In the latest Drum Rundown go behind the scenes to explore the drum setup of Charlie Benante, the legendary drummer known for his work with Anthrax and Pantera. Filmed on location in Memphis, Tennessee, at the FedEx Forum, the video features an in-depth discussion with Benante about his drum kit, cymbals, sticks, and various techniques that define his powerful and distinctive sound.
Benante showcases his Tama drum kit, noting its maple black chrome finish and the range of drum sizes he uses, including a signature stainless steel snare drum that he praises for its crisp sound. He highlights his choice of Paiste cymbals, including a custom Bell ride and Novo China cymbals, chosen for their ability to cut through heavy guitar tones and contribute to the iconic Pantera sound.
The drummer also discusses his unique Vic Firth signature drumsticks, designed for durability and control, and his preference for single pedals in a double kick setup for a more independent attack. Benante touches on the use of skate tape for grip, wooden beaters for a clearer bass drum attack, and the integration of drum triggers to blend live and sampled sounds, paying homage to Vinnie Paul’s drumming.
Evans Onyx drum heads are chosen for their sound quality and aesthetics, rounding out Benante’s meticulously crafted drum setup. The video concludes with Benante expressing his dedication to maintaining the authentic Pantera sound, honoring the band’s legacy through his performance. This drum rundown provides a fascinating glimpse into the technical and creative aspects of Charlie Benante’s approach to drumming, highlighting his contributions to Pantera’s enduring impact on metal music.
- Drum Kit: Tama kit, maple black chrome finish, consisting of drum sizes 14″, 15″, 16″, 18″, 20″ gong drum, and a signature stainless steel snare drum (14″ by 6.5″).
- Cymbals: Paiste cymbals, including a signature “Meab” Bell ride (a prototype larger than 20″), two 20″ Novo China cymbals for Pantera, and a stack cymbal used specifically for the song “This Love.”
- Drumsticks: Signature Vic Firth sticks, designed with more mass up front to prevent wear during crash riding, and featuring a dipped grip for better hold.
- Pedals: Double kick setup with single pedals, preferring the independent attack and aesthetic over double pedals.
- Hardware Accessories:
- Skate tape on kick drums for grip.
- Wooden beaters by Danmar for a clearer attack on the bass drum.
- Triggers on the drums to blend live sounds with sampled sounds of Vinnie Paul’s drums.
- Drum Heads: Evans Onyx heads, chosen for their durability, sound quality, and appearance.