When Steve Jordan sits behind a kit, every note matters. Known for his work with the Rolling Stones, John Mayer, and countless others, Steve’s playing is equal parts restraint and authority — and that comes through loud and clear in this first-time listen and play-through of “Wish You Were Here” by Incubus.
Jordan’s gear choices reflect his refined, old-school-meets-modern taste. In his Drumeo YouTube Performance, he blends a vintage foundation with precision-crafted Drums, Snares and Cymbals that shimmer with character.
This Gear Breakdown looks at what he used in the session — and how you can recreate his setup with alternates for products that are not available.
This vintage Gretsch kit oozes vibe and character, delivering that warm, dry, and resonant tone you can only get from old shells. The small bass drum keeps things tight, while the toms project a smooth, buttery tone — perfect for Steve’s laid-back groove.
Try This Instead:
🎯 Gretsch USA Custom 3-Piece Shell Pack (Europe)
This modern take on the classic Round Badge kits brings that same 6-ply maple/gum shell construction and iconic tone — available brand new, with the same soul.
While Steve used his Yamaha signature bamboo snare for this video, that model can be tough to find. Below is a list of 13-inch snares to help you find the one that will suit your style and budget while giving you that tight, responsive crack.
🎯 13″ Snares (Europe)
This is vintage royalty. Thick, dark, and juicy — the tone of this snare cuts through in the most musical way imaginable. Used sparingly, but unmistakably Steve.
Closest Modern Option:
🎯 Ludwig Black Beauty 6.5×14 Snare (Europe)
Same brass shell, same dry bark. The modern ones may be more consistent, but they still sing with that classic Black Beauty voice.
Not your everyday hi-hat combo — this is all Steve. By stacking two dark crash cymbals, he gets a washy, airy, and textured hat sound that’s as expressive as his playing. These hats respond beautifully to dynamics and sit perfectly in the pocket.
🎯 Paiste 17″ Masters Dark Crash (Europe)
🎯 Paiste 17″ Formula 602 ME Crash (Europe)
This crash brings a deep, moody wash with controlled sustain. It’s perfect for adding drama without harshness. Steve uses it like punctuation — accenting with purpose, never excess.
🎯 Paiste 20″ Masters Dark Crash (Europe)
This one blends vintage warmth with modern shimmer. It’s a versatile crash with a fast response, giving Steve the option to go from subtle textures to full accents with ease.
🎯 Paiste 19″ Formula 602 ME Crash (Europe)
Trashy, thin, and explosive — this china is used for added color and energy in the performance. It has a soft decay and just enough grit to cut through without overwhelming the mix.
🎯 Try this alternate: Paiste Signature Thin China Cymbal – 18 inches (Europe)
Dry, articulate, and complex — a ride that stays out of the way but rewards players who know how to draw out tone. Steve coaxes magic from this one with every tap.
🎯 Paiste 22″ Masters Dry Crisp Ride (Europe)
Steve Jordan doesn’t play drums — he plays songs. He’s listening, responding, and shaping the groove with feel and finesse even on a first listen. His gear choices support that: warm, dry tones; vintage character; and a cymbal setup that encourages sonic exploration.
Inspired by Steve’s groove? It all starts with dynamic control, musical space, and playing with intention. If you’re looking to recreate his sound, you can find this gear 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 try Drumeo, free for 7 Days.
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Drumeo Team - We're professional, award-winning drummers and drum teachers, coaches, recording artists, and content specialists who are passionate about drums and helping drummers around the world. This post was written and/or edited by Brandon Toews, Jared Falk, Dave Atkinson, or another pro on our team (which has a combined 1000+ years of drumming experience). Are you looking for inspiration, education, and support to take your playing to the next level? Join the Drumeo community today!
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