Yamaha Drums discussion

[Exotic Matter]

Darn if I don't keep running into these high end drum sets online... The latest I found on EBay, and it's a 4 piece Phoenix kit in gloss natural ash finish. It's got a 22x18 bass, and 10, 12 and 16 toms. All it needs for it to be perfect, for me, is a 14" floor tom, which could be ordered (about a 6 month wait, but I could live with that...) It's pricey, but it is available from one of the northeast shops. I sent them a note to see how long the kit has been in the store, and they said only about a month, so it's not old stock, it's really new. I would LOVE to have this set....to add to my DW...

I checked out the kit you're looking at. Really beautiful drums but man do I have some serious sticker shock.

I didn't pay that much for my 4 Japanese Yamaha kits combined.

[Exotic Matter]

Hi All,

My son and I recently started drumming lessons and we are loving it. We were lucky enough to stumble on an awesome set of used stage customs for sale. The previous owner bought them new over a decade ago as he thought of setting up a studio in his house for him and his bandmates to play in, but then life got in the way. These drums look like they have only been played a couple of times and the shells have no blemishes/scratches/rash. We are super excited to have a kit like this to learn on. sizes are 22inch kick, 12, 13, 16 toms, 14 inch steel snare. Once I figure out how to post pictures, I will share a few of the kit.

Sounds like you're referring to the Stage customs from the 90's?

The Pearl Export and Tama Rockstar of that era look very similar, but the Yamaha's are the clear winner in quality and sound. Nice find!

[SpatzST]

Sounds like you're referring to the Stage customs from the 90's?

The Pearl Export and Tama Rockstar of that era look very similar, but the Yamaha's are the clear winner in quality and sound. Nice find!

Hey, I loved my Rockstar!

[OldeEnglishD]

I love that you're doing it with your son. That is such a bonding point to last a lifetime.

Thanks Johnny! We do Judo together as well (my 6 year old does that too), so I love having something else we are both interested in.

[OldeEnglishD]

Sounds like you're referring to the Stage customs from the 90's?

The Pearl Export and Tama Rockstar of that era look very similar, but the Yamaha's are the clear winner in quality and sound. Nice find!

I checked the Yamaha site I found a link to on this forum and the drums were built in 1999 (most in September, the snare in October). They sound great to me, my instructor is going to come over and show us how to tune the heads soon. Can't wait to hear what they sound like after that!

[cabasner]

Go for it bud, I just bought a brand new Harley....

Do it! The Phoenix kits are so gorgeous!

Rob, You and Spaz are NO DARN help AT ALL!!!! .....not at ALL!!!!!
And I want them SOOOOOO BAD!!!! They are looking at me like those poor lost puppies on the ASPCA commercials where the doggies look up into the camera and shake and look so forlorn and so unloved...that's what these Phoenix's look like to me....crying every night because they don't have their forever home ready to sweep them away to eternal happiness.... Those poor, poor abused drums...so very sad..... Terrified in the hand of those monsters in Portsmouth...who could leave them to such a horrifying fate, beaten every day, no love at all, none at all, ever...

[cabasner]

Two questions:

A) Do you think this Birch Yamaha color somewhat matches my vintage deep maple color kit?


B) Do you think it's possibly to carefully sand down the gloss and bring out just a natural finish with the shine?

I don't know that I could take sandpaper to a finish that looks like that...but that's just me...

[SpazApproved]

^Guess I won't have to now!

I found another bass drum.
It's not the exact size I wanted but I'll take it to hold me over!

Found a Yamaha Maple Absolute (not the maple custom) in the vintage natural finish on craigslist. The guy is willing to ship it to me so I'm super excited.

My kit is a step closer to being past stupid lol
The wife was not so impressed like I was last night in finding this deal hahahahaha

[OldeEnglishD]

Here she is, my "new" set of Stage Customs in Cranberry Red.

[Johnny G]

Nice choice. Really nice finish.

