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 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 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.

All 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.

Lifted Style Bass Drum

Steve prefers a 20 inch lifted bass drum, so we adopted this specification.

We reduced interference from the floor to maximize the resonance of the shell, and increased the length of the pedal beater rod, centering it precisely to ensure absolute accuracy during performances. This lifted bass drum produces a more punchy sound and accentuates the sound produced in the core of the shell.

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.

Coated Head

Toms and floor toms are equipped with Remo Ambassador Coated heads, which are known for their warm, clear tone and open, resonant sound quality. Bass drums are fitted with a PS3 Smooth White Yamaha logo head and a Remo PS3 coated batter head (18 inch bass drum batter side features a Remo Ambassador Coated head).

YESS Mount

Brackets and shells are connected using the smallest possible contact area, so that resonance damping is minimal. These are the basic concepts that were behind the development of the YESS mounting system. Where it was previously necessary to adjust the rod length to achieve optimum resonance, or in some cases to subdue an excessively resonant shell, YESS makes it easy to achieve ideal resonant characteristics.

Floor Tom Brackets

Floor Tom bracket includes wing bolts. It’s designed to clamp tightly on the leg without damaging it, to save time on stage, and to deliver optimum decay control.

Diecast BD Hooks

Bass drums feature designed doe-cast hooks, which provide noise free function through the use of an insertion plate.