Yamaha Drums

[aydee]

I think we should take a page out of the DW and PEARL guys, and have a YAMAHA sub-set here on the forum.A thread, for all things Yamaha. Share experiences, problems, discoveries, new gear expriences. Drums, snares, pedals, hardware, its like a one-stop-reference point.



What say all you Yammie-men out there ? Leave a thought, a question, a photograph....Clint? Spleen? Erik? A.C. Perkins?.................................

Might be a nice idea for other brands as well, considering how high the loyalties run in this area.

[Jeremy Bender]

I'm right behind you on this one! I own two Yamaha snare drums, both brass from the 1980's. I love them. The 5x14 is tuned for concert snare work and the 6.5x14 is more of a rock/pop sound. Great build quality that should last a lifetime. I don't know how the newer ones with the oval lugs are. I hope to purchase maple custom absolutes in the near future!

[aydee]

good going, jeremy! I'm so thrilled with my maple absolutes, but nervous about getting the snare. there are all these rumors, about the nouveau lugs breaking on the snares with the extra tightening. Got my eye on the steve jordan snare, tho....

lugs like these make me feel secure about snare drums:
14299

Got a PEARL Chad Smith, A killer YAMAHA piccolo, and an old TAMA... Not thrilled with any of these. Too bad I tried the Jordan right after i'd bought the Chad Smith. Could'nt justify 2 snares on the same shopping list ; )

[spleen]

Nice idea aydee! I know I keep promising pictures of my Cherry Wood MCAs and not delivering but give me a little more time and I will definitely get some posted--honest!

Interesting that you are talking about snare drums because I'm currently looking to buy a new one. Like you aydee, I have trepidation about the nouveau lugs on the snare drums but I am so taken with my bass drum and toms that I think I might go ahead and get one. But...there are SO MANY interesting snares in the Yamaha lineup...it's hard to decide!

spleen

[Mediocrefunkybeat]

When I get some decent pictures of my Musashi, I'll post them up.

I would start up a Tamburo thread, but I know that we'd only get about three posts!

[spleen]

When I get some decent pictures of my Musashi, I'll post them up.

I would start up a Tamburo thread, but I know that we'd only get about three posts!

Please do MFB--I know of many folks who are very happy with the Musashi.

And what's that? You want to start a tambourine thread? ; - )

spleen

[aydee]

Nice idea aydee! I know I keep promising pictures of my Cherry Wood MCAs and not delivering but give me a little more time and I will definitely get some posted--honest!

Interesting that you are talking about snare drums because I'm currently looking to buy a new one. Like you aydee, I have trepidation about the nouveau lugs on the snare drums but I am so taken with my bass drum and toms that I think I might go ahead and get one. But...there are SO MANY interesting snares in the Yamaha lineup...it's hard to decide!

spleen

Yup, I was kicking myself, you know where, when I tried the Yamaha maple ( not nouveau) , right after buying the Peal Chad Smith. The CS is a great snare but this maple baby was something else. I hear the Steve Jordan is fantastic. Got my beady eye on that one.......

[cdrums21]

I don't have too much experience with Yamaha snare drums, but if they are anything like their drums, rest assured that they're well made and attention was spent on detail. That's the thing that impressed me most about Yamaha.

Early in my career, I was a Ludwig man. I had a set of classics and the shell on an 18" floor tom had cracked prematurely. I sent the drum back to the Monroe North Carolina factory to be repaired. They gave ma a new drum and it was really poorly made. The drum had a white cortex wrap. You could stick a popsickle stick underneath the wrap at the top and bottom of the drum. It was loose all around. The wrap also had two seams. Why couldn't they cut a piece of cortex that wrapped around the drum completely leaving one seam? I voiced my disgust with the company and they gave some lame excuse for the wrap job.

I went o my music store shortly after and saw a Yamaha Recording Custom floor tom set up. I checked it out and it was flawless, and sounded like it was already EQ'd. I was sold right there and never looked back. I've had 4 Yamaha sets now and I've been happy with all of them. I think they look and sound great.

[aydee]

Anyone played the Akira Jimbo snare ? Sounds great on the Modern Drummer DVD....?

14291

[Drum-Head]

I've been playing Yamaha since I started drumming, and although I have only owned their semi-pro line kits, they have served me well up until now. I do see a few things I think would be cool to change on their hardware (like nylon bushings on their stands to stop the boom tightener ruining the boom arm) but other than those little details Yamaha gear is well made and solid stuff.

[Sojo]

My dad has a set of recording customs along side his silver sparkle 60's rogers kit. I've always had great respect for Yamaha. A thread about my Oak Customs are in my signature.

[brennenlesser]

i've never been crazy about yamaha but akira's kit and snare is REAL nice

[aydee]

My dad has a set of recording customs along side his silver sparkle 60's rogers kit. I've always had great respect for Yamaha. A thread about my Oak Customs are in my signature.

Wow, that 3 great kits in the family. please adopt me ..lol.

I play maple absolutes.. so are the oaks much louder than the other 2 kits?

[DanielG]

Hello Yammie-Fans,

I'm a huge Yamaha fan since I started playing drums. Steve Gadd and Dave Weckl were really big influences in those days.

My first Yammie Kit was a 7000 in 22/10/12/13/16. When standard sizes became popular again in the early 90's I ordered a 9000 Recoring Custom in Cherry Wood and nearly identical to Weckl's set on his first CD Masterplan: 22x16, 8x8, 10x8, 12x8, 14x12. I still own this kit. No Y.E.S.S., no RIMS, but sounding better and better. Emperor batter / Diplomat Resonant. EQ4 batter on the BD. I hink that the 9000 series is one of the best sounding sets in the world. Although there are for sure bass drums that sound bigger, more resonant and of course louder, I NEVER had any problem with miking the 9000 BD. And even in an acoustic musical context you don't have to think about overplaying as with so many 22x18 Starclassic/Mapex Orion/Ayotte/DW or whatever Maple kicks. The 9000 is my current (and for sure my future) kit for amplified Pop/Rock/Funk/Latin applications.

Due to the fact that I wanted a second drum kit for Big Band/Straight Ahead Jazz situations, after a long search and after owning a DW and a 70's Gretsch Stop Sign Badge kit, I ordered a Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute Nouveau in Vintage Natural. 20x14(!), 10x7.5, 12x8, 14x14FT. This configuration is PERFECT for the mentioned musical applications. The BD is incredible, even with (or because of?) its 14" depth.
This kit is a great workhorse: huge tuning range, easy to tune, great flexibilty. You can play everything with it from BeBop to Funk. But I have to admit that I'm not sure if I'll keep it. I have played really great sets in the past. It's still fun playing my 9000. To be honest, I never had that fun playing my MCA. I miss character. It's a great sounding kit, but, well, still nothing that knocks me off. It looks fantastic, the hardware is probably the best in the world, but I never had the feel like with my 9000: that EVERY single hit makes me feel like "YEAH!". Hard to describe with my lack of English.

Neverless, I think that Yamaha builds the greatest drums in the industry. I'm talking about Tama, Sonor, DW, Mapex, Pearl, not those custom brands.

I'd probably prefer Gretsch or a Sonor SQ2......

ATB
Daniel

[Skitch]

I'm a huge Yamaha fan since I started playing drums. Steve Gadd and Dave Weckl were really big influences in those days.

Daniel


Daniel,

You may know the answer to my question. Yamaha used to make some sort of shell support for the bass drum. It was a two piece, telescoping monopod which went inside the bass drum and provided some extra support for the shell of the bass drum. Do you know what I describing and do you have any idea where I can find one?


Mike

http://www.mikemccraw.com
http://www.dominoretroplate.com

http://www.youtube.com/drummermikemccraw
http://www.myspace.com/drummermikemccraw

[DanielG]

Daniel,

You may know the answer to my question. Yamaha used to make some sort of shell support for the bass drum. It was a two piece, telescoping monopod which went inside the bass drum and provided some extra support for the shell of the bass drum. Do you know what I describing and do you have any idea where I can find one?



Mike, I know exactly what you mean. Yamaha produced these shell supports to prevent the deformation of the shell in those days, when some drummers used to remove the resonant head of the BD completely, including the hoop. The hoops do stabilize the BD shell. When one of them has been removed, the shell could be damaged.

Yamaha doesn't produce that monopod anymore. If you want the effect of a removed BD resonant head, take an old head, cut a big hole in it and put it on your BD as usual.

BTW, it sounds terrible!

ATB
Daniel

[aydee]

What exactly does the subkick do? Does it work in un-miked situations?

14322

[Ryukyu]

I think that is a mic. Made expressly for really low frequency.
Not exactly sure but that was the impression that I got from reading about it a couple of weeks ago.

[hungrypo]

What exactly does the subkick do? Does it work in un-miked situations?

14322

the sub-kick is basically a speaker cone wired in reverse, so instead of producing sound when the cone vibrates, it captures the sound. its basically a really large diaphram microphone designed to capture ultra low frequencies (50hz and below). you can make your own 'sub-kick' by mounting a 6" or 8" speaker close to your BD, and modify the wiring to plug into an input (XLR or 1/4"). in fact, if you take a pair of headphones and plug them into an input instead of an output, you can use them as a microphone. not a great microphone, but it'll work in a pinch.

[spleen]

I think that is a mic. Made expressly for really low frequency.

Yes, it was developed by Russ Miller http://www.russmiller.com/v5/products.php?id=19. I haven't used one myself but a while back, Drumhead Magazine (Jonathon Mover's publication that includes a CD with each issue) had audio examples of two different bass drums both with and without the subkick. The difference was quite impressive.

There's a guy on here who made his own subkick and posted about it...can't remember who it was though.

spleen

[altered_beast]

I'm a massive fan of Yamaha drums and drum gear. Some of you may have seen my Recording Customs in a thread in the Your Gear section. Anyway, here's my quandry... I'm after some 13" aluminium diecast snare hoops. I read that Yamaha had made some at some point (whether or not they came with a snare is of course another story...) but I was wondering if anyone might have any idea where I could get some? I've tried my usual drum stores that I buy stuff from, I've tried Thomann in Germany, I've tried ebay... I'm running out of ideas... any thoughts anyone?

[aydee]

I'm a massive fan of Yamaha drums and drum gear. Some of you may have seen my Recording Customs in a thread in the Your Gear section. Anyway, here's my quandry... I'm after some 13" aluminium diecast snare hoops. I read that Yamaha had made some at some point (whether or not they came with a snare is of course another story...) but I was wondering if anyone might have any idea where I could get some? I've tried my usual drum stores that I buy stuff from, I've tried Thomann in Germany, I've tried ebay... I'm running out of ideas... any thoughts anyone?

I remember the YAMAHA paul leim sig. snare model having aluminium hoops...also a couple of other yamaha snares....I'm sure they can point you in the right direction

[altered_beast]

I remember the YAMAHA paul leim sig. snare model having aluminium hoops...also a couple of other yamaha snares....I'm sure they can point you in the right direction

Cheers! I just had a quick look on ebay for the paul leim sig snare and found one in germany but it's 500 euros and 14" so completely wrong for me... way too expensive and too big : (

[YamahaDrummerAus]

I think Yamaha make the best drums. I love their hardware, so easy to use, but sturdy!

[aydee]

Tried this snare, yesterday. Awesome

14382

BTW, Here's the nouveau lug story:

Nouveau Lugs utilize a floating design that eliminates contact between the lug casing and shell by hitching the lugs to the bolts at the shell side so the shell can resonate freely. Their quick release design also provides for very quick head changes and reduces the risk of losing washers since it is no longer necessary to entirely remove the tuning bolt. New Brass shells (1.5 mm thick) are designed thicker than previous models (1.2 mm thick) to deliver a more powerful tone.

[RobertM]

I posted this question before the Yamaha Thread was created, but I would a little more feedback, if possible, from Yamaha players:

What is your take on the Absolute Birch vs. Recording Custom? I know that they are the exact same shell, according to what I have heard and read, with the only differences being lugs, hoops, badges, and color options. Do both shells have 45 degree bearing edges? The new anniversary kits, which are basically RCs in gold or silver, have 60 degree edges, so I wasn't sure what the Recording Customs have.

I play jazz/funk (from bebop to Galactic-style grooves) and am looking to get 18" bass with 10 and 12 toms, 14 floor. Which would you choose--Absolute Birch or Recording Custom?

(Note: The other option I'm considering is Mapex Saturns.)

Thanks!

[RobertM]

Nice Birch Absolute snare! But have you seen the new John JR Robinson sig. snare? It is a Birch shell with outer layer of maple, Maple Custom lugs, die-cast hoops, nice 14x6.5 depth...looks awesome:

http://www.yamaha.ca/content/drum/products/signaturesnaredrums/JR%20Robinson/images/highres/JR%20Robinson-4.jpg

Amazing...and I would love to see how it performs. However, I think it goes for $700+, which is too expensive.

[aydee]

Hi Robert, here's something I picked off Peter Eskine's site. Hope this helps:

Hi Peter,
I am a huge fan of your music - all the way back to your Stan Kenton days.

My question concerns the sonic differences betwen the Recording Custom series and the Birch Custom Absolute series drums.I used to own a Recording Custom kit ( foolishly sold it)
and have been considering the purchase of a new Yamaha dumset. I am pondering the differences sonically between the two series of birch drums Absolute vs Recording Custom.I play in a Classic Rock and Blues band and do a lot of gigs in Clubs.
I have also heard that the Newer Recording Customs have a different bearing edge and the plies are a different thickness from the older Pre-YESS Recording Custom kits is that true ?


Thanks

Rick

By eric on Saturday, September 17, 2005 - 02:01 pm: Edit Post

Rick,

I recently went through the same questions, and ended up speaking to someone at Yamaha who explained to me that they are similar in plies (6 ply toms, 7 ply kick), and that the main difference was the hardware lugs. I ended up buying a new recording custom. Shortly afterward, I had been hearing so much about the Maple Custom Absolute, I ended up buying one to test off eBay. I liked the deeper sound of birch better and ended up keeping my Recording Custom, and put the Maple kit back on eBay, which sold quickly. On the recording custom, after experimenting with heads, I settled on Evans G1 on tops, and clear ambassodors on bottom and I have the best sound I have ever had. I used a tuning dial to help me get the best pitches on each tom.

The one thing I will say about the maple kit - the kick drum was AMAZING compared to the birch, which is decent, but not a big and open sounding. Overall, the maples had more ring, but there was NOT a huge differnce between the 2 when it came to the toms. Hope this helped.

[altered_beast]

I posted this question before the Yamaha Thread was created, but I would a little more feedback, if possible, from Yamaha players:

What is your take on the Absolute Birch vs. Recording Custom? I know that they are the exact same shell, according to what I have heard and read, with the only differences being lugs, hoops, badges, and color options. Do both shells have 45 degree bearing edges? The new anniversary kits, which are basically RCs in gold or silver, have 60 degree edges, so I wasn't sure what the Recording Customs have.

I play jazz/funk (from bebop to Galactic-style grooves) and am looking to get 18" bass with 10 and 12 toms, 14 floor. Which would you choose--Absolute Birch or Recording Custom?

(Note: The other option I'm considering is Mapex Saturns.)

Thanks!

If it's of any help I own a 2007 Recording Custom kit and I wouldn't change it for the world. It's awesome.

[aydee]

Just curious, Did Vinnie Colauita play a YRC before he signed up with GRETSCH? Anybody know?

[Erik Lund]

I will have some pictures of my kit hopefully this week. The digital camera is currently being borrowed...

1999-made Yamaha Maple Custom w/Vintage finish and wood hoops on ALL drums

18x14 BD
10x7.5 TT
14x14 FT
14x7 Elvin Jones Sig Snare (which is only available in beautiful gold sparkle which looks great with the hoops and the rest of my drums. Just got crazy compliments on it tonight actually)

I use Yamaha HH and cymbal stands (I bought some of those old-school style DW stands but the tops came off and of course DW made it so you can only really use their stuff instead of some washers...so those sit unused in the corner for about...7 years)

The hoops are a little worn (8 years of bashin' the hell out of them - and yes I'm a "jazz" guy - but I abuse my kit and they still look/sound amazing) with some cracks, but I've been getting my money's worth from them and they're still holding up (just rotated the crack away from where I hit...problem solved!)

They have travelled with me to London, NYC, Boston, and LA and soon to Europe for a month (oh yeah Aydee!) and they get nothing but rave reviews from everyone (except for dumb meatheads who say they look like toys...some people just want a 24" BD all the time...)

