Yamaha Maple Vs. Yamaha Birch

[highplainsdrummer]

So, I've decided to purchase a high end absolute yamaha drumset. All my favorite drummers play them (steve gadd, steve jordan, tom brechtlein, dave weckl, etc..), the hardware is great and of course the drums sound great. However, I'm not sure whether to purchase the birch or maple. I've heard and have read that the birch sets are ideal for recording and the maple sets are ideal for live performances. The maple sets seem to be easier to tune, but I'm looking for something that will sound great for smaller venues (i.e. bars and clubs). Also, going for a classic setup. I was thinking 20" b.d., 12" high tom, 14" low tom. What are your thoughts?

[ermghoti]

A birch kit will be attackier, but can also be tuned lower, a maple kit would usually be considered warmer. The differences between the woods is minor compared to tuning, heads, edges and even the room, IMO. Maple looks better in a transparent finish. You'll have to play both and see what you like.

[George+]

I'd prefer maple because of the warmer sound. I've never had a maple kit, but I would really fancy one. I think my drums are made of mahogany, or a combination of birch and mahogany or eucalyptus (I'm not really sure about this), which I think is something between birch and maple, but I don't think Yamaha produces anything like this, which well could be a compromise for you. :)

[Ironcobra]

I would go for maple. People have their reasons for wanting one or the other, but I think maple is superior to birch. It just sounds so much better to my ear.

[harryconway]

When I had myYamaha Recording Customs (22, 13, 16) I added a suspended 15x12 Ludwig rack tom into the position just left of the floor. Essentially making the kit a 1 up, 2 down configuration. When played alone, the wood distinction was certainly audible, if only slight. With the band playing and recording, that difference was lost in the mix. Since I still have my maple Ludwigs, if I was to get another kit again, it would be a Yamaha birch or oak kit. But in all honesty, don't lose too much sleep over maple vs. birch. Both will perform really well.

[aydee]

So, I've decided to purchase a high end absolute yamaha drumset. All my favorite drummers play them (steve gadd, steve jordan, tom brechtlein, dave weckl, etc..), the hardware is great and of course the drums sound great. However, I'm not sure whether to purchase the birch or maple. I've heard and have read that the birch sets are ideal for recording and the maple sets are ideal for live performances. The maple sets seem to be easier to tune, but I'm looking for something that will sound great for smaller venues (i.e. bars and clubs). Also, going for a classic setup. I was thinking 20" b.d., 12" high tom, 14" low tom. What are your thoughts?

Firstly, Congratulations on zeroing in on one of the best drums money can buy. A lot of guys on this forum will attest to that. I play the absolute nouveau maple version.

Besides being just plain awesome drums, the amazing thing I find about the yammie maples is that they are extremely dynamic. You can play them real soft, with brushes, hands etc, or at a even dynamic, like in a smallish setting, or you can play loud, hitting them harder, and they never lose their incredible tone or warmth.

I know some guys prefer a combination of BD, FT birch, and the rest maple.... but I am totally and completely satisfied.

Your sizes sound great. I would add a 10 tom. If you like 1up 1down, you could alternate between the 10 and 12. The 10 sounds great.

[Ozzy Biz]

I'd get the cheaper of the two (which ever that is, and if there is a price differnece).

Just make sure you get a stain or lacquer finish where you can see the wood grain. Can't go past the natural beauty

[highplainsdrummer]

Thanks for your input guys.

[fourstringdrums]

I personally prefer Birch over Maple. I like the shorter sustain and punchier tone and I don't find it as loud or bright as some say. It's pretty versatile IMO, plus it's USUALLY cheaper.

As for the finish, get what you look. I prefer wraps for their classy look and durability (I tend to be clumsy and lacquers and stains don't last long with me).

[tomtom]

I personally prefer Birch over Maple. I like the shorter sustain and punchier tone and I don't find it as loud or bright as some say. It's pretty versatile IMO, plus it's USUALLY cheaper.

+1.

I find that maple drums, i.e; 100% maple shells (especially Yammies) sound tubby and hollow out front, especially in larger venues. Birch is more microphone friendly and IMO sounds a lot better out front (punchier, warmer, more tone). But, that´s just my taste.

[Guillermo]

I have a Yamaha Maple Custom since dunno... '97 or something.

The Absoutes are THIN SHELL drums... wichever model... this is VERYT IMPORTANT, see MANY drummer's ears actually WANT a thicker shell's sound... thinner shells will be more resonant, a bit boomier... have a slightly lower pitch.

In my opinion THIN maple shells have great resonance and character... a very classic sound... birch are more focused, and in Yamaha's case have a lower pitch wich likes to get tuned high on toms, so you get great attch without too high a note.

I for one prefer the Recording Custom's sound to that of the Birch absolute... and the Yamaha Maple Custom to that of the absolute.

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

are there really only three color choices for the yamaha maple??

edit: and two for the recording custom??

[aydee]

are there really only three color choices for the yamaha maple??

edit: and two for the recording custom?? there are more. look up: www.yamahadrums.com

[Guillermo]

Again there seems to be confusion...

for Yamaha MAPLE CUSTOM there are only 3 finishes... natural, black maple and emerald.
for Yamaha MAPLE CUSTOM ABSOLUTE there are a ton of finishes (the ones LINKED above) that include stained, covered, sparkle, lacquered, etc.

Same goes for Recording Custom vs Birch Custom absolute... RC have a small number of lacquered finishes... BCA has a ton of finishes as well.

The reason this is so, is a mistery to many people... perhaps it's japanese corporate culture... YMC and RC are legendary products with wich it's better not to tinker... their new lines have all those other finishes.

Makes little sense to most people... to me it doesn't matter much.

[radiofriendlyunitshifter]

Again there seems to be confusion...

for Yamaha MAPLE CUSTOM there are only 3 finishes... natural, black maple and emerald.
for Yamaha MAPLE CUSTOM ABSOLUTE there are a ton of finishes (the ones LINKED above) that include stained, covered, sparkle, lacquered, etc.

Same goes for Recording Custom vs Birch Custom absolute... RC have a small number of lacquered finishes... BCA has a ton of finishes as well.

The reason this is so, is a mistery to many people... perhaps it's japanese corporate culture... YMC and RC are legendary products with wich it's better not to tinker... their new lines have all those other finishes.

Makes little sense to most people... to me it doesn't matter much.

ahhh, i see. thanks very much for clearing that up.