What Kind Of Drums Does Rik Allen From Def Leppard Play And How Does He Play Them?

Rick Allen or Richard John Cyril Allen, the famous drummer of the popular British rock band Def Leppard had an off-road accident back in December 31, 1984 which left his left arm amputated. Thanks to the support of his band mates, the support of Status Quo drummer Jeff Rich and his ongoing perseverance he was able to build a custom drum kit. It is a multi-pad electronic kit.

The drum- kit has become an electronic wonder in the world of music and drum technology. It works on a unique pedal trigger system. The custom-made electronic drum kit is the brainchild of Simmons, a company noted for making electronic drum sets. Electronic drums work on the principle of ""triggers," which can "feel" a hit from a drumming stick or the motion of a pedal.

Allen's custom-made kit is mainly in the form of pads in front of him; to his right, so that he can play with his right hand. There are pedals onto his left which trigger the sounds of tom-toms and snare drums.  Allen learnt the art of playing patterns with his right hand and left foot that drummers would usually play with their right and left hands. Allen has also used hardware from companies such as ddrum and Acupad. He calls them these attempts "technology stunts."

I'm not exactly sure of the brand names of the drums but is a combination of electronic and acoustic drums. To make up for the loss of his right arm he uses a selection of foot pedals to "trigger" the electronic drums.