Hey Yamaha! Give me an endorsement! : )

[RobertM]

Aydee & AlteredBeast,

Thanks for the feedback and Erskine thread! Even though the Birch Absolutes have all those cooler color options, I think I'm really heading towards the Recording Customs. A nice little jazz setup in cherry wood gloss! We'll see...if I get up the nerve, I may make the order call this week!

Now, if only I had money for that new JR Robinson sig. birch snare!

[RobertM]

Hey Guys,

I just found out some added information about the bearing edges of the Birch Absolute vs. Recording Customs.

According to Yamaha's Europe site:

http://www.yamaha-europe.com/yamaha_europe/belgium/10_musical_instruments/40_drums/10_drum_sets/10_drumsets/10_no_series/10_recording_custom/index.html

the Recording Customs have 45 degree bearing edges, like the Absolute series. The anniversary birch kits, the Temple Gold and silver--the 40th anniversary kits--use the same lugs as the Recording Customs, but they have have 60 degree bearing edges--very big difference. The main Yamaha site (yamahadrums.com) does not, for some reason, provide this information; that site documents the 60 degree edges on the anniversary birch kits, but it does not list the edges for the RCs.

Just in case anyone is interested.

[2bsticks]

Hey FYI-

I have a Yamaha copper snare with the nouveau lugs. I do like the tuning high for a nice crack when struck. All was fine for about 18 months when I noticed the head sounding off during a gig. One of the nouveau lugs busted on me. I called Yamaha 888-892-6462 and spoke to person who was nice enough to send me two replacement lugs (free) I received the lugs in about a week (thank God for backup snare) I no sooner replaced the lug when I noticed another lug broke. Called Yamaha back. It was explained to me that the tension rods were too long and that they are sending me out replacements. I received the replacement rods (20) along with 4 addition nouveau lugs (free) in about a week's time (thank God for the snare spare again)

I have yet to replace the new rods but I have my doubts about this being the fix. If the lugs are shorter can I get the tension where I like it? My suspicion is that the lugs need to be addressed. Once I replace the rods I will post again with an update. I think for the toms and bass drum the nouveau lugs will be fine but I would really be cautious with snare drums.

[thumper]

Wow-I feel kind of intimidated reading about all the high line Yamaha products here, but I would like to say that I absolutely love my Stage Custom Nouveaus. I know that they are "mid level" drums, but they sound pretty damn good to me, especially compared to other kits of the same price...
I also own a Yammie steel snare dated from the late '60's that is on par or better than any other snare I have ever played or heard.
So nice to hear from other Yamaha people out there; good thread!!

[altered_beast]

I actually really want a Yamaha snare or two... I'd really like one of the Steve Gadd models and I'd like to try the Akira Jimbo snare. I don't know any Yamaha dealers locally and I doubt anyone in the UK actually keeps these snares in stock.

Re: Recording Customs - I wouldn't change my kit for the world. I'd be curious to know how long you have to wait for your drums if you order them RobertM - I had to wait 6 months for mine. I wish I'd got a bigger kick and I also wish I'd got two kicks. I'm considering ordering another when I have the money, maybe in a completely different size then running a double pedal on one of my bass drums and a single on the other so I can switch between double bass on both drums... Could even get a lefty double pedal for one and use my righty double pedal on the other. Could make for some interesting patterns and a big learning curve!!

[RobertM]

The quote I got on the Recording Customs was 4-6 months. I'm getting a jazz setup with an 18" bass drum, so the dealers I've talked to have said that that configuration would most likely not be available in Yamaha's warehouses in the U.S. However, I was told that four months would be more likely.

I'm still debating between the Yamaha Absolute Birch (traditional lugs) and the RCs. I like both, both use the same shell, so it's a toss-up at this point. I've heard rumors that the RCs are a bit heavier because of the longer lugs, and that these lugs add more resonance-dampening weight to the shell. That's probably just a preference issue to the individual ear, or something verifiable via the Gatzen studies on drum shells, but both kits still sound good. The RCs have been around forever, though--there's no knocking them.

Either way, it is a long wait. I do not like the Nouveau lugs, so getting an Absolute Birch with traditional lugs will take just as long as the RCs.

It would be nice if the wait time could shorten to 2-3 months!

[golions]

I attended a Christian rock festival this past weekend (Vertical Fest). About a dozen bands played (Pillar, Storyside:B, Building 429, etc.). Guess which kit the entire show featured? Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute. Aydee, I swear the kit was in your finish. Beautiful looking kit on stage. The sound was full and warm, with plenty of low end. Yes, I'm sure the mic and sound system helped; but, what a pure sounding kit. One by one, each group's drummer played this kit as if it were their own. Each drummer brought his own snare and cymbals. But the basic kit was the Yammies. Made me very proud to own a set of MCA's ......

[aydee]

I attended a Christian rock festival this past weekend (Vertical Fest). About a dozen bands played (Pillar, Storyside:B, Building 429, etc.). Guess which kit the entire show featured? Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute. Aydee, I swear the kit was in your finish. .

I've tried to google my finish ( embossed silver ) and have come up with just one in some store catalogue. Its a pretty unusual finish. People either love it or hate it, so thats cool.
As in music, a strong reaction either way is preferable to a lukewarm one, always ; )

I'm not at all surprised at how good the festival kit sounded. Even with different drummers playing it.

After I got my heads and tuning sorted ( It took a while ), I've got these babies purring..and growling.

The low end on my 14" and 16"toms is unbelieveable. Its like thunder from the abyss. I've got them tuned to sustain their note ( this kit is unmiked ), so the thunder really rolls.

The 8" and 10" sing a really warm song and retain their warmth whether they are tapped or whacked...something I've never experienced in another kit. ( Including Dedubs ).

And the maple Bass drum was always perfect, no matter what head I used it with . Friends tell me Birch BDs are better with a maple kit, but I'm not complaining in the least.

You might have noticed I have'nt talked about my 12".......... Well, if everything was perfect then there would'nt have anything to look forward to, would it : )

Seriously , Golions, I think we deserve a pat on our backs for having made a really really good choice.

[Drum-Head]

Anyone played the Akira Jimbo snare ? Sounds great on the Modern Drummer DVD....?

14291

Speaking of Akira, I'm proud to say that most of the hardware I have on my kit came from the one he used during the gigs he did here two years ago. Just imagine: you pay the gear half the price because it's second hand but it's been used by Akira Jimbo. That's what I call a deal!

[Ryukyu]

I SO would like to get a Maple Custom Absolute Nouveau kit in the midnight sparkle finish.
I base my choice on pics that I have seen though.
Has anyone seen a kit with that finish in person?

[aydee]

Has anyone seen a kit with that finish in person?

14532

Yes I have, at the guitar center, in Rockville, MD. Its very very nice though I preferred the embossed silver..

Have you checked out this one?

14533

[jdschnee]

Yamaha all the way!

You can check out my Birch absolutes here: http://drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30558

However, I do have problems with my Brass Nouveau snare dealing with the lugs. All the tension rods on the resonant side of the drum have cracked through the bottoms of the lugs because of the head being too tight. Come on, if I want the head to be tight I shouldn't be having that problem. Also, the piece which the tension rods screw into...two of them on my batter head, the hex screw permanently attached at the bottom, snapped off. Other than that though the snare sounds phenomenal.

As for the sub-kick. Well....it KICKS. I have done a couple of shows with a certain sound engineer and system (HUGE system by the way). One show he had my kick mic'd up with a 52 and a sub-kick. Result: deep, full sound that totally punches. The next show he forgot the sub-kick and just had the 52 and there was a definite lack in low end. But the next show, you guessed it, he had both the 52 and sub-kick and the kick destroyed...

[aydee]

Yamaha all the way!

You can check out my Birch absolutes here: http://drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=30558

However, I do have problems with my Brass Nouveau snare dealing with the lugs. All the tension rods on the resonant side of the drum have cracked through the bottoms of the lugs because of the head being too tight. Come on, if I want the head to be tight I shouldn't be having that problem. Also, the piece which the tension rods screw into...two of them on my batter head, the hex screw permanently attached at the bottom, snapped off. Other than that though the snare sounds phenomenal.

As for the sub-kick. Well....it KICKS. I have done a couple of shows with a certain sound engineer and system (HUGE system by the way). One show he had my kick mic'd up with a 52 and a sub-kick. Result: deep, full sound that totally punches. The next show he forgot the sub-kick and just had the 52 and there was a definite lack in low end. But the next show, you guessed it, he had both the 52 and sub-kick and the kick destroyed...

Yeah, the nouveau lugs on the snares seems to be a recurring theme on this thread.

So, how good is that Birch Kick of yours? Have you tried maple? I play maples, which I'm totally satisfied with but some of my buddies tell me that the birch kick is something else.

btw, I like your back-up gretsch too ; )

[Drum-Head]

As you guys were speaking of wood essence, I was thinking that it would really cool if Yamaha started making Bubinga kits. I have fell in love with the sound of that wood and think it would be awesome if Yamaha used it for a line of kits.

[jdschnee]

That would be cool if that Gretsch were mine as it was the headliner's kit. I think I upstaged him there ;) .

I love the birch kick. My band is laying down our next album at the moment (first time recording with this kit) and at the moment I have the resonant with medium tension, the batter (EQ4) at just barely tighter than finger tension, and a blanket coming right up to the bottom of the mic hole (you can see in the pictures).

It sounds great so far on the tracks we have put down, but I do want to experiment with a tighter batter tension for a punchier sound.

[aydee]

That would be cool if that Gretsch were mine as it was the headliner's kit. I think I upstaged him there ;) .

I love the birch kick. My band is laying down our next album at the moment (first time recording with this kit) and at the moment I have the resonant with medium tension, the batter (EQ4) at just barely tighter than finger tension, and a blanket coming right up to the bottom of the mic hole (you can see in the pictures).

It sounds great so far on the tracks we have put down, but I do want to experiment with a tighter batter tension for a punchier sound.

Keep us posted on the recordings. Would love to know what finally worked for you in the studio.( Tuning, heads, muffling, mikes etc. ).

I laid down some tracks last month with my TAMA imperialstars. Had a real old school engineer, who muffled the living daylights out of the kit. Wasnt thrilled with the results, but they were better than I expected.

He cant wait to get his hands on my maples and promises to keep his duct-tape away.....

[danander11]

14547 14548

This is my contribution to the Yammie thread...

10,12,13,14,16 toms.., 24 kick.., and two snares.. A customized Dave Weckl signature snare for the main and a 12 DW maple collectors side-snare.

(I'm looking for an 8"tom btw....)

These drums, (as always), rock.. I love the RC's.. although a 24" kick is a bit big these days. Some places I play it sounds off, the stage/room is not good for it, but most places it sounds absolutely beautiful and deep.

[H20]

Here's my contribution--Maple Custom Absolutes, Paiste Signature Crashes, Dark Crisp HiHats, 2002 24 ' ride, DW Craviotto Snare, Evans EC2 heads, DW 9000 pedals. Just a beautiful kit, my dream set up.

Great thread.

[jazzbo]

Just curious, Did Vinnie Colauita play a YRC before he signed up with GRETSCH? Anybody know?

Vinnie did play Yamaha for a time . I used to have one of his Yamaha Signature snare drums .

[Drum-Head]

Danander11, that's the first time I see a Yamaha virgin kick drum. May I ask if you got it like that or did you "virginize" the kick yourself?

[danander11]

Danander11, that's the first time I see a Yamaha virgin kick drum. May I ask if you got it like that or did you "virginize" the kick yourself?

Good eye...

I prefer virgin kicks, so I found a custom furniture maker here that is very good with his wood and finishes, and had him make a thin wooden "plate" to cover the opening. He used a piece of mahogany that had a very similar grain and stained and laquered to match the kit. I used the original tom mount retaining screws to hold it into place. I can later re-attach the tom mount if I wish.

I really need to get some good pics of this kit. I took those two in my rehearsal room/sons playroom.. Handprints are everywhere LOL (and you can see the drumsticks scattered about).

[Drum-Head]

Danander11, thanks for answering. When you do those pics, could you please take a nice one of that wooden plate so we can see what that looks like? Seems interesting what you did there.

[danander11]

14566

Danander11, thanks for answering. When you do those pics, could you please take a nice one of that wooden plate so we can see what that looks like? Seems interesting what you did there.

Here is one I just took of the plate. Under the harsh light of the camera flash, you can see a difference in the woods if you are on top of it as in this photo... However, from the "seat" or anywhere else not directly over it, mostly it cannot even be seen. (which is more than I can say for the "stick-dust" all over in this pic).

I was supposed to return it to the guy that made it to have the laquer finished on it to match the shell exactly, but I never went back with it.. I over tightened one of the screws when installing it and cracked the edge of the plate, (look at the top left and maybe you can make it out). I figured it was good enough and if it bothered me that much, I would have the hole(s) filled with a glued-in dowel rod and the entire shell re-finished.. After having in on there for almost 6 months, I never even notice it any longer, and no one else has ever commented on it so I suppose it doesn't look too badly.

The plate the guy made was sanded to match the radius of the shell.. it took a little while, but it sits on there like it was made to, (which, I guess it was... LOL).

I am of a mind to order a 22" kick for the smaller churches that I play at.. but so far haven't. If I do, I understand that I can order it virgin.

Cheers!

[aegir77]

Oak customs looks really nice.... I'm thinking of buyin one of those myself..

From what i've seen on the internet, they're not as expensive as the Nouveau or the maple custom.. but they look like profesional drumsets...

I wish i could play and listen to good drum kits so i can decide which one to buy, unfortunately i can't because here the stores only get them after you have already bought them.
I would appreciate if you answered these questions

Is it a Pro or Semi Pro drum set..?
what are the qualitiesof the sound of an oak kit...?
any other comments/suggestions.. i dunno, drum styles, colors, etc

[aydee]

Oak customs looks really nice.... I'm thinking of buyin one of those myself..

From what i've seen on the internet, they're not as expensive as the Nouveau or the maple custom.. but they look like profesional drumsets...

I wish i could play and listen to good drum kits so i can decide which one to buy, unfortunately i can't because here the stores only get them after you have already bought them.
I would appreciate if you answered these questions

Is it a Pro or Semi Pro drum set..?
what are the qualitiesof the sound of an oak kit...?
any other comments/suggestions.. i dunno, drum styles, colors, etc

Here's Keith Carlocks take on the OAK CUSTOMS....

you can hear him with Sting & Steely Dan


Carlock has been playing a Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute kit and recently got a set of Oak Customs as well. “I fell in love with them—I’m using them for the Steely Dan tour,” he says. “The oak is a harder wood than maple, and there’s so much more sound coming out. They have a nice warm tone like the maples, but with more power, projection, and bite. They really carry in louder live situations. You don’t feel like you have to bash your brains out just to hear it coming back.”

[danander11]

Here's Keith Carlocks take on the OAK CUSTOMS....

you can hear him with Sting & Steely Dan


Carlock has been playing a Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute kit and recently got a set of Oak Customs as well. “I fell in love with them—I’m using them for the Steely Dan tour,” he says. “The oak is a harder wood than maple, and there’s so much more sound coming out. They have a nice warm tone like the maples, but with more power, projection, and bite. They really carry in louder live situations. You don’t feel like you have to bash your brains out just to hear it coming back.”

FWIW.. I caught Steely Dan (Keith Carlock) about three weeks ago and he smoked! The drums looked great and his playing was impressive.. Knowing that the drum sounds were processed, it's a bit biased to say they sounded great, it's to be expected.. but it was really good. He reminds me of Krupa.. it's hard to see how anyone can be that smooth whilst playing so stiffly..

[aydee]

FWIW.. I caught Steely Dan (Keith Carlock) about three weeks ago and he smoked! The drums looked great and his playing was impressive.. Knowing that the drum sounds were processed, it's a bit biased to say they sounded great, it's to be expected.. but it was really good. He reminds me of Krupa.. it's hard to see how anyone can be that smooth whilst playing so stiffly..

lol, great observation! I saw in in NYC this past summer, and he was flawless! I mean flawless. Not a note out of place, nothing over or underdone,extremely musical, extremely funky... I could go on, BUT yes, he looked pretty spastic!

