Neal Peart's Electronic Drum Kit Of Choice

Nicknamed The Professor, Neil Peart is considered one of the most influential drummers in the history of rock music. His hybrid drum kit, which combines acoustics and electronics, is one of the world's most recognisable. In this article, we will explore the electronic drum kits Peart used throughout his career, including the iconic Time Machine Drum Kit, and discuss the impact of his innovative approach to drumming.

Peart's kit included Roland's V-Drums

As the drummer for the Canadian trio Rush, Neil Peart's drum kit was always larger than a typical standard-size set. Over the years, it expanded to include traditional orchestral percussion and acoustic sound effects, which became trademarks for both Peart and the band.

In the 1980s, Peart's kit grew to include electronic percussion, becoming a "hybrid kit" featuring a combination of acoustics and electronics. In 2001, Peart and his drum team member Lorne Wheaton began a long-standing relationship with Roland, incorporating the first generation of V-Drums into Peart's setup.

Peart's kit included the first generation of Roland's V-Drums, the TD-10 module, and V-Pads. These were incorporated into the setup for the 2002 Vapor Trails tour, where they supplied Peart with a fresh sound palette and interface to recreate classic sounds from Rush's catalogue. The V-Drums were not only used to trigger sounds during the setlist but also became a drum solo feature. Peart praised the V-Drums' sensitive, resilient, and satisfying pads, as well as their high-quality and versatile sounds.

For the RUSH R30 tour, Peart and Wheaton planned to upgrade the kit with the TD-20 V-Pro Series V-Drums, with a new focus on electronic performance and triggering for the live show and solo. Wheaton oversaw the kit, with his "office" tucked just behind and stage left of the drum set. The V-Drums connected directly to the modules and then to the rest of the rack gear via MIDI, and all audio output to the house and monitors.

The Time Machine and Clockwork Angels tours featured the third generation of Roland's V-Drums: the TD-30 SuperNATURAL-powered V-Drums technology, which offered even faster, more accurate, and dynamic triggering. Peart continued to use the V-Drums in various tours and albums, praising their improved touch-sensitivity, sound quality, and variety over the years.

He used the TD-10 module and V-Pads

In the early 2000s, Neil Peart, the drummer for the iconic Canadian trio Rush, incorporated the first generation of V-Drums into his kit. This included the TD-10 module and V-Pads. The V-Drums were added to his setup for the 2002 Vapor Trails tour, marking a new era in his massive rotating kit.

The TD-10 module and V-Pads offered Peart a fresh sound palette and interface, allowing him to recreate classic sounds from Rush's catalogue. He utilised the V-Drums not only to trigger sounds during performances but also as a feature in his drum solos. Peart favoured the V-Drums for their sensitive, resilient pads and high-quality, versatile sounds. He also praised the rig for its ease of use and playability, enhancing the overall fun of his performances.

The TD-10 module and V-Pads were just the beginning of Peart's exploration into electronic percussion. He continued to evolve his kit, eventually partnering with Roland and working closely with Lorne Wheaton to integrate new generations of V-Drums into his setup. This collaboration resulted in even more dynamic and sophisticated sound capabilities.

Peart's adoption of the TD-10 module and V-Pads in his drum kit showcases his willingness to embrace new technologies and his commitment to expanding his repertoire. It also highlights his influence on the world of drumming, with his choices shaping the instrument choices and techniques of future generations of musicians.

He used the TD-20 V-Pro Series V-Drums for the R30 tour

The renowned drummer Neil Peart, known for his work with the band Rush, used the Roland TD-20 V-Pro Series V-Drums for the R30 tour. This electronic drum kit is a flagship set that offers drummers an incredibly expressive and dynamic playing experience.

At the heart of the TD-20 V-Pro Series is the TD-20 module, which features a vast array of sounds and functions. Drummers can take advantage of over 500 new sounds, as well as advanced V-Editing capabilities, allowing for precise customisation of drum sounds. The patented mesh pads have an impressive dynamic range and natural rim shot triggering, providing an incredibly responsive playing surface.

