Yamaha Recording Custom - Drummer's Review

Here's our review of a Yamaha Recording Custom shell pack. Filmed at Middle Farm Studios, March 2018. For full specs, more reviews and the latest drum news, head to: www.drummersreview.com

[@ReignJeffersonCTria]

The sound of the drums the playing and the mixing how amazing is that! I don't know why this channel does not have many subs seriously this is one of the most helpful channel please don't stop making informative and killer videos!!

[@MrPistons4life]

I currently own a recording custom Yamaha kit from the 90s with the long toms and they still sound sick. My configuration has 10,12,13,16 with a 24x18 kick drum. I bought used and without the original snare. It emerald green and I'm not selling it ever. Still want a newer model next.

[@DynamicRockers]

The new RC are beautiful drums but also I really appreciate the quality of the video production! The lighting, review, the sound of the recording, everything is top notch here! Thanks a lot !

[@ThomasMYoutube]

I don't get it: Regular content, High quality videos, thought and attention to detail. But only 840 Subs???

[@DrummersReview]

Hi Thomas, thanks for watching. DR was launched late October last year, so we hope the word spreads throughout this year, as we do pride ourselves on hi-quality reviews, that are honest and impartial. Thank you for your kind comments - we are glad you approve.

[@WeAreBeggarsAll83]

Drummer's Review I suggest reaching out to rdavidr. Dude is great like you guys and does videos with other drum video folk like yourselves.

[@ToddTheJoker]

@@WeAreBeggarsAll83 Yeah but Drummers Review is Professional Quality Channel.

[@WeAreBeggarsAll83]

Todd Roy perhaps you didn't understand what I was saying but I wasn't comparing the quality these guys have it down and truly appreciate what they're doing. I'm suggesting a collaboration or meeting of minds to gain knowledge of how to gain a larger audience.

[@roybeckerman9253]

They should really mention what snare is being used..

[@leighbird8220]

I have one of these kits, also in surf green.18,12,14. It’s just an all round stunning kit.Head wise I’ve settled on white suede emperors over clear ambassadors on the toms and coated PS3 over coated ambassadors on the bass drum.It’s honestly the only kit that I’ve had that a feel a bit giddy every time I sit behind it! Haha.I did order a matching 10x7 tom back in January which I was expecting any time now but the shop went bust just last week 😭

[@matthewclarke1926]

Super happy with my kit. I agree... when I changed out the stock heads, I noticed an improvement. I got the 24" kick....boom!

[@FelixG2070]

Hope they have in mind doing a review on the Live Custom soon!

[@ahchv]

You guys know how to tune and how to mix drums. Excellent review

[@robwestndrumr7648]

Theyre amazing drums. I bought a new black RC kit back in the day and it sounded great. Weird but I have a new stage custom kit now which is birch also, and its sounds just as good imo. Obviously the RC build quality is better tho.

[@rochluongo8018]

I've had a recording custom set for I don't know how many years maybe 30 40 black piano finish they still sound great. 10 12 14 16 22 inch short base drum I have the original snare that came with it as well. And also an extra 20 inch bass drum.

[@lanceschultz7132]

Me too. My kits 30 years old maybe 31. Still love it!!! Only wish i had ordered a maple b.d. instead of the birch. I was young and didnt know as much then. Ive never felt i was missing out on better drums except the bass drum. But, i learned how to get around the weaknesses

[@danrivera7]

One out of thousands of of videos that does actually review the item that it’s talking about.

[@robinbolton6064]

Just a comprehensive, well thought out review. Well done lads !

[@justinlee2268]

They sound great on video and I’ve always admired the Tom mounts. They appear to be tougher than shit and extremely adjustable.

[@carlupthegrove4201]

I recently bought at RC kit with 12" and 13" rack toms (a bit old school but that's what I like) 16" FT and 22" BD. I've not yet had them on a gig but so far I love the sound and the look. I also got the matching 8X14" snare. WOW! That thing is a monster. I have 42 strand snare wires on it and it sounds fabulous at any tuning. I've had other Yamaha kits that I loved. Stage Custom and Birch Custom Absolute and I'm really excited to get this new kit out in the world and on stage. Very good video. As a result of your video I believe I'm going to use clear reso heads even though I'm partial to coat batter AND coated reso. Aquarian clear reso and probably Aquarian Modern Vintage on batter.

