Yamaha Stage Custom Review (Updated Apr 2024)

For many decades, Yamaha has been a company that many music lovers, especially musicians, look at. The reason is their top-notch quality instruments and that too at excellent prices. After registering their name in the hall of fame of piano makers and guitar makers, Yamaha is now all set to enter into the race for the best drum makers in the world. This is a great Earplugs For Drummers.

The concept of versatility is what has moved this company, and for the past three decades, the one kit which we can say has the heart of many drummers is the Yamaha Stage Custom Drum series

In this article, we are going to give a quick overview of the Yamaha Stage Custom birch five piece kit. So, without any further due, let’s get to it.

Construction

One of the most critical factors responsible for the perfect sound of the drums is known as the Shell. It gives your drum sort of a sharp and punchy sound with higher damping. For an ideal sound, Yamaha Stage Custom is using 100% birch shells. Feel a real piano in playing with the Best 88-Key Weighted Keyboard Pianos.

You will not find many drums using birch shells that lie in the same price range as the Yamaha Stage Custom as high-end drum kits mostly use it.

The overall construction is quite promising. You will not find any shell to be of different thickness, and all the shells have the perfect roundness; thanks to the Air-Seal System.

To take care of the vibrations, this drum kit comes in 6-ply construction.

The looks are pretty decent, glossy and attractive, thanks to the lacquer finish. There is a total of 5 color options available, and everyone is as classy as it can get. Just looking at this drumkit can get you on a trip to the golden days of the past century.

The kit is available in Cranberry Red, Natural Wood, Raven Black, Honey Amber, and Pure White.

Yamaha Stage Custom: Hands-On

We have to admit that the moment you strike the bass drum, you would have a feeling of perfection. It is specifically designed to give an amazingly punchy sound. It uses an enhanced sustain system specially designed by Yamaha itself, which will provide you with the perfect kick sound.

This system reduces the engagement of hardware with the Shell, and it is also beneficial as far as the placement of toms is concerned.

Like any other high-end drum line, it features a very versatile snare drum whose game is to deliver you the brightest of tones. The fact that this kit is perfectly balanced and you won’t require any upgrade makes Yamaha Stage Custom worth the investment.

Hardware

Yamaha knows that people expect a lot from them, and they have not disappointed their drummer fans. To make sure that each drum sounds perfectly, and you get the crispy feeling from each drum hit, the drum features 780 series hardware and with the Yamaha Sustain System looking over to give you the right resonance is just like the cherry on top.

You will not experience any unwanted noise or vibrations from the drum set because Yamaha had a prime focus on using die-cast claw hooks, mounts, and clams.

To further improve the tone, this drum kit features Low-Mass Lugs whose focus is to control the vibration of the shells. Setting up and tearing down the bass drum is not a problem, all credit to the drum legs and stoppers.

Yamaha Stage Custom: Inside the Box

Well, as this drum kit does not cost you as much as the high-end drums would cost you nowadays, expecting to have every instrument included in the package is not a good idea. But what you should expect is some high-quality birch drums, and this is where this model will not disappoint you at all. The Yamaha Stage Custom is something that will help you master your drumming skills to the maximum.

The package includes the following:

• 22 x 17 Bass Drum
• 10 x 7 Rack Tom
• 12 x 8 Rack Tom
• 16 x 15 Floor Tom
• 14 x 5.5 Matching Snare Drum

At its price, this is probably the best you can get, and Yamaha makes sure that you get all the great instruments in one single place. You might get a little dishearten by knowing that you are not going to get any cymbals, kick pedal or a drum throne in the box but whatever you are getting is worth spending your money. Find the Yamaha Digital Piano that’s right for you.

Who Is This Drum For?

By now, you must be aware that this is one of the best drums you can get in this price range. However, this drum is not for seasoned drummers. It’s truly versatile, and all the hardware is durable, and it is made for drummers who want to take their drumming to the whole new level.

Pop or rock, this drum is what you can rely on.

There might be one thing that will bother you

We all know Yamaha’s priority is to provide musicians with the best quality and durable musical instruments. And they have done everything all right with this drum kit. However, there is one thing that might bother you is the trouble in tuning the tom drums.

If you are a beginner, this is undoubtedly going to give you a tough time tuning in. Which is why we recommend you to consult an expert or if you have a drummer friend who can help you get this all set, that will work. Apart from this, everything is flawless.

Our Verdict

The fact that it delivers in giving you all the punch and crisp, Yamaha Stage Custom is one excellent drum kit. The quality of the hardware is on point, giving you all the style you need. The company has spent some time in deciding the construction of this drum set, and it has paid off in the form an ultimate drumming kit for intermediate to pro drummers.

Yamaha’s Stage Custom Kit Review

Yamaha has been a formidable brand since the dawn of time. When it comes to musical instruments, Yamaha stands at the forefront, inspiring drummers and music lovers worldwide. Their products are of extraordinary quality, with solid engineering that makes their products the number one choice for every drummer.

Yamaha first introduced the stage custom kit series in 1995. Since then, the brand has stayed consistent in manufacturing budget-friendly musical instruments for intermediate and beginner drummers alike. 