The TD-20 V-Pro Series also introduced Roland's innovative V-Hi-Hat, which accurately models the look and feel of an acoustic hi-hat. This electronic hi-hat uses two cymbals with full motion capability, allowing for ultra-natural stick and pedal work. The TD-20's dual-trigger design enables a range of hi-hat sounds, from open to closed, including the delicate nuances of the half-open position.

The drum kit's stand, the MDS-20BK, is ergonomically designed with a sleek, curved look that keeps all cabling neatly hidden. The stand's black colour perfectly complements the pads and cymbals, providing a unified and professional appearance. Additionally, the stand offers quick and easy height adjustments, ensuring optimal playing comfort for drummers.

For the R30 tour, Peart and his drum team member Lorne Wheaton incorporated the TD-20 V-Pro Series into their setup, taking advantage of its advanced electronics and triggering capabilities. The TD-20's modules were connected to the rest of the rack gear via MIDI, ensuring seamless integration with the rest of the drum kit. This setup provided Peart with the dynamic sound and performance he desired, combining the power of acoustic drums with the versatility of electronic sounds.

Peart's kit included the TD-30 SuperNATURAL V-Drums

The legendary Canadian drummer Neil Peart, also known as "The Professor", was known for his innovative and dynamic approach to drumming. His influence on generations of drummers and impact on the course of musical history is undeniable. Peart's drum kit, an iconic hybrid set-up, evolved over the years to include a combination of acoustics and electronics.

Peart's journey with electronic percussion began in the '80s, marking the start of his long-standing relationship with Roland. His first foray into electronic drums included the first generation of V-Drums, the TD-10 module, and V-Pads. This setup offered a fresh sound palette and interface, allowing him to recreate classic sounds and incorporate new ones into his performances and solos.

As Peart continued to push the boundaries, his kit evolved further. The TD-20 V-Pro Series V-Drums made their way into his setup, enhancing the electronic performance and triggering capabilities. This evolution led to the creation of the Time Machine Hybrid Kit, an over-the-top steampunk-themed masterpiece.

At the heart of this new kit was Roland's 3rd generation of V-Drums: the TD-30 SuperNATURAL V-Drums. These cutting-edge drums introduced even faster, more accurate, and dynamic triggering capabilities to Peart's performances. The TD-30 SuperNATURAL V-Drums played a pivotal role in Rush's Time Machine and Clockwork Angels tours, adding a new dimension to the band's live shows.

The TD-30 SuperNATURAL V-Drums were more than just a collection of electronic percussion instruments; they were a tool that expanded Peart's creative horizons. He seamlessly integrated them into his unique style, triggering samples and creating a virtual orchestra of sounds that complemented the acoustic drums. This fusion of acoustics and electronics became a trademark of Peart's drumming, showcasing his relentless pursuit of innovation and perfection.

He used the Simmons SDS-7 digital module and EPROM unit

The Simmons SDS-7 was a hybrid drum synthesiser with 4 sound sources for each voice, and detuning capabilities for drum sounds. It was usually sold as a 5-piece drum kit, with the option to add a cymbal bundle. The SDS-7 could hold up to 12 voice cards or modules, and featured digital sampling sounds on EPROM for the first time.

The SDS-7 was the brainchild of Dave Simmons, who began creating his first electronic drum products in the 1970s. Simmons aimed to add electronic sounds to acoustic drum kits, and the SDS-7 was a result of this endeavour.

The SDS-7 featured redesigned pads with a rubber skin, making it easier to play. It also offered the ability to store presets, a feature that was highly desirable in the digital age.

The SDS-7 was a versatile instrument, allowing users to replace the analog oscillator with an 8-bit EPROM player. This provided a broader range of sounds and opened up new possibilities for musicians.

Neil Peart, the renowned drummer for the iconic Canadian trio Rush, was known to use electronic percussion in his kit. While the specific details of his setup are not publicly available, it is known that he incorporated electronic drums into his live performances and solo features.

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