Here we have the new Yamaha Recording Custom! This is the re-designed Recording Custom which is now built in Yamaha’s new Chinese facility. Working with the legendary Artist Steve Gadd, Yamaha have elevated the iconic Recording Custom Series with new design elements, producing a refined focused sound with enhanced rounded and deeper tone. All North American Birch 6 Ply shells with 30 Degree Bearing Edges are complimented by the re-designed Hi Tension Lug that is weighted to enhance lower frequencies. The result is an easy-to-use and easy-to-tune drum set that re-defines the classic signature sound. Suitable for any style of drumming in all situations.

NEW WEIGHTED LUGS

The revamped modern design retains the traditional look and style of the Recording Custom. In order to maximise the attenuating properties of the birch wood, Yamaha 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.

ALL NORTH AMERICAN BIRCH 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.

R1.5 30 DEGREE BEARING EDGES

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 very easy to tune.

IN SUMMARY

Yamaha have done a great job of the new Recording Custom. The character of this drum kit certainly feels like a recording custom and the changes haven't moved it too far away from the original design or changed the USP of this legendary line. The redesign certainly updates the kit subtly in terms of its looks, the tweaks in terms of weighting the lugs and raising the drum (on the 20” size) have further improved the control and focus of the toms and the bass drums certainly seems to deliver more low end than the original bass drums.

We have sold many of these kits to original R.C. fans, for avid fans of the series there is probably a place for both in the collection, the new one doesn’t directly replace the original design but the old ones don’t do everything the new one can do either. The new series also offers the more in demand standard depth sizes which are increasingly hard to find on the second hand market in the older series due to the popularity of power toms during the height of the lines success.

As you would expect from Yamaha, the build quality and finish quality on the kit is second to none, the chrome work is perfection and the new finishes are flawless. The shells are perfectly round and the bearing edges are precise and smooth. Yamaha have made a very successful transition in to China and if it didn’t say where it was made on the badge you would have a hard time picking between these and the already well established Japanese products that went before.

We highly recommend the Recording Custom, particularly if you regularly mic up live or have a lot of work based in the studio.

12 x 8 Tom
14 x 13 Floor Toms
18 x 14 Bass Drum
Finished in Classic Walnut Lacquer
New design weighted 1 piece high tension lugs
100% American Birch Shell finished inside with Dark Brown Paint
30 degree R1.5 bearing edges
Y.E.S.S. System on the Toms
1.6mm triple flanged hoops
Die-Cast bass drum claws and hooks
Made in China
Single Tom Holder and Floor Tom legs included