Tama SC Bubinga v. Yamaha Recording Custom

[RobertM]

Sizes: 14x18 or 16x18 bass (with mount), 14x14, 8x12, 8x10. I've played both kits and heard both kits, and I like them both.

Any thoughts or suggestions to help me make a decision?

Thanks!

[RobertM]

Any thoughts on which would be the better choice?? I've already compared the sounds and like them both. Any helpful opinions would be cool.

[Les Ismore]

So if all drum kits truely are one of a kind and not exact replicas of themselves, you're way ahead of any of us on this one. You could pick the best looking one.

[aydee]

Robert, when in doubt, buy both........: )



I've played RCs and they are fabulous. I hear great things about the SCB's...but I've also never heard anybody say they didn't like Bubinga.

I think RCs have better resale value, if thats any kind of tie breaker.

[RobertM]

Thanks for the feedback, guys.

Aydee: Thanks for not calling me a traitor to Yamaha! Ha! I could sense your preference for the RCs. I think I'm leaning that way, too. For one thing, the tom hardware is great with Yamaha--and already solved. With Tama, I would need to pay extra for the tom mount to be added to the bass drum. The RCs are time tested, too. They've been around for a long time and have been--and continue to be--used in all kinds of musical contexts: very versatile drums! And I've never heard anyone complain about RCs--even players I know who have since gone on to play DW or Tama, etc. They remember their RCs fondly.

[aydee]

even players I know who have since gone on to play DW or Tama, etc. They remember their RCs fondly.

That was my point. I've actually played them just once... A couple of years back at a music festival in D.C.... another drummers kit. Set up & tuned very differently to my preferences, and yet it still blew me away..

Danander swears by his RCs as much as any other RCs players that that I've known. Of all drum models that are out there, the RCs' & some Ludwig models are the only ones that I've seen over the years, that inspire incredible loyalty, way over more than anything else. So theres gotta be something they got right, making these drums.

Cant call you a traitor.........yet. You are still undecided....... ; 0 )

[rendezvous_drummer]

I vote Yamaha (big surprise!). They are one of the most trusted drums for a reason and that is their quality and consistency in sounding amazing. The Tama is good too, but the hardware and drum craftsmanship on the RC's are just so much better.

[aydee]

I would have imagined that an RC would sound very different from a SC Bubinga, thereby making it an easy decision, either way....

[RobertM]

Yeah, they sound different, but both sound good.

I think I'm going to go for the RCs. I was actually getting advice to go for the Absolute Birch (because of the 18" drum lift, die-cast hoops, etc.), but there's something about the RCs that just stand out. And I don't think die-cast hoops make that huge a difference: I've played Maple Customs, which use flanged hoops like the RCs, and the bebop tunings are excellent with them. Everything about the RCs is solid: good sound, sturdy design, great hardware, excellent reputation, high respect, etc. It's win-win with those Yamaha birch shells.

Some day I'll get a Tama--just, if nothing else, to satisfy my old childhood (and present) devotion to Stewart Copeland.

Aydee's right, though: I wish I could get both!

P.S. Due the RC high-tension lugs make a difference? I've read drum talk that argues single-contact lugs, like the Absolute lugs or GMS lugs, help to enhance a drum's resonance; but, I've also read drum talk stuff that argues high-tension long lugs, like the RC lugs, reduce stress on the drum shell due to tuning because of their longer design. True?

[aydee]

Agree with you about the hoops. All resonance is mostly the shell & the head/tuning.. IMO.

Good question about the full contact lugs.. maybe Danny can chip in. Doesn't keep the RCs from singing sweet & true, however..