{"id":53060,"date":"2025-07-25T04:45:00","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T11:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/?p=53060"},"modified":"2025-07-25T09:21:28","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T16:21:28","slug":"gear-breakdown-genius-of-stairway-to-heaven","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/gear-breakdown-genius-of-stairway-to-heaven\/","title":{"rendered":"Gear Breakdown: The Genius Of Led Zeppelin\u2019s \u201cStairway To Heaven\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>There\u2019s no song more iconic, no drum part more mythologized, than \u201cStairway To Heaven.\u201d And when it comes to drumming legends, few loom larger than John Bonham. In this video, Brandon Toews dissects the power, precision, and presence of Bonzo\u2019s playing\u2014on a kit modelled after Bonham\u2019s own thunderous setup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" width=\"560\" height=\"315\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/UtDl0aYrT70?si=qen-MpUxR3m8ze__\" title=\"YouTube video player\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s take a look at the gear breakdown of what <a href=\"#kit\">Kit<\/a>, <a href=\"#snare\">Snare<\/a>, <a href=\"#hardware\">Hardware<\/a> and <a href=\"#cymbals\">Cymbals<\/a> Brandon used to channel the sound and feel of this legendary track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kit\">\ud83e\udd41 Drum Kit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To honor Bonham\u2019s towering presence behind the kit, Brandon played a <strong>1969 Ludwig Classic Maple<\/strong> kit in a stunning green sparkle finish\u2014built to sing and roar with vintage authenticity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>14&#215;10\u201d Tom<\/strong> \u2013 Tuned high for melodic fills that still punch through the mix.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>16&#215;16\u201d Floor Tom<\/strong> \u2013 That signature warm Ludwig thud.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>18&#215;16\u201d Floor Tom<\/strong> \u2013 Deep and thunderous\u2014perfect for Bonham-style triplet grooves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>26&#215;14\u201d Bass Drum<\/strong> \u2013 The engine of Bonham\u2019s groove, giving massive low-end presence and a thunderous tone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This setup mirrors the drum dimensions Bonham was known for, emphasizing depth, projection, and tonal clarity. The 26&#8243; bass drum in particular is essential to capturing his unmistakable drive and weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Obviously the 1969 kit is no longer in production, but you can get that same warm tone and sparkle finish from Sweetwater and Thomann (Europe) by way of the:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/6y1yDr\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ludwig\u00a0Classic Maple Pro Beat 3-piece Shell Pack<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/ludwig_classic_maple_fab_22_silver_s.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<br>Add on: <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/0959BJ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ludwig 18&#215;16&#8243; Floor Tom<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"snare\">\ud83d\udca5 Snare Drum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>At the heart of the backbeat is the <strong>14&#215;6.5\u201d Ludwig Supraphonic<\/strong> snare\u2014a model Bonham himself famously used. Its aluminum shell gives it that dry crack and full-bodied resonance that made his ghost notes and backbeats feel alive. From whisper-soft drags to explosive rimshots, this snare delivers the dynamic response necessary for Bonham\u2019s expressive style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re looking to add Bonham\u2019s signature snare sound to your own setup, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/store\/detail\/L402--ludwig-l402-6.5x14-supraphonic-snare-drum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Ludwig<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/RGoGWg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sweetwater.com\/store\/detail\/L402--ludwig-l402-6.5x14-supraphonic-snare-drum\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Supraphonic L402<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/ludwig_lm402_14x65_supra_phonic.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>) is an essential addition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"hardware\">\ud83d\udee0\ufe0f Hardware<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Brandon used <strong>vintage Ludwig flat-based hardware<\/strong> paired with the legendary <strong>1960s Ludwig Speed King pedal<\/strong>\u2014a favorite of Bonham himself. The Speed King\u2019s smooth yet springy response was key to Bonham\u2019s signature footwork, especially his rapid-fire bass drum bursts and triplet patterns.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fun fact: Bonham was known for using this single pedal to deliver flurries of bass drum notes that sounded like they came from a double pedal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Modern Option: <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/qzvzoy\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ludwig\u00a0L203 Speed King<\/a> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/ludwig_l203_speed_king_pedal.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cymbals\">\ud83d\udece\ufe0f Cymbals \u2013 Paiste Power<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bonham\u2019s cymbal setup was bold, bright, and commanding. To recreate that wash and crash-heavy palette, Brandon used a combination of <strong>Paiste 2002<\/strong> and <strong>Giant Beat<\/strong> series cymbals:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/Dymyan\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">24\u201d Paiste 2002 Ride<\/a><\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/paiste_2002_24_ride.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>) \u2013 Cuts through with a clear bell and a massive wash when crashed.