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Average Price: $1,850

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$2500+

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Description

Crafted for drummers who demand both performance and quality, the Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set is a testament to Yamaha's long-standing reputation in the world of percussion. This set is renowned for its all-maple shells, which deliver a warm, rich resonance and unparalleled tonal clarity. The hand-selected North American maple construction ensures a balanced sound that is perfect for both live performances and studio recordings.

Designed with precision and attention to detail, the Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set features high-tension lugs that enhance tuning stability, allowing you to maintain your sound set after set. The robust hardware is built to withstand the demands of regular gigging, while the die-cast hoops offer increased strength and projection.

Whether you're delving into jazz, rock, or any genre in between, this drum set provides the versatility and expressiveness every drummer seeks. Yamaha's commitment to quality is seen in every aspect of this set, making it a reliable choice for both seasoned professionals and passionate hobbyists.

Key Features:

  • All-maple shells for rich, resonant tones
  • High-tension lugs for enhanced tuning stability
  • Die-cast hoops for increased strength and projection
  • Hand-selected North American maple construction
  • Versatile sound suitable for various music genres

Product specs

Brand Yamaha
Model Maple Custom Drum Set
Made In Japan
Categories Drum Sets

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set and how does it affect the sound?

The Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set is made from maple wood, which is known for its warm, resonant tone and balanced sound. Maple drums typically offer a wide tuning range and are suitable for various musical styles, providing both clarity and depth.

Is the Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set suitable for professional use?

Yes, the Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set is designed with professional drummers in mind. Its high-quality construction, versatile sound, and reliable performance make it an excellent choice for studio recordings and live performances.

How does the Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set compare to birch drum sets?

Maple drum sets, like the Yamaha Maple Custom, generally offer a warmer and more resonant tone compared to birch, which is known for its brighter and more focused sound. Maple is ideal for a wide range of musical genres due to its versatile tonal qualities.

What are the standout features of the Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set?

The Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set features high-quality maple shells, offering a warm and resonant tone, and is crafted in Japan for precision and durability. It is known for its versatile sound, making it suitable for various musical styles and professional applications.

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set - Vintage Natural

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set - Vintage Natural by Memphis Drum Shop

Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set - Vintage Natural

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set - Vintage Natural by Memphis Drum Shop

Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set - Vintage Natural

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Reviews

PROS

  • Exceptional tonal range for jazz, blues, and rock music

  • High-quality craftsmanship with notable durability and robust sonic character

  • Versatile for both live performances and studio recordings

  • Simplistic design without unnecessary complex features

  • Gold-plated lugs indicating premium build quality

  • Long-lasting sound quality, even after years of use

  • Competitively priced when found secondhand, offering great value

  • Rare and sought-after, adding exclusivity to ownership

  • Simple yet elegant design, avoiding reliance on exotic materials

CONS

  • Limited availability due to discontinued production

  • Higher initial cost, though justified by quality

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set.

User experience

  • Owners note exceptional projection, sounding powerful from the audience's perspective, described as "Godzilla plowing through Tokyo."

    Source
  • Aesthetic appeal and immaculate appearance frequently praised, indicating high satisfaction with visual presentation.

    Source
  • The drums are described as "end-game" kits, highlighting their high-end status and exceptional quality, even among experienced drummers.

    Source
  • Some owners report the kit's finish, specifically in Vintage Natural, has a "cult following," indicating a strong aesthetic appeal.

    Source
  • The Maple Custom's vintage natural finish is highly praised, with some owners preferring it over other finishes like burgundy.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The nodal point mounting and improved lugs on later models enhance design stability and sound quality.

    Source
  • Yamaha's "Custom Drums" badge indicates special orders or artist kits, often with unique specifications not found in standard models.

    Source
  • The Maple Custom Absolute shell's production moved locations after a certain year, affecting buyer preferences for kits made in Japan.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Users favor Evans G2 batter heads with G1 resonants for optimal sound, although experimenting with heads can be costly.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The thick-shelled design distinguishes this kit from the Maple Custom Absolute series, offering unique tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • The original Maple Custom with gold lugs is heavier and sturdier compared to the lighter Maple Custom Absolute, which enhances resonance for gigging.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • Kits from this era are highly sought after and can be worth upwards of $5,000, even more with unique signatures or provenance.

