Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $2,395
Standard/Professional
$999
$2500+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Yamaha Live Custom". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The Yamaha Live Custom drum set is a masterclass in craftsmanship and innovation, designed for drummers who demand both style and substance. With its Hybrid Oak Shells, this drum set offers a unique fusion of exquisite Japanese uzukuri finishes and cutting-edge sonic performance. The 7-ply shells incorporate a phenolic resin inner layer that enhances resonance and delivers a pure, pronounced fundamental tone, making every beat impactful and nuanced.
Yamaha has incorporated their finest hardware innovations into the Live Custom, ensuring that each component contributes to an unparalleled playing experience. The inclusion of internal bass drum weights provides a robust low-end response, while the single-post Absolute lugs maximize shell integrity and resonance. The YESS III suspension system further enhances sustain by minimizing unwanted vibrations, ensuring each tom rings with clarity and depth.
Aesthetically, the Live Custom is a visual feast. The uzukuri-inspired finishing technique accentuates the natural oak grain with a subtle, luxurious touch. This, combined with the dark silver 2.3mm DynaHoops, gives the drum set a sophisticated yet bold appearance that is sure to turn heads both on and off stage.
Key Features:
- 7-ply oak shells with synthetic phenolic resin cores for enhanced resonance
- Uzukuri-inspired traditional Japanese finishing for unique aesthetic appeal
- Internal bass drum weights for deeper, punchier low-end tones
- YESS III suspension system for improved tom sustain and reduced vibrations
- Single-post Absolute lugs for maximized shell resonance
- Dark silver 2.3mm triple-flanged DynaHoops
- Outfitted with Remo batter and reso heads
Product specs
| Finish | Charcoal Sunburst, Uzukuri Matte |
| Configuration | Shell Pack without Snare Drum |
| Number of Drums | 5 |
| Mounted Toms (Depth x Diameter) | 7" x 10", 8" x 12" |
| Floor Toms (Depth x Diameter) | 13" x 14", 15" x 16" |
| Bass Drums (Depth x Diameter) | 18" x 22" |
| Shell Material | Oak/Phenolic Hybrid |
| Tom Holders | 1 x TH-945B Double Tom Holder |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used in the Yamaha Live Custom drum shells?
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The Yamaha Live Custom drums feature shells made from an oak and phenolic hybrid, providing a powerful sound with enhanced projection and attack.
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What are the shell sizes included in the Yamaha Live Custom Hybrid Oak 5-piece set?
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The Yamaha Live Custom Hybrid Oak 5-piece Shell Pack includes 7" x 10" and 8" x 12" mounted toms, 13" x 14" and 15" x 16" floor toms, and an 18" x 22" bass drum.
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Is the Yamaha Live Custom suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the Yamaha Live Custom is designed for live performances, offering robust projection and dynamic range, making it ideal for stage use.
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Does the Yamaha Live Custom drum set come with a snare drum?
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No, the Yamaha Live Custom is a shell pack that does not include a snare drum.
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What finish options are available for the Yamaha Live Custom drum set?
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The Yamaha Live Custom drum set is available in finishes like Charcoal Sunburst and Uzukuri Matte, providing a stylish appearance on stage.
Videos
Sweetwater
Yamaha Live Custom 4-piece Shell Pack Review by Sweetwater Sound
Yamaha Live Custom 4-piece Shell Pack Review by Sweetwater Sound
Sweetwater
Nuova Yamaha Live Custom
Yamaha Drums Italy
Yamaha Live Custom 4-Piece Drum Set - Black Shadow Sunburst
N Stuff Music
Yamaha Live Custom Drum Set Review
Drum Center of Portsmouth
Reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Live Custom.
Build quality
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The black shadow sunburst finish is noted for its stunning appearance, with some users confirming it as a lacquer rather than matte.
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Use cases and applications
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The Oak shells of the Yamaha Live Custom are praised for their punchy, loud sound, ideal for live performances and recording, especially in metal genres.
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Comparisons
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The Yamaha Live Custom is compared favorably to the Stage Customs, offering a more professional sound with greater punch and loudness.
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For those considering alternatives, the Ludwig Classic Oak is highlighted for its unique seven-ply shell design, featuring a maple core and dual 45-degree bearing edges for a distinct tonal profile.
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Mods and upgrades
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Owners recommend using Clear G2s for batter heads and G1s for resonant heads, with an EMAD 2 for the kick drum, plus a small pillow for muffling.
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For those desiring a cleaner look, 3D-printed covers for the bass drum tom mount holes are available, which can enhance the aesthetic without affecting sound quality.
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Features and functionality
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The kit is described as having a dry, punchy sound that suits metal music, and the Paragon cymbals are considered more controllable than the Zildjian Mega Bell Ride.
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The 20x16 bass drum is highlighted for its compact size, which users appreciate for its practical dimensions while maintaining powerful sound.
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User experience
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Some users suggest Remo Emperor Vintage (Coated) heads for durability and added warmth compared to standard Emperors.
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Owners emphasize the ease of tuning and the substantial volume output of the Yamaha Live Custom, making it suitable for both live and studio settings.
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It's observed that the Yamaha Oak kits are a preferred choice for drummers seeking a consistent sound across their setup, especially when custom ordering additional toms for a cohesive appearance.
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Setup and maintenance
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Owners discuss using a regular horizontal grab clamp to secure the original Yamaha double tom mount to a Yamaha cymbal stand for an offset tom configuration.
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Value and pricing
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Despite the high cost, the Yamaha Live Custom is considered a "forever kit" by some, indicating long-term satisfaction and investment value.
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The previous version of the Yamaha Live Custom is noted to be more affordable while retaining a modern sound, though it lacks the availability of additional matching custom components.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 0 Reviews and 2 Ratings
Artist usage
Add artist
The Yamaha website shows that Larnell uses a Live Custom kit.
Naturally, Bostaph’s Yamaha drum kits include dual bass drums, sized 22" x 18". His main kits are Oak Customs and Live Customs. “We actually have three or four complete rigs because of all the leapfrogging Slayer does when we’re on tour,” he explains. “I’m also getting a new Absolute Hybrid kit for our upcoming run. I’d always been a maple guy, but I’ve had sound guys complain to me that maple drums aren’t bright enough. With these drums I have warmth, brightness, and power. I recently recorded two songs with Slayer using the Oak Customs, and they sounded and tracked great.” Paul’s kits also include 10", 12", and 14" rack toms, 16" and 18" floor toms, and sometimes a 20" gong drum.
In this official video by Yamaha we can verify what drums kits Aldrigde play
it states on the official yamaha website he uses this drum set
In a YouTube video titled "Yamaha Live Custom Hybrid Oak (2019) Drum Kit Review," Ben Minal discusses his transition from an oyster pearl DW kit to the Yamaha Live Custom, specifically highlighting the red and black fade finish.
Hannes uses all yamaha drums for his setup. His kit is an oak hybrid kit. He likes how the kit resonates better than any kit he has played
Jordan Hastings and Aaron were recording "Afraid of Heights" on Yamaha mixed drum sets, most parts from yamaha live custom - as seen on video.
Here in the website of yamaha artists you can find the information on Robert Sweet's drumset.
From this video, Agung Yudha using Yamaha Live Custom
In a YouTube video by Jorge Olaya, DaDrum is seen playing a Yamaha Live Custom drum set during a 2011 cover performance of "Ahora te puedes marchar" by Luis Miguel. This set is notably the only Yamaha drum set exported to Ecuador.
Album Usage
The Yamaha Live Custom has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha Live Custom, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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