Floor Tom To Bass Drum Conversion // Yamaha Stage Custom

[@ryanthomasdrumz]

Thank you for doing this project, Mike! I couldn't be happier with the bass drum! The process was really fun, and it sounds amazing! This thing has been a work horse since we finished it! Thank you as always!

[@malonedrum]

You da man Ryan!

[@RobMilanowski]

I’ll need to check it out one of these days.

[@NJS350]

I know this may sound weird but it’s rather therapeutic watching these kind of videos

[@malonedrum]

Hey, not weird to me.

[@steveparmley]

@@malonedrum Not weird to me either!

[@ImSueeb]

just discovered your channel and so stoked about it 11/10

[@malonedrum]

Lot of back catalogue to catch up on 💪

[@ImSueeb]

@@malonedrum all caught up now for the most part. got myself some 13" 20th hats and a 1600 era 22"

[@arodgoogle6327]

I just found your channel looking to customize my Yamaha stage custom kit to a smaller size for traveling from gig to gig with. I love the work you did. Keep up the great work and please keep posting new videos.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks

[@jessdrummer_]

Absolutely fantastic work done here. I loved the process of construction. Looks great, sounds pretty decent for its size. 🔥

[@malonedrum]

Appreciate it!

[@Leslie-b3d]

Cool project Mike. I agree way higher end than a break beat kit for the same $$ + time = Awesome .

[@malonedrum]

🙌🙌

[@cambrown_drums]

Beautiful work mate - that’s come up so incredibly well!!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@DrumMenace]

I love it! The surprise pancake floor tom idea was awesome!

[@malonedrum]

**SURPRISE**

[@floydadams1119]

Bruh, great project, but MAN your groove is killing’!!!👍🏾👏🏾❤️😊 Ed Green all the way!!!

[@malonedrum]

Appreciate it!

[@c3N3q]

10 out of 10. Killer looks And sounds awesome. The light hoops with the red and black really stand out. I also believe that the edge of the drum where it meets the head is a very important part of the drum. With the offcut part, that would be a PERFECT fit for someone who wants to build a low noise practice kit where the response is important, the sound not so much.

[@malonedrum]

Love the offset hoops

[@KaiOwensDrums]

Great result! Wanted something like this for a while myself

[@malonedrum]

I think there's a lot of people out there that would love to see Yamaha add this to the series.

[@thunderfan77]

For those wanting to flame Mike for the lack of low end, I'm sure a ported kick reso head would definitely help out. My preferred head combo is Evans EMAD2 or Heavyweight EMAD batter with EMAD Reso that's ported from the factory. But again with this being a 16" kick, I'm sure the application isn't to mimic a 20" or 22" kick for #MaximumThumpification

[@malonedrum]

I think it can certainly reach a lot lower, but with this head combo, I think this is where this drum sat best.

[@ronaldzeoli7528]

Nice project maybe yamaha should make a bass drum in this size

[@malonedrum]

I agree!

[@jorymil]

They used to have the Manu Katche kit that was pretty awesome; slightly deeper though, and regular hoops.

[@gg_vieira]

Just discovered your drum channel. You're amazing, brother. Keep it up! Cheers from Halifax!!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks

[@dmgsoultogetherness6667]

absolutely amazing a lot of work but it looks and sounds great the yamaha decal is insane

[@malonedrum]

Yeah, that’s a sick logo

[@timcline2799]

Looks and sounds Beautiful

[@malonedrum]

Thanks.

[@jacedaniel]

Those second holes are called countersinks. Could probably get more low end by putting that thing on a riser and getting the beater closer to the center. But a port for a mic would do for most situations. Fun project!

[@malonedrum]

I think the heads are a big factor, Im sure riser would help too.

[@jonathandale-cy5hw]

I think you did an amazing job on this conversion,and it looks just like a factory order straight from Yamaha! Way to go!🥁✌️

[@malonedrum]

Thanks

[@steveparmley]

It was great to watch your process. Where else can you find a 16" bass drum that looks factory? Well done. I want to dabble in drum DYI projects myself and this was very inspirational. I am really impressed with the whole thing. It surprised me that the Goof Off did not damage the head when removing the logo! Thanks for sharing the evolution. Your buddy should be stoked to have this drum mod and to have a friend who would do this project for him.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks

[@drumdotpizza]

Beautiful drum! I've been thinking of doing the same thing with a Yamaha 7000 series floor tom (from 1980). Based on your video I think I'll do it!! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@malonedrum]

Love your channel bud! Keep up the great work, I learn so much whenever you share. Maybe we can collaborate one day!