[aegir77]

Here's Keith Carlocks take on the OAK CUSTOMS....

you can hear him with Sting & Steely Dan


Carlock has been playing a Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute kit and recently got a set of Oak Customs as well. “I fell in love with them—I’m using them for the Steely Dan tour,” he says. “The oak is a harder wood than maple, and there’s so much more sound coming out. They have a nice warm tone like the maples, but with more power, projection, and bite. They really carry in louder live situations. You don’t feel like you have to bash your brains out just to hear it coming back.”

thanks for the help man..
i think i'm gonna go for the oak customs

[aydee]

Anyody here own this beautiful set of oriental furniture?
14662

[Drummer Karl]

Hi there!
Has anyone already tried the Wolfgang Haffner signature snare drum 13x6"?
Just know that it is made from maple and the inner ply oak and from what I`ve heard (just some recordings of Wolfgang) it sounds like a nice snare drum.

I`d have had the chance on the "Musikproduktiv" music fair last year but I was in a hurry.

Oh, and another thing which is maybe interesting and new: In the TV documentation about him he said that his sig. snare drum is red laquered with black rims because he is fan of the German soccer team "1. FC Nürnberg"...the team colours of this team are red and black. Here is a pic of it btw: http://www.yamaha-europe.com/picture_archiv/products/10_Musical_instruments/drums/drums_snares/signature/MSD1360WHRA_high_jpg.jpg
Hehe, and his Meinl signature Flat Ride is called "Club" flat ride because of the soccer club "Nürnberg"...what a great guy. =)

Karl

[cdrums21]

Anyody here own this beautiful set of oriental furniture?
14662

Wow! I'm guessing from the kick drum head that they are a 40 year anniversary edition? Wood hoops and all! Man, the finish is busy, but it looks cool. I wonder how it sounds? Thanks for that pic Aydee.

[danander11]

Wow! I'm guessing from the kick drum head that they are a 40 year anniversary edition? Wood hoops and all! Man, the finish is busy, but it looks cool. I wonder how it sounds? Thanks for that pic Aydee.

This was taken straight from the Yamaha site:

100% Hokkaido birch shells:
Yamaha’s birch comes from northern Japan, giving it a deep, rich fundamental. These drums have a low-end punch and what could be described as a “naturally EQ’d” sound, ideal for recording.

Tapestry finish:
The finish is an ancient Japanese tapestry of the Genpei war that is laser printed on Washi paper and meticulously hand-laid on the all-birch shells. The drums are then hand sprayed with a clear lacquer that is hand-buffed to a lustrous shine. Each drum depicts a different battle scene from the war that was a pivotal point in Japan’s history.

Sixty degree bearing edges:
We cut the bearing edges at sixty degrees with a round profile giving the head more surface contact with the shell. This further enhances the low fundamental of the Hokkaido birch shells. These drums have a deep, warm tone and punchy attack.

Vintage wood hoops:
The 19 ply maple hoops warm the tone of these drums even more and add to the “naturally EQ’d” tonal characteristic of the shells. The hoops also enhance the tapestry artwork and give the drums an old-world traditional look.

High -tension lugs:
The Washi drums are fitted with Yamaha’s classic high-tension lugs made famous by the Recording Custom series. This final detail in the design of this drum set is the crowning touch to our celebration of forty years making drums for those players that are serious about their music.

Probably very nice drums... Certainly a lot of manual labor goes into them... but then again, I'm sure it will take a lot of manual labor to pay for them as well.. ;-)

[aydee]

Saw this surfing the net.
Here's A teaching/ recording pro that uses Absolutes, but with a Maple bass, Beech toms and a Birch snare..



Drums:

" I happy to now be using Yamaha Drums. The sound of the drums, the look, the colours, the hardware, craftsmanship, it’s all just superior - all across the series.

The Studio Student Set:

Yamaha Stage Custom Nouveau.
This kit is Brown Amber fade in 10", 12" toms, 16" floor tom, Evans Coated G2s. A 22" bass with Evans EQ4 & 14" snare drum with Evans Coated G1. The toms sound full - the snare has a crack & woody tone - the bass is just so punchy. This Stage Custom set has a unique configuration of a 16" floor tom instead of a typical 14" tom. This allows me to get a thunderous sound out of the bottom end, which you can’t get out from a 14' tom. I just dig it.



My Studio Set:
Yamaha Absolute Nouveau
This kit is made up of a unique blend of woods. A Maple bass drum (22 x16), a Birch snare drum (14 x 5½) & Beech toms (8 x8, 10 x 8, 12 x 9, 14 x 12, 16 x 14). Why did I choose a drum set in this way? Why not? I was looking for certain sounds from my drums. So the drum specialist from Yamaha Canada suggested this wood configuration to me, and I couldn’t be any happier. With a combination of Evans drum heads & the craftsmanship of Yamaha drums, I finally have the sonic sound qualities that I havve been looking for.

Yamaha Absolute Nouveau

* The Maple bass drum (7 ply) produces a strong warm, clear, full punchy tone. I use an Evans Coated E-Mad with small foam ring.
* The Birch snare 14" x 5 ½ " - has a sound unlike any other I’ve played. It’s warm & sensitive with a sharp, crisp & edgy tone with cracking rim shots. Evans HD snare.
* The Beech toms are simply amazing. They are the easiest toms I’ve ever had the pleasure to tune & they stayed in tune as well. Beech wood that has the attack & projection of maple and the punch and low end of Birch. This unique wood is also very simular to maple with the sustain being slightly. It has great dynamic range & great versatility. The toms produces a full sound with more focus & clearer pitch than maple. This is the tom sound I’ve been seeking- It’s Just great. I use Evans Coated G1 or the new Coated EC2s with Clear G1s on bottoms.

The Aluminum Die Cast rims that are on these the toms and snare are not as heavy as die cast steel rims, but equally as strong. It is because of the wood and the rims that the toms have focus, hold their tuning really well, while still allowing the drums to maintain warmth & sustain that just sings. When playing other drums I found that when I’d lay into the toms it would go out of tune easily. Now I never have to worry about that again these toms are just amazing. To learn more about rims etc go to the Techniques section on this site and check out in the Drum Knowledge section.

The Nouveau lug are a drummers dream. Their design, small & sleek, easy to tune & change drum heads has never been so easy. Great Yamaha drum technology."

[Jeremy Bender]

Hey Aydee that's an interesting article, thanks for posting it. I remember an interview with nasville recording great Paul Leim. I believe it was in Modern Drummer. Anyways, he explained his Yamaha drums were not all the same series. A maple bass drum with birch (I think) toms. I wonder if birch is not quite up to the task of being a good bass drum material as maple is. Anyone care to give an opinion on this?

[aydee]

A guy I know is going Oak kick, maple smaller toms and birch on the 14,16 floors, and swears he cracked the Yammie code

[rhythmjunkie]

Yamaha drums are the fighter jet of the drum market. Their tone is so unique, pleasing, "throaty", engineers praise them over, probably, any other drum on ther market. They're such a quality instrument, incomparable, in my mind. It's like, you can drive a Ford or a Ferrari. I'll take the Ferrari. Sweet

[Drum-Head]

Anyody here own this beautiful set of oriental furniture?
14662

They have one of these anniversary kits at my local drum store. It's a piece of art!

[golions]

I played (my MCA's) at a youth group event last Saturday. My kick and toms sounded great from the floor. One of the guitar players (I just met him that night) was really impressed with the Yamaha sound. He says to me "I need to get that kick and those toms on my next recording." He asked if I was interested ...

[nickg]

i was never a fan of Yamaha drums. but for some reason over the last year or so i've suddenly become a fan of them without a doubt....why? i have no idea. go figure. i wouldn't hesitate to buy one of their kits at all!!

i AM a big fan of their hardware and use ALL Yamaha cymbal stands, hi hat and Flying Dragon pedal, which is by far the best pedal i've ever owned.

[danander11]

i was never a fan of Yamaha drums. but for some reason over the last year or so i've suddenly become a fan of them without a doubt....why? i have no idea. go figure. i wouldn't hesitate to buy one of their kits at all!!

i AM a big fan of their hardware and use ALL Yamaha cymbal stands, hi hat and Flying Dragon pedal, which is by far the best pedal i've ever owned.

Sooner or later, EVERYONE nods in Yammies direction.. They're good stuff.

[punkuzz900]

My first ever (and current) kit is a Premier Cabria Lite (Fusion size), I've had it for about 4 years now. I've kept expanding my Premier kit, I added a floor tom and another rack tom (16" and 8") then I started experimenting with snares. I bought a Yamaha Stage Custom 13x5.5 snare, sounded quite nice and I've recently bought a Musashi.... I've decided I want to make the jump to Yamaha because all their stuff sounds nice, and my 3 favorite drummers are Yammie guys (steve gadd, carter beauford and akira jimbo). I'm not saying I just want Yamaha to copy those guys, but I like the sounds they've created and I think Yamaha will help me find mine. I want a Recording Custom but I can't seem to find one anywhere, and I don't know about all the 'Nouveau' and Absoloute kits are all about, any help? Thanks you guys!

[aydee]

My first ever (and current) kit is a Premier Cabria Lite (Fusion size), I've had it for about 4 years now. I've kept expanding my Premier kit, I added a floor tom and another rack tom (16" and 8") then I started experimenting with snares. I bought a Yamaha Stage Custom 13x5.5 snare, sounded quite nice and I've recently bought a Musashi.... I've decided I want to make the jump to Yamaha because all their stuff sounds nice, and my 3 favorite drummers are Yammie guys (steve gadd, carter beauford and akira jimbo). I'm not saying I just want Yamaha to copy those guys, but I like the sounds they've created and I think Yamaha will help me find mine. I want a Recording Custom but I can't seem to find one anywhere, and I don't know about all the 'Nouveau' and Absoloute kits are all about, any help? Thanks you guys!

here you go..:

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=29542&highlight=awaited+yammie+maple

[punkuzz900]

Ok guys, I think this is appropriate, as we are in the Yamaha thread. Sorry to 'spam' and advertise but hey. I've got a 13"x5.5" Yammie Stage Custom Snare for sale, with three days left on eBay, It's in amazing spec but I've got a Musashi now and I prefer the Oak to the Birch. Anyone interested?

ebay = http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Yamaha-Stage-Custom-Snare-Drum-13-x-5-5-RELISTED_W0QQitemZ220173113445QQihZ012QQcategoryZ3 8095QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[rendezvous_drummer]

I won't play anything but Yamaha drums. They are in my opinion, the best drums ever made. Perfect craftsmanship, excellent customer service, reliable drums that sound amazing. My Stage Customs sound amazing and they are only a "mid-level" kit but can compete with other companies higher end drums. I am looking to take the next step and purchase a Maple Custom kit, which will be amazing and definitely looking forward to that even though I'll be dishing out a bit of cash, but for the world's best drums, why not!?

[Trip McNealy]

Another Yamaha user here too.. Their hardware is the best damn stuff out there.

Still have my first drumset from 1994.. Power V series.. was made in England.. I believe Premier and Yamaha shared components back in the day.

I also want a Maple Custom kit after I move into my new house.. whenever that will be ;)

[aydee]

Another Yamaha user here too.. Their hardware is the best damn stuff out there.

Still have my first drumset from 1994.. Power V series.. was made in England.. I believe Premier and Yamaha shared components back in the day.

I also want a Maple Custom kit after I move into my new house.. whenever that will be ;)

First the kit, Trip! Then you can find a house that fits it ; )

[aydee]

Question for Nouveau lug users:

I find my batter heads ( on custom maples absolute nouveaus ) loosening up a smidge every 3 days or so. I play 1/2 hr to an hour every day.

I need to take them back up a turn or so.

This is my home kit, so I don't gig with it, and I'm not a basher

Is this normal?

p.s. heads are EC2s on the 8,10,12 and G2s on the 14 and 16

[spleen]

Question for Nouveau lug users:

I find my batter heads ( on custom maples absolute nouveaus ) loosening up a smidge every 3 days or so. I play 1/2 hr to an hour every day.

I need to take them back up a turn or so.

This is my home kit, so I don't gig with it, and I'm not a basher

Is this normal?

p.s. heads are EC2s on the 8,10,12 and G2s on the 14 and 16

Hello Aydee,

Hope all is well with you.

Sounds like you're concerned it might be a lug problem?

I have G1s on mine and noticed this happening a few times before a good "break-in" period but not so much after. However, I've also used Aquarian heads on my MCA toms in the past (I have a Super Kick 1 on my MCA bass drum at the moment and a full set of Aquarian's on my rehearsal kit, which doesn't have nouveau lugs however) and it seems I didn't need to re-tune them nearly as often.

Have you had this happen with other heads?

spleen



spleen

[aydee]

Hey Spleen! Havent really tried them with other heads because I'm pretty happy with my sound. This is happening even after the settling in period of the heads. Not a huge problem, I just take the heads back up a turn after sometime.

Am curious about the aquarians, though, lots of great feedback.

Hey, when are we going to see your cherry maples up here, Spleen?

[pearlygates]

Hey guys! I have recentely checked out a SCN at a local G.C. and Put a deposit on it
It's the transparent cranberry lacquer finish.I believe that I got a great deal for the fusion shelly with a 16" floor (instead of 14") I have always liked Yamaha drums, but with this one I have some concerns and wondered if I could get alittle imput from you Yammie afficianados!?
#1, Has anyone heard that this kit is being discontinued?
#2, I have heard that these lugs are prone to breakage. TRUE? I crank my snare drum down a bit.

Is this a good kitl in your opinion, or should I get mt deposit back and keep looking?
I'm worried that If these lugs start breaking on me and this series is discontinued..will I be SOL? I think even with the crappy stock heads, these tubs sounded great! Also, What is the deg. angle on the bearing edges? I know that e TC shells are 60deg rounded profile. The SCN kit I have waiting, has that same kinda warmth to it. Could be the mahogany. What is falkata wood? Thanks guys in advance!

[Snowdogyyz]

Just noticed this thread! I'm also a big Yamaha fan (although I've also become a huge Sonor fan). I own a maple custom absolute kit (nouveau lugs) in black sparkle sunburst. Sizes: 8x8, 10x8, 12x9, 14x14, 16x16, 20x17, 22x18. NICE sounding kit. I have clear ambassadors top and bottom for a real open, resonant sound. The pics I'm posting are from a show in September... I let Mark Mondesir play the kit on the opening night of the John McLaughlin and the 4th Dimension tour. I had only heard a little Mondesir before that night, but let me tell you... he is a monster player! He loved the finish of the kit a lot. Anyway, pics below!

[aydee]

This is the exact same kit, in the same finish that I played at the GC, before I bought mine in embossed silver in the exact same sizes!

arent they incredible?

Those are nice pics, btw.. I like that " beast lurking in the dark caught by flashlight " kind of look : )

[spleen]

Hey Spleen! Havent really tried them with other heads because I'm pretty happy with my sound. This is happening even after the settling in period of the heads. Not a huge problem, I just take the heads back up a turn after sometime.

Am curious about the aquarians, though, lots of great feedback.

Hey, when are we going to see your cherry maples up here, Spleen?


Hey Aydee,

Thanks for remembering! I know, it's been forever and I still haven't managed to take and post any pics but I promise I haven't forgotten about it. My life has been crazy-busy as of late (in part because I'm playing more, which is a good thing) but I'm hoping to squeeze in some time over the upcoming holidays. Hope all is well with you and your family.

spleen

[aydee]

Hey Aydee,

Thanks for remembering! I know, it's been forever and I still haven't managed to take and post any pics but I promise I haven't forgotten about it. My life has been crazy-busy as of late (in part because I'm playing more, which is a good thing) but I'm hoping to squeeze in some time over the upcoming holidays. Hope all is well with you and your family.

spleen

All well, thanks very much , bud. If you've been busy playing, thats great and you are hereby forgiven for not having posted the pics .

Do post them when you can. I'll fantasize till then : )

[MarkoTaxman]

I'm a fairly recent registrant, but a long-time Yamaha drum fan. I don't think Yamaha manufactures the best drums available, but I do think the designers appropriately considered the law of diminishing returns to deliver exceptional musical instruments for the money. Even more, Yamaha's customer service is second-to-none. I love my hybrid Absolute Nouveau kit.

20x16 Maple Custom Absolute Nouveau kick (plus Yamaha Subkick mic)
10x7.5, 12x9 and 14x14 Beech Custom Absolute Nouveau toms
14x6.5 Manu Katche Signature Snare

15472
15473
15474
15475

Booyaa!

[aydee]

marko, have you played the maple toms? If yes, what difference do you find in those and the beech toms?