[@kidbaston]

Excellent review and the sound of this video is excellent! Can't wait to receive mine as I ordered it 3 months ago.

[@KirillKonyaev]

This kit sounds massive!

[@fab5720]

Yes it sounds massive but the mounted toms sound a tiny it pale compared to the FT and BD IMO. A bit more sustain would be welcomed. But then, Gadd wanted it that way. For a reason, I guess.

[@isihernandez9752]

@@fab5720 yes, that's why I don't like so much shallow sizes that seem to be trendy these days.

[@declancampion3051]

I ordered a nice wee little configuration of this set. 5 Pce shell pack 18, 14, 12, 10, 8. Solid Black or back in the day piano black. I have the RC 14×5.5 Aluminium Snare 6 mts. The finest sounding snare drum I've played. I just had to go for a complete set. The New Recording Custom are North American Birch 6 mill, 6 ply shells with a 30° bearing edge to update the series into the digital clarity of records today. I have to wait & be patient for mine. The surf green looks really nice and fresh but I think the black have an altogether beautiful finish that's just pure sex

[@YamahaDrumsEurope]

Declan Campion 🙏🙏🙏

[@larrytate1657]

How’s the sound?

[@65Drums]

Outstanding

[@weschilton]

Man, I still have my 1985 Cherry red Recording Customs in power tom sizes... my only regret was not getting traditional sized toms. But these new RCs sound SO good... I might sell my vintage ones and buy the new ones in the sizes I should have gone with in the 80s.

[@jackcolbert05]

trust me power tom sizes are way better i’m presuming ya have a 13x11 or 14x12 or maybe 12x10

[@PaulMarangoni]

You won't regret it. The new version is superior in every way.

[@vincentquattrocchi7924]

​@@PaulMarangoniNot even close.

[@theunspeakablycrass]

Man those drums sound sweet. You guys make great reviews. That second rack tom looks like an 12x8 though, Ludwig players discuss below.

[@frozd58]

Interesting review . It seems though that it might be a better solution to go for a second hand kit from the glory days rather than this upgraded version.

[@ab-drums9194]

Very detailled, objective and thorough review! Exactly my experience with the new Recording Custom: better bassdrumsound with more bottom end and a rather bony...woody tomsound with the coated heads...the toms, especially the 10" tom have a lack of punch and tone...clear double ply heads (emperor) should make a difference and maybe will get closer to the real recording custom sound...I would love to know Your Opinion on the Yamaha Absolute Hybrid Maple...

[@carlrest6553]

This kit sounds fantastic!

[@TonyPlato-t1d]

I have a 82 set and still love the pinstripes for the initial crack. I wonder if they are now back in fashion?

[@artpena72]

That is one beautiful drum set, it's on my buy list

[@ToddTheJoker]

I love Yamaha ,this is off topic I know, and played them for years but they put DieCast hoops on their Aluminium Ludwig Acrolite knock off snare drums and the great thing about the acros is the openness of their sound..they are dry enough already without the 3 mm AL-DC Hoops. Doesn't make sense..it sounds choked. Love your channel guys and just so you know I am loving my Neusonic shell pack. It is incredible.

[@PaulMarangoni]

The Aluminum Die Cast hoops are actually lighter than steel triple flanged hoops. They don't attenuate the drum like a typical Zinc Die Cast hoop would. Ludwig Aluminum snare drums are nice, but Yamaha's are nicer, especially when you consider the strainer.

[@Twotontessie]

Good stuff. Interesting about the bass drum. As I watched, before you talked about it, I thought “Huh. The bass drum isn’t really doing anything - they said they redid those to make them ‘better.’” I like my old one - it took years for me to just accept what it does so well. I call it the “tomahawk chop.” Thicker shell with a drier, in your face sound. Not sure what they are now going for. I did like the sound of the newer 20” that was elevated on the Gadd demo videos. But if it’s too much different it’s not really the Recording Custom it’s something else.