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/POgOnY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">15\u201d Paiste 2002 SoundEdge Hi-Hats<\/a><\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/paiste_2002_15_hihat.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>) \u2013 Wide and sloshy with a crispy \u201cchick.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/LK1KEY\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">18\u201d Paiste 2002 Crash<\/a><\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/paiste_2002_18_crash.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>) \u2013 Quick, bright, and explosive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/55G5zN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">18\u201d Paiste Giant Beat Crash<\/a><\/strong> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomann.de\/intl\/paiste_18_giant_beat_crash.htm?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Europe<\/a>) \u2013 A slightly darker, more complex tone to blend with the 2002\u2019s brilliance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These cymbals deliver the shimmering power Bonham was known for\u2014especially in the crashing crescendo of \u201cStairway\u2019s\u201d final movement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Want to Channel Your Inner Bonham?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re working on developing bass drum speed and foot control like Bonzo, we recommend practicing on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/Drumeo-10043-drumeo-QuietKick\/dp\/B0CPTDQBK2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Drumeo QuietKick<\/a>. It\u2019s a low-volume solution that still gives you the rebound and resistance of a real pedal, perfect for nailing fast single strokes and triplets\u2014without shaking the walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">The Verdict<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This kit is more than just vintage eye candy\u2014it\u2019s a time machine. Every drum and cymbal was carefully chosen to replicate the sound and vibe of Bonham\u2019s most legendary studio recordings. The result? A thunderous, articulate, and unmistakably Zeppelin sound that reminds us why John Bonham\u2019s playing still influences drummers over 50 years later.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the power of the 26&#8243; kick to the shimmer of the Giant Beat crash, this gear breakdown captures the essence of one of rock\u2019s most revered drum performances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.musora.com\/musora-cdn\/image\/quality=85\/https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/24150644\/2025-06-12-Drumeo-The-Genius-Of-Stairway-To-Heaven-KIT-105-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-53063\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/24150644\/2025-06-12-Drumeo-The-Genius-Of-Stairway-To-Heaven-KIT-105-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/24150644\/2025-06-12-Drumeo-The-Genius-Of-Stairway-To-Heaven-KIT-105-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/24150644\/2025-06-12-Drumeo-The-Genius-Of-Stairway-To-Heaven-KIT-105-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/24150644\/2025-06-12-Drumeo-The-Genius-Of-Stairway-To-Heaven-KIT-105-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/drumeoblog.s3.amazonaws.com\/beat\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/24150644\/2025-06-12-Drumeo-The-Genius-Of-Stairway-To-Heaven-KIT-105-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You can find everything mentioned in this Gear Breakdown at <a href=\"https:\/\/sweetwater.sjv.io\/mOvO0X\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sweetwater<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thomannmusic.com\/?offid=1&amp;affid=857\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Thomann<\/a> if you are overseas. If this video lit a spark to start drumming (or sharpen your chops), take the next step and click the link to try <a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/trial?utm_source=blog&amp;utm_medium=&amp;utm_term=drumeo&amp;utm_campaign=geniusstairway\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Drumeo, free for 7 Days.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>*This article contains affiliate links, which means we might earn a small commission from the product seller if you make a purchase. For more info, check out our<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/privacy#affiliate-disclosure\"><em> privacy page.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>There\u2019s no song more iconic, no drum part more mythologized, than \u201cStairway To Heaven.\u201d And when it comes to drumming legends, few loom larger than John Bonham. In this video, Brandon Toews dissects the power, precision, and presence of Bonzo\u2019s playing\u2014on a kit modelled after Bonham\u2019s own thunderous setup. Let\u2019s take a look at the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":174,"featured_media":53061,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4017,4020,4016],"tags":[4013,4082,4145,4146,4147,4148],"class_list":["post-53060","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-beats-and-fills","category-gear","category-songs","tag-brandon-toews","tag-gear-breakdown","tag-genius-of","tag-john-bonham","tag-led-zeppelin","tag-stairway-to-heaven"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53060","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/174"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=53060"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53060\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":53065,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/53060\/revisions\/53065"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/53061"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=53060"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=53060"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.drumeo.com\/beat\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=53060"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}