[MarkoTaxman]

marko, have you played the maple toms? If yes, what difference do you find in those and the beech toms?

Aydee, imagine that the Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute tom has a perfectly flat frequency response (it doesn't, of course). The Beech Custom Absolute tom has more of a smiley face-shaped frequency graph: emphasized low end and attack (high end). Similar to what members are saying about Recording Customs, the Beech Custom Absolute toms sound more pre-EQd. To my ear, they're more focused, controlled and studio-friendly. Just my ears, though.

Hope this helps.

[aydee]

Aydee, imagine that the Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute tom has a perfectly flat frequency response (it doesn't, of course). The Beech Custom Absolute tom has more of a smiley face-shaped frequency graph: emphasized low end and attack (high end). Similar to what members are saying about Recording Customs, the Beech Custom Absolute toms sound more pre-EQd. To my ear, they're more focused, controlled and studio-friendly. Just my ears, though.

Hope this helps.

Yes, thanks Marko. When I got my MCAn's, I was shopping for DW collectors. These drums outdid the DWs for me, and I'm pretty thrilled with what I have. ok, the 12 and the 16 leave me wanting a little bit more BUT...

.A pro friend of mine in Europe has a hybrid kit just like yours, and has been raving about it. . I told him what could be better than my 8, 10, 14 maple toms which to me, sound the way you describe yours.....perfect! tone controlled and sing beautifully..

And he said the same thing you are saying!

I hear a lot of positive feedback on Birch Kicks & floors, and maple toms too

maybe there is a beech 16 and 12 in my future : ) . Wonder how compatible the will sound with the rest of the tom family..

[MarkoTaxman]

Yes, thanks Marko. When I got my MCAn's, I was shopping for DW collectors. These drums outdid the DWs for me, and I'm pretty thrilled with what I have. ok, the 12 and the 16 leave me wanting a little bit more BUT...

.A pro friend of mine in Europe has a hybrid kit just like yours, and has been raving about it. . I told him what could be better than my 8, 10, 14 maple toms which to me, sound the way you describe yours.....perfect! tone controlled and sing beautifully..

And he said the same thing you are saying!

I hear a lot of positive feedback on Birch Kicks & floors, and maple toms too

maybe there is a beech 16 and 12 in my future : ) . Wonder how compatible the will sound with the rest of the tom family..

Based on what I've heard and read, the MCA rack tom / BCA (Birch or Beech) floor tom combination is pretty ideal. Just curious, what heads do you have on your 12 and 16 MCAs? I really dig my 12 and 14 BCAs, and I use Acquarian Response 2s over Acquarian Classic Clears. Regardless, the MCAs are so nice, as is, so it's hard for me to support the notion of selling MCAs for BCAs (cost vs. benefit may not be there).

As far as kick drums go, I think if you own a Yamaha Absolute series kick, you're in great shape. No reason to feel like you're missing out on anything.

[aydee]

Evans. EC2 batters on the 8,10,12s and G2s on the14 ad 16s. All resos are G1s. That works pretty good for me.

Yeah, I'm pretty happy, but ones always looking across the fence into the neighbor's house, isnt it ? ; )

I've given up on Remo, but I hope to try Aquarians, next change.

[Fett2oo5]

Hi, Im new, please be patient heh.
I was wondering if I could get some advice from someone with experience with Stage Custom drumsets. What's the skinny on the Nouveau lugs? I haven't heard a lot (and Im searching this site for more info ) but what I have heard is that around 50/50 hate them and like them.

I play in a Funk/Texas rock/island(think 311) band. I REALLY like the sound of Carter B.'s set and Chad Sexton but getting off subject....

I would have no problem getting a Recording Custom however I'm limited on cost. So I have been thinking of getting the Stage Customs:
20 Bass, 8, 10, 12, 16-Floor w/ room to shove in a 14" a little later.

I have purchased 1 other used set about 15 years ago and it is not doing so well, I really want to upgrade and do it right.

Can you give me any advice about the Stage Custom's
Also what to look for in buying a New set of drums so I don't let those ***** at the nearest "big chain" store pull a fast one on me. Things like the finish having gaps in it? or bearing edges having dents? these type of things.

and has anyone seen or heard of Stage Customs coming with traditional Lugs? If that were possible I could eliminate the doubt I have about the Nouveau's

Thanks for helping out a newb

[ROCKDRUMMERZERO]

I have played Yamaha Recording Custom drums for around 12 Years, found my first set of RA's ( black bearing edge model, thinner shells than recent product ) in a local music shop. I had no knowledge of RC's at this time, just bonded with them immediately, the sound is fat and warm and musical, and manufacturing quality unsurpassed, in my opinion.

I now own a selection of ( Black ) RC's 26/24/16/15/14/13/12/10/8 all 'Power' depth ( unfashionable to some maybe, but I love em ! ) which cover any job, and more, than I could wish for, generally I will use a 5 drum configuration.

I foolishly sold my original set, and another 18/10/12/14 Jazz sized RC ( Cherrywood )setup to finance the drums I now use, but it was worth it.

My Yamaha Snares are a Brass piccolo SD493 and a beautiful 8" deep Birch RC, however most of my recording recently has been using a 6.5" Ludwig BB' and a 6.5" LM2000 Millenium edition Brass ( number 44 ) together with a Coliseum and an Acrolite which together with the RC's and a bunch of Istanbul Cymbals gives me my dream setup.

Please go ahead with the Yamaha Drum Thread!

[Fett2oo5]

Having gone to GC the other day and looking around some more here I found that the Nouveau lugs aren't fully plastic any more, most of the lug is metal. While at the store I found that the "threaded insert" whatever it's called that slips into the lug that the rod screws into was plastic. So now I'm thinking that "slipedge" you were expierencing with your heads Aydee might be due to the plastic threads..... idk it's just a theory.

Aydee how do you like the lugs system overall? Is the only problem a little tuning adjustment every 3rd day? Cause if so, then to me that's no big deal, and I'll procede with persuing the SC's. I had also thought of using EC2s but with Ebony reso's.

Another concern I have is if the rods loosen after being played for a few days will I need to retune them after the drums travel in cases?
I will be making cases for these myself over the next few months, because as I said earlier the set I have is limping along. =( poor guy.
The new set will need to leave the house soon to take to gigs (can't afford two sets) however it will not leave the house without cases.

What do ya'll think? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[aydee]

Having gone to GC the other day and looking around some more here I found that the Nouveau lugs aren't fully plastic any more, most of the lug is metal. While at the store I found that the "threaded insert" whatever it's called that slips into the lug that the rod screws into was plastic. So now I'm thinking that "slipedge" you were expierencing with your heads Aydee might be due to the plastic threads..... idk it's just a theory.

Aydee how do you like the lugs system overall? Is the only problem a little tuning adjustment every 3rd day? Cause if so, then to me that's no big deal, and I'll procede with persuing the SC's. I had also thought of using EC2s but with Ebony reso's.

Another concern I have is if the rods loosen after being played for a few days will I need to retune them after the drums travel in cases?
I will be making cases for these myself over the next few months, because as I said earlier the set I have is limping along. =( poor guy.
The new set will need to leave the house soon to take to gigs (can't afford two sets) however it will not leave the house without cases.

What do ya'll think? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Hi Fett, The nouveau lugs sometimes get a bit of a bum rap IMO.
I think they are great and their ease-of-use, and tuning abilities make them a terrific Yamaha innovation.
Its a high class problem, in that it isnt really a problem. The nouveau lug system hasnt been cause for any concern in my case. The fact that the tuning is very sensitive,and I can get pretty nerdy about tuning, and by the third day I notice a pitch change, isnt reason enough for me not to like em.

I have heard about some people cranking their snare heads way way tight, and that has caused stripping in the inner sleeve.

Dont need to re-tune after travel. Re-tweak a touch perhaps due to a new accoustic environment, but not because of the lugs.

I wouldnt worry about it. The pros outweigh the cons.

[RobertM]

Are there any major differences between the Recording Customs and the Absolute Birch?

I've heard both kits are 45 bearing edge, single-point contact lug, YESS system, etc. The only differences I can see are the long, high-tension lugs on the RCs have three screw points on the inside of the shell per lug, as opposed to two with the Absolutes, and the RCs have triple flanged hoops versus Absolutes' aluminum die-cast hoops. And the colors: RCs only in two; Absolutes in 30+. And badges: Absolute badge is screwed on, RC badge via glue. I've been told that both kits use the same legendary Yamaha birch shell.

Struggling to decide what would be better--the RCs or Absolute Birch. With both kits, you could mix and match with Absolute maples, it will just be a color clash, which doesn't bug me at all. In fact, I have seen Paul Leim play an Absolute maple bass drum with RC toms!

Any thoughts? Even though the colors are boring compared to the Absolutes, I still find myself dwelling on the RCs. They sound good and seem to command so much respect from drummers worldwide despite all the newer drums and innovations over the recent years. That kind of respect is pretty amazing, if you think about it, and hard to top. I think only old Gretsch round badge kits and Ludwig Black Beauties can match the long-standing demand of use and respect of a Recording Custom kit. Even though the shells are the same, it seems that RCs are praised more than Absolute Birch kits.

[baz]

...I have owned two Yamaha kits, and a couple of strays.

This was my first Yamaha kit. It was an MCA 10x9, 12x10, 14x12, 20x16. The bass, 12, and 14 were monsters. I loved those drums, but I hated the 10. No matter what head combo, or how I tuned, I could not get a sound that I liked from that stinking rotten dirty tom. If I had of been able to make this drum sound half decent, I would probably still own that kit. As it was, this is the kit that I traded off on a used seven piece DW kit, that started a whole new obsession.

http://inlinethumb40.webshots.com/35175/1039627203032450736S600x600Q85.jpg (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/1039627203032450736pkeWYW)

This was my Yamaha franken kit. 22x14" Maple custom bass drum, 16x14" oak custom tom, 13x10" oak custom tom. After I bought my first DW kit, I had too many drums for one kit, so I picked up the MC bass drum and used it with my 12 and 16" DW toms. I bought a 22x18" DW bass drum to round out that kit, then picked up the stray Oak Custom toms, and put together this kit which I sold to a guy in Fort MacMurray.

http://inlinethumb43.webshots.com/40362/1066646292032450736S600x600Q85.jpg (http://entertainment.webshots.com/photo/1066646292032450736JaHJsO)

Out of all the drums that I have owned over the years, the two Yamaha bass drums were the most powerfull, out of them all. They had the perfect blend of boom, warmth, and projection. I have not seen too many used MC, or Recording Custom kits around here, which is probably a good thing.

Hmmmm, I see another thread coming on.

barry

[Fett2oo5]

That's good to hear Aydee, Thank you for the help.

I hadn't planned on getting the snare with the shells I'm going to purchase. It'll just ba a package of

8x7
10x8
12x9
16x16 Floor
20x17Bass
and a 14x12 if I'm still below budget

I'm planning on picking out a snare rather than get the SC one. Speaking of which I am looking for a Snare similar to one a friend has a few years ago. What I liked about it was that if you hit it in center it sounded like a normal snare but you hit it a quarter of the way in toward the center and I could get quite a bit of ring out of it. It was tuned a little high and that ring would give it a regee sound which I liked, it was like having two snares in one. I don't know a lot about snares, does anyone know how I can get this type of thing done? And what snare would ya'll recommend to achieve this?

[aydee]

That's good to hear Aydee, Thank you for the help.

I hadn't planned on getting the snare with the shells I'm going to purchase. It'll just ba a package of

8x7
10x8
12x9
16x16 Floor
20x17Bass
and a 14x12 if I'm still below budget

I'm planning on picking out a snare rather than get the SC one. Speaking of which I am looking for a Snare similar to one a friend has a few years ago. What I liked about it was that if you hit it in center it sounded like a normal snare but you hit it a quarter of the way in toward the center and I could get quite a bit of ring out of it. It was tuned a little high and that ring would give it a regee sound which I liked, it was like having two snares in one. I don't know a lot about snares, does anyone know how I can get this type of thing done? And what snare would ya'll recommend to achieve this?

Those are great sizes! The kit will sound amazing, I promise you.

On the snares, I think any good quality snare ( well tuned ) will give you the dry in the center, and ringy towards the rim sound.

If you're going to your local GC, try a bunch of them out..

all kind of shapes and sizes, and materials.. and then short-list them further.......

[Fett2oo5]

Here are some updates from NAMM show on Yamaha Site.....

http://www.yamaha.com/namm/w2008/PressReleaseDetail.html?CTID=5041913&SUB_CAT_ID=5041913&CNTID=565891&DDL_CAT=0

http://www.yamaha.com/namm/w2008/PressReleaseDetail.html?CTID=5041913&SUB_CAT_ID=5041913&CNTID=565898&DDL_CAT=0

And the News Index...

http://www.yamaha.com/namm/w2008/press.html?CNTID=565886&CNTYP=NEWS

[aydee]

Here are some updates from NAMM show on Yamaha Site.....

http://www.yamaha.com/namm/w2008/PressReleaseDetail.html?CTID=5041913&SUB_CAT_ID=5041913&CNTID=565891&DDL_CAT=0

http://www.yamaha.com/namm/w2008/PressReleaseDetail.html?CTID=5041913&SUB_CAT_ID=5041913&CNTID=565898&DDL_CAT=0

And the News Index...

http://www.yamaha.com/namm/w2008/press.html?CNTID=565886&CNTYP=NEWS

yup, I hear The Phoenix kit (namm winter 2008) is making a lot of competition very nervous

[Fett2oo5]

So I went to GC yesturday to get my set, rack, cymbals, hardware etc. etc. I even left work early in case we needed to call Yamaha, which we did.

I had been waiting to buy this Stage Custom and all the extras since August 07 (but wife's car accident set me back a few hundred. She was ok it was the truck repair hurt the pocket) but everything looked great for me to buy it all this week.

So, we call Yamaha's availablity dept. and ask about their SC's and they said all they have is what is in the warehouse, which isn't a lot and they definately don't have any Raven Black, the finish I want. Because they have stopped making the old SC's and are getting ready for the New SC's. I thought ok no big deal I can wait till March, cause that's when the press release said they were expecting to release them. But oh, how I was wrong. The woman in Price/Availability said they wouldn't be available until August!!!!!

My friends that was yesterday afternoon and I still can't rid of sad face, looks like I will be waiting. Again. =(

[YamahaDrummerAus]

I cant wait to see more with this PHX kit.

I feel so at home on this thread :)

YAMAHA OWNERS UNITE!

[aydee]

So I went to GC yesturday to get my set, rack, cymbals, hardware etc. etc. I even left work early in case we needed to call Yamaha, which we did.

I had been waiting to buy this Stage Custom and all the extras since August 07 (but wife's car accident set me back a few hundred. She was ok it was the truck repair hurt the pocket) but everything looked great for me to buy it all this week.

So, we call Yamaha's availablity dept. and ask about their SC's and they said all they have is what is in the warehouse, which isn't a lot and they definately don't have any Raven Black, the finish I want. Because they have stopped making the old SC's and are getting ready for the New SC's. I thought ok no big deal I can wait till March, cause that's when the press release said they were expecting to release them. But oh, how I was wrong. The woman in Price/Availability said they wouldn't be available until August!!!!!

My friends that was yesterday afternoon and I still can't rid of sad face, looks like I will be waiting. Again. =(
The most wicked and evil state of being known to man- waiting and uncertainty.. Sorry, bud.

Should have known. Yamaha is a bit slow on the availability/delivery front. Though everything else, post - purchase is A1.

I would say make sure you get the exact kit you want, sizes, finish, hardware etc..and THAT is worth waiting for.

Beat the daylights out of a practice pad, while you're waiting, and get rid of that face

[Fett2oo5]

Here are some pics I found on another brand's forum >=) haha sneaky sneaky

I didn't take the pictures but they are from the NAMM 08 show.

It looks like Yamaha is giving pearl some Rack compition. Check out the Hex Rack!

http://www.drumrock.com/namm/2008/yammi1.jpg
http://www.drumrock.com/namm/2008/yammi2.jpg
http://www.drumrock.com/namm/2008/yammi3.jpg

[Fett2oo5]

The Hex Rack is ingenious!!! I work in Structural Design and Engineering and I was not terribly concerned with Pearl's Tube (Tube = square, Pipe = round) Rack but as I work in metal, seeing the construction and the how the forces travel, I could see the clamps rotating/twisting the tube. However forces like this probably don't happen, and I can not find posts or stories that say people are unsatisfied with Pearl's rack or that Pearl's rack is bad or poor construction, so there is nothing to convince me that pearl makes a bad rack system. It's just my background that makes me second guess it.