[@lanceschultz7132]

Gadd had a maple bass drum.

[@lanceschultz7132]

I have the older 92' r.c. and have been considering getting a maple b D. As well.

[@kenpoels]

What notes did you tune these toms to? Love the videos

[@stevericardo_drummer]

Dam!!!! Unreal, love this kit. Great video.

[@photographerjonathan]

is there a kit you think sounds better ? better bass drum maybe, what drum set do you consider the best sounding kit available ? and did you make a review video of it ? thanks

[@dwdrum11]

You sure on the sizes? Looks more like 10x7, 12x8 to me.....correct me if I’m wrong. Great video as usual though

[@cayninx7993]

Dang I love them drums

[@tomasnocanteiro]

My dad had a 22 inch Recording Custom bass drum back in 1994, he regrets some much he sold it !!!

[@vktor_raso]

What mic are you using on the toms?

[@iRideuWatch]

I would appreciate if you included bearing edge style in your drum reviews.

[@jazzmartyrs]

Nice, and quite accurate.

[@kipperfeast]

Such an excellent kit, so WHY did they put coated Ambassaors on it?!? It killed the tone of the first rack tom, floor tom, and bass especially.

[@FONO63]

How would you compare this kit to a Pearl's Reference series. From your personal perspective, I know you are very objective, and that is part of the reason I love this channel. But from your personal perspective. Thanks!

[@scottlowell493]

The reference would have to AT LEAST be made of the same 100% birch to compare. Reference are mixed woods and a different tonality. Same quality IMO, but the yamaha is mission-specific to the studio.

[@ljbellr]

Just ordered these babies today with a 22x16 bass drum, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 toms, classic walnut finish. Cannot wait to set these up in my studio good god

[@ashtonmoore6229]

lucas bellrichard how long did it take to save up

[@ljbellr]

@@ashtonmoore6229 not cheap for sure but what is these days.

[@DrummersReview]

lucas bellrichard had you seen review before you saw the review? We really liked this kit. Best wishes, DR

[@larrytate1657]

Did you get them yet? If so how do you like the tone? I’m considering buying a 4 piece. I have the snare already abd it’s great

[@adriansmith6124]

Great review, wish yuo had tried those clear heads

[@timcline161]

Another excellent review. Thank you.

[@ktmsport]

Is it possible to get the recording custom bass drum undrilled, without a hole drilled in it for the YES mount?

[@Dom-e92]

Ktmsport .sport you could buy a new resonant head

[@ktmsport]

@@Dom-e92 I do not mean the resonant head, but the hole on top for the tom mount.

[@PaulMarangoni]

No.

[@IndigoJo]

I couldn't help but notice that at 4:46 the plate on the side of one of the drums says "Made in China", yet there is another video (posted by Yamaha) of Steve Gadd playing a set of these which is made in Japan. Given that he's the poster boy for these drums, is he actually playing these or an actual *custom* kit?

[@YamahaDrumsEurope]

Matthew Smith Our newest Factory is located in China. This is where the RC, Absolute Hybrid Maple and Live Custom Drums are built by our skilled Yamaha employed Craftsmen. As Steve has been involved in development, he plays the exact models that you can buy in the store. There are no custom modifications to his kit. Please let us know if you have any further questions. All the best!

[@MadWinter889]

@@YamahaDrumsEurope employees that are exploited and underpaid, to propose cheaper products. This is shameful.

[@YamahaDrumsEurope]

@@MadWinter889 Yamaha Drums are not exploited or underpaid. Thanks for your reconsideration.

[@jackcolbert05]

@@YamahaDrumsEurope what’s the easiest way to get a custom size variation of kit because no retailers online seem to have the sizes i want of this kit

[@richa1894]

I really want this kit. It's absolutely beautiful and sounds great. I just can get over paying so much when it's made in China. Regardless of how Yamaha pays their employees, they still have to give account to the Chinese government. I would rather get a Star kit by Tama or a Sonor. I'm still in love with this kit but just can't do it. Yamaha makes the PNX I. Japan and they are forced upwards of 10 to 12k. That shows that the Japan quality cost a high premium.

