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Description

When it comes to resonant punch and stage-ready durability, the Yamaha Rock Tour Custom Drums stand out in the world of drum kits. Crafted for drummers who are serious about their sound and performance, this set combines Yamaha's legendary craftsmanship with a contemporary edge. The big leaf mahogany shells offer a warm, rich tone that's perfect for rock and pop genres, while the proprietary staggered diagonal seam construction ensures robust build quality. This drum set is not just about sound; it's about making an impression with both your music and your gear.

The lugs are designed with an innovative low-mass design, minimizing shell contact and allowing the drum to fully resonate. Each component is meticulously crafted to withstand the rigors of touring life, yet offers the finesse needed for studio recording. The toms and bass drum deliver a balanced, full-bodied sound with impressive low-end depth, making them ideal for powerful grooves and intricate beats alike. Whether you're hitting the stage or the studio, the Yamaha Rock Tour Custom Drums deliver everything you need to make your mark.

Key Features:

  • Big leaf mahogany shells for enhanced warmth and depth
  • Proprietary staggered diagonal seam construction
  • Innovative low-mass lugs for maximum resonance
  • Stage-ready durability with professional-grade hardware
  • Ideal for both live performances and studio recording
watchthedrumchannel

watchthedrumchannel

Yamaha Drums - Rock Tour - Adrian Violi Drum Review

Video thumbnail for Yamaha Drums - Rock Tour - Adrian Violi Drum Review by watchthedrumchannel

Yamaha Drums - Rock Tour - Adrian Violi Drum Review

watchthedrumchannel

watchthedrumchannel

Video thumbnail for Yamaha RTC Toms by Sasa Ristovski

Yamaha RTC Toms

Sasa Ristovski

Sasa Ristovski

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Yamaha Rock Tour Custom Drums (red).

User experience

  • Owners frequently mention the Yamaha Rock Tour's durability, even after over a decade of gigging, highlighting its roadworthiness and lasting sound quality.

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  • Owners expressed amazement at the kit's superior sound quality when comparing it to a Mapex 5-piece set from the mid-'90s.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Regular maintenance like annual strip and wax polish of chrome is recommended for preserving the kit's aesthetics and functionality.

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  • Owners find the 24” bass drum too large, affecting tom positioning; a 22” bass drum is preferred for better setup ergonomics.

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Features and functionality

  • The mahogany shells allow tuning to low tones without losing warmth, making it ideal for heavy music styles.

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Comparisons

  • Owners prefer the sound of the Rock Tour over Premier Genista and Tama Superstar, noting its superior tonal quality.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Multiple users recommend using Evans EC2 over G1 heads for an optimal sound combination on the kit.

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  • Using an Aquarian Super Kick II bass drum head is a popular choice for enhancing the bass drum sound.

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Value and pricing

  • A Yamaha Rock Tour Custom kit was purchased for $300 in 1999, highlighting its potential for significant value appreciation over time.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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D

Fantastic drums but the photo is wrong!

Definitely professional level drums. Birch and mahogany shells give a sound very much like the RC9000 but with more presence and punch. A very distinctive sound. Possibly not the most versatile in the world but used as they are intended - essentially for rock - and they stand up against any modern professional line. I know because I've owned this kit for fifteen years alongside top of the line kits by other great manufacturers. By the way, the photo on this review above DOES NOT show the Rock Tour Custom. Rather, the much inferior Tour Custom from around 2010.

phillip_rodda

Deep and Punchy

Mahogany lets me tune the drums lower than any other kit in my collection, super deep but still articulate sound out of the toms and the kick is heaven

Artist usage

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See how George Daniel uses Yamaha Rock Tour Custom Drums (red)

George Daniel

Drummer, Composer

The 1975

...
Verified via YouTube

In the live performance of "Chocolate" on Conan, George Daniel of The 1975 can be seen playing a red Yamaha Rock Tour Custom Drum Kit.

See how Matt Sorum uses Yamaha Rock Tour Custom Drums (red)

Matt Sorum

Drummer

Guns N' Roses

...
Verified via YouTube

Matt Sorum used a Yamaha Rock Tour Custom drum set during the Guns N' Roses "Use Your Illusion" tour from 1991 to 1993. This setup included an 18" x 24" bass drum, a 3 1/2" x 12" brass piccolo snare, an 8" x 14" recording snare drum, a 12" x 14" mounted tom, 16" x 16" and 16" x 18" floor toms, and a 20.5" Ludwig timpani. A YouTube video showcases Sorum playing and autographing a similar set at a 1992 clinic.

See how Jordi Badal uses Yamaha Rock Tour Custom Drums (red)

Jordi Badal

Drummer, Composer

Tiedraw

...
Verified via Facebook

Jordi Badal uses a red Yamaha Rock Tour Custom Drum set, as seen in the photos from Tiedraw's Facebook album.

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 Rock Tour Custom Drums (red), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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