With that said I can tell you this, a Hex will always perform better than at square. Think of a flat-head screw driver, and flat-head screw, vs. a hex head screw driver and screw. The forces are distributed more evenly and over more contact points, not to mention when you add sides you can distribute more force to the broad sides, not just the corners. This is a pretty smart idea in my book, especialy that Plastic or Rubber sleeve that you see, wraps around the Hex tube, that means theres no metal on metal. So if/when that gives out I would assume you could only replace that piece and not have to change out the entire clamp.

I'm pretty impressed by this new addition to Yamaha Hardware, now I don't have a problem using a Yamaha's rack. I just wonder how much they are going to sell for =P

Does anyone have Pics from the NAMM show? I would love to see what else Yamaha is unveiling, I'm curious about the snares, in particular the rumor of Carter Beauford's signature, rumor says its 14x6.5 maple. Anyone heard anything? Or is anyone at NAMM could take some pics?

[SocietysSorrow]

So I went to GC yesturday to get my set, rack, cymbals, hardware etc. etc. I even left work early in case we needed to call Yamaha, which we did.

I had been waiting to buy this Stage Custom and all the extras since August 07 (but wife's car accident set me back a few hundred. She was ok it was the truck repair hurt the pocket) but everything looked great for me to buy it all this week.

So, we call Yamaha's availablity dept. and ask about their SC's and they said all they have is what is in the warehouse, which isn't a lot and they definately don't have any Raven Black, the finish I want. Because they have stopped making the old SC's and are getting ready for the New SC's. I thought ok no big deal I can wait till March, cause that's when the press release said they were expecting to release them. But oh, how I was wrong. The woman in Price/Availability said they wouldn't be available until August!!!!!

My friends that was yesterday afternoon and I still can't rid of sad face, looks like I will be waiting. Again. =(

Keep saving and go with something higher like an Oak or Birch.

[isaacore]

i have a yamaha set that i picked up at a garage sale that drummers have told me is probably an older birch recording custom. if someone with yamaha/drum knowledge could tell me what kind this is and maybe how much it's worth, that would be helpful.

these are clickable thumbnails.
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/isaacore/th_CIMG2537.jpg (http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/isaacore/CIMG2537.jpg)
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/isaacore/th_CIMG2534.jpg (http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/isaacore/CIMG2534.jpg)
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/isaacore/th_CIMG2531.jpg (http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/isaacore/CIMG2531.jpg)
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/isaacore/th_CIMG2530.jpg (http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/isaacore/CIMG2530.jpg)
http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/isaacore/th_CIMG2529.jpg (http://i12.photobucket.com/albums/a218/isaacore/CIMG2529.jpg)

btw, if this needs to be moved to it's own thread, that's fine, but i thought this would be a good place for it.

[photon]

I've had my Stage Customs for just over two years (cranberry red lacquer), I absolutely love them although I have to admit that I replaced the snare with a high end Pearl maple. I use EC2 heads for batter and G1's for reso on all the toms...they sound great. The kick always was tremendous and with an EMAD on it I can't say enough about it. It goes without saying that the harware is top notch as well. You just can't go wrong on the SC for the price.

I have been contemplating an upgrade. I wish the Tour Custom came in a larger variety of finishes because none of the availalable options really appeal to me that much. I might go to the next level however and get a custom maple.....this is all a ways down the road, summer, fall perhaps, but I know one thing and that is that I'm sticking with Yamaha.

[jemhadar]

I'm thinking of buying Yamaha and got recommended the Yamaha Tour Custom, http://www.percussiononline.com/customers/103080414292563/images/Yamaha_tour_custom.jpg

Everyone seems to talk about Stage Custom, but how are the Tour Customs?

[B.C.]

Alright. i've been trying to find a place that sales the real high end Maple custom, and can't find a place, Where should I start looking. On another thought can you get a custom paint job from the company??????

[photon]

I'm thinking of buying Yamaha and got recommended the Yamaha Tour Custom, http://www.percussiononline.com/customers/103080414292563/images/Yamaha_tour_custom.jpg

Everyone seems to talk about Stage Custom, but how are the Tour Customs?

From what I know they are a step up from the Stage Customs in that they are all maple construction...similar in all other respects...I say buy them...they are a great price and as with all Yamaha products the hardware is top of the line even on their mid-range kits....

[Fett2oo5]

Keep saving and go with something higher like an Oak or Birch.

Well the SC I was going to get was Birch.

Or did you mean the Oak Customs? Should I go to the Absolutes? I haven't looked at the Absolute series I guess I will look into it.

Alright. i've been trying to find a place that sales the real high end Maple custom, and can't find a place, Where should I start looking. On another thought can you get a custom paint job from the company??????

I don't know of places that keep these in stock. You might just have to go to somewhere like guitarcenter and have them order them for you.

[Fett2oo5]

As for my set (the 8,10,12,16,20 SC Birch) what would be the next three steps up from Yamaha?
I priced a used Maple Custom and a Recording Custom while I was at the store and they are more than twice the price.

I'm looking for (obviously) nice sound, not to much attack as I don't play metal and not alot of heavy Rock.
I play mainly Funk, with some Island/regee songs and small amounts of Rock thrown in.
Looking for nice warm sound, and I will be giging with this set once I make the cases for them

I'm looking for help/advise cause I had something picked out and was sure I wanted it but now that's been ripped out from under me. I'm thinking I should take this time to find other options, and I'm curious as to what ya'll think.

Thanks in advance for any advise and help.

[YamahaDrummerAus]

Wow, those pics are amazing. I love that green/yellow fade kit and the black sparkle kit. Any news on the PHX?

BTW, if anyone wants to see my Yamaha in action:

http://drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34737

[harryconway]

The Hex Rack is ingenious!!! I work in Structural Design and Engineering and I was not terribly concerned with Pearl's Tube (Tube = square, Pipe = round) Rack but as I work in metal, seeing the construction and the how the forces travel, I could see the clamps rotating/twisting the tube. However forces like this probably don't happen, and I can not find posts or stories that say people are unsatisfied with Pearl's rack or that Pearl's rack is bad or poor construction, so there is nothing to convince me that pearl makes a bad rack system. I ran an older Pearl DR-100 rack for 10 years. Totally an iron workhorse. My lead singer would sit on one edge of my rack sometimes. I wouldn't even think to try that with a round tube rack. That said, most all my other hardware is Yamaha. Yamaha tom holders fitted into Pearl rack clamps (7/8" is 7/8", right?). For years, Yamaha was "missing the boat", without a rack. Well, it's here, and it's beautiful. 2 thumbs up from this guy.


I'm pretty impressed by this new addition to Yamaha Hardware, now I don't have a problem using a Yamaha's rack. I just wonder how much they are going to sell for =P Don't know yet. They'd better keep it competitive, if they want to sell it. The "other" threat besides Pearl is the Gibraltar Stealth Vertical Mount System.

[guitaristwhoplaysdrums]

hey guys...just got my first yamaha kit....a stage custom advantage (not the nouveau) and i must say the toms are fantastic compared to some of the kits i have played...and the bass drum with an emad head is just amazing...i didnt like the snare so i went back to my ludwig acrolite...just gotta say i love the new kit...it inspires me to learn and play more than i have ever wanted to before....but quick question...the tom heads are stock single ply and have a pretty good sounds (i muffled the floor tom with a remo o') but if i were to get some new heads for the toms what would i go for....(i play punk/post hardcore/classic rock and a lot more)...what should i go for to capture that deep diving rich tone i hear from the kits of some of my favorite drummers...if thats even possible on this kit as i know it is only semi-pro and there are some mixed reviews

[YamahaDrummerAus]

I use Aquarian Response II's however that model has been upgraded to the Super II.

I would try those heads. You'll love the Stage Custom Adv. I love mine :)

Also, don't ignore the snare, put an Aquarian Hi Energy head on it, and crank it really high. You get a nice sounding snare. Also try the Focus X snare head, its a clear head that I have on my 2nd Snare with is also a Stage Custom snare.

Tom

[metal overlord]

My dad owns a Maple Custom Absolute Nouveau, and I must say, it sounds better than a DW Collectors series. To bad Yamaha doesn't make bubinga drums. If there was a Yamaha Bubinga Custom Absolute... that would be awesome.

[aydee]

My dad owns a Maple Custom Absolute Nouveau, and I must say, it sounds better than a DW Collectors series. .

Couldnt agree more. I went out to buy a DW collectors and returned with a MCAn. Never played bubinga...am I missing a whole lot?

[metal overlord]

Couldnt agree more. I went out to buy a DW collectors and returned with a MCAn. Never played bubinga...am I missing a whole lot?

Well, it would fit into the Yamaha family. They make great drums, so I would assume that if they made a bubinga kit, it'd be amazing. Bubinga is deeper and louder than maple. Full of overtone. It has mostly the same projection and clearity, too. I'de say your not missing out on a whole lot, but it's a pretty nice wood.

Or even Yamaha making African (not Asain or Phillipine) Mahagony drums. I'de imagine that would be incredible, too. I've never played real mahagony before though.

[Drum-Head]

I've been saying that for ages - it would be nirvana if Yamaha made a bubinga model... Without that real ugly new YESS system though.

[tomk]

You guys talking about bubinga are forgetting about Yamaha's Oak Customs. The bubinga is similar to the Oaks.

[aydee]

yamaha NAMM 2008:

16367
Yamaha have lots of new gear covering both acoustic and electronic and high and low end. The PHX (or Phoenix) range is the new high end kit, coming in above the Absolute range. The shell are come in two styles – maple or ash – with a hybrid shell mixing Jatoba, Kapur and maple and the ash outer ply.


16368

The drums also have a new design of quick release lugs (different from the Absolute Nouveau) and a new YESS mounting system made from wood (!).

16369

The shells have the very hard Jatoba in the middle with the hardness gradually diminishing as the plies go out to the maple on the outer and inner faces.

16371
These drums are ultra high end so they priced accordingly.( $$$)

16370

The Stage Custom line has been totally redesigned and now features an all birch shell, have lost the Nouveau lug and come in eight wood and metallic lacquer finishes. There are four bass drum sizes, nine tom sizes and five snares and they look much closer to the Tour Custom in design than before.


The Hexrack is Yamahas new rack system. It has curved hexagonal tubes with clamps that have a nylon insert so the clamps can rotate around the bar without being released. The tom arms are very simple as they don’t swivel – the clamps do - and there are a wide variety of clamps available to connect anything to it.


Yamahas standard wooden snare drum line has been given a complete overhaul and now feature three sub ranges, called Vintage, Sensitive and Loud. The Vintage has a very thin 4 ply maple shell with reinforcing hoops, small lugs and triple flange hoops, the Sensitive has a 7 ply maple shell with aluminium die cast hoops and Maple Custom style lugs and the Loud has an 8 ply Oak shell with dark chrome Dynahoops, ten air holes and off set lugs. ( courtesy: Mike Dolbear)

[danander11]

Mayun!....

I want this kit with just clear lacquer on the shells.....

drool!

[Drum-Head]

You guys talking about bubinga are forgetting about Yamaha's Oak Customs. The bubinga is similar to the Oaks.

Huh? Doesn't bubinga have a darker and deeper tone than oak? Or are my ears deceiving me?

[SoCalMike]

Here's a few pic's I got from NAMM and my New BCAN

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/SoCalMike/DeeDubs/DSCN6005.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/SoCalMike/DeeDubs/DSCN6007.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/SoCalMike/DeeDubs/DSCN6008.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/SoCalMike/DeeDubs/DSCN6000.jpg
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/SoCalMike/DeeDubs/DSCN5967.jpg

[SoCalMike]

Now what do you Guys think about Aquarian Super 2's for the BCA?? I want to try some other top heads I tryed a clear Emp top stock bottom

[YamahaDrummerAus]

Those pics are really good. I love that PHX kit.

Looks like a good year for Yamaha.

Tom

[2bsticks]

Hi
Regarding the Aquarian Super Kick 2 for your bass drum. I used that head on my Pearl Master 18x22 with no internal muffling and it was great. I sold that kit and put the sk2 on my Maple Yamaha Absolute 16x22 and it sounded like crap, boingy. Now I have an Evans EMAD (single ply) with the thicker dampening ring installed with no internal muffling and the drum sounds great. Cdrums21(member) advised me to try it and everything he's told me so far he has been dead on. Good luck

[Fett2oo5]

Here's a few pic's I got from NAMM and my New BCAN

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y269/SoCalMike/DeeDubs/DSCN6005.jpg

Is that one tube snaking up then down, or is it two curved tubes put end to end?

That looks sweet!

[RobertM]

Does anyone know why Yamaha changed the mounting system on the new Phoenix line? That block of wood, in my opinion, looks rather unsightly, and it appears (from the photo below in the thread) to add more attachment to the shell (3-4 screw mounts compared to just 2 with the traditional YESS system). It looks like a Sonor attachment: two screws up top, one or two below, but with the YESS mount on the wood block.

Is there some "acoustic reasoning" as to why Yamaha did this? The current YESS setup on the Absolutes, RCs, and Oaks looks way better and functions just fine. At the least, the current system shows off the drum shell more; the Phoenix wood block really obstructs the drum shell finish and looks sloppy.

Otherwise, I can't wait to hear/see the new snare drum line (L and S series) and the Carter signature snare!

[aydee]

The yamaha press release regarding the PHX drums:


PHX Phoenix Kit Unleases a New Era for Yamaha Drums


— New Ultra High-End Drum Set Pushes Musical Boundaries —



ANAHEIM, Calif. — Not resting after celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, Yamaha Drums will begin its push to further drumming innovation over the next 40 years when it introduces its ultra high-end PHX Phoenix Drum Set at Winter NAMM 2008.

In Yamaha's quest to continually expand the boundaries of musicality for drummers, the company used newfound Asian woods to create the PHX kit.

"These particular woods, jatoba and kapur, have never before been used to make drums, and when you put them together in a specific combination, they produce an amazing musical tone," says Dave Jewell, marketing manager, Yamaha Drums, Pro Audio & Combo Division. "We've discovered one of nature's secrets."

In addition to sounding great, the 11-ply shells are a sight to behold. The center ply, jatoba, is an extremely hard wood that provides the drum's core note. On either side are four plies of kapur, which is a softer wood than jatoba. The inner and outer plies of the shell are customized, using maple or a combination of a burled ash outer ply and a maple inner ply.

The concept behind the PHX Phoenix shell construction is to use the hardest wood in the middle surrounded by softer plies of wood; this produces a sonic "ripple effect" similar to the sound a pebble creates with waves when dropped in water.

"The trend today is thin shells, but frankly, these drums—made with this specific wood combination — do not sound 'thick,'" said Jim Haler, product manager, Yamaha Drums. "They go against every sonic standard of a thick shell."

Joe Testa, Yamaha Drums international artist relations manager, added that "We brought these drums into the studio with some of our top artists, and the difference is astounding. I describe it this way: when most drums are struck, the sound comes from them and hits you. With this kit's sound, it hugs you. Imagine your current Yamaha sound with a natural preamp on it. Generally, a kit's sound improves with age. On the PHX Phoenix, the aging process seems to be accelerated. Within just a week of playing it, the sound matured immensely. It really is beautiful."

Not only is the shell construction a new venture for Yamaha, the kit's new and improved mounting system is, too. Developed to make the fundamental tone of each drum clearer and better defined, the wooden tom mount, combined with shock-mountable rubber contact points, provides ultimate resonance. As with all Yamaha drums, the mounting points are positioned at the nodal points of the shell.

The newly designed detachable lugs are mounted where the overtones are the highest. The balance of the nodal point mount and the overtone point of the lugs help mute unwanted overtones, making the fundamental tone come alive with much more clarity.

"The PHX Phoenix was not made to replace our current high end drums, but rather to supply drummers with another musical voice in their arsenal," said Jewell. "Yamaha Drums will continue to create instruments that further a musician's capability to create better music. We pride ourselves in being the choice for those serious about their music."

Available with chrome or gold hardware and in nine impressive finishes (four maple, five in burled ash), the PHX Phoenix drumset is expected to ship in March 2008.

