YAMAHA 1980 Recording Custom Snare Drum SD098 - Piano Black Lacquer

Yamaha Drums introduced the YD9000 series in 1977 which would later become the Recording Custom series. That is where this snare drum comes in. This particular one is a 14” x 8” and was the 35th drum born in the Yamaha drum factory during the month of October 1980. The shell is comprised of 100% birch plies and is finished in a stunning, high gloss Piano Black Lacquer. The factory finish on the interior is like fine furniture. This snare employs 10 lugs and uses an extended snare system with extremely shallow snare beds and super sensitive response. It has also been outfitted with the Russ Miller “Groove Wedge” for a full, beefy, woody rim click. This is a $100 upgrade in itself.

Yamaha also got into the die cast hoop game around this time but instead of steel, they used aluminum “Power Hoops” which produce a brighter tone than heavier steel. However, the snare side hoop is prone to having the extended snare gates broken, bent, or missing on either one, or both sides, or the aluminum “Power Hoops” have been replaced altogether with standard ones. New “Power Hoops” can cost upward of $100 each for decent ones. This snare has both hoops beautifully preserved and both snare gates are fully intact. It also comes with a new Remo Ambassador on top, a new Ludwig Weather Master snare head, and new Pure Sound Extended snare wires.

I am only the second owner of this instrument and have had it for decades (studio only). It has been obviously, extreeemly well cared for. It is in near perfect, immaculate condition even though it is approaching the half century mark.