[@mlklotusmann6749]

Great video and sick groooove! 😊🙌. Excellent work and a killer project 👊🏼🥁

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@Six3rdy]

Bro, if no one has done this already, I'd like to bestow upon you the title of HIM. This title is designated to be bestowed upon only the most accomplished and/or skilled of individuals. Individuals who, by way of merit, performance, impact, history of service, or otherwise, have proven beyond the shadow of a doubt that they are him (otherwise known as "that guy," or "the man," or "the boss," or comparable). The recipient of the title of HIM, based on the merits and backings in the above section for whence this award hitherto pertains, has unequivocal flexing power, as well as high prestige, immunity to haters and naysayers, and limitless power of law, under the articles of conHIMeration section 3.14. Mr. Mike, you have been an incredible performer, an incredible influence on your audience, pretty darn informative and engaging, and with much knowhow. You're like the Iron Man of drumming at this point. You purchase drums, _build your own_ (hence the iron man similarity), have immense skill using aforementioned drums, and you got different suits.....er, um, drums for every situation and day of the week. You even have a Pepper Potts! For these reasons and more, on behalf of the Just HIM League, I present to you this title. May it bless you. 😎👍 EDIT: Amendment. You also have a drum cave and drum mobile.

[@malonedrum]

Thank you for recognizing the Prius as a drum mobile. Underrated drum car. (Also, thanks for all the kind works)

[@Six3rdy]

@@malonedrum No problem. Thank you! Just getting into your channel. Very immersive!

[@Six3rdy]

@@malonedrum Also, I think SUVs in general are a vibe for drummers. Enough space to put things in without the risk of them getting rained on. But if possible, a good truck with a full backseat (not a mini backseat, a full one; we don't vibe with minis) is just as effective from my experience. "Are you a soccer mom?" "Nope. I'm a drummer." "Oh......never thought of that. Good work fam."

[@jorymil]

I use a 15x12 for my mini-kick. Doubles as a floor tom with an 18 or 20" shell. The 15x12 was originally a Pearl concert tom; took a bit of work to get the lugs laid out, get a fresh bearing edge, and wrap it, but it'll be with me forever. Nests perfectly inside my 18x16 kick, too.

[@malonedrum]

Very cool

[@destination_percussion]

Mike, Great video! I wish Yamaha would make a 16" bass drum for the stage custom like that.

[@malonedrum]

We get enough views on this video, they will.

[@AfterlifeBlack]

I really appreciate the amount of detail you go into with every step. Little things like the technique used to drill the spur holes to fit right are cool to hear about and helpful for future projects of mine!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks for noticing!

[@jessdrummer_]

I love these series of videos!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@koolBOY8323]

as the proud owner of 3 stage custom kits, i really dig what you did here. the only thing i might have done different is stain the hoops, but that's semantics. really great work.

[@malonedrum]

I like the offset color of the hoops, but would have been to hard to match well for me.

[@mccbuddytaras6637]

@@malonedrum agreed, that'd be a LOT of nail polish :)

[@sgt.grinch3299]

Interesting project. First time watching your channel.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks for watching!

[@joelmlutz]

Man I just wanted to comment and say that I found your channel while searching for how-to’s on cutting down bass drum. Watched your Renown bass drum cut down video and have been binging the channel ever since. I restore and fix up drums on a smaller level and I one day hope to work up to the level you’re at! New sub. Love the channel. I have a similar set up to your friend here: a Yamaha stage custom in pure white that I gig with, with two different variations in kick size: 18x15 and 20x17. The problem is, the 18x15 depth is honestly too deep to make a large difference when switching between the two for smaller venues and 20x17 doesn’t fit in the bed of my truck when the bed cover is down. My plan within the month is to cut down the 20x17 to 14” depth and the 18x15 to 12” depth. Your videos have given me a ton of confidence and inspiration to tackle said project!

[@malonedrum]

Good luck on your DIY projects!

[@erniebertuzzo8020]

WOW- the kick looks so good. The red and light color rim is killer! - Nice work Mike!

[@malonedrum]

I love contrasting bass hoops.

[@CraigShawCraigShaw]

Looks and sounds great, Mike!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks

[@a.j.wilkes6352]

Appreciate the tips and talking through adding spurs. I'm adding some to an 18" marching bass conversion for a project.

[@malonedrum]

Sounds a fun little drum

[@loganlamons5373]

Super rad build!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks

[@candyfarrar8057]

Wow. Incredible job

[@malonedrum]

Thank so much!

[@baterizmo]

That thing looks amazing 😍

[@malonedrum]

Thanks

[@labourofhate]

love your videos buddy. I have no intention of cutting down a 16 tom but man I love watching the process.

[@malonedrum]

Ha, thanks

[@Prizmatic1658]

thats awesome! love it. maybe a port hole would tighten that kick sound.

[@malonedrum]

Im not sure I'd want it tighter, but maybe different/thinner heads to let it sing a bit more.

[@SaS-Music]

I think it’s great, Mike. You’ve done an excellent job. 👍🏼

[@malonedrum]

Appreciate it

[@bencooperdrums]

Love love love the DIY vids! Super work Mike!