[Smashin Jack]

The Hexrack is Yamahas new rack system. It has curved hexagonal tubes with clamps that have a nylon insert so the clamps can rotate around the bar without being released. The tom arms are very simple as they don’t swivel – the clamps do - and there are a wide variety of clamps available to connect anything to it.



I can't believe it! I searched for hex appeal and found this forum with Yamaha's hex hardware. I came up with "Hex Appeal" in 2004, which utilized hex-shaped 6061 T6 aircraft grade anodized aluminum. The idea was the solid hex design would not dent or rotate like round tubular steel does.
Nice to see someone developed and enhanced my idea!!
http://kenamay.tripod.com/hexappeal/
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j74/kenamay/121606/hexappeal.jpg

[tomk]

Huh? Doesn't bubinga have a darker and deeper tone than oak? Or are my ears deceiving me?

Huh? LOL.....Possibly, but I know for sure that Oak has a darker tone than maple, but similar warmth. Thats what my answer was directed at, to establish that yamaha is making drums out of a harder wood than maple, that produces a darker tone than maple, and has a similar warmth. No one else is making drums out of oak that I know of, so it seems to be a yamaha thing. Tama is already making a bubinga kit.

[tomk]

anyways, here's my kit. Yamaha Stage Custom Advantage in Sappire Blue Fade. I wanted to sell this earlier but I've decided not to. The bass drum reso head was designed by my better half. We took the design to a local sign shop, and from our flash drive they took the image and altered the size in photoshop and printed a giant round sticker. We then stuck this onto a new head. It was pretty difficult to stick it on without creating creases or air bubbles. I always thought it would look sikk on my kit and it does. Incase you can't tell, its a jazzy motif, keyboard, double bass, saxaphone etc. are in the lines.

10x9, 12x10, 14x12, 22x17
All cymbals sabian for no reason other than I happen to love the sounds of all my cymbals, as well as Sabian is carried in the most quantities at the music stores here.
6'' AAX splash inverted ontop of a used 8'' Hand Hammered, 14'' Paragon Hihats, 16'' Paragon Crash, 18'' Vault Crash, 22'' AA Raw Ride. Not Pictured are my Sig. 22'' Jack Dejohnette ride and 22'' Paragon Ride.
Snares inlcude: 10x6.5 Tama Hammered Steel Soprano Snare, 13x3 Maple Piccolo by Pearl, standard 14x5.5 Yamaha wood snare that came with the kit. On my kit now is a 14x4 Brass Piccolo by Dixon. I found this at the music store used, and bought it for $80. It had a new highend pearl throw-off and snares when I bought it. Same with the maple piccolo, found it used and picked it up for the same price roughly.
I was getting into alot of jazz drum sounds and decided to pick up a floor tom and convert it into a bass drum. I picked up a 16x16 sonor force 2005 floor tom, BB-3(i think) Pearl tom bracket, Yamaha Long Tom Arm, and gibralter bass drum riser and bass drum legs that fit conveniently into the existing floor tom leg brackets. I had to do some drilling and cutting to fit the tom bracket on. It works well. I havent done much with it, but I hope to use it more when I get new heads for it.

I also have a Kenny Aronoff 6 1/4'' cowbell. I also have a Roland TD-8 Electric drumkit (used) with some upgrades. I use it mainly for recording some ideas and full songs. Actually sounds really good and pretty real in the mix with other instruments. My most recent purchase was a Roland SPDS Sample trigger pad. I kind of regret gettting it because I don't use it much at all. Main problem is that these things take Compact FLash cards as extra memory which is cool, but max. memory on the card has to be 512mb, and practically no one makes them anymore. They are very hard to find. Maybe one day lol.

That's pretty much it. I know this was really long and only supposed to be about yamaha gear, but I couldn't help it lol.

[Drum-Head]

Huh? LOL.....Possibly, but I know for sure that Oak has a darker tone than maple, but similar warmth. Thats what my answer was directed at, to establish that yamaha is making drums out of a harder wood than maple, that produces a darker tone than maple, and has a similar warmth. No one else is making drums out of oak that I know of, so it seems to be a yamaha thing. Tama is already making a bubinga kit.

Hehe!

In any case my favorite wood essence so for is bubinga, I love the low end you get out of it. I find Oak to be too aggressive.

Tama is not the only brand using bubinga - Sonor has been using it for quite some time.

[metal overlord]

Hehe!

In any case my favorite wood essence so for is bubinga, I love the low end you get out of it. I find Oak to be too aggressive.

Tama is not the only brand using bubinga - Sonor has been using it for quite some time.

Ddrum & Peace do, too.

[ctdrumer]

Just curious, Did Vinnie Colauita play a YRC before he signed up with GRETSCH? Anybody know?

yeah he played a RC kit on the burning for buddy vid from 89 with he gadd and weckle. Later in his stint with yamaha he played a MC kit on tour with sting. he also had a sig snare with yamaha that is pretty rare. I think it was a maple 14x4.5

[RobertM]

Yeah, Vinnie played the famed white lacquer Recording Custom kit from the late 1980s/early 1990s. I think Carter Beauford also played this kit in the early/mid '90s before he switched to the black lacquer RCs. I wish Yamaha would offer more finishes in the RCs.

[ctdrumer]

Hey guys,

I am fairly new to the drummerworld forum and wanted to say hi. I am a yamaha guy to and am excited to see the community of player here.

Here is a link to my myspace page http://www.myspace.com/corypondermusic

I look forward to the conversation

[ctdrumer]

I SO would like to get a Maple Custom Absolute Nouveau kit in the midnight sparkle finish.
I base my choice on pics that I have seen though.
Has anyone seen a kit with that finish in person?


Great finish...can't go wrong

[RobertM]

Okay, I've just listened to Aydee's youtube footage of his Absolute Maples. Good sound! This prompted me to check out Yamaha birch via youtube, and I compared people's footage of Recording Customs to Absolute Birch (I'm also including the Manu Katche footage on drummerworld.com in this assessment--Manu uses an RC kit in that video).

Is it me, or do the Yamaha Absolute Birch kits sound brighter, cleaner? The RCs sound good, but their tone sounds deeper, almost like a muddier punch, while the Absolute Birches have a cleaner punch.

Of course, this sound comparison is affected by the choice of heads and tuning abilities of those playing them, so that clearly compromises the comparison.

Both kits use the same shell and bearing edges, but it seems the RCs are deeper in tone.

Thoughts?

[danander11]

Hey guys,

I am fairly new to the drummerworld forum and wanted to say hi. I am a yamaha guy to and am excited to see the community of player here.

Here is a link to my myspace page http://www.myspace.com/corypondermusic

I look forward to the conversation

Howdy and WELCOME!

Great playing and a great kit! Always nice to have another Yammie guy on board...

Peace!

[aydee]

Hey guys,

I am fairly new to the drummerworld forum and wanted to say hi. I am a yamaha guy to and am excited to see the community of player here.

Here is a link to my myspace page http://www.myspace.com/corypondermusic

I look forward to the conversation

Hey Cory, great drumming! Loved Backhand.. great playing...by all. I really like the space your band is in. Welcome.

How bout putting up your kit pics?

[Frankierocker]

Hello All,
I've been a Yamaha player from day one. Started with the YD, then upgraded to the Stage Custom soon after and I just purchased a Beech Absolute yesterday! I know head selection is subjective, but some advice about where to start would be helpful. I am looking for a deep rock sound with good sustain. Any good head combinations you all have experienced on the beech would be greatly appreciated.

[Frankierocker]

By the way, AWESOME finish on your MCAs aydee! I haven't seen that one before but its unique.

[MarkoTaxman]

Hello All,
I've been a Yamaha player from day one. Started with the YD, then upgraded to the Stage Custom soon after and I just purchased a Beech Absolute yesterday! I know head selection is subjective, but some advice about where to start would be helpful. I am looking for a deep rock sound with good sustain. Any good head combinations you all have experienced on the beech would be greatly appreciated.

My Yamaha kit consists of a Maple Custom Absolute Nouveau 20" kick and 10", 12", 14" and 16" Beech Custom Absolute Nouveau toms. I love these drums. On the beech toms, I use Aquarian Response 2s over Aquarian Classic Clears. This combination may give you the rock sound you're looking for. If you're an Evans-guy, G2s over G1s will create a similar effect. I've tried both and prefer the Aquarian setup. Hope this helps.

[B.C.]

Looking for a used yamaha maple novue or what ever it is , or a tour custom. Email is briancarpenter05@yahoo.com or just message me.

[Drum-Head]

Hey guys, if you head over to Yamaha drums website (http://www.yamaha.com/drums/home.html?CTID=560000) you'll notice an anniversary edition kit with a virgin kick on the main page photo. Does anyone know if this is going to be an option now on the Yahama kits in general or if this will be specific to the anniversary kits?

EDIT: Oops, I just noticed that the pic changes every time the page is loaded. I've just attached a pic so you guys can see.

http://ogames.free.fr/Media/YWP.jpg

[drumnhands]

The most wicked and evil state of being known to man- waiting and uncertainty.. Sorry, bud.

Should have known. Yamaha is a bit slow on the availability/delivery front. Though everything else, post - purchase is A1.

I would say make sure you get the exact kit you want, sizes, finish, hardware etc..and THAT is worth waiting for.

Beat the daylights out of a practice pad, while you're waiting, and get rid of that face

Stage Custom Birch has been pushed up, and we should start seeing kits in late April, early May. The Hexrack is looking like about the same time frame.

[drumnhands]

Hey guys, if you head over to Yamaha drums website (http://www.yamaha.com/drums/home.html?CTID=560000) you'll notice an anniversary edition kit with a virgin kick on the main page photo. Does anyone know if this is going to be an option now on the Yahama kits in general or if this will be specific to the anniversary kits?

EDIT: Oops, I just noticed that the pic changes every time the page is loaded. I've just attached a pic so you guys can see.

http://ogames.free.fr/Media/YWP.jpg

We'll be stocking Absolute Nouveau bass drums in Maple and Birch with no mount in 22" and 24", you can order other sizes. There is an "R" in the model number of the virgin drums.

[3beat]

I have been all over the site, but just came to the forums. I think a Yamaha group is a great idea. I have a Yamaha Stage Custom kit with the nouveau lugs. I love the sound and tone for their price range. I am having one issue. When I tune the drums its difficult to get all lugs tightend in the same range because some of the lugs are stiffer/ tighter than the others. I had one break on the snare. I glued it with super glue a day or two ago. I have not had time to get back to the drums to see how its going to work. If anyone has had this problem any suggestions would be helpful. I have tried a little spray lube but it did not help much. I tried attaching a couple of pics. Hope it worked. I'm still getting the hang of this site.

Thanks 3beat

[2bsticks]

Hey 3beat, I had a couple of nouveau lugs snap on my snare drum. Let Yamaha know about this. In my case they sent me 20 replacement tension rods (shorter) and a handful of replacement lugs. I was told that the rods are too long which is causing you to over tighten the rod and snapping the lug. Good luck

[MusiQmaN]

Hi there.

I'm a 22 year old drummer from The Netherlands.



Im playing Yamaha for more then 15 years and endorsing it since last summer.

At the moment im playing an Oak Custom in ROK (Red Oak) with Diecast hoops! (much better tonal expression than with the dyna's) in 20x17, 10x8,12x9, 14x12, 16x14, 10x5 custom snare (stage custom, with maple c. release and but) and within a few weeks the best piccolo (used as a main) ever build, the SD-493. At the moment my main snare is an custom Beni 13x5,5 (with extra thick shell)

I Also use Remo heads, LP percussion and endorsing Amedia Cymbals (really, take a good listning to them at a dealer near you, I ve sold my Zildjians for them, much better price/musical expression vallue) and Balbex Sticks.

On m space: wwww.myspace.com/musiqmanonline there's plenty of inof, music pictures and other funny things.

Hope to share a lot of fun, info etc... with you guys.

Dutch greetings,

Wes.

[aydee]

Would love to see some pics, Wes. Post them up when you can! welcome.

[MusiQmaN]

Here''s a picture took yesterday with my phone, with the die casts on it (sorry for the quillity)
http://85.17.151.138/189600001-189650000/189642901-189643000/189642927_6_J-UM.jpeg

live:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1281/4353153/9184002/305012453.jpg


former Beech kit:
http://pic70.picturetrail.com/VOL1880/8071043/15136294/232833732.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1281/4353153/9184002/305012451.jpg


former 20th Anniversary Recording Custom:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1281/4353153/9184002/248139908.jpg


older RHP electronic set up:
http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1281/4353153/9184002/271888860.jpg

[aydee]

A true-blue Yammieman! thats hell of a history, even with phone camera pics.

I love all your set ups. How do you compare Beech Customs to the others?

[MusiQmaN]

The Beech is more warm, expressional.

The RC is ''standard'' but very usefull for live and recording sessions, the 20'' kick is still blazing though.

And the Oak is full of body, tone and expressive to.

From all the kits, the Oak is the best choice for me. And its jusefull in all styles (depending on the heads and playing style/technique)

Im wanting to get me a 18'' kick for smaller gigs or an Marotta to in the same colour.

[MusiQmaN]

video page (http://youtube.com/musiqmanie)

With some recordings of the oak custom both live (Uitmarkt 07)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=Zm8fEnJTRvg&feature=PlayList&p=8928491BCF713091&index=9

http://youtube.com/watch?v=hTjNExoFKtY&feature=PlayList&p=8928491BCF713091&index=8

On these video's, the whole kit with the Beni Snare, the custom snare (at 2:20) and the 80 kick on the end of the verses) really comes out good. The rim click is my LP high pitched JamBlock, really cool thing.

and at home (with The Sub Kick and 2 Naiant mic's)

This was all done with the Dyna hoops exept for ''Way To My Heart''

[Fett2oo5]

Stage Custom Info, for anyone interested.

I went to guitar center yesterday and ordered some things among which was a stage custom set up

10, 12, 14, 20x17 was the package they had and I added an 8 and a 16, bringing the entire order to: (Diameter x Length)
8x7, 10x8, 12x9, 14x12, 16x16, 20x17 this came out to be 1,557.

The guy at guitar center got it to me at 1,100. So it looks like the "New" stage custom series prices have gone up as we all predicted. I just didn't think they would almost double the price from last summer.

Yamaha said it would be ready some time in mid to late march.

Yes I did try to get a price on a Pheonix but they said they couldn't give me a price on it, which I thought was wierd considering they want it to be ready in March.

[ZDrums24]

Any of you yammie nuts tried their concert snares? their rosewood stave snare in particular?
What were your thoughts?

I'm just curious because pearl makes ply wood rosewood concert snares, but im thinking about a rosewood stave snare (possibly build mine since the yamaha snare is only 5" deep).

[RobertM]

Fett2oo5
Yamaha Drums (price and availability update)

Yes I did try to get a price on a Phoenix but they said they couldn't give me a price on it, which I thought was wierd considering they want it to be ready in March.
02-21-2008 10:15 AM

I got a quote on a Phoenix kit in the white lacquer finish. Sizes: 18x14, 14x14, 12x8, 10x7.5. List price: $9500.00; sale price: $3350.00 (about 65% off).

I guess that's a good deal, but still too steep for me. Those are jazz sizes, so I believe the price would be a bit more for anyone wanting a 20" or 22" bass.

[MusiQmaN]

Cant wait to see all the new stuff at the Messe within 2 weeks.


This is a great custom job from Yamaha:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/princenissim/BoatRack1.jpg

An Oak custom in a new Embossed Silver and with Nouveau lugs.

That Embossed colour... really nice :D one of my favorites. Only missing the die cast hoops.

[Drum-Head]

Woah, that's awesome! I'm thinking more and more about getting a hex rack...

[RobertM]

How did you manage to get Yamaha to do a custom finish job? I thought they only did that for high profile endorsees? That would be cool if they would open up the color palette for the Oak kits!

I recently asked Yamaha if they would do a Maple Absolute or Birch Absolute in canary yellow or yellow sparkle instead of their offered yellow sparkle fade. Answer: no.

[MusiQmaN]

How did you manage to get Yamaha to do a custom finish job? I thought they only did that for high profile endorsees? That would be cool if they would open up the color palette for the Oak kits!