[@roybeckerman9253]

They should really mention what snare is being used, as it’s always of interest..

[@midifortress170]

Wow! You are doing a such wonderful job with these videos! Many thanks to you! However, I must point out that clear heads will not give it more aggression. The bearing edges are too rounded. The old RC has a sharp 45 which gives it a cutting attack. The new Yamaha stage custom birch is closer in tone and design to the old RC but they even did more of a “round over” on those too. It’s not better or worse...it just is what it is. Part of me thinks they would’ve avoided a lot of grief if they changed the name of this new RC line to the “anniversary birch” or “Gadd signature series birch” or whatever. Regardless...The new RC is a gorgeous open and very tonal/resonant kit. I love them all and thanks again for a great review!

[@PaulMarangoni]

The edges on these new RCs are MUCH sharper than the original version. Although they call it a 30 degree edge, they are actually measuring from the other direction, so they could be considered 60 degrees. You could shave with these edges.

[@jimbonito3766]

At this minute I am deciding between Yamahas' Recording Custom 8 , 10, 12, 14 and either the 20 or 22 inch Bass Vs DW Collector series Nature Lacquer Cherry shell pack 8, 10 ,12 , 14 with 20 inch bass ... there is something about the sound of the Yamaha toms that is making me struggle with my choice ... Ohhh the pain of it alll ... I know either way I cant go wrong ...

[@萧乐恒]

only kids make choices，adults take all.

[@jimbonito3766]

@@萧乐恒 What is that supposed to mean

[@萧乐恒]

@@jimbonito3766 a joke.when someone is not sure what to buy,his/her "good friend" will tell you to buy them all.

[@jimbonito3766]

@@萧乐恒 got it

[@that-avr-drummer]

Hey Nolly, these or Sonor SQ1??

[@ClauGutierrezY]

King of drumkits

[@MrStarship3]

Outstanding Review!

[@randalscandal1588]

What are the tom mics?

[@deetgeluid]

Bass mic seems to be clipping?

[@ricardocanto2545]

This or live custom?

[@jametz66]

7x10, 8x12

[@bohergoy]

Correct Mate. The description is wrong

[@kylekyle2330]

7.5x10*

[@andyham6094]

Please review the new generation tama starclassic BB or tama starclassic full Bubinga kit with the brand new updated hardware brought down from the star drums. My favorite drums in the entire world. Wouldn’t trade my hyperdrive BB’s for anything.

[@DrummersReview]

Hi Andy, we have made several requests to review Tama drums, however the UK distributor says the only have one out of a box? so seem reluctant to send us anything. If you would like to see us review anything from Tama please make the request via social or by any means to either UK Distributor Headstock or Tama direct, maybe the influence of a consumer/drummer wanting us to review Tama products, which would be very welcome, may motivate them.

[@fab5720]

Drummer's Review How about contacting a different distributor? Meinl in Germany seems to be really cooperative when it comes to supplying Tama drums for reviews from what I heard.

[@ryancarver]

That’s an amazing drumset!

[@drummerdiablo44]

you guys should review the ludwig neusonic kit 22" kick

[@tangyuanhong893]

ludwig kick drums cant be heard well in the vids,but they sound a lot better when you play them in front of you .

[@CommanderNewton]

surely for a similar price a set of Ludwig classic maples would be a better choice?

[@inc06nito]

can you do a metal demo?

[@johnnymerritt9544]

Beautiful drums and top quality 3500 for a 4 piece shell pack is a bit steep When there are others out there in the 2500 range that will sound as good js

[@larrytate1657]

You got a sick deal than.

[@alrecks619]

who would've knew that Nolly picked Yammie as the main constituent for GGD Invasion lol.

[@chriswright8464]

Sound Great!!!

[@kenneth7197]

I think those rack Tom sizes are wrong. They look 7x10 and 8x12!

[@declanwhite]

sounds good, but I still wanna hear a heavy hitting drummer in these

[@costamesa22]

The recording custom will work well with a heavy hitting drummer although you may want to look into larger Tom depths as the quick attack of the birch shells can be a bit choked the more you lay into them.

