Gear Breakdown: The Genius Of Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway To Heaven”

There’s no song more iconic, no drum part more mythologized, than “Stairway To Heaven.” 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’s playing—on a kit modelled after Bonham’s own thunderous setup.

Let’s take a look at the gear breakdown of what Kit, Snare, Hardware and Cymbals Brandon used to channel the sound and feel of this legendary track.

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🥁 Drum Kit

To honor Bonham’s towering presence behind the kit, Brandon played a 1969 Ludwig Classic Maple kit in a stunning green sparkle finish—built to sing and roar with vintage authenticity.

• 14×10” Tom – Tuned high for melodic fills that still punch through the mix.
• 16×16” Floor Tom – That signature warm Ludwig thud.
• 18×16” Floor Tom – Deep and thunderous—perfect for Bonham-style triplet grooves.
• 26×14” Bass Drum – The engine of Bonham’s groove, giving massive low-end presence and a thunderous tone.

This setup mirrors the drum dimensions Bonham was known for, emphasizing depth, projection, and tonal clarity. The 26″ bass drum in particular is essential to capturing his unmistakable drive and weight.

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:

Ludwig Classic Maple Pro Beat 3-piece Shell Pack (Europe)
Add on: Ludwig 18×16″ Floor Tom

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💥 Snare Drum

At the heart of the backbeat is the 14×6.5” Ludwig Supraphonic snare—a 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’s expressive style.

If you’re looking to add Bonham’s signature snare sound to your own setup, the Ludwig Supraphonic L402 (Europe) is an essential addition.

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🛠️ Hardware

Brandon used vintage Ludwig flat-based hardware paired with the legendary 1960s Ludwig Speed King pedal—a favorite of Bonham himself. The Speed King’s smooth yet springy response was key to Bonham’s signature footwork, especially his rapid-fire bass drum bursts and triplet patterns.

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.

Modern Option: Ludwig L203 Speed King (Europe)

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🛎️ Cymbals – Paiste Power

Bonham’s cymbal setup was bold, bright, and commanding. To recreate that wash and crash-heavy palette, Brandon used a combination of Paiste 2002 and Giant Beat series cymbals:

• 24” Paiste 2002 Ride (Europe) – Cuts through with a clear bell and a massive wash when crashed.
• 15” Paiste 2002 SoundEdge Hi-Hats (Europe) – Wide and sloshy with a crispy “chick.”
• 18” Paiste 2002 Crash (Europe) – Quick, bright, and explosive.
• 18” Paiste Giant Beat Crash (Europe) – A slightly darker, more complex tone to blend with the 2002’s brilliance.

These cymbals deliver the shimmering power Bonham was known for—especially in the crashing crescendo of “Stairway’s” final movement.

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Want to Channel Your Inner Bonham?

If you’re working on developing bass drum speed and foot control like Bonzo, we recommend practicing on the Drumeo QuietKick. It’s a low-volume solution that still gives you the rebound and resistance of a real pedal, perfect for nailing fast single strokes and triplets—without shaking the walls.

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The Verdict

This kit is more than just vintage eye candy—it’s a time machine. Every drum and cymbal was carefully chosen to replicate the sound and vibe of Bonham’s most legendary studio recordings. The result? A thunderous, articulate, and unmistakably Zeppelin sound that reminds us why John Bonham’s playing still influences drummers over 50 years later.

From the power of the 26″ kick to the shimmer of the Giant Beat crash, this gear breakdown captures the essence of one of rock’s most revered drum performances.

You can find everything mentioned in this Gear Breakdown at Sweetwater or Thomann 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 Drumeo, free for 7 Days.

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