[@malonedrum]

Been working hard on a bunch of fun ones lately.

[@gregwonhoff7161]

Mike, what a fun video and what looks to be a fun drum set to play. Your ability to modify drums in such a professional manner is amazing. I just love what you do.❤️🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️

[@malonedrum]

Thanks.

[@ramonkey2939]

Great job I enjoyed this video immensely

[@malonedrum]

Glad to hear it

[@DSharon3]

Very nicely done!!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks

[@davepounds8924]

You’re very talented at DIY projects like this! Seemed like a lot of work doing this conversion I couldn’t do it without ruining something I probably would have just bought a Breakbeat kit!!!

[@malonedrum]

Go back to my old videos, I’ve definitely gotten better with practice

[@fequaman]

Great job and good playing as well

[@malonedrum]

Appreciate it!

[@georgeguest397]

Just an idea, maybe convert that pancake drum into a large Pandeiro ala Stanton Moore. Somehow put some closed jingles on it and slap a fiberskin or similar head on there and tune it low. Just a thought brother!

[@malonedrum]

Yeah, those panderios are sure fun.

[@JakeStaffin]

Awesome work!!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@mattbennett9467]

Love your videos Mike. You're fast becoming my favourite channel (Nick at Sweetwater and DCP better watch out!!😂). Thanks for the ideas and showing how it's done with so much warmth and passion for drums. I'm plucking up the courage to add a tom holder to my Brooklyn... 😬

[@malonedrum]

Appreciate it Matt!

[@steveskyrm8873]

Fantastic job!! I play Stage Customs, and think they are great drums. N ice to see you do a "commissioned" piece like that.

[@malonedrum]

Yeah, fun when I get the opportunity.

[@timm1139]

Sounds great!

[@malonedrum]

Thanks

[@StuartJrBarrett]

Excellent work, man! Very precise attention to detail.

[@malonedrum]

Much appreciated!

[@josephstoddard3555]

Nicely done Mike! Love your channel!

[@malonedrum]

Much appreciated!

[@geoffcowan2384]

Nice job! one suggestion for future projects. Contact paper, both clear and white, is excellent when you have a lot of area that you need to protect and draw layout lines on. Also, you could put it on at the beginning of your project and leave it until all cuts were made and all holes were drilled.

[@malonedrum]

I've never thought to use contact paper as a masking solution. I'd be a little worried about the residue, but it's probably not much more adhesive than glue on tape.

[@geoffcowan2384]

@@malonedrum it seems like it has a little less adhesive than masking tape. The clear is nice when you want to see through for whatever reason. You can write on it with a pencil or a sharpie. I covered a wrapped drum with contact paper and left it on for almost 30 years. It left a residue, but I got it off with WD40 and then polished with some rubbing compound. Anyway, thank you for the videos. I always enjoy them.

[@timcline2799]

This custom bass drum upgrades status of entire kit. Consider the cost of buying hardware and the used bass drum was a score. Proper Yamaha lugs, spurs, mount. Hardware isn’t cheap. The retro decal idea is brilliant. Entire effect is so classy. And, 10” & 8”stage custom toms in cranberry red would fit perfectly, so room to grow. Stellar.

[@malonedrum]

I’m trying to convince him to do a shell bank of these.

[@malcolmporter8158]

Not a huge Yamaha fan, but those look amazing! Would make an excellent youth drum set or, in this case, a small but still versatile set.

[@malonedrum]

Too nice for kids!

[@malcolmporter8158]

@@malonedrum but it would get them started on the right road.

[@LyleHarmon721]

Nice choice of font!

[@malonedrum]

Love that old style script

[@User-vl6xl]

It looks great

[@malonedrum]

Agreed!

[@trummpeter]

Excellent work!

[@malonedrum]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@CaptainBlueSam]

Love these videos, Mike! Been looking at doing something like this for a smaller bass drum myself, and now I think I will!

[@malonedrum]

You should!

[@PaulFMeeker]

Do you think you could have used any cutoff material to create the plugs instead of the dowel to easily match the finish, or is it not worth it?

[@malonedrum]

Yeah, it could be done, but plugs are tricky size wise, and if I need to shave it down it’s very hard, I guess I’d just open the hole more in that case.

[@Ottosdrumshop]

Right on. I was thinking same. Could use a plug cutter. Then it would be gluing back in the same material and you could salvage the og finish

[@RalphOnofrio]

2 of my kits are BD conversions....My Yamaha Rock Tour Custom 18''X16'' BD was a floor tom...GREAT BD...Stage white like the shell you ravaged..EMAD heads, pad,and a built in mic.I plugged the holes, used 2 of them for the BD spurs...My other kit is a 16X16..Wood hoops...My jazz Bd...Love conversions.I could use that white shell for my next job.....................Ralph Onofrio

[@malonedrum]

Nice!

