Older Yamaha Maple Custom

[turbinesaint]

I have a chance to purchase an older set of Yamaha Maple Custom Absolutes with the black interior shells. I'm paying $1300 for them. I was wondering if anyone had any information regarding the approximate age of these drums. They should be the models previous to the nouveau series. I'm guessing the only difference is the lugs. I almost went with a brand new Pro M, but I think for the money this kit would be a step up even with one less tom. Any info you could give would help. I'll try to attach a picture.

[Les Ismore]

I have a chance to purchase an older set of Yamaha Maple Custom Absolutes with the black interior shells. I'm paying $1300 for them. I was wondering if anyone had any information regarding the approximate age of these drums. They should be the models previous to the nouveau series. I'm guessing the only difference is the lugs. I almost went with a brand new Pro M, but I think for the money this kit would be a step up even with one less tom. Any info you could give would help. I'll try to attach a picture.


With Yamaha truly 'age really doesn't matter'. Its 'condition' and these look well kept. Any of Yamaha's hi-end lines have been top quality from the beginning. The shells have been made in the same type of mold forever.

$1300 is 'fair' for both sides.If we're talking shell pack, (just drums) Its not a steal or even a great deal, its a good market price. I would much rather have these than Pro M.

Different lug's, different rims, that's about it, still great drums. Honestly, what's your concern?

[Guillermo]

Those are early 21st century... Abslutes were introduced around 2000-2001 give or take a year or two, IF I'M not mistaken.

The only sort of major changes made to these drums since their inception is more finishes available and NOUVEAU lugs available... they are the same drums since the getgo.

Heck, the original Maple Custom were introduced in '90-'91 and they're STILL virtually identical.

[JRH7]

I would take this kit over a Pro-M any day of the week. I would take this kit over a Saturn series and maybe even the Orion series.

J.

[Tamascb10]

I would take this kit over a Pro-M any day of the week. I would take this kit over a Saturn series and maybe even the Orion series.

J.

Orion? I wouldn't go that far.



Anyway though, great deal for a kit like that. You'll love it!

[mofle]

Orion? I wouldn't go that far.



Anyway though, great deal for a kit like that. You'll love it!

I would pick this kit over any mapex kit any day. This is one of the best ply kits money can buy

[aydee]

Ditto on Guilermos post & ditto on Mofle

[baz]

...buy them dammit.

Cause if you don't, I'm afraid that I will.

Barry

[Guillermo]

On the Mapex comment.

Mapex are nice drums... I think they REALLY nailed the mid level market and their Pro M really shook up that segment... if it wasn't for Mapex Pro M coming out, Pearl Exports and Tama Rockstars would STILL have covered finishes and single braced HW.

HOWEVER I also believe they haven't yet found a niche or uniqueness on their top of the line stuff... Orion are simply IN MY VIEW not quite there yet... great drums... but they lack the character that say a Maple Custom Absolute has... that stuff like Pearl Masters, Sonor Hilities, Tama Artstar or Starclassic have... that star quality of when they came out they stood out for something... an Orion is like a nicer Saturn.

Again in my opinion... BTW, did you get 'em yet?... that kit looks very very good.

[harryconway]

Yamaha Maple Customs for $1300. Buy them. I'll agree, not a great deal, but good fair market value. You're slipping into a kit that probably cost a little over $2K new. As far as the Yamaha/Mapex debate, the Orion "new" runs around $2.8K http://www.jcpercussion.com/servlet/the-351/mapex-drumsets,-drumsets,-kit,/Detail . Once you take one of those off the showroom, then you've got a $1.4K kit http://www.musicgoround.com/gear/inventorydetails.asp?id=611844 . There are a lot more Yamaha fans out in the drumming world than Mapex fans.

[turbinesaint]

Thanks for the input. I bought them for $1200 with free shipping. I think this will give me the most "bang for my buck" so to speak. This will be a giant leap forward from my Pearl Export that I've had for 10 years now. I'll post pictures of my setup when they arrive.

[MusiQmaN]

Those are early 21st century... Abslutes were introduced around 2000-2001 give or take a year or two, IF I'M not mistaken.

The only sort of major changes made to these drums since their inception is more finishes available and NOUVEAU lugs available... they are the same drums since the getgo.

Heck, the original Maple Custom were introduced in '90-'91 and they're STILL virtually identical.


there's more differenc.

The black interior was only produced for a shorter amount of period.

It now has diecast hoops.

You still can choose between these lugs and the newer Nouveau lugs.

The newer versions have a screwed on badge, these one haven't


Still, 1200 dollar is a great price.

Have fun with it (and I bet you will ;) )

[Guillermo]

They come with die cast hoops standard?... wow... that's a big commitment for price.
Odd really, these are super thin shells.

[MusiQmaN]

there not so thin. and especially not so thin, as lets say a Noble & Cooley