Buying new Yamaha drums, need input......

[WecklsMechanic]

Hey Y'all....

Sorry about the controversial last post.

I'm buying some new Yamaha drums and am torn as to which ones to get. Even though I love the USA Gretsch drums with the Jasper Gumwood shells, I am getting way too good of a deal on these Yamaha's to pass them up.

Between the Oak and Maple Customs, the Recording Customs, Birch, Maple, and Beechwood Absolutes, I am leaning more towards the Beechwood Absolute kit. It seems like the Beechwood drums are Yamaha's answer to the Gumwood Gretsch/Jasper drums (not to be confused with the Kellar Gretsch shell as of late). I'd like to get a drum that has the warmth and power of a Maple drum, but the depth and attack of a Birch drum. And I need a bass drum with a one ton low frequency thuddy punch. I'll be using these drums for both live and studio work, so I need them as versatile as possible. But if I were to lean more one way or another. I would want them to sound warm and full sounding. If anybody has had playing experiences with these drums, could you share them with me.

Thanks alot!!

-j

[Derek DeFields]

I'm a huge fan of Maple and Recording Customs. Those are my favorite Yamahas but the new Maple Absolutes are pretty amazing as well. I've come pretty close to pulling the trigger on those a couple of times.

For me it's a toss up between Maple and Recording with the edge (for me) going to Maple Customs. If you want a slightly more open sound that leans towards Gretsch (but it still won't be the Gretsch sound) then I highly recommend the new Absolutes which are fantastic.

I've tried the Beech and they didn't leave much of an impression nor did the Oak. (which Ersko said he really likes) The Oak seemed kind of... maybe bright is the wrong word... thin? Still good, but not my preference. Maple has such a big sound I just can't give it up.

[Randy walker]

The Beech and Oak drums to me are very bright sounding. I had a few Maple custom kits over the years and they alway sounded great especially the kic drums, really nice punch.

[Derek DeFields]

I own and love my Gretsch Custom kit as well. If they'd get their quality issues, pricing and crap support (Kaman is trying to improve that obviously) I'd recommend them to more people.

Yamaha is it for me.

[Daniel LeClaire]

I use to own a set of Beech Customs, before the Absolutes came out. Now I own a set of Maple Customs.

Beech Pros:
-Amazing snare crack and good articulation
-Bass is deeper, more thuddy than my Maple Custom
even though they are the same size
-Unique sound

Cons:
-Overall sound isn't as warm as the Maple Customs
-Unique sound

I sold my beech kit because I wanted a maple kit. The toms were powersizes and I could never tune them where I wanted. I would like to own another set one day, along with a set of the Birch Absolutes.

Overall, no matter what kit you get from Yamaha you can't go wrong. Any of those kits would do well in a pro environment. It just depends what sound you like best.

[WecklsMechanic]

Thanks guys for all the posts. I think you codified my beliefs, it looks like the Beech Absolute bass drum might be worthwhile looking into, but it sounds like I'll probably do the Maple Absolute toms in combination. Originally I was thinking Birch Absolute Toms and a Maple Absolute kick, but if Daniel is right, maybe the Beech kick has a little more low end power and "thud" to it??

John

[tombo74]

Yam Maple Custom 22" kick = Best kick ever IMO.

As for the toms, as I've already said, I'm not fully satisfied with them; lots of attack but not enough resonance (but they're power sizes, could that be the problem?). I tried the birch and they were just signing to me. That could be a good combination too.

Hey WecklsMechanic, do you have a good deal on Yams because of your contacts with a famous customer of yours?? Just curious... [img]wink.gif[/img]

BTW, I have a student who wants to buy a USA Maple Gretsh (money is no problem). He asked me what I thought and I told him what I heard here: Major quality issues and crappy service (could have a surprise right out of the box). I suggested Yam products for their top quality and reliability (Pearl also). Thing is, he's a Harley biker and it's a religion for them to hate japanese products; he wants to buy american. Our drumshop just got the DW lines and I told him to check 'em out. Would he be better served with a DW product?

[Derek DeFields]

As far as quality and service, DW is the best in the industry bar none in my opinion.

Sound, well they're really pretty opposite. DW will (I think) do custom shells with no timbre matching if you wish.

USA Maples are nice drums and not as expensive as the Custom series. If he can play/see one before he buys, he might do well with those if he likes the tone.

[Lorenzini]

I have both Gretsch drums as well as a maple custom set. I will always stand by my Gretsch drums, but I have to say that Yamaha makes one of the best sounding maple kits on the market. I have played the Beech and Oak kits, which were not my cup of tea. Derek and Randy experienced the same thing I did, the drums sound bright and thin. Yamaha Absolute maple drums are a great alternative to the more expensive Gretsch drums. I have a Recording Custom kit that I use in my rehearsal space and love those drums as well, but prefer Yamaha's maple line over the birch.

[Randy walker]

Beech for a snare is kewl, I have the Akira sig model snare and the cut/brightness works very well, but for a whole kit it's not my taste. I prefer the warmth and body you get from a maple or birch. Too much midrange involved with the Beech.