choice helped create the powerful bass drum sound essential for metal music.
Tom Heads: He typically used Remo Coated Ambassadors for the toms. These heads offer a warm, resonant tone while allowing for plenty of sustain and projection.
Snare Drum Head: For the snare, Jordison often utilized Remo Controlled Sound heads, known for their balanced sound and ability to handle high volume levels.
The combination of these drum heads helped Jordison achieve the distinct sounds that characterized his drumming style and, by extension, Slipknot’s music.
4. Hardware and Accessories
The hardware supporting Jordison’s drum kit was equally important. He relied on Pearl hardware, which is known for its strength and reliability. The stability of the hardware is crucial, especially in a live setting where the intensity of performance can be extreme.
Drum Stands: Pearl’s sturdy drum stands ensured that each piece of his kit remained secure during performances, allowing for intense play without the risk of equipment failure.
Double Bass Pedals: Jordison famously used the Pearl Demon Drive double kick pedals. These pedals are designed for speed and responsiveness, enabling him to execute rapid double bass patterns effortlessly.
Signature Sticks: Jordison also endorsed Pro-Mark drumsticks, which were designed to suit his playing style. These sticks are known for their durability and excellent grip, essential for the vigorous playing that characterized his performances.
The choice of hardware and accessories significantly contributed to the overall feel and performance of Jordison’s drumming. The combination of Pearl hardware and Pro-Mark sticks allowed him to play with confidence, knowing that his equipment would withstand the rigors of live shows.
Historical Context
Joey Jordison’s drum kit evolved throughout his career, reflecting changes in both his personal style and the musical direction of Slipknot. From the band’s early days in the late 1990s to their rise to fame in the 2000s, Jordison’s setup became increasingly complex and refined.
In the early years of Slipknot, Jordison’s kit was relatively simple compared to later setups. As the band gained popularity, he expanded his kit to accommodate the demands of their music. This evolution mirrored the band’s growth, as they began to experiment with more intricate compositions and heavier sounds.
Notable Performances and Recordings
Several notable performances and recordings showcase Jordison’s drum kit and the evolution of his sound:
“Iowa” (2001): During the recording of this album, Jordison’s drum kit reached new heights in complexity. The album features intense drumming and complex rhythms, showcasing his prowess as a drummer.
Ozzfest Performances (2001-2002): These live performances highlighted Jordison’s ability to deliver powerful, energetic drumming, further establishing him as one of metal’s top drummers.
Download Festival (2009): This iconic performance featured an elaborate setup that demonstrated his technical skills and unique sound.
Throughout these years, his drum kit configuration continually adapted to fit the band’s musical evolution, reflecting the growing intensity and complexity of their sound.
Conclusion
Joey Jordison’s drum kit was more than just a collection of instruments; it was an integral part of his identity as a drummer and musician. From the Pearl Reference series drums to his signature snare and Paiste cymbals, every element was carefully selected to create a unique sound that defined Slipknot’s heavy metal legacy. The evolution of his kit mirrored his growth as a musician, and his dedication to his craft is evident in every performance.
Jordison’s influence on the drumming world is undeniable, and his gear played a significant role in shaping the sound of modern metal. His passion for drumming, combined with his innovative setup, has left an indelible mark on the genre, inspiring countless drummers worldwide. As fans continue to celebrate his contributions to music, Jordison’s drum kit remains a symbol of his artistic vision and unparalleled talent.
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