Neil Peart’s drum gear and set up

Inspired by jazz legends like Buddy Rich and rock OGs like Keith Moon, Neil Peart became one of the greatest drummers in prog rock history.

Peart’s precision, creativity, and technical prowess would go on to shape the sound of the band Rush, not only as its drummer but also the band’s primary lyricist.

Let’s dive into the gear Neil Peart used throughout his drumming career, from early Rush gigs in small clubs to iconic shows at Madison Square Garden and Wembley Arena, where size (and sound) became all important.

Jump to a section:
Drums
Cymbals
Heads
Pedals
Electronics
Throne
Sticks

Drums

Peart was known for his large, intricate drum sets, which evolved significantly throughout his career. His early drum kits were modest compared to the massive, custom kits he became famous for.

In the early years of Rush, Peart used a Slingerland kit, including a double bass setup. His first drum set was a red sparkle Stewart kit, which he modified by trading his 20″ bass drum for an 18″ Capri bass drum, showing his early penchant for customizing his gear.

By the time 2112 was released in 1976, his kit had grown to match the ambitious, epic sound of the band’s music. During this era, Peart’s kit included a set of concert toms and a Slingerland Artist Series snare drum, which became a key part of his sound.

The concert toms were used extensively to create the melodic fills that became a signature of Peart’s playing style.

I guess drumming wasn’t hard work for every drummer, but it certainly was for me, the way I liked to play — as hard as I could, as fast as I could, as long as I could, and as well as I could. 

Neil Peart

In the late 1970s, Peart switched to a Tama Superstar kit, featuring a custom Rosewood finish by the Percussion Center in Fort Wayne. The kit had brass-plated hardware and included a large array of concert toms, double bass drums, and orchestral percussion.

This Tama kit debuted during the Permanent Waves tour, and its distinctive tone contributed significantly to Peart’s evolving sound.

The Rosewood kit’s thinner shells provided a brighter attack and resonance, giving Peart the projection he desired during Rush’s increasingly larger shows.

In the 1980s, Peart continued using Tama drums, including a kit with two massive 24″ double bass drums. This kit, accompanied by a wood-shelled snare, was a staple during Rush’s Moving Pictures tour. [1]

However, Peart’s most iconic drum sets were the custom DW kits he used from the late 1990s onward, featuring a combination of acoustic and electronic elements.

His DW Time Machine kit, used during Rush’s Clockwork Angels tour, had a steampunk aesthetic and was as visually impressive as it was sonically versatile.

Another epic kit was the one used during the R40 tour, in 2015. Made from 1500-year-old Romanian river oak, it offered exceptional tonality. Here’s a typical set up:

Peart’s drum kits often included orchestral and world percussion instruments, such as timpani, bells, and wood blocks, which allowed him to create a vast array of sounds and textures.

Cymbals

Neil Peart was a long-time endorser of Sabian cymbals. His setup included a wide variety of cymbals, chosen to provide both power and finesse, allowing him to switch between delicate jazz touches and full-on rock crashes with ease.

One of his signature cymbals was the Sabian Paragon series, which Peart helped develop. These cymbals are known for their versatility and durability, perfectly suited to his demanding playing style.

Peart also experimented with Wuhan Chinese cymbals in the late 1970s, adding them to his kit for their explosive and quick-decaying sound.

During the late-70s Hemispheres era, Peart used a combination of an 18″ Wuhan China, a 20″ Zildjian Swish, and an 18″ Pang cymbal. These cymbals were used to create dynamic accents and were positioned strategically around his kit for easy access during fills.

Here’s a typical cymbal setup for Peart during the 2007–2008 Snakes & Arrows tour:

Peart’s cymbals were strategically placed to complement his expansive drum setup, ensuring that every part of his kit was accessible for intricate fills and transitions.

Heads

Neil Peart preferred Remo drum heads throughout his career. His snare drum often featured a Remo Coated Ambassador, which provided the bright attack and sensitivity he desired.

For his toms, Peart used Remo Emperor Clear heads on the batter side, which offered a controlled, open tone that suited his style. On the resonant side, he typically used Remo Clear Ambassadors.

Peart also experimented with different bass drum heads over the years, but he often favored the Remo Powerstroke 3 for its punchy, controlled sound.

During the Signals era, Peart switched to Evans red hydraulic heads for his toms, which visually matched the candy apple red finish of his new Tama kit.

However, by the time of the Grace Under Pressure tour, during the mid 80s, he’d returned to using Remo heads, favouring the increased resonance they provided.

If you’ve got a problem, take it out on a drum.

Neil Peart

Pedals

Peart used DW 5000 and later DW 9000 bass drum pedals, known for their durability and smooth action. His double bass technique was a hallmark of his playing, particularly in the early years of Rush, and these pedals allowed him to execute rapid-fire bass drum patterns with precision.

Peart’s use of hi-hat and auxiliary pedals was also notable. He often used a remote hi-hat stand to position his hi-hats in a way that complemented his huge kit layouts.

Electronics

In the mid-1980s, Peart began incorporating electronic elements into his setup. He used Simmons electronic drums extensively during the Grace Under Pressure era, blending electronic sounds with his acoustic kit.

Later, Peart adopted Roland V-Drums[2] and electronic pads, which allowed him to trigger a variety of sounds and samples during live performances.

His use of electronics added an extra layer of complexity to Rush’s music, allowing him to recreate studio effects and add unique textures to live shows.

Peart also used a MalletKAT, an electronic mallet instrument, to trigger MIDI sounds, adding orchestral elements to Rush’s music.

Throne

Given the physical demands of Rush’s music – not to mention Peart’s epic solos – having a reliable and comfortable throne was crucial for Peart’s playing. In the early years though, Peart also used a Ludwig canister throne, which, although basic by today’s standards, provided stability and support during his powerful performances.

Sticks

Neil Peart had a signature line of drumsticks with Pro-Mark. These sticks were designed to his specifications, featuring a longer length and a slightly thicker diameter for power and reach.

According to Peart, the sticks provided the perfect balance for his playing style, allowing him to execute complex rhythms with precision while delivering the power needed for Rush’s high-energy music.

Sources

1. https://www.cygnus-x1.net/links/rush/tourbook-movingpictures.php
2. https://articles.roland.com/time-machine-remembering-neil-peart/