The new Recording Custom represents the ultimate pursuit of superior sound quality, realized with the collaboration of world-renowned drummer Steve Gadd. It features thin, 6-ply North American birch shells with a sharp 30-degree/R1.5 bearing edge profile, delivering a clear, punchy tone with excellent response. Equipped with newly designed, heavier high-tension lugs, the drums produce a solid, focused sound complemented by crisp, well-defined sustain. As the series that defined the origins of Yamaha System Drums, the Recording Custom has evolved into a model perfectly suited for modern recording environments, empowering drummers to reach their full potential across a wide range of musical settings.
(Development Collaboration with Steve Gadd)
About three years ago, the Yamaha drum design and development team approached me about reviving the Recording Custom. I told the team that I wanted the new Recording Custom to be an evolution in every respect.
We focused development on achieving specific goals: a bass drum with a solid, focused core sound; a shell that responds quickly to a wide variety of drumheads; and a snare drum that combines a simple design with a broad tuning range. We strove to maximize sound quality with the new Recording Custom, and we succeeded. I am confident that everyone will love it.
(Newly Designed High-Tension Lugs)
We completely redesigned the high-tension lugs—an iconic feature of the Recording Custom. While preserving traditional elements, we increased the lug mass to ensure the tight, rich low-to-mid-range resonance of the birch wood remained uncompromised. This design eliminates unwanted overtones without the need for external muffling, delivering a crisp, focused sound with powerful volume. (Bass Drum Floating System) *Not available for 22-inch models
At the request of Steve Gadd, a bass drum lifter has been incorporated exclusively for the 20-inch model. By lifting the 20-inch bass drum, the foot pedal beater strikes the center of the drumhead, allowing for a playing feel identical to that of a 22-inch bass drum. This setup produces a powerful, high-volume shell resonance that defies the expectations for a 20-inch drum.
(100% North American Birch)
Constructed from 100% North American birch. In addition to the powerful sound and characteristic mid-to-low frequency response of birch, the newly designed high-tension lugs effectively suppress unwanted overtones. Every stroke by the drummer translates into a clear, well-defined sound. The new Recording Custom has evolved into the ideal model for modern recording environments.
(30°/R1.5 Bearing Edge)
Features a 30°/R1.5 bearing edge profile. During development, extensive sound testing with various edge angles was conducted to achieve a crisp, articulate sound. The combination of birch—known for its wide tuning range—and this sharp edge angle ensures quick response and excellent tuning stability, even when using a wide variety of drumheads.
(Coated Heads)
Equipped with Ambassador Coated heads as standard on the batter side of tom-toms and floor toms (Powerstroke 3 Coated heads for the bass drum). These heads maximize the shell's inherent, thick, and focused sound.
(Specifications)
Sizes: BD/22" x 16"
TT/10" x 7.5"
TT/12" x 8"
FT/16" x 15"
Shell: 6-ply, 6mm Birch
Lugs: Weighted High-Tension Lugs
Hoops: TT, FT/1.6mm Steel
Triple-Flanged Hoops
BD/Wood Hoops
Tom Holder: Triple Holder
Mount/Y.E.S.S.
This item is sold As-Described
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