I recently asked Yamaha if they would do a Maple Absolute or Birch Absolute in canary yellow or yellow sparkle instead of their offered yellow sparkle fade. Answer: no.
As far as I know, custom orders such as odd colours and other sizes are indeed ony available to endorsees. But it isnt very clear to witch grade of endorsing, Im still waiting for my custom coloured sub kick :P

The only thing available for ''regular'' customers in the sense of customizing is the option for an virgin kick. (now represented by the ''R'' in the order code, but it was alwais available for a litlle addup of the price)

Here's the kit from the front, with the sub in the rehearsal room:

http://pic20.picturetrail.com:80/VOL1281/4353153/9184002/305647628.jpg

[RobertM]

Thanks for the reply, and very nice looking kit! I know a lot of folks do not like the sound of the Oak Customs, but I rather like them--and they become even more attractive when you see them in custom colors! I think Manu Katche has an Oak kit in purple sparkle--very cool.

I guess I need to find a friend who's a Yamaha artist and request through them a yellow kit--ha! Alas...

Again, sweet kit. What snare(s) do you use?

[rendezvous_drummer]

Beautiful kits mate, looks like someone loves Yamaha just as much as I do! What would you say you like most about the Oak Custom? I have a SC right now and am considering the Oak Custom as my next kit.

[Mikey Dangerous]

Hi guys,
I'm new to the forum (although I've been on the Drummerworld site a ton in the last 18 months) and I just wanted to say hello to all the other Yammie-nuts on here. I've wanted a set of Yamaha Drums forever and just the other day I FINALLY realized my dream and got a Birch Custom Absolute in Vintage Natural Finish!!!!! I bought it used but it's in absolutely dead mint, showroom condition and luckily for me the sizes and color/finish are exactly what I would have chosen if I bought it new. Here's the specs:

20" Bass
8", 10", 12", 14", 16" Toms (all mounted/suspended)
14" x 4" Yamaha Brass Snare
Yamaha double-kick pedal (dual chain)
All Yamaha Hardware

I've enjoyed looking at the posts and pics (there's some phenominal kits on here) and look forward to talking with you and sharing ideas in the future.....if I can tear myself away from my new love hahaha.

All the best,

- Mike

[aydee]

Hi guys,
I'm new to the forum (although I've been on the Drummerworld site a ton in the last 18 months) and I just wanted to say hello to all the other Yammie-nuts on here. I've wanted a set of Yamaha Drums forever and just the other day I FINALLY realized my dream and got a Birch Custom Absolute in Vintage Natural Finish!!!!! I bought it used but it's in absolutely dead mint, showroom condition and luckily for me the sizes and color/finish are exactly what I would have chosen if I bought it new. Here's the specs:

20" Bass
8", 10", 12", 14", 16" Toms (all mounted/suspended)
14" x 4" Yamaha Brass Snare
Yamaha double-kick pedal (dual chain)
All Yamaha Hardware

I've enjoyed looking at the posts and pics (there's some phenominal kits on here) and look forward to talking with you and sharing ideas in the future.....if I can tear myself away from my new love hahaha.

All the best,

- Mike

Not good enough, Mike, we need glossies, man! show us the goodies!

Welcome, by the way ; )

[Mikey Dangerous]

Not good enough, Mike, we need glossies, man! show us the goodies!

Welcome, by the way ; )

Will do - I should have known better!! hahaha
I'm still messing with the cymbal configuration and placement (the kit came with 7 plus the hi-hats and I already had 3 plus hi-hats of my own - not sure what to use yet) but once I have that figured out I'll be sure to post pics.

[MusiQmaN]

Beautiful kits mate, looks like someone loves Yamaha just as much as I do! What would you say you like most about the Oak Custom? I have a SC right now and am considering the Oak Custom as my next kit.

I think its power and tone. really powerfull and full of high mid and low tones.

man I love my kit, especially with the diecasts and pinstripe. adds a little more control over them (and no taping or dampaning necesarry)


Yamaha made 4 sig kits as far as I know.

Brown Sunburst Paul Leim (only 1?)
http://www.yamaha-europe.com/yamaha_europe/layoutarchiv/FeaturesPictures/10_musical_instruments/drums/drums_snares/signature/paul_lime.jpg

phttp://perkusja.rockmetal.art.pl/800/perkusisci/leim/foto.jpg

Purple Sparkle Oak Manu Katche sig (only <100)
http://www.musicpark.com.au/Graphics/Drums/0704/Yam-Mauve-1.jpg

Green Lime and Midnight Black sparkle Maple Andre Ceccarelli (only <100)
http://en.woodbrass.com/images/woodbrass/BATTERIE+YAMAHA+CECCARELLI.JPG

Solid Black Maple/Birch Steve Gadd (50> came in diecast and dyna hooped versions)
http://www.drumcenter.cz/eshop/bin/goods_images/60014_img_4602459b263b4_gadd_signature.jpg


Than we have a few Anniversary kits like the Black/White 25th anniversay, Green burst sparkle 30th anniversary and the 40th anniversary Washi set.remember all the
http://news.harmony-central.com/Newp/SNAMM97/Yamaha/30th.jpg
(30th anniversary Maple Custom)

And few 5 star limiteds like the habanero sparkle Oak (back then the Habanero wasnt made for regular sale)

http://www.pearldrummersforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=221929&stc=1

Now im probably missing some sig or anni sets, so if you can remember one. Share it with the familly.

[MusiQmaN]

Thanks for the reply, and very nice looking kit! I know a lot of folks do not like the sound of the Oak Customs, but I rather like them--and they become even more attractive when you see them in custom colors! I think Manu Katche has an Oak kit in purple sparkle--very cool.

I guess I need to find a friend who's a Yamaha artist and request through them a yellow kit--ha! Alas...

Again, sweet kit. What snare(s) do you use?

At the moment im using the following snares:

Beni Black Russian snare (one of a kind, extra thick shell, called ''Tha Bitch'' bij Dan)

(black steel)
13x5,5
Remo Ambassador (coated)/Remo ambassador (snareside)
(puresound snarenmat, Trick 007 strainer)



Yamaha Custom SSD1050A snare
(Solid Black)
10x5
Remo Ambassador (clear)/Remo Ambassador (snareside)

(customized maple custom strainers, PSAHLN en PSAGRM release/butt)

Also I have an 8'' childrens snare (from an baby set) found bij de garbage :P when i was cyvcling to my home. Its cherry red. Have to get an Yamaha stom moun for it, has an great sound wih Remo heads on it.

Im planning on get me the new 10x4,5 Musashi Oak snare and the older SD439 brass piccolo (the mother of all piccolo's)

[2bsticks]

Hi,

Would any of you know if the gold lugs used on the Maple Custom line be purchased from Yamaha and can they be installed on say an Oak Custom kit without any drilling? I love the gold lugs on certain finishes....just curious...thanks Yammi's

[MusiQmaN]

Yes you can :)

Ask you're dealer for the PLU2GL lug.

If you don't like the blocked shape, you can also order the PLUNGL. that's the absolute lug in gold.

Notice this! ordering separate lugs is expensive. especially for a whole kit and more so for these 24k gold plated lugs.


But its possible to order every separate part of an Yamaha kit (from lug to screw to strainer to pedal to spur to rubber feet etc. etc.)

Best wishes,

Wes. ''Yamaha'' Kuit

[Rossco]

Yamaha have some real funky finishes ! =)

[Matt-a-tat-tat]

does anyone remember the Rock Tour Customs? I had a seven piece RTC when I was 18. My first truly pro kit. I loved that kit.

[MusiQmaN]

does anyone remember the Rock Tour Customs? I had a seven piece RTC when I was 18. My first truly pro kit. I loved that kit.

Didnt Manu played on a blue one on the Secret World tour in 96? great tour.

http://85.17.225.40/215050001-215100000/215072401-215072500/215072439_5_3Q1H.jpeg

The set with the all black LP percusion (finanally got the ltd edition high pitched LP black beauty jamblock and the 72 bar chimes)

[Jeremy Bender]

Great looking wood finish! Are they Maple custom Absolutes? What is the exact finish called, it looks classy.

[jbsg02]

I just ordered my set of Birch Absolute Custom Nouveau in blue sparkle. It should be here in a couple weeks and I will have pics up!

[MusiQmaN]

Sweet :d cant wait for pictures.

The kit is an Oak Custom in ROK (Red OaK) im so in love with it. Best kit ever (especially with the die cast hoops on it)

[RobertM]

Musiqman,

Didn't you mention that Yamaha is introducing an Oak Custom X kit sometime this year? Do you have any information or pics of this kit? What sizes will the toms be in? I would love to hear more about this kit.

[MusiQmaN]

Musiqman,

Didn't you mention that Yamaha is introducing an Oak Custom X kit sometime this year? Do you have any information or pics of this kit? What sizes will the toms be in? I would love to hear more about this kit.


Offcourse i can.

And show.....

http://85.17.225.25/208400001-208450000/208402101-208402200/208402159_6_jVUe.jpeg

http://85.17.225.25/208400001-208450000/208402101-208402200/208402160_6_yJSF.jpeg

http://85.17.225.25/208400001-208450000/208402101-208402200/208402158_6_3isa.jpeg

http://85.17.225.25/208400001-208450000/208402101-208402200/208402157_6_bkrP.jpeg

In Black en White sparkle with black nickel hardware. Add-ons toms are sold separatly.

Shallow toms. Deep kick.

I cant tell much about the sizes yest (its not on the folder and didnt asked at the Messe)

[aydee]

Slurrrrrrrrrp! Droooooooool!

[RobertM]

Musiqman,

THANKS! These drums look awesome! Get me an 18" or 20" kick and I'd seriously need to grab that white sparkle kit!!

Do you know what the sizes are in toms? In bass drums? Do they offer an 18" or 20" kick? Woops, just re-read your post and noticed that you said the brochure doesn't clarify on sizes yet. Thanks for the pics!

Nice looking! Gorgeous!

[MusiQmaN]

I've contacted my contact at yamaha.

Hope to hear some more soon.

It truley is an amazing set.

What I did remember was that they told me only the 22x20 kick wit the 12'' and 16'' tom where available, but don't know for shure about the exat sizes.

[Jeremy Bender]

I was wondering, are the maple custom absolutes still available to order in the USA?

[RobertM]

Absolutely they are (apologies for the bad pun). I haven't heard any news about MCAs not being available in the U.S. They are very popular drum kits and very easy to find at a variety of music shops. Are you having difficulty locating a Yamaha Absolute Maple Custom?

The only Yamahas that are not readily available in the U.S. are the new Oak Custom X kits, but this line was just announced at Musikmesse (see Musiqman's excellent notes below on this new kit). Otherwise, Recording Customs, the Absolute series, the Oak Customs, the new Phoenix kits, etc., should all be available for order in the U.S., according to my sources.

The only problems I'm aware of are with the Tama Starclassic Birch/Bubingas. For some reason unknown to me, the smallest bass drum available to U.S. residences is the 18x20. In Europe and elsewhere, the 16x20 bass and 16x18 jazz bass is available in the SC B/B, but not in the U.S.

[MusiQmaN]

Its still on the market:

http://www.yamaha.com/drums/absolutemaple.html?CTID=5040596&CNTYP=PRODUCT

[Jeremy Bender]

Thanks for the help guys. I see where Guitar Center is running a Oak Custom drum set special for aroud $1600.00, this may be in line with my budget since the MCA are pretty expensive.

[2bsticks]

Jeremy look at the clearence items on MF, they had a set of Oak Customs for $1300.00 last week.

Good luck

[slingerland755]

Cant wait to see all the new stuff at the Messe within 2 weeks.


This is a great custom job from Yamaha:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/princenissim/BoatRack1.jpg

An Oak custom in a new Embossed Silver and with Nouveau lugs.

That Embossed colour... really nice :D one of my favorites. Only missing the die cast hoops.

Stunning!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Fett2oo5]

=( <~ Sadface
as I said last month a place an order for some stage customs and friday I got a phone call saying Yamaha had processed my order but that they wouldn't be ready until Oct.!
Does anyone know of Yamaha's estimate accuracy? do they usually get that right or do they finish them early and sometime ship them earlier than what they estimate. Anyone have experience with this?

Oct?!?!!! , make me sad in pants

[aydee]

=( <~ Sadface
as I said last month a place an order for some stage customs and friday I got a phone call saying Yamaha had processed my order but that they wouldn't be ready until Oct.!
Does anyone know of Yamaha's estimate accuracy? do they usually get that right or do they finish them early and sometime ship them earlier than what they estimate. Anyone have experience with this?

Oct?!?!!! , make me sad in pants

Usually its roughly on time or slightly earlier.. havent heard anybody waiting too long. Well, the initial wait is too long to start with. Patience, my friend fine wine takes time as Orson Wells once said.

[baketoy]

I'm hunting for a pre yess 16" piano black floor tom. There's one on ebay but it has the mount, not the legs. My 14" floor tom has legs, and so I'm hesitant to buy this drum. Can anyone enlighten me on the history here? Did some kits have the legs and others the mounts? I'm trying to finish off my vintage kit, but wondering if it would be an obvious mismatch. Thoughts?

[Drumrunner]

My Yami stage customs.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h18/liljuicedcoupe/drums2.jpg

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h18/liljuicedcoupe/drums.jpg

[Fett2oo5]

I'm hunting for a pre yess 16" piano black floor tom. There's one on ebay but it has the mount, not the legs. My 14" floor tom has legs, and so I'm hesitant to buy this drum. Can anyone enlighten me on the history here? Did some kits have the legs and others the mounts? I'm trying to finish off my vintage kit, but wondering if it would be an obvious mismatch. Thoughts?

From what I understand (Based on what I wanted in a recent order) any 14" or 16" comes standard with legs, usually as part of a set ie: 10" 12" 16"
and from what I understand this has always (or usually) been the practice of many makers for years.

So from that I would wager that a 14" or 16" w/o legs and with a mount would have been a custom order, because when you order drums individually you have the choice to get either legs or a mount.

I maybe be wrong though

[MusiQmaN]

From what I understand (Based on what I wanted in a recent order) any 14" or 16" comes standard with legs, usually as part of a set ie: 10" 12" 16"
and from what I understand this has always (or usually) been the practice of many makers for years.

So from that I would wager that a 14" or 16" w/o legs and with a mount would have been a custom order, because when you order drums individually you have the choice to get either legs or a mount.

I maybe be wrong though

It depends on what basic set you buy:
Standard (deeper zises and 16" floor)
fusion 1 (20" kick and 14" hanging floor)
fusion u (same as 1 but with 22 kick)

So its not a ''custom order".

My oak set came with a hanging 14x12 "floor" and shallower (standard) rackzises (10x8 and 12x9) this set is the fusion 1 set NY2T4A.

The only thing that has to be ordered (not custom!) are basic sets of the Maple and Recording Custom line.


Custom orders are only available for endorsee's.

And even if you are a endorsee and you want a sig. serie product with a custom job (like Miller's sub-kick in an other color) you have to have permisson of the sig artist.

[KarlCrafton]

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/princenissim/BoatRack1.jpg


That is one feakin' awesome looking set-up!!!!

I'd love to own & play it....but only have to set it all up once.....yikes.

....And I thought I had crazy hardware, wow.

It looks cool though!!

[Guillermo]

Here's a few pics of my YMCs... some different setups... it's a bummer I couldn't find pics with my hybrid setup integrating the DTX, but oh well... the latter setup I'm using is the one in the office.

http://gallery.mac.com/guillermoperezgerman/100039/YMC/web.jpg

http://gallery.mac.com/guillermoperezgerman/100023/IMG_1787/web.jpg

http://gallery.mac.com/guillermoperezgerman/100023/IMG_1792/web.jpg

[Deathmetalconga]

Here's a few pics of my YMCs... some different setups... it's a bummer I couldn't find pics with my hybrid setup integrating the DTX, but oh well... the latter setup I'm using is the one in the office.

Cool set. How do you like the Duallist? I've been playing one about two years.

[Guillermo]

I've used it a total of about one hour in 5 years.

It's still in the box... in fact I didn't even remember I had it until you mentioned it, ha, ha, ha... but it's a cool gadget indeed, I just don't use it, basicly I don't play music where I need it.

[rendezvous_drummer]

Here's a few pics of my YMCs... some different setups... it's a bummer I couldn't find pics with my hybrid setup integrating the DTX, but oh well... the latter setup I'm using is the one in the office.

http://gallery.mac.com/guillermoperezgerman/100039/YMC/web.jpg

http://gallery.mac.com/guillermoperezgerman/100023/IMG_1787/web.jpg

http://gallery.mac.com/guillermoperezgerman/100023/IMG_1792/web.jpg

Drum n Bass player yeah?

