Drumming News :
Donn Bennett has once again delivered a jaw-dropping opportunity for collectors, drummers, and Primus fans alike. This time, he’s offering two incredible drumsets straight from Tim “Herb” Alexander, the legendary drummer who powered Primus’s most iconic and intricate rhythms.
The First Treasure: Tim “Herb” Alexander’s PRIMUS Tama Starclassic 17-Piece “2014 Willie Wonka Tour” Set
If you’ve ever seen Primus’s surreal and mesmerizing “Primus & the Chocolate Factory with the Fungi Ensemble”tour, you already know the visual and sonic spectacle of this drumset. Tim Alexander used this massive 17-piece Tama Starclassic kit from roughly 2014 to 2019, performing the wildly imaginative re-creation of the Willy Wonka soundtrack with Primus’s unmistakable odd-time swagger.
Finished in a custom inside-and-out “Chocolate” stain, the kit looks as striking as it sounds. It carries a few honest scuffs and chips from life on the road—battle scars of a touring workhorse—but the overall condition remains exceptional. Donn Bennett documented most of the cosmetic marks meticulously, staying true to his reputation for transparency.
This kit, acquired directly from Tim himself, includes only the drums (no cymbals, hardware, or stands), as Tim configured it differently depending on the show. Most drums are custom single-headed concert shells, with the exception of the 24×16″ bass and 14×5″ snare.
Each drum comes with its original serial number and a certificate of authenticity signed by Tim Alexander.
Included Drums:
- 24×16″ Bass Drum – #24080603
- 5×14″ Snare Drum – #000913
- 22×18″ Concert Bass Drum – #24080605
- 22×18″ Concert Bass Drum – #24080604
- 18×16″ Concert Floor Tom – #24080607
- 16×15″ Concert Floor Tom – #24080606
- 14×11″ Concert Tom – #24080611
- 12×10″ Concert Tom – #24080608
- 10×9″ Concert Tom – #24080609
- Full matched set of eight Octabons
For Primus fans, collectors, and players who love huge and unusual configurations, this is an absolute dream kit.
To learn more about this set: HERE
The Second Gem: Tim “Herb” Alexander’s Tama Starclassic Maple 14-Piece Set (2003–2009)
The second offering from Donn Bennetts Drum Vault is no less spectacular. This 14-piece Tama Starclassic Maple kitrepresents Tim Alexander’s return to Primus in 2003, when he once again provided the precision, power, and weirdly funky backbone that defined the band’s sound.
This was Tim’s main rig live and in the studio from 2003 until his departure in 2009. It’s an unmistakably “Herb” configuration: triple bass drums, triple rack toms, double floor toms, Octabons, and more, allowing Tim to weave through complex polyrhythmic passages with complete freedom and clarity.
Finished in White Satin, the kit has minimal cosmetic wear and remains in excellent condition. Notably, the 22″ bass drum is slightly different in shade compared to the rest—an authentic detail preserved with full transparency. Like the other set, it includes no stands or cymbals, and each drum comes directly from Tim along with his signed COA.
The buyer also receives the beautiful framed 2016 Primus concert poster featured in Donn’s photos.
Included Drums and Serial Numbers:
- 22×18″ Bass Drum – NA
- 20×18″ Bass Drum – #1309????
- 18×16″ Bass Drum – NA
- 20×14″ Gong Bass – #13091322
- 16×16″ Floor Tom – #13091325
- 14×14″ Floor Tom – #13091328
- 12×10″ Rack Tom – #13091326
- 10×9″ Rack Tom – #13091327
- 8×8″ Rack Tom – NA
- 6×14″ Snare Drum – #13091311
For players and collectors who admire Tim’s early-2000s era—defined by power, precision, and evolving creativity—this is truly an iconic setup.
To learn more about this set: HERE
A Chance to Own History
Donn Bennett’s knack for acquiring historically significant drum gear has long been admired, but this offering stands out even in that context. These two kits aren’t just museum-quality artifacts from one of rock’s most distinctive drummers—they’re instruments that helped shape the arc of Primus’s evolution.
