Here we have a Yamaha Live Custom Hybrid Oak, upon launch the media reviews were all incredibly positive and complimentary across the board for Yamaha's latest addition to their professional drum line up.
Since checking it out for ourselves it's safe to say that Yamaha have done it again! The bass drum is incredible, bags of power, presence and extended low end (we think this may have a lot to do with 'Bass Enhancement Weights' fitted inside the bass drum) The Toms deliver a super tone, whilst they are capable of producing a perfectly pure note at lower dynamics, when faced with the other extreme end of the scale these toms never seem to choke even when played at the highest SPL's. Throughout the dynamic spectrum these drums deliver great definition, plenty of presence and that same beautiful tone associated with all of Yamaha's high end kits. These drums will suit players of all styles but the Live Custom Hybrid Oak will certainly better serve drummers who need more attack and projection out of their drums.
The new 7 ply Oak/Phenolic sheet hybrid shell and the Bass Enhancement Weight delivers massive power and articulation especially for playing in live situations (though these will be great in the studio too with out doubt). Also the new finishing technique based on traditional Japanese "UZUKURI" process emphasises the natural beauty of the Oak grain.
Oak / Phenolic Sheet Hybrid Shell
The Live Custom Hybrid Oak shell concept is borrowed from the PHX and Absolute Hybrid Maple kits. For the new Live Oak Yamaha have opted for a dense phenolic sheet sandwiched between two sheets of Oak ply. Always a pioneer in the field of of Oak drums, Yamaha has enhanced the dynamic range of the new Live Custom kits by accentuating their attack and projection.
UZUKURI Finish
The traditional Japanese finishing technique known as "UZUKURI" has been modified for use on the Hybrid Oak drum shells. In this procedure, the soft areas in the wood grain are sanded and then the whole shell is coated with a thin layer of black paint. The entire surface of the shell is then sanded again before the final coating is applied, in a process that emphasizes the natural beauty of the Oak grain. This gives the Live Custom Hybrid Oak a unique look and appearance all of it's own!
Bass Enhancement Weight
Featuring a design styled around the Absolute Lug, the weights studded in the bass drum at the lug points attenuate low-mid frequencies, resulting in a tight, focused bass drum sound.
Dark Silver Hardware and Black Finished Shell Interiors
Dark Silver hardware delivers a dominating image further heightened with the black shell interiors
- 8 x 7, 10 x 7 & 12 x 8 Rack Toms
- 14 x 13 & 16 x 15 Floor Toms
- 22 x 18 Bass Drum with Bass Enhancement Weights
- Ice Sunburst Uzukuri Finish
- Oak/Phenolic Sheet Hybrid 7ply 7.3mm (Toms & Floors), 7ply 8.8mm (Bass Drum)
- 2.3mm Dyna Hoop (dark silver finished)
- Dark Silver Absolute Lugs
- R1.5 45 degree bearing edges
- YESS III Isolation Mounting System
- Die-Cast Bass Drum Hooks
- Single Tom Holder, Double Tom Holder and 6 x Floor Tom Legs Included
- Yamaha by Remo Heads fitted throughout | Toms - Top: Remo Clear Emperor, Bottom: Remo Clear Ambassador | Bass Drum - Front: Remo P3 Ebony, Batter: Remo P3 Clear
- Made in China
Please Note
We have pictured the kit with a Matching Snare Drum (available separately) Cymbals and Stands. These are not included with the kit and are shown for illustration purposes. If you need any additional items please let us know and we will be happy to provide you with a bespoke quote.