Pricing and availability
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Price
Average Price: $4,298
High-end/Boutique
$999
$2500+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 2 merchants for "Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
Elevate your rhythm game with the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit, a hallmark of precision and resonance in the drumming world. Designed for professionals who seek impeccable sound quality and durability, this drum kit is crafted with 100% birch shells, known for their rich tonal characteristics and dynamic projection. Each shell is meticulously lacquered inside to enhance the acoustic properties, ensuring your beats are heard with clarity and depth.
The Recording Custom series is celebrated for its versatility, offering drummers a platform to explore a wide range of musical genres with ease. Its 6-ply shell construction is robust yet responsive, providing a balanced sound that captures every nuance of your performance. The 30° round bearing edges contribute to a fuller sound, while the Y.E.S.S. mounting system on the toms ensures stability and minimizes interference with shell vibration.
Equipped with Remo drumheads, this kit delivers a consistent and professional tone right out of the box. The triple-flanged hoops on the toms add to the kit's durability and responsiveness, making it a favorite choice for studio recordings and live performances alike. Whether you're a seasoned professional or an aspiring musician, the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit promises to be your trusted companion on stage and in the studio.
Key Features:
- 100% birch shells for superior sound quality
- 6-ply shell construction
- Lacquered interior for enhanced acoustics
- 30° round bearing edges
- Y.E.S.S. System on the toms
- Remo Ambassador Coated and Clear heads on toms
- Remo Powerstroke 3 heads on bass drum
- Triple-flanged hoops for increased durability
- Includes 22" x 18" bass drum, 10" x 07" and 12" x 08" toms, 16" x 15" floor tom, and Double Tom Holder TH945B
Product specs
| Available since | April 2016 |
| Bass Drum Size | 22" |
| Number of TomToms | 2 |
| Number of Floor Toms | 1 |
| Shell Material | Birch |
| Shell Finish | Lacquer, High glossy |
| Shell Colour | Green |
| Sparkle | No |
| Fade | No |
| Burst | No |
| Shell Hardware Colour | Chrome |
| Incl. Snare | No |
| Shell Surface | Paint, high-gloss |
FAQs
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What wood is used in the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit, and how does it affect the sound?
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The Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit features shells made from North American Birch, which provides a crisp, articulate tone with enhanced lower frequencies, making it ideal for recording and live performance.
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What sizes are the drums in the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit?
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The kit includes a 22x18" bass drum, 10x7" and 12x8" toms, and a 16x15" floor tom. The snare drum is sold separately.
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Is the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit suitable for professional use?
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Yes, the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit is designed for professional use, offering high-quality birch shells and a redefined classic sound favored by professional drummers like Steve Gadd.
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Does the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit come with hardware and cymbals?
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No, the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit does not include hardware or cymbals. These components must be purchased separately.
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What finish options are available for the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit?
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The Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit is available in several high-gloss lacquer finishes, including solid black, classic walnut, surf green, and real wood.
Videos
Guitar Center
Yamaha Recording Custom Drums Demo
Reviews
PROS
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Exquisite sound quality, suitable for both live and studio settings
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Versatile tuning range, from jazzy to rock
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Beautiful finish options, including unique colors like Surf Green
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High-quality construction with immaculate shell interiors and exteriors
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Legendary reputation, played by top drummers worldwide
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Birch shells provide a "pre-EQ-ed" sound, ideal for recording
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Easy to set up and use immediately
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Consistent punchy tone with excellent sustain and attack
CONS
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Production moved from Japan to China, causing some dissatisfaction
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Discontinued model, may be harder to find new
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit.
Build quality
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The vibrant Hot Red finish from the 1980s is likened to a firetruck; other finishes like Cobalt Blue and Yellow are noted for their brightness.
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User experience
Mods and upgrades
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Original Yamaha kick reso heads with a large center hole are recommended for achieving a deep, low-end sound, reminiscent of Steve Gadd's tone.
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Comparisons
Value and pricing
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The 8" tom is considered rare and valuable, potentially increasing the resale value significantly when sold separately.
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The lack of a 12" tom and deeper toms may slightly lower the kit's overall value, as these configurations are less sought after.