[@mikejackson3885]

Listen to "Godsmack" Shannon is a hard hitter.

[@st7650]

They sound great but nothing beats the 9000 series sound. Most recorded custom set need to go back to making these in Japan.

[@PaulMarangoni]

Actually, these new ones DO beat the previous two iterations. No comparison really, especially the bass drum.

[@vincentquattrocchi7924]

​@PaulMarangoni Not true by any means. You just Can't,beat the Hokkaido birch from japan. Those shells are superior.

[@scottlowell493]

Great kit, improved by new round over edges. Agonizingly bank-account burning expensive. That bothers me because IIRC, they are made in China for a pittance compared to Japan. Massive profit margin.

[@YamahaDrumsEurope]

Scott Lowell thanks for your remark. Our move to China was a strategic multi-million investment into a more modern facility to build high-end drums by Yamaha employed Craftsmen. This comes with a higher price but is in the same range as other high end Drums. The Recording Custom Drums are traditionally made for generations to enjoy and instruments you can pass on to your kids. All the best, Yamaha Drums

[@karapetiansdrumschool.667]

👍

[@tangosierra9649]

Like the old badge better

[@larrytate1657]

Should offer some more exotic finishes for the price imo. Nice sounding kit tho.

[@bigbazza3413]

That is not a 12x9 tom. They do make one tho...

[@tlkshowhst]

Sounds great, but for £3500 and no snare, the law of diminishing returns holds true. If you can afford this kit, you probably know how to make a cheap one sound just as good.

[@joemaxwell8991]

And they're not even made in Japan, they're made in China

[@daveseemerollin6357]

Haha! Actually if you CAN afford this set then you're probably not a musician, as we're all poor! This is for Dentists and wannabe drummers 😂

[@theraise5243]

Yamaha drums and high end Pearl are awesome. Pearl low end sucks. Yamaha low end is freaking awesome

[@jaylee8703]

The KICK is more subdued because they THINNED it out by about 2mm. Thinner the shell , especially in the kick..... , the LESS attack.

[@TessaAnderson]

do the yamaha PHX!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@russshuttleworth7264]

Bass was hard to hear but good job

[@liamnaidoo5380]

its so hard to buy

[@АлександрТрубин-в5ц]

Nolly..?

[@qw1419xtj]

why is his beard flashing?

[@DrummerGrrrl]

It's the drugs you're taking. Cut back a bit and everything will be fine.

[@kellyb0279]

That don't look like 12x9

[@james35856]

Yamaha stage custom sounds just as good for $2,000 less. For my money sonor sq1.

[@helenjones8283]

hola

[@sonofagalwayman6553]

premiers

[@M123OCT]

Memory locks on the floor tom legs? Come on! What do you expect for only three-and-a-half grand!

[@ivanbajovic3476]

LOL :D

[@MaguSdelFiasco]

I agree... My old Drumcraft 8 birch was havint floor tom memory locks too and it costed me as new one third fo this

[@ErikGunnarEdlund]

Yamaha are way too cool for for memory locks. (And I don't mind. I hate memory locks anyway)

[@joemaxwell8991]

I'll stick to the piano black RC's from the 80's. Japanese prices for Chinese made drums, what a joke. They sound good in this video, but live, just meh.....

[@noomanchaouch961]

There IS no better than the Gretsch drums.

[@marcoagius6926]

It's too expensive! Yet made in China not japan. They should have lowered the price. For more than half the price less you can buy the yamaha stage custom drums. Exactly the same shells. All birch.

[@larrytate1657]

Like a fifth of the price.

[@rippindrummer666]

Get a Canopus yaiba birch, made in Japan and you can get a 5 piece setup with snare for about 2k

[@drummaman1]

Not the same birch at all. RC has North American birch, SCB is Asian birch. They might be both made from birch, but they are two different kits and you can’t compare them to each other.

[@dr.strange.2655]

Lots of blah, short of play.

[@dancalabrese3523]

Made in China? Not for me.