Carl Palmer’s 2 ton drum kit:
In 1973, Carl Palmer commissioned British Steel to build the most unique, 2 ton drum kit in the world. After getting turned down by various drum companies, he eventually commissioned British Steel to manufacture the shells.
Shell sizes and hardware:
The shells are custom made from stainless steel. Drum sizes are as follows; 6", 8", 10", 12", 13", 14", 15" single-headed tom's, and 16" & 18" floor toms (single-headed). 28''x 20'' (Massive) bass-drum (took two people to move it) in combination with a Ludwig Speed king bass drum pedal, Ludwig Super Sensitive Concert Model 14" x 5.5" snare drum, all hoops and rosette lugs were Gretsch, drum heads by Remo.
Cymbals:
Cymbals are all Paiste and include some massive sizes - as Carl puts it, "For volume and projection." Cymbal sizes are; 13" Sound Edge Hi-Hat 2002 in combination with a Ludwig Atlas Hi-Hat stand, 24" China Type 2002, 22" Medium 2002, 22" Crash 2002, 24" Ride 2002, 24" Medium 2002, 17" Seven Sound Set No. 3 FO 602, 7" splash, 2" / 3" / 4" / 5" / 7" Children's Cymbals.
Carl Palmer -
"My drums are not just a piece of engineering, they're set up anatomically {sic} correct for my body to function the right way behind them. Each drum and cymbal was suspended by a rod that was angled at the exact position I wanted it. I would make a template out of cardboard and take it to the steel manufacturers with my specifications. Every night that I set the drums up they’re in the same position and my technique has gotten really good because I’m familiar with the distances."
Each drum features an ornate engraving of woodland scenes created by jeweler Paul Ravn. Palmer has said he was inspired to engrave his drum kit by engravings he saw on a hunting rifle.
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