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The entire kit could fetch between $2000-$2500 USD, with individual components like the Zildjian K-Custom ride potentially selling for $150-$200 if in good condition.
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Kits with rare colors like white and gray tend to fetch higher prices, often seen listed with "or best offer" on platforms like eBay and Reverb.
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Features and functionality
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The England-built Yamaha Recording Custom kits might have differing perceived value compared to the Japanese versions, with some buyers preferring the latter.
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The kit's toms are rack-mounted, offering flexibility in arrangement, such as 8+10 up and 12+14 down, or other configurations using a snare stand.
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Setup and maintenance
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A strategic approach involves selling valuable parts like the rare toms separately to maximize profit, while less desirable items like beginner cymbals could be bundled.
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Deep power toms require careful setup to avoid issues when mounted over the bass drum; a double tom stand can help position them effectively.
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5.0 out of 5
Based on 4 Reviews and 6 Ratings
48
An Exceptional and truly 'Classic' Drum Kit
These are an amazing drum kit. From Carter Beauford, to Steve Gadd, these drums have been played by some of the best in the industry and upon hearing and playing them, it's easy to understand why. Beautifully made, exquisite sounding and versatile in so many different musical contexts. Sadly however, these drums have now been discontinued since Yamaha moved their production out of Japan. From the Yamaha website; "For over 30 years, the Recording Custom has set a benchmark for excellence. Possibly the most recorded drum in history, it has enjoyed an unparalleled history of success and innovation. Although trends come and go, the Recording Custom, with its birch shells and pristine interior and exterior finish, delivers a sound the seems "pre-EQ-ed", perfect for studio or multi-miking in any situation. Unmiked, it will hold its own-with power and tone to spare."
Lots of life with years to come
My dad bought these in 1987 and bought the Hot Red version. He also had a 10" rack tom built for them and has used them since. He gave them to me about 5 years ago and I've been using them since. Great drums, great sound, great reputation. What more could you ask for?
217
Good drum set for rehearsal and professional recordings.
It is a good investment if you want to invest in a drum set that works for everything. It has good cymbals and perfect patches.
105
That sound!
It just feels and sounds great. No eq necessary while recording. Sound like an album while playing live.
41026
I played with a drummer who ahd one of these.... while a Tama or Ludwig wound up being more that bands sound I always loved the sound of the kick and toms on that guy's yamaha
Artist usage
Add artist
Ringo Starr used the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit in the film "Give My Regards to Broad Street" (1984) and in the music video for "Take It Away." This is evidenced by a user-uploaded photo.
In this YouTube video at 0:45, George Daniel can be seen using the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit in Real Wood finish, with his usual configuration size: 10" 12" 14" 14" 22".
Dom used this kit when recording the Simulation Theory Album. Sizes: 24" x 14" kick 12" x 10", 16" x 15" and 18" x 16" toms 14" x 6.5" Yamaha Custom snare
Aaron Gillespie uses the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit, as evidenced by his Instagram post where he states, "First session on the new @yamahadrumsofficial recording customs with instagram-less Jordan Schmidt for @reneeblair these drums are WILD."
"This is my kit. An amazing Yamaha Recording Custom Birch. And, the sizes are 10", 16", 14" (rack toms), 14 x 6.5" (Recording Custom Brass Snare), I have two 20" kicks, the roto toms, and then here I have an 18" Floor (tom)"
As listed on this site set up by one of Cozy Powell's fans. Sizes are: 26 x 20 Bass drum (2) 6.5 x 14 snare drum 13 x 9 tom tom 14 x 10 tom tom 16 x 16 floor tom 18 x 18 floor tom 6 by 16 tom tom 8 by 18 tom tom
Drummer Paul Bostaph uses the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit, as detailed on the Yamaha Artists website.
In this video, Yussef Dayes is playing and endorsing the Yamaha Recording Custom Kit and discusses why he Likes this this drum kit series so much, stating: 'It comes fresh out of the box and its easy to tune'. The kit makes him 'feel like home'
Album Usage
The Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit 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 Recording Custom Drum Kit, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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