GEAR PHILOSOPHY
Drum Kit
SJC DRUMS
Nick’s SJC kit is designed for maximum impact and responsiveness, giving him the punch and articulation needed for modern punk and alternative music.
Kick Drum — 22" x 18"
Rack Tom — 12" x 8"
Floor Tom — 16" x 14"
Snare — 14" x 7"
Side Snare — 12" x 4"
Drumheads
REMO DRUMHEADS
Nick relies on Remo Drumheads to achieve the tone and durability needed for aggressive touring schedules.
Snare (Batter) — Powerstroke 77 Coated Clear Dot / Emperor X Coated
Snare Side — Ambassador Clear Snare Side
Toms (Batter) — Emperor Colortone
Toms (Resonant) — Ambassador Clear
Bass Drum (Batter) — Emperor SMT Clear
Bass Drum (Resonant) — Powerstroke 3 Ebony
CYMBALS
ZILDJIAN CYMBALS
Nick’s cymbal setup blends warmth, projection, and explosive accents using a mix of Zildjian K Sweet and A Custom models for versatility across touring and recording.
Hi-Hats — K Sweet 15"
Crash Cymbals — K Sweet 18" Crash, K Sweet 19" Crash
Ride — K Sweet 23" Ride
Effects — Oriental FX 18" China Trash, A Custom 14" EFX, A Custom 16" EFX, A Custom 10" EFX
HARDWARE
DW HARDWARE & PEDALS
For touring reliability and precision, Nick uses DW Hardware & Pedals, trusted for their durability and consistency on stages around the world.
DW 9000 Single Bass Drum Pedal
DW 5000 3-Leg Hi-Hat Stand
DW 9700 Straight/Boom Cymbal Stands (5)
DW 9000 Double Tom Stands (2)
DW 9300 Snare Stand
DW 9100M Round Drum Throne
Accessories:
DWSM799 Dogbone w/ Cymbal Arm
DWSM991 Single Tom L-Arm Clamp
Electronics & Hybrid Setup
ROLAND
To expand his live sound and incorporate modern production elements into performances, Nick integrates a hybrid electronic setup powered by Roland.
Roland SPD-SX Pro Sampling Pad
Snare Trigger
Kick Trigger
Roland PD-8 Pad
This hybrid setup allows Gross to trigger samples, textures, and production elements while maintaining the power and feel of a fully acoustic kit.
GEAR PHILOSOPHY
Playing Philosophy
Nick’s approach to drumming is rooted in the high-energy traditions of punk and alternative music, where feel, impact, and authenticity are just as important as precision.
His setup is designed to deliver:
Powerful attack for aggressive live shows
Consistent tone for studio and touring environments
Durability for demanding touring schedules
Dynamic range for both punk intensity and melodic songwriting
By combining SJC drums, Zildjian cymbals, Remo drumheads, DW hardware, and Roland electronics, Gross has built a rig that supports the explosive performance style fans have come to expect.