[SpazApproved]

Nice classic Yams there!

[OldeEnglishD]

Thanks guys, I love the kit. Can't wait to get home and practice some more!

[1234CountMeIn]

Well members,

Finally picked up my new Stage Custom and it came with the UT Remo single ply heads..
I wanna switch them so im asking what heads suit the birch best??

Coated ambassadors??

All feedback is appreciated

Thanks

[OldeEnglishD]

Well members,

Finally picked up my new Stage Custom and it came with the UT Remo single play heads..
I wanna switch them so im asking what heads suit the birch best??

Coated ambassadors??

All feedback is appreciated

Thanks

I am interested in hearing the answer to this as well as I would like to swap out the original heads. I have heard Ambassador/Emperor combo as well as coated G2 over G1. Will be paying attention to the replies here.

[CycleDude]

Well members,

Finally picked up my new Stage Custom and it came with the UT Remo single play heads..
I wanna switch them so im asking what heads suit the birch best??

Coated ambassadors??

All feedback is appreciated

Thanks

I am interested in hearing the answer to this as well as I would like to swap out the original heads. I have heard Ambassador/Emperor combo as well as coated G2 over G1. Will be paying attention to the replies here.

My Gretsch Cat Maple came with Remo UT heads. They're essentially a clear ambassador that's made overseas. They're not bad, and I still have them on as reso heads. A coated ambassador will give a warmer tone with slightly less attack.

Edit: Oh, congrats on the new to you drums. My first kit ever was a Yamaha. Even though it was an entry level kit, I'll always have a soft spot for Yammies...

[dirtysticks]

Added a nice condition Yamaha Beech custom to collection! I've been looking for one for a while and I finally found one in the color I want, for a GREAT price!

[OldeEnglishD]

My Gretsch Cat Maple came with Remo UT heads. They're essentially a clear ambassador that's made overseas. They're not bad, and I still have them on as reso heads. A coated ambassador will give a warmer tone with slightly less attack.

Edit: Oh, congrats on the new to you drums. My first kit ever was a Yamaha. Even though it was an entry level kit, I'll always have a soft spot for Yammies...

Thanks! I love the kit and love practicing. Now I just need to upgrade the cymbals (especially the hats) as the ZBTs are just not good.

[OldeEnglishD]

Added a nice condition Yamaha Beech custom to collection! I've been looking for one for a while and I finally found one in the color I want, for a GREAT price!

Need pics!!!!!!

[drummerMD]

I have a 98 stage custom and out of my six kits it's always been my go to kit. Just a real simple kit to tune,play,set up,etc.(even over my Mapex exotic Saturns).I may ad that it is also very mic friendly. The heads I like on my yammies are g2 clears.Though I did do some custom work on the tom mounts,male & female sides. Enjoy your Yammies!

[Lefty]

I have a 98 stage custom and out of my six kits it's always been my go to kit. Just a real simple kit to tune,play,set up,etc.(even over my Mapex exotic Saturns).I may ad that it is also very mic friendly. The heads I like on my yammies are g2 clears.Though I did do some custom work on the tom mounts,male & female sides. Enjoy your Yammies!

Those look pretty darn sweet. The finish is so rich and deep. Nice

[drummerMD]

Thank you much,Lefty!

[drummerMD]

Here they are rack mounted.

[OldeEnglishD]

I have a 98 stage custom and out of my six kits it's always been my go to kit. Just a real simple kit to tune,play,set up,etc.(even over my Mapex exotic Saturns).I may ad that it is also very mic friendly. The heads I like on my yammies are g2 clears.Though I did do some custom work on the tom mounts,male & female sides. Enjoy your Yammies!

Gorgeous drums man!

[Johnny G]

Yea That's a perfect kit.Two-up, two-down with a finish like furniture.

[MDK]

I had that same exact kit, finish and all. Was a gorgeous finish, the best sound I got out of that kit was a 2 ply clear on bottom as well as on top.