[@adammono1839]

Shout out to the round over outside bearing edge! I don't know why you would go for anything else. Improves tuning so much

[@malonedrum]

I love a round over edge, but there are scenarios where I just do a double 45 because I like the sharpness/clarity of it.

[@NEALBABBITT]

Looks great! Definitely better than the other options. I was wondering why you didn't do a bass drum riser? Did he not want that? I do see the retro quality of not using a riser but I think it would be louder. The options are definitely a consideration, retro vs modern.

[@malonedrum]

I don't like risers, and we were able to use a shorter beater in order to not have the nee for a riser.

[@frankspikes7858]

The whole kit is beautiful. I'm not a big fan of little bass drums. But this looks like it would be ffg un to play.

[@malonedrum]

I'm not big into 16" kicks either, but I really liked this one.

[@ValonBerishaVLNonDrums]

Perfect 😍

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@RobMilanowski]

Very cool… good sounding.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks

[@johannhjorleifsson]

Great work and lovely drum, thanks for the video. One question, just wonder why you turned the tom mount the "wrong" way compered to Yamaha's regular mounting for that part?

[@malonedrum]

We discussed that, and I prefer the placement the other way for ease of adjusting.

[@ChiefBigTalk1]

Very cool.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks

[@brothermyke6523]

It's good to have friends.

[@malonedrum]

Absolutely.

[@jongrimesdrumsinc4417]

Dude! Love your work on this. Is he gonna use a lifter for it?

[@malonedrum]

I don't think so. I actually helped him with a bass beater a year ago, so he doesn't need a lifter here.

[@homerotamez4573]

Sounds good to me.

[@malonedrum]

Thanks!

[@davidcertain2492]

How much longer were the new lug screws longer than the originals?

[@malonedrum]

They weren’t any longer, same hole pattern exactly, just a bit more raised off of the shell to keep the rods from splaying to bass drum hoop

[@PaulFMeeker]

I have thought about this very thing, and would pay for you to do it :) not that you are offering ;) I have a honey amber stage custom and currently use a 16 inch floor tom as a bass drum using the pearl conversion kit. The problem is that it doesn't really save much on horizontal space...it's only 2 inches less than my regular 20 inch BD setup. IF YAMAHA offered their stage custom hip in honey amber, I would likely get one of those, but they don't. Doing something like this with the 16 inch floor tom would be something I would absolutely consider, or even doing one with the 18 inch floor tom. I know you have played the stage custom hip...what would you say are the main differences between this conversion and the stage custom hip bass drum? The hip would save more on the horizontal foot print...

[@malonedrum]

If you’re serious about it, reach out and we can discuss it. [e-mail]

[@JimmyJoeBillyBob-b5w]

Nice job. Would sound even better with quiet cymbals.

[@malonedrum]

All in the player and set up!

[@dennishritz4677]

Very nice work. Yes, I would be interested in a 16 inch bass. What was the cymbal? I really like one cymbal setups, and am searching for an 18 or 19 inch cymbal that is a ride that can crash.

[@malonedrum]

I love one cymbal set ups, but prefer a 20" in those settings.

[@frankcianciarulo7823]

Mike.. have you ever used a ported head on a bass drum this small?

[@malonedrum]

I have not, but on an 18” I have and I like it in some scenarios. Lets some air escape out quicker,

[@theillsun]

I would have loved to see that pancake drum be converted into a snare!

[@malonedrum]

Ha, I don’t have time for that, but there’s something up that alley coming sooner or later.

[@joeldrummer23]

Stage customs are legit

[@malonedrum]

Couldn't agree more!

[@swingdrums]

Don't discount that pancake tom. I have a purecussion shell-less set from the 80's and it sounds really good for a shell-less kit. The head choice will obviously make a big difference in the tone and if you mic it up, you might not even miss the shell. I use mine for teaching but would definitely bring it out to the right gig. Also, I love 16" bass drums for jazz, I prefer it over an 18" and have a 12x16 Gretsch USA Custom bass drum that sounds amazing.

[@malonedrum]

It still exists (I think)!

[@ryanthomasdrumz]

It does exist still!

[@nested_King]

I went with Sonor because Yamaha doesn’t offer this. Sad.

[@malonedrum]

Sonor makes great drums as well.

[@aristotle5698]

I didn’t like the muffled sound that Aquarian gave it, I’d just put a single ply head completely wide open

[@malonedrum]

That’s fair, I’d probably like a more open sound for me too, but I think this works well for what he wanted.

[@Crazyposer]

Barry white

[@malonedrum]

Hmmm

[@Drummer55]

Cute and the workmanship is real nice, but the kick sound not very good.

[@malonedrum]

Luckily that part is subjective, and the person I built it for loves it (and has experimented with more head combos) **You** think the kick sound not very good.