Over the years, I’ve tried out a bunch of different gear setups, but this is the one I always seem to come back to, especially when I’m playing jazz or anything that requires a lighter touch. It’s not flashy or overly complicated, but it’s dialed in exactly how I need it to be for jazz drumming.

I use a four-piece Tama kit as my foundation. Yeah, I know Tama’s usually linked to heavier rock stuff, but that’s kind of the beauty of it. The shells are solid, and with the right tuning, I can easily shape the tone for jazz. It gives me warmth and clarity without getting muddy, and it holds up great in all kinds of room sizes. It’s proof you don’t have to switch brands just because you’re playing a different genre.

For drumheads, I go with Evans. Their batter heads are especially nice for brush work, which is a big deal in a lot of what I play. The texture is just right: it grabs the brushes but still allows for a smooth sweep. I’ve found they handle both soft dynamics and louder accents without falling apart or going dead on me.

When it comes to cymbals, I’ve got a bit of a soft spot for Sabian. My favorite right now is the 20″ HH Duo Ride. That thing is a beast: in the best way. It’s got this dry, dark character, but it’s not so dry that it chokes out. It opens up when you need it to, but it’s still super articulate. If you haven’t seen the demos of it on YouTube, definitely worth checking out. It’s one of those cymbals that instantly gives your kit a more mature, controlled sound.

My pedal setup is DW5000. It’s a double pedal setup, including the hi-hat stand. I’ll admit, it’s pricey, but honestly, it’s smooth and insanely durable. I’ve put it through a lot of gigging and studio work, and it still feels great underfoot. I barely notice it’s there, which I think is what you want in good hardware.

For sticks, I usually rotate between Peter Erskine’s ride stick and Dave Weckl’s signature model from Vic Firth. The Erskine sticks give me a light, defined cymbal touch: great for trio stuff or quieter gigs. The Weckl sticks have a bit more body to them when I need extra presence without pushing too hard.

This setup for jazz drumming isn’t about having the most expensive or exotic gear. It’s just what works for me. Everything feels responsive, and more importantly, it doesn’t get in the way when I’m trying to listen and interact with the music. That’s really what matters most.