[aydee]

Here's a few pics of my YMCs... some different setups... it's a bummer I couldn't find pics with my hybrid setup integrating the DTX, but oh well... the latter setup I'm using is the one in the office.

http://gallery.mac.com/guillermoperezgerman/100039/YMC/web.jpg

http://gallery.mac.com/guillermoperezgerman/100023/IMG_1787/web.jpg

http://gallery.mac.com/guillermoperezgerman/100023/IMG_1792/web.jpg

Hey, G, I love it ! I love your sizes & set ups n cymbals, the factory metal and everything.... and you have a drum set in the office???
Can I work for you ? for free? Santo Domingo's a pretty cool place I hear.

[Fett2oo5]

Stage Custom Update:

If ya'll remember my order I placed about a month ago:

At first I tried to add to an existing setup that Yamaha had...
10, 12, 14, 20x17 w/ snare, was the package they had and I added an 8 and a 16, bringing the entire order to: (Diameter x Length)
8x7, 10x8, 12x9, 14x12, 16x16, 20x17

But I couldn't get the 14" with a mount they only offered it with floor legs, and this was for all of their shell packs. So I ended up having to get them indiviually but still all on one order, it only raised the price by $200.
When I figured out this is was what I wanted to do, I asked if I could get the Bass Drum a virgin. We (my friend who works at GC and I) were delt a very firm "No". I asked "even if it costs extra?" they said they did not offer that at all. Which really sucks, I would have loved to have a virgin kick.

Anyone know anything about this or have a different experience?

Current order:
8x7, 10x8, 12x9, 14x12, 16x16-Floor, 22x17

[aydee]

Hey Fett, I could be wrong but I think Virgin Kicks constitute custom orders, and therefore are not ordered by the big online stores as a shell pack configuration. Try speaking to Yamaha directly at:
(For customers within the continental United States):
Phone: (714) 522-9000, 8:30AM to 5:00PM PST/PDT, Monday through Friday

[Fett2oo5]

Awesome! thanks for the info man, I'll give my friend at GC a call and get my order number and info (my reciept is at home), and call yamaha. Thanks again man!

[slingerland755]

Here's a few pics of my YMCs... some different setups... it's a bummer I couldn't find pics with my hybrid setup integrating the DTX, but oh well... the latter setup I'm using is the one in the office.

http://gallery.mac.com/guillermoperezgerman/100039/YMC/web.jpg

http://gallery.mac.com/guillermoperezgerman/100023/IMG_1787/web.jpg

http://gallery.mac.com/guillermoperezgerman/100023/IMG_1792/web.jpg

Looks like a lot of fun. Love the spiral cut out cymbal.

[MusiQmaN]

Stage Custom Update:

If ya'll remember my order I placed about a month ago:

At first I tried to add to an existing setup that Yamaha had...
10, 12, 14, 20x17 w/ snare, was the package they had and I added an 8 and a 16, bringing the entire order to: (Diameter x Length)
8x7, 10x8, 12x9, 14x12, 16x16, 20x17

But I couldn't get the 14" with a mount they only offered it with floor legs, and this was for all of their shell packs. So I ended up having to get them indiviually but still all on one order, it only raised the price by $200.
When I figured out this is was what I wanted to do, I asked if I could get the Bass Drum a virgin. We (my friend who works at GC and I) were delt a very firm "No". I asked "even if it costs extra?" they said they did not offer that at all. Which really sucks, I would have loved to have a virgin kick.

Anyone know anything about this or have a different experience?

Current order:
8x7, 10x8, 12x9, 14x12, 16x16-Floor, 22x17

I think it is because it is an SC. Its not the high end model like the MCAN or so (here you can order kicks with a "v" in the number since of this year, before that it was indeed a custom order and was a ltille more expensive)

[Guillermo]

Drum n Bass player yeah?

Well, I'm dabbling on it... gotta keep learning new stuff eh?, that's half the fun of this thing.

Hey, G, I love it ! I love your sizes & set ups n cymbals, the factory metal and everything.... and you have a drum set in the office???
Can I work for you ? for free? Santo Domingo's a pretty cool place I hear.

Thank you!.. well I actually have been very lucky... my previous job that I had, I had them get me a room for my playing, they complied and it was pretty good, a big isolated room... I had three kits there, ha, ha, ha... now this is MY office as in my company, so basicly I set them up here too... but since my company as such is much much smaller than my previous employer, pretty soon I may have to get them out as we've been growing and are almost out of space... ha, ha, ha... Santo Domingo is my city yes, thinking about visiting here?, gimme a holler I'll take you around.

Looks like a lot of fun. Love the spiral cut out cymbal.

Thank you, this cymbal is so fun... and surprinsingly versatile.

[MusiQmaN]

Great to see a fellow DR-er from Santo D. My place of birth (before I was adopted by my Duch parents :D ) and a Yamaha addict to!

[Guillermo]

Great to see a fellow DR-er from Santo D. My place of birth (before I was adopted by my Duch parents :D ) and a Yamaha addict to!

You're kidding!!!! man... do you come here to visit?... do you live in the netherlands?

PM me my friend!, first drummer countrymate I meet online in 9 years on forums!

[Alexia]

I hate to invade this thread, but I need to tap the knowledge of some Yamaha addicts out.
As far I know Yamaha Maple sets are good, but my knowledge in the area is not the best. I think I found a good deal here.
http://harrisburg.craigslist.org/msg/617635795.html

[aydee]

Cant wait to see all the new stuff at the Messe within 2 weeks.


This is a great custom job from Yamaha:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/princenissim/BoatRack1.jpg

An Oak custom in a new Embossed Silver and with Nouveau lugs.

That Embossed colour... really nice :D one of my favorites. Only missing the die cast hoops.

Hey! Thats my Kit! With an anaconda wrapped around it!.. mine's maple though..

18114

[golions]

Wow, Aydee! Yes, that's your finish and it looks awesome .... What a kit. I give credit to Yamaha for offering your finish in the oak custom line. Man, that's stunning.

[JerryOnDrums]

Hey all. First post here, great forum. I've been lurking for some time now, so figured it was time to post up. First of all, to Alexia: those are Stage Custom's. Not a great deal, but it isn't a horrible deal either (if it comes with the hardware/cymbals). BUT, the kit is not maple like you presumed. Anywho, a couple pics of my babies:

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e385/milkmandan35/IMG_1926.jpg

http://i43.photobucket.com/albums/e385/milkmandan35/IMG_1927.jpg

[djeb]

Wow, those are beautifull!!
My next drumkit will be a Yamaha maple absolute, natural color ! Just like yours.
Thanks for the pics.


Djeb

[aydee]

Very cool set up, JOD.. those are maples I presume.. you happy with EC2s ?

[danander11]

JerryOnDrums, Beauty of a kit!... I love a honey/amber finish on drums. Are these MCA's or BCA's? Weckl played a similarly finished kit like this for awhile.. Of course, he probably has one of everything Yamaha ever made LOL.

Peace!

[bojangleman]

my new Tour Customs!

pics dont do the kit justice!

18166
18167
18168
18169

Alex

[jbsg02]

my new Tour Customs!

pics dont do the kit justice!

18166
18167
18168
18169

Alex

Sweet kit! how much did those cost?

[bojangleman]

cost me $670!
Guitar Center Clearence item...

Sweet kit! how much did those cost?

Alex

[Alexia]

Hey all. First post here, great forum. I've been lurking for some time now, so figured it was time to post up. First of all, to Alexia: those are Stage Custom's. Not a great deal, but it isn't a horrible deal either (if it comes with the hardware/cymbals). BUT, the kit is not maple like you presumed. Anywho, a couple pics of my babies:

He included every last piece that was there. Cymbal bags, extra sticks, extra heads, and a few kitchen sinks.

[aydee]

Oooo baBY! yes...

18180

[MusiQmaN]

Even as a Yamaha addict and Oak player I find that one of Yamaha's most uglyest colours. And the worst demokit for woodhoops on a kit.

I like the the all blue demo kit of russ with matched dax fronthead and sub.


Just got myself a proto absolute. 13x6,5 snare and an Dtx 2.0 module (missed the hybride set)

pics will follow.

Anybody intrested in a one of a kind 13x5,5 Beni?

[rendezvous_drummer]

Even as a Yamaha addict and Oak player I find that one of Yamaha's most uglyest colours. And the worst demokit for woodhoops on a kit.

I like the the all blue demo kit of russ with matched dax fronthead and sub.


Just got myself a proto absolute. 13x6,5 snare and an Dtx 2.0 module (missed the hybride set)

pics will follow.

Anybody intrested in a one of a kind 13x5,5 Beni?

Could you post a pic? Do you have sound files?

[MusiQmaN]

Could you post a pic? Do you have sound files?

www.picturetrail.com/dutchbeni

Soundclips can be found on all my former postings in this topic about the Oak custom :D

Here are some pics of the Yamaha snare:

http://i19.ebayimg.com/06/i/000/e6/ba/0403_12.JPG

http://i23.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/e6/ba/3bc2_12.JPG

Looks like some birdseye kind of wood (the seller couldnt tell)


Russ' azure kit:

http://www.russmiller.com/v5/media/photos/lg/MeredithBrooksTourrig.jpg

[JerryOnDrums]

Very cool set up, JOD.. those are maples I presume.. you happy with EC2s ?

I absolutely LOVE the EC2's. I'm using this kit in an original rock group, and a metal group, so I wanted a temperamental and durable head. The EC2's are all of those things, and more, imo! I had G2 coated's on before, and the drums just opened up so much more with the clears. Here is the metal group's myspace, with one track up right now: www.myspace.com/deadbytuesday Of course, myspace tunes tunes are compressed as hell, but you'll get the idea.

Danander11: They are MCA's, and the snare is a 7X14 BCA. I also have a 5.5X14 MCA snare that I play on my jazz kit (70's Gretsch, 18X14" bd, etc.)

Thanks for the kind words!

[DanielG]

What do you think of mine?

Yamaha stopped to continue the 14" depth on 20" and 22" BD's in the Absolute series. So I could be happy to own one.

Yamaha even stopped to continue the Beech Absolute!

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f59/Galati/DSC00775.jpg
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f59/Galati/DSCI0020.jpg

[MusiQmaN]

Woww an bamboo.. buht it new?

Gtta have one of thse to, althoug im a 13'' man


Loveley, and also the kit.

Andthey stopped the 14'' depth and Beech line. Especcially that last one is a losse I think.

[jbsg02]

My birch custom absolutes I got in last week.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c306/jbsg02/DSC02342.jpg

[Guillermo]

Daniel G, I love that finish... that Yamaha finish gets deeper and more beautiful with time.

Many people don't know it, but actually, for micing BDs on that proportion actually are easier to work with and very versatile... with a natural punch and controlled boominess that many mics can handle well.

[Drum-Head]

It sucks that they got rid of the Beech Absolutes. There goes my project of having maple kick and beech toms...

[gconyers]

DanielG,

The finish on your drums is stunning....natural is my all time favourite followed closely by vintage black. The Fiberskyn head on the bass looks great as well.

Grant

[JerryOnDrums]

What do you think of mine?

Yamaha stopped to continue the 14" depth on 20" and 22" BD's in the Absolute series. So I could be happy to own one.

My kick is a 20X14...and let me tell you, it really is an amazing sounding drum. Get your hands on one if you can!!

[RobertM]

Does anyone have any updates on the Yamaha Carter Beauford Signature snare? It is supposed to be a 14x6.5 brass shell, I think, with die-cast hoops. Last I heard the finish was planned as yellow (excellent!!!).

Also, any feedback on the new Yamaha Sensitive Series snares? 60 degree top edge with 45 degree bottom edge. 7 ply maple. I'm tempted to snag one, but haven't seen it or heard it yet in person.

Musiqman: nice snare--that green is cool. It looks like a Steve Jordan signature snare in lime green.

I'm also tempted to get an auxiliary snare and was thinking of either the Mushasi Oak 12x6 or 10x4.5. Thoughts?

[danander11]

I walked in to a drum shop this afternoon to pick up a mount I had ordered, and there were loose Yamaha drums of all shapes and sizes all over the place... :-O

Apparently, Yammie decided to empty some room in one of their warehouses and these fellas bought a ton of stuff cheap.

They have TWO! 18 x 22" Recording Custom kicks in cherry (matches my kit).. brand new for a little less than 50% of retail.. Which for here is a whopping deal...

I want one... but I have to make a quick (unexpected), trip back to the states this week so I can't throw any money at them.. :-(

I'm hoping that at least one of them will be there when I return and I might work something out with them..

The bummer is that there is this sweet Craviotto that I've had my eye on that I was going to pick up in the states, now I may just give it a miss and go for the kick. (I wonder if anyone might want to buy my 24? or if I should even sell it?) sigh.

At any rate.. keep an eye on your local Yammie dealer.. they're having a spring cleaning.

Peace!

[Mikey Dangerous]

I love this thread!!! hahaha
Well, I finally got myself a digital camera and thought I'd share a few pics of my newly acquired Yamaha Birch Custom Absolutes in Vintage Natural Finish. They don't look this "orange" in person, but what the hell - here goes...

Specs:

Drums:
14" x 4" Yamaha Brass Snare
8", 10", 12", 14", 16" BCA Toms (all mounted)
20" BCA Bass

Hardware:
Yamaha 9-Series hardware, stands, mounts, etc.
Yamaha HS1000 2-legged Hi-Hat Stand
Yamaha "Flying Dragon" Double bass drum pedals (chain drive)

Heads:
Remo Coated Emporers (Batter - Snare & Toms)
Stock Yamaha (Resonant - Snare and Toms)
Remo Powerstroke 4 (Batter - Bass)
Stock Yamaha with 5" offset hole (Resonant - Bass)
*I know the Tom heads aren't centered properly - I didn't put them on, lol.

Cymbals (L to R):
14" Zildjian Quick Beat Hi-Hats
16" Sabian HH Sound Control Crash
18" Sabian HHX Evolution Crash
12" Sabian HHX Evolution Splash
10" Sabian HHX Evolution Splash
20" Sabian HH Ride
16" Sabian HHX Evolution Crash
17" Sabian HHX Evolution Effeks Crash

[2bsticks]

Well I did it. Just won these on eBay for $850.00 seems like a good deal to me? This will compliment my Absolutes. Can't wait to get my hands on them. My Kits, by the way the Club Customs are for sale.

[aydee]

New birds eye view pic of my MCANS.. with lots of bronze toppings, and a new cherry in the center (PEACE piccolo). Sorry you can see much of the drums:
18458

[TitanSound]

What the hell!? Its the wrong way round!

:P

[aydee]

What the hell!? Its the wrong way round!

:P

Just for you, TS.

Hope you also like my new Naijdliz 's

[TitanSound]

How do they sound? Although I think they may get sued as thier stamping of logos is very familiar =D

[gconyers]

Aydee,

you had it right the first time!!

[MusiQmaN]

Lefty shizzle ;) nice view :D

[madyus221]

Yamaha Tour Custom Moto x. 18520

[MusiQmaN]

Went shopping this month :D:

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1281/4353153/9184002/316637255.jpg

3 Amedia cymbals (15'' Shaban Classic crash, 16'' Trace Raw Rock china, 17'' Vigor Rock crash (used as crash/ride when used with the HipGig)

10 pair of new sticks (Balbex German 5B Hickory)

1 pair of Floppy sticks (Balbex Fs5)

Yamaha 13x6,5 Birdseye Maple prototype snare

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1281/4353153/9184002/316182042.jpg

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL1281/4353153/9184002/316182041.jpg

Vintage practice/HipGig set (16''x14'' kick, 10x3,5 tom, 12x3,5 tom, 13x3,5 tom/snare, 13x3,5 tom/snare)

HS650 hihat stand (for the HipGig)

Dtx 2.0 module

TP65 triggerpad



Ordered:
Yamaha Hex Rack
Dt-20 triggers


(if anybody got more information about the vintage set, please let me know :D)

[Drum-Head]

Wow I haven't seen one of those Hip Gig practice kits in years! They used to have two of them at my drum school.

[MusiQmaN]

Wow I haven't seen one of those Hip Gig practice kits in years! They used to have two of them at my drum school.

And did you fancy them?

mann.. (to) expensive months.

Bought myself an SD-493 Brass Piccolo

http://i12.ebayimg.com/07/i/000/ed/9c/90af_1.JPG