    Source

Build quality

  • The kit in question features Yamaha's older absolute style hardware, suggesting a robust and reliable design.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The kit's pristine condition, with unmarked heads, implies it was likely used for less aggressive music styles that maintain drum integrity.

    Source
  • Owners prefer the Maple Custom for stationary setups due to its weight, while the lighter Absolutes are favored for gigs.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 3 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
thatmouxie

Love this kit - The best I've ever played.

Bought as a shell pack for a bargain price, it sounds as good as when I bought it 20 years ago. 20 inch kick, and 10, 12, 14 and 16 inch toms with high end holders and stands. All Evans heads except a coated ambassador on the fibreglass snare I bought a year or so after. Records great, and robust construction. Gold plating on the lugs even! If you find one at a reasonable price, give it a listen. The cymbals are Sabian AX and HH with one Zildjian Ping Ride. Love it.

swdrums

Can't Get Any Better

I love this kit and the sound is amazing. It works great in a live and studio setting and is a perfect all around drum kit.

From Gear Setup

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Steve Jordan uses Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set

Steve Jordan

Drummer

The Rolling Stones

...
Verified via YouTube

His assistant shows his equipment at 2:51

See how Jimmy Chamberlin uses Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set

Jimmy Chamberlin

Drummer

The Smashing Pumpkins

...
Verified via Google

Yamaha endorsee from 1994 to 2010. Jimmy used rock custom and recording custom before using a maple custom for the recording of Siamese Dream in 1993. He used differents maple custom kit, one black maple in studio then, a black piano, and then a white marine pearl for lollapalooza tour and the first half of Mellon Collie era. He still has this kit. Then he used an another kit by the end of his time of Mellon Collie tour.

See how Larry Mullen, Jr. uses Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set

Larry Mullen, Jr.

Drummer

U2

...
Verified

In one of the forum comments, Larry Mullen Jr. is confirmed to have used a Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set, specifically the 30th Anniversary sparkle edition on the PopMart Tour.

See how Vinnie Colaiuta uses Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set

Vinnie Colaiuta

Drummer

Five Peace Band Live

...
Verified via Vinniecolaiuta

Mentioned in this 1993 Modern Drummer interview, archived on Colaiuta's official website.

See how Erik Sandin uses Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set

Erik Sandin

Drummer

NOFX

...
Verified via YouTube

https://youtu.be/OCej0XqqkFk at 1:31 into the video he explain this is his favorite drum set

See how D. H. Peligro uses Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set

D. H. Peligro

Drummer

Red Hot Chili Peppers

...
Verified via Facebook

“Thanks to yamaha drums official and Greg Crane for the sweet Yamaha Drum kit for D. H. Peligro this tour. 👏👏”

See how Elvin Jones uses Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set

Elvin Jones

Drummer

John Coltrane Quartet

...
Verified via YouTube

@7:50 Elvin's history with Yamaha and the details of one of his Yamaha Maple Custom sets is provided

See how Perrin Moss uses Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set

Perrin Moss

Drummer, Music Producer

Hiatus Kaiyote

...
Verified via Yamaha

Perrin Moss is associated with the Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set, as noted on the official Yamaha website.

See how Krzysztof Raczkowski uses Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set

Krzysztof Raczkowski

Drummer

Vader

...
Verified via YouTube

at 6:06 he says he uses these drums on the Revelations album

See how Dariusz Brzozowski uses Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set

Dariusz Brzozowski

Drummer

Dimmu Borgir

...
Verified via YouTube

at 4:27 it says it uses that drum kit

See how Clyde Stubblefield uses Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set

Clyde Stubblefield

Drummer

...
Verified via Yamaha

As listed on Clyde Stubblefields official Yamaha Artist Page. The sizes are a 22 by 16 bass, a 13 by 9 mounted tom tom, a 14 by 12 mounted tom tom, a 16 by 16 floor tom, and a 14 by 6.5 snare.

See how Eric Harland uses Yamaha Maple Custom Drum Set

Eric Harland

Singer, Drummer

Eric Harland Trio

...
Verified via Drummerworld

Specified in this Modern Drummer layout, as taken from this Drummerworld profile of Harland.

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 Maple Custom Drum Set, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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swdrums

swdrums

Gear IQ 3050

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