Drum Talk Yamaha Recording Custom by Erik Smith

[@eriksmithdrummer]

For an example of how my tuning method makes the drums sound, check out other videos here on the channel where I am using various Yamaha kits. Also check out my Performance Spotlight videos on the Vic Firth channel or my Profile video on the Yamaha Drums Official channel where I play these new Recording Customs.

[@JoePresti]

Something I also do is, I watch the tolerances between the bed of the head and the hoop. Pulling the hoop gently so the head does not rest against the hoop.

[@rhythmista7707]

Very good tutorial ! Drum tuning is subjective to a certain extent. As a drum tech and drummer for the past 26 years, i find that i can tune drums the traditional way, but adding my own spin to it..Tune reso head higher than batter, finger tensioning the rods at opposite ends going counterclockwise until i get resistance on all rods, then flipping from batter to reso side at each key tensioning going in the same counterclockwise direction, until i reached my desired tension (medium tension). I find that all drums at medium tension sound best, giving each drum, no matter what diameter or depth, it's perfect tonal capacity and range. This is standard tuning, at least to my ears. It's only subjective when you're tuning for a specific genre, which is when head selection and specific tension and tuning all play a part.. Higher tension and tuning for jazz, medium for fusion, certain genres of rock, and then slightly lower tension for metal and hard rock, funk, pop, electronic music, etc. But the beauty about tuning drums is that there are no specific ways other than the standard tuning, and then tweaking the sound from there to suit you personal genre or preference..

[@eriksmithdrummer]

Thanks man! Drum tuning is a crucial part of how I present myself as a musician. Over the years I became more and more aware of how to tune my drums to fit my specific touch on the instrument and also to make the combination playing /tuning work in different situations. Its also about figuring out what tuning works for different size drums. As i talk about in the video, I vary the top/bottom head difference according to the tendency each drum has to resonate or not. For instance, the 12x8" size always seemed to be the most sensitive to acoustic differences and venues ever since my first Yamaha RC kit in the early 80s. But all in all, I feel that tuning, of course, is a highly individual thing. As you state, its important to be able to tune the drums, initially, to a place where they have the best tonal capacity and range and go from there. cheers!

[@lanceschultz7132]

Ya, my old r.c. cane with clear pinstripe remos. The new version of r.c. comes with the coated heads.

[@shepherd8203]

Good info thanks. Tip for yourself turn off autofocus . It will help.

[@eriksmithdrummer]

Thanks man. That phone is long gone:)

[@larrytate1657]

For me I just go by feel and make the bottom slightly higher and get all lugs even in pitch. Works well for me.

[@eriksmithdrummer]

If it sounds good, great!

[@larrytate1657]

Thanks yeah. I go about a half to a full turn higher tension on the reso and get a nice pitch bend.

[@Pearl3Drummer]

excellent tutorial! do you mind if I ask what kind of watch you are wearing?

[@eriksmithdrummer]

Thanks! The watch is an Orient "Captain" Chronograph

[@Napolidane]

nice video .... what do you think about electronic tuners

[@eriksmithdrummer]

Thanks. I never used electronic tuners.

[@robertredford4332]

there is not plastic washers under tuning screws?

[@robertredford4332]

..and you do half turns, not whole

[@MM-pd5zi]

8:45 half turns 10:00 quarter turns A little bit too much blabla in the first 5min. All in all a good video, thanks

[@eriksmithdrummer]

Yes, no edits here. First take :)

[@gaberomero127]

I don't mind it. It shows how much he genuinely likes tlking about his kit, which I like seeing

[@robertredford4332]

...quarter turn...

[@jasonfallon4968]

Grow a beard man and you’ll look like Gadd

[@eriksmithdrummer]

No i wont.

[@stelioscapetanakis9148]

Recording customs have only one origin , make no mistake, china aint that origin

[@eriksmithdrummer]

Japan is the origin of Yamaha drums. Most of them are now built in China. So, what is the point of your statement exactly?

[@tangosierra9649]

Yeah, China used to make lots of crap, but they sure don’t anymore! Especially with Japan overseeing! I just ordered me a double bass Recording Custom kit with 4 toms up front. Got the hexrack already and can’t even believe how much I love it. Gonna be nice…