“This kit setup is strongly inspired by Phil Collins, who Hugh worked closely together with for many of both Collins’ and Genesis’ most celebrated records. Just as unique and pioneering Phil’s style of drumming was, so was his setup. Typically he would use a kit with so-called ‘concert’ toms which were missing the standard resonance heads, usually with a big selection of sizes ranging from 8″ down to 18″ floor toms as well as a smaller 20″ kick drum, also without a front head. Who didn’t react when they heard ‘In the Air Tonight’ for the first time? I get goosebumps to this day. Together with Hugh’s period-correct engineering and with a kit setup as close to the original as possible, this set gives you that unique tone right off the bat.” Norman Garschke

“This kit configuration is inspired by Manu Katché, another amazing drummer who Hugh had the privilege of recording during the ‘Nothing Like the Sun’ and ‘The Soul Cages’ sessions with Sting. We were lucky to find a kit in the original ‘Cobalt Blue’ finish and combine it with Manu’s signature snare drum and a set of cymbals that matched what he used on these iconic records.” Norman Garschke

“If there ever was one kit to rule them all during the entire ’80s and ’90s, this is it. I’d venture to say that this is one of the most played drum kits ever – live and in-session. Why? It just delivers every time and virtually sounds great in any scenario. Luckily enough, we were able to source an original from the era featuring a ridiculous selection of different sizes for toms and kick drums.” Norman Garschke

“It was a real stroke of luck that we got a hold of a ‘9000’ kit with concert toms, which is a rather rare thing – especially one with tom sizes ranging from six inches and up. The dry but oddly ambient tone these toms produce just scream the eighties. Combined with Hugh’s unique treatment of the kit, the finished result is really like throwing yourself back in time.” Norman Garschke

“In the early ’90s, this is the type of kit that drummer Vinnie Colaiuta played on the ‘Ten Summoner’s Tales’ and ‘Mercury Falling’ records with Sting, which Hugh produced. We were able to source an early specimen of this set as well as a great selection of cymbals that Vinnie originally helped design, of course including the typical set of splashes and chinas that became synonymous with his sound. With its long singing sustain and perfect balance between low-end and attack shaped by the deep power toms, this kit sparked a new era in drum design. Still to this say, it’s highly coveted by session drummers.” Norman Garschke

“In the late 1970s when The Police were at the absolute pinnacle of their intense career, Hugh worked with them on their two last records. These albums, one of which Hugh was awarded a Grammy for, produced a string of immortal hits like ‘Every Breath You Take,’ ‘Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic’ and many more. Of course, the drummer behind the kit on the records was the great Stewart Copeland. The set we sampled is the same model he brought to the recordings at AIR Studios Montserrat, complete with four octobans, a huge gong bass drum and the typical array of cymbals. It perfectly recreates the unique sound Stewart is known for: the high-pitched snare drums, the piercing hi-hat and the dry, short-decay toms.” Norman Garschke