Sound Pure's Take

Few drums have received legendary status quite like the Yamaha Recording Custom. The line was the most sought after set for recording and touring professionals for nearly three decades before being discontinued in 2012. 2016 saw the reintroduction of this legendary line and a collaboration again with Steve Gadd bringing some new improvements for the next generation of sets. 

Like the previous version, the shells are made of birch giving the drums a natural eq-ed sound. Yamaha is now using North American birch 6 ply shells for the toms and 7 ply shells for the bass drums. The birch wood handles highs and lows very well and allows drummers to really lay into the drum or gently play and receive great tone either way. The shallow classic depths give the extra punch and definition that the Recording Customs are known for. 

One noticeable change is the new version of the full-length lug. Slightly larger than the previous lug, this lugs provides quiet and effortless tuning that we loved. The beautiful mirror-like chrome hardware provides a striking contrast against the lavish lacquer finish. The shell interiors are finished with a warm matte brown stain that mimics a process that Yamaha uses on their pianos giving the player an enhanced aesthetic view when played with clear batter heads.

The Recording Customs live up to their reputation as being dependable, great sounding drums. Their crisp quality of sound and short attack decay make them optimal for recording situations but also do well in live playing situations. Check out the power and tone that the legendary Recording Customs offer for yourself.

From Yamaha

Shell

In addition to their punchy power, birch shells are known to reduce unwanted noise and prevent interference when drums are set up side-by-side. The unique sonic characteristics of birch wood ensure that each stroke is clearly delineated, making it widely considered to be the ideal choice for recording environments.

Yamaha Enhanced Sustain System - YESS

The secret of our YESS system is twofold: First, it provides minimum contact of hardware with shell; second, it connects that hardware at the nodal point* of the drum - the point at which it will not interfere with shell vibration. Nylon bushings on rod clamps afford maximum stability. The YESS system permits toms to be placed close together, and does not interfere with quick head changes. On floor toms, our YESS system offers wide open sustain while keeping toms stable under the heaviest strokes. * Nodal point mounting is patented by the Noble & Cooley Drum Company.

New Weighted High-Tension Lugs

The revamped modern design retains the traditional essence of the Recording Custom. In order to maximum the attenuating properties of the birch wood, we’ve increased the weight of the lug, further enhancing the artist’s expressive power and reducing undesirable noise from the shell without using a mute. This ensures optimum sustain for the core sound, producing a crisp, articulate tone.

Die-cast claw hook

Bass drums fitted with T-handles and die-cast hooks provide quick tuning adjustments and noise-free function through the use of an insertion plate.

R1.5/30 degree bearing edge

While testing many combinations of shells Steve Gadd opted for 30 degree bearing edges, to deliver a sharp response. The shells have a wide tuning range, respond well to different head choices and are easy to tune.

Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Set Features

Bass Drum
18x14
Floor Tom
14x13
Rack Tom
12x8

Hoop

Model
Triple Flange Hoop
Material
Steel
Thickness
1.5mm

Lugs

Type
Separate Lug

Shells

Material
Birch

Head

Top
Remo UT Clear
Bottom
Remo UT Clear
Front
Remo UT Ebony P3
Batter
Remo UT Clear P3

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