1995 – 1996
Green
Chad said, “My first kit from OCDP. This kit made it’s debut in Europe in 1995. I was excited about getting my first custom set! Custom color, custom badges (alien head badge). This kit was used for the “Don’t Stay Home”, “All Mixed Up” and “Down” videos. And used for the Blue album and some Transistor touring.”
Drum! Magazine Feb 1996
Modern Drummer May 1996
1996 – 1997
Black
Chad said, “This kit’s custom look is sweet. All black drums and hardware with rhinestones embedded in the cover of the drums, making the effect of looking at a sky full of stars. This kit introduced my new “Energy” badge and was used in the “Flowing”, “Transistor”, “I’ll Be Here Awhile” and “Don’t Tread on Me” videos. The kit was also used on the Temples of Boom Tour and for the ‘Transistor’ album recording. The toms were used some on the ‘Evolver’ album recording and on most of the songs on the ‘Don’t Tread On Me’ album recording.”
1997 – 2000
Yellow
Chad said, “This was the mack daddy kit. OCD went all out in building this one. They added gear like Octabons and a 20” concert floor tom! Zildjian kicked down a gong to go with it! This kit was used in the “Beautiful Disaster” and “Come Original” videos and for the Transistor Tour.”
Modern Drummer Oct 1997
Drum! Magazine Sept 1999
Modern Drummer Dec 1999
2001 – 2003
Orange
Chad said, “Beautiful laquer kit. Nice tight sizes. These drums sound and look great. The bass drum came in 20”x22” and 22”x22”. This kit was used in the “You Wouldn’t Believe” video and on the Soundsystem and From Chaos tours.”
2003 – 2004
Blue
Chad said, “This kit is spectacular. Beautiful quilted maple wrapped around the drums and then stained blue. Awesome sizes and floor toms with legs! This kit was used in the “First Straw” video, and for a couple of songs on the ‘Don’t Tread On Me’ album recording. It was also my kit for the Evolver Tour and on the Don’t Tread On Me Tour before getting my clear drum set.”
Modern Drummer Dec 2003
2005 – 2006
Clear
Chad said, “It’s clear! It’s pimp. Look at my candy-purple chrome! Wow Johnny. This was my kit on the Don’t Tread On Me Tour.”
2007 – 2008
White
Chad said, “This was my custom kit for the 2007 and 2008 summer Unity Tours, with white textured body and bright green hardware. Lookout!”
You hear these drums on 2009’s Uplifter, the last record recorded with OCDP.
2009 – 2011
Purple
Chad switches from OCDP to Pearl Drums.
Chad says, “I started off with Pearl in my professional career. Grassroots, Music, that’s all Pearl drums. Most people don’t really know that.”
“Before I was getting really customized drums. You can go anyway you want. You can go for more looks or more sound. I experimented with both. I went for the crazy things like the looks, but then youre losing sound. With Pearl, I’m just getting really nice drums made. I’ve experiemented with my sound… and it’s really come into its own.”
2012 – 2014
Sea Foam
This Pearl Kit used during 2012 – 2014 touring seasons and seen in the “Five of Everything” music video.
Modern Drummer April 2012
Drum! Magazine April 2014
2014 – 2017
Sequoia Red
That beautiful red! This kit was used during the recording ot Stereolithic and Mosaic as well as tours from 2014 to 2017.
2017 – 2020
Tamo Natural Wood
Look at that natural beauty! Used during the recording of Voyager and tours from 2017 and 2020.
Modern Drummer Magazine Dec 2017
Drum! Magazine Fall 2019
2021 – 2025
Sky Blue
Chad used this sky blue kit from 2021 – Spring 2025.
2025 Onward
White w/ Gold Accent
Chad started using this kit on the 2025 Summer Unity Tour.
Vater Chad Sexton Custom Drum Stick
(2025 model) With a refined technique and overall playing approach, Chad slightly tweaked the specs of his Custom Model to perfectly align with his newfound needs as a player. The update to his Custom model adds a little extra length and is finished in white paint, which not only adds a cool visual look but has also been very helpful to Chad’s grip while performing long-duration 311 shows.
Length: 16 ¼”
Grip: 0.580”
(2014 model) “This stick design helps obtain accuracy and power with ease.” – Chad Sexton
Chad Sexton’s custom model is right between a 5A and 5B in the grip. The taper and rounded barrel style tip give plenty of punch and volume. All of these elements in Chad’s Custom Model make a stick that offers durability and great speed to get around the kit quickly.
Snare Tone Technique
311 Archive 