Pricing and availability

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Average Price: $4,298

High-end/Boutique

$999

$2500+

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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

What wood is used in the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit, and how does it affect the sound?

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.

What sizes are the drums in the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit?

The kit includes a 22x18" bass drum, 10x7" and 12x8" toms, and a 16x15" floor tom. The snare drum is sold separately.

Is the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit suitable for professional use?

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.

Does the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit come with hardware and cymbals?

No, the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit does not include hardware or cymbals. These components must be purchased separately.

What finish options are available for the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit?

The Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit is available in several high-gloss lacquer finishes, including solid black, classic walnut, surf green, and real wood.

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Yamaha Recording Custom Drums Demo

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Recording Custom Drums Demo by Guitar Center

Yamaha Recording Custom Drums Demo

Guitar Center

Guitar Center

Video thumbnail for SHOOTOUT! - Yamaha Recording Custom vs Sakae Almighty Birch Drum Sets by Drum Center of Portsmouth

SHOOTOUT! - Yamaha Recording Custom vs Sakae Almighty Birch Drum Sets

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Recording Custom Series with Steve Gadd by Yamaha Drums (Official)

Yamaha Recording Custom Series with Steve Gadd

Yamaha Drums (Official)

Yamaha Drums (Official)

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Recording Custom Birch Drum Set 20/10/12/14 - Real Wood (RC0JF40JRW) by Memphis Drum Shop

Yamaha Recording Custom Birch Drum Set 20/10/12/14 - Real Wood (RC0JF40JRW)

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Set 22/12/16 - Solid Black by Memphis Drum Shop

Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Set 22/12/16 - Solid Black

Memphis Drum Shop

Memphis Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Recording Custom 10/12/16/22 by West Coast Drum Shop

Yamaha Recording Custom 10/12/16/22

West Coast Drum Shop

West Coast Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for YAMAHA Recording Custom Drum Set! - Black by Steve Maxwell Drums

YAMAHA Recording Custom Drum Set! - Black

Steve Maxwell Drums

Steve Maxwell Drums

Reviews

PROS

  • Exquisite sound quality, suitable for both live and studio settings

  • Versatile tuning range, from jazzy to rock

  • Beautiful finish options, including unique colors like Surf Green

  • High-quality construction with immaculate shell interiors and exteriors

  • Legendary reputation, played by top drummers worldwide

  • Birch shells provide a "pre-EQ-ed" sound, ideal for recording

  • Easy to set up and use immediately

  • Consistent punchy tone with excellent sustain and attack

CONS

  • Production moved from Japan to China, causing some dissatisfaction

  • 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

  • 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.

    Source

User experience

  • The 14x5 snare drum is praised for its spectacular sound, with concerns about fitting wires due to extended snare gates.

    Source
  • Owners note that selling the kit as a complete set might be challenging due to its mixed components and unusual setup.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • 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.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Sakae era Yamaha drums are highlighted for their exceptional craftsmanship and quality, setting them apart from other drum kits of the time.

    Source
  • These deeper toms are preferred for funk/rock, with shorter toms favored for pop and metal, highlighting the kit's genre-specific appeal.

    Source

Value and pricing

  • The 8" tom is considered rare and valuable, potentially increasing the resale value significantly when sold separately.

    Source
  • The lack of a 12" tom and deeper toms may slightly lower the kit's overall value, as these configurations are less sought after.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The England-built Yamaha Recording Custom kits might have differing perceived value compared to the Japanese versions, with some buyers preferring the latter.

    Source
  • 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.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • 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.

    Source
  • Deep power toms require careful setup to avoid issues when mounted over the bass drum; a double tom stand can help position them effectively.

    Source
Add

5.0 out of 5

Based on 4 Reviews and 6 Ratings

5 star
4 star
3 star
2 star
1 star
james_ross

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."

michael_jared_seney

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?

fidelsuarezcc

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.

juan_dahmen

That sound!

It just feels and sounds great. No eq necessary while recording. Sound like an album while playing live.

jimmarchi1

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
See how Richie Ramone uses Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit

Richie Ramone

Singer, Guitarist

Ramones

...
Verified via Google

Richie Ramone is frequently seen using the Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit during live performances, as depicted in the referenced image.

See how Jared Falk uses Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit

Jared Falk

Drummer

...
Verified via Instagram

Jared is an avid user of yamaha drums. He uses a recording custom kit as one of his kits

See how Kenney Jones uses Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit

Kenney Jones

Drummer

The Who

...
Verified via Thewho

Kenney Jones played Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit during 1982-1988.

See how Scot Coogan uses Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit

Scot Coogan

Drummer

Ratt

...
Verified via Photo

"Such an amazing day playin’ with my boys again (Laguns). And to play my Yamaha drums"

See how Ciara Doran uses Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit

Ciara Doran

Drummer, Composer

...
Verified via Photo

In this Instagram post you can see she uses a Yamaha Recording Custom kit in Surf Green

S

Steve Augustine

Drummer

Thousand Foot Krutch

...
Verified via YouTube

In the Vic Firth YouTube video titled "Performance Spotlight: Steve Augustine - 'Fire It Up'," Steve Augustine is seen playing a Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit.

See how Aya Ogawa uses Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit

Aya Ogawa

Singer

乃木坂46

...
Verified

In a video on the Bilibili app, Aya Ogawa is seen using a Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit. The video, titled "26.01.17 笨蛋主义_哔哩哔哩_bilibili" and uploaded by 千葉鱿鱼, provides visual proof of her use of this drum kit similar the color and setup

Genre Usage

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Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

1 alternative for Yamaha Recording Custom Drum Kit, curated by the Equipboard community.

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