Danny Carey

Danny likes to position his Hi-Hat above the Snare, although there are some pictures on the Internet in which he attached a 2-legged Sonor 600 Series Stand to the BD (https://www.pearldrummersforum.com/showthread.php?89572-Danny-Carey-has-great-taste-in-pedals), in more recent photos (https://drummerszone.com/news/article/namm-2019-65-13696/65/danny-careys-paiste-cymbal-kit-on-display-at-namm-2019) and on his personal website (http://dannycarey.com/drums/) he uses the Pearl Remote Hi-Hat for the job.

"Looking for more attack out of my rack toms, so I recently started using some rotos again. You know, which was kinda fun, I played on alot of them when I was in school"

No doubt that Danny uses a Roc N Soc throne. This is apparent in any picture that you can see of his drum kit by itself, especially recent ones. One question is wether or not it is the "Nitro" model, which uses a nitrogen shock for adjustment (same as an office chair) and this feature also lends itself to provide a certain "suspension" like quality, creating a bit of bounce, or a traditional style that uses the screw type adjustment.

I did a significant amount of research (which originally led me to Equipboard) and out of every photo, video, interview and description I studied, it has led me to believe he uses the traditional style. I see no evidence in any photo of the gas shock lever that the nitro throne uses. On the contrary, in a few photos you can actually see the screw locking mechanism just above where the legs meet the stool shaft. Some of the highest quality and best angle photos are from the 2019 NAMM booth which yes, they could have just thrown any throne (no pun intended) in to satisfy the display. But in watching interviews and walk throughs by Paiste reps., the intention of the exhibit was to keep everything as authentic as possible. Including his drum riser, pedals / hardware and hopefully throne. https://drummerszone.media/news/2019/danny-careys-paiste-cymbal-kit-on-display-at-namm-2019-13696-3-20190126042325.jpg

https://preview.redd.it/ca8rpckpjgc21.jpg?width=960&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=94fd86c5975acb2b1a7a498a8f60b8110867bf01

I think the video in the below link confirms my theory. You can see this locking screw (which again, only exists on the traditional throne) as he walks by his kit. This is also a different colour thus differnt throne. Which leads me to believe the one at the NAMM show was accurate.

https://www.metalinsider.net/in-the-studio/tool-share-more-in-studio-footage

I did all this research because I am in the market for a new throne, I am a huge Danny Carey fan and I like to think that if a guy at his level, getting to choose any throne he wants settles on this for years, it must be awesome. I just read some mixed reviews on the Nitro throne (with the bouce it has) and I cant think of a reason you would need that besides the added comfort. Ive been drumming for 25+ years and one thing that stays constant is the throne height. It throws me right off if this changes, so a) why would you need a quick adjustment like this and b) there is a huge risk of accidentaly messing up you height setting. I know DC is a huge fan of ergonomics and comfort to support playing hard hitting heavy music, so I could see him maybe using a Nitro for that reason? My little investigation seems to tell me otherwise. Think Ill go with traditional (cheaper anyway).

Here are the 2 thrones side by side to see the differences that I am seeing. What do you think? Please comment below. Thanks for reading everyone!

Traditional; https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MSOR--roc-n-soc-manual-spindle-drum-throne-original-saddle-red

Nitro; https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/NROR--roc-n-soc-nitro-hydraulic-throne-red

Here you can see Evans Drumheads on Danny Carey's Paiste Bronze drum kit

Danny's ROC-N-SOC Nitro Throne can be seen on many pictures from his personal website (http://dannycarey.com/drums/), as well as on photos (http://www.paiste.com/e/endorser_det.php?page=setup&endorserid=235) and videos (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eymkw0YS6us @ 0:15) from recent Paiste NAMM booths where a replica of Danny's bronze kit is displayed.

Danny Carey uses Evans EC2 SST Clear drumheads on his toms for his current tour kit, as demonstrated in a TikTok video by Evans Drumheads.

Danny Carey is confirmed to use the Evans Power Center Reverse Dot Snare Drumhead on his snare for his current tour kit, as demonstrated in a video by Evans Drumheads on TikTok.

Danny Carey is confirmed to use Evans G1 Clear Batter Drum Heads as resonant heads for his toms and on his gong drum and roto tom. This information is verified by a video from Evans Drumheads on TikTok, where Carey himself discusses the drumheads he utilizes on tour.

Danny Carey is confirmed to be using the Evans EQ3 Clear Bass Drum Batter Head on both of his kick drums for his current tour kit, as demonstrated in a video by Evans Drumheads on TikTok.

Danny Carey uses the Pearl P2050C Eliminator Redline Chain Drive Single Bass Drum Pedal, as confirmed in a YouTube video where he discusses his kick drum pedal preferences. Carey mentions positioning the felt beater very far back, explaining, "It gives me more of a whip and I can generate more speed. I use a Danmar felt beater, it generates more low end." He also notes that he prefers a loose spring tension for the pedal.