When I decided to get my first pro drum set, it was 1986 and I just graduated high school, getting ready to attend Berklee. I decided that I was going to invest in a Yamaha kit, because all the studio cats played them (Gadd, Weckl, Larri Londin, etc) and I always loved how their drums sounded. So I ordered a Power Tour Custom 5 piece in Red Wood finish with matching snare. A year or so later I ordered an additional smaller 10" tom to make the kit a 6 piece. That set, and the hardware lasted me for many, many years through many gigs, studio sessions, different styles of music, with different set up variations, etc. Then, when I needed a smaller set for the smaller venues I was playing a few years later, well, it was a Rick Marotta HipGig of course! About ten years ago I found a vintage Rogers 4 piece kit for $500 on CL and grabbed it. I then went into my vintage Rogers phase and built on that set and do love it. But now, I'm looking at a another set, that I'd like to be new, have flexible tuning, and in basic sizes. Funnily, the new Yamaha Tour Custom is looking like an excellent candidate for its sonic flexibility, build quality and price point.
So....my question....the sizes of the new Tour Custom are all about one inch smaller depth than standard. Ironically, I think my original Power Tour Customs were 1 inch longer/deeper than standard, so these are closer to the smaller sizes I am digging these days. Do you think that these drums will hold their own in years to come? Or, will they be looked upon as "Yeah, that was the affordable line from Yamaha that had weird sizes". Just curious. It wont really sway me one way or another. Anyone have these drums that can provide opinions?
I find it humorous, as well as a testament to the brand, that I'm looking at another, totally different Tour Custom set, 32 years later!!
BTW, this picture of Larry Londin in Modern Drummer c. 1984 is what made me decide on my original Power Tour Customs in the Redwood finish. I could not afford the Recording Customs so got the next line down!
So....my question....the sizes of the new Tour Custom are all about one inch smaller depth than standard. Ironically, I think my original Power Tour Customs were 1 inch longer/deeper than standard, so these are closer to the smaller sizes I am digging these days. Do you think that these drums will hold their own in years to come? Or, will they be looked upon as "Yeah, that was the affordable line from Yamaha that had weird sizes". Just curious. It wont really sway me one way or another. Anyone have these drums that can provide opinions?
I find it humorous, as well as a testament to the brand, that I'm looking at another, totally different Tour Custom set, 32 years later!!
BTW, this picture of Larry Londin in Modern Drummer c. 1984 is what made me decide on my original Power Tour Customs in the Redwood finish. I could not afford the Recording Customs so got the next line down!