In the words of the company, ‘among the best drum sets in its class.’ If you are on a budget and you’re looking for a remarkable drum kit that you will love, then read to the end of this review.

Perhaps, you will find a reason to go for the Yamaha’s stage custom kit.

Yamaha Stage Build Quality

This masterpiece’s quality is astonishing, and it goes a long way to show how serious this company is regarding music. During the last upgrade of this great series, it became a 100% birch. The birth material is sort from China with an impressive quality that is second to none.

The shell is made of thicker plies, taking after the Yamaha’s Oak Custom series. Unlike previous upgrades, the ply has been increased from 1mm to 1.1mm, making it thicker and more durable and sturdy. The shell is impeccably designed, with a new lug design that was created for the Absolute series. 

All it takes to fix the lug to the kit’s shell is just a single screw spread over the kit in good numbers. Furthermore, there are rubber gaskets, which insulate every metal component where the shell meets the points. No doubt, this feature ensures a more durable and excellent sound quality.

Yamaha Stage Performance

When compared with numerous similar kits in the market, you will notice that the Stage Custom lacks when it comes to the kind of power exotic and hybrid shells possess. However, it sounds just perfect; the way the middle of the road class should sound.

One of the unique edges that this kit possesses is the versatility and outstanding composition. However, this kit wouldn’t sound like a six-ply birch tom or like a  ply vintage maple. Nevertheless, don’t allow that to discourage you as the sound is worth going for. When you set the tone correctly, they sing beautifully like nothing you’ve ever heard.

When looking at the snare, they perform best at mid-range and fit the primary role. To get the best experience from this fantastic kit, you need to pay attention to the precision tuners and overtone control.

What’s Inside The Yamaha Stage Box?

If you’re going for this incredible kit, don’t expect it to come with everything packed inside. If so, you will be utterly disappointed. However, it is one of the best in the market, and the quality birch drum is proof of that assertion. With this addition, mastering your drumming skill has become much easier. 

You will become a master yourself just because you were playing around with the right instrument.  Before you start expecting too much, here are some of the things included in the box.

1. 22 x 17 Bass Drum
2. 10 x 7 Rack Tom
3. 12 x 8 Rack Tom
4. 16 x 15 Floor Tom
5. 14 x 5.5 Matching Snare Drum

Sadly, you wouldn’t see any cymbals, drum thrones, or even a kick pedal. Still yet, this kit is worth every penny. That is because it offers excellent value for money, unlike some drumming kits in the market.

Pros

• Beautiful design with an excellent sounding drum set
• The overall quality of the drum kit is impressive
• Offers incredible value for money

Cons

• Heads might need a replacement for a better sound quality
• Lacks a kick pedal and a snare stand
• The 12″ tom drum is hard to tune

Frequently Asked Questions about Yamaha Stage

• Is this a beginners’ drum set?

Yamaha’s Stage Custom kit is a beginner-intermediate kit that will serve you well irrespective of your skill. The quality and overall performance are worth the price tag. Unlike some brands, Yamaha’s quality remains uncompromised and reliable.

• Does the kit come with hoops on the shell?

The kit comes with hoops on all the drums. It is one of the edges that makes it appealing to both new and professional drummers.

• Does it come with cymbals and hardware?

It only comes with the 16″ tom legs and a two tom holder. In that case, you will need a cymbal stand, a snare drum holder, and a bass drum pedal. Aside from these missing components, the kits are incredible and worth the price.

• How much does it weigh?

The drum of this kit weighs 79 lbs. while the hardware is 35. Lbs.

• What is the size of the drum?

The drum sizes are 22″ bass, and a 13″ 14″ tom, with a 14″ snare.

Wrapping Up

The first impression you will get when you use this kit is a loud sound that is unmatched with other similar instruments. When you play with this drum for a while, you will discover the incredible sound quality that this kit possesses.

There are lots of great drum kits in the market. But not all of them assures you value for money, which is something many drummers have been battling with. However, Yamaha’s Stage Custom is a kit you shouldn’t underestimate.

This drum kit has been endorsed by numerous professional drummers, making it one of the best if you’re looking for a mid-range drumming kit that delivers.

Overall, the response is excellent, coupled with a great looking design and robust quality. If you have the finance, you certainly won’t regret going for this formidable kit.  

The Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Snare Drum

The Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Snare Drum has a beautiful piano white wrap and a 5×5” by 14” birch shell on the surface. You can tell that it is one of the high-end drums in Yamaha’s selection because of the quality of its lug, spurs, claws, badge, and depths. Its design goes way back from the old Yamaha Stage Custom series in 2014. Even though it was already considered one of its class’s best snare drums, Yamaha continued to work some upgrades into it. The birch shell is designed to produce a richer sound with the head to shell contact. It is a snare drum that is perfect for any stage in your career, for it works for both beginners and pros. If you find that the sound is not your liking, you can always tweak the tune to make a better sound.

Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Review -The Toms

Since the Yamaha Stage Custom is considered one of the higher-end drums for its brand, it comes with two sets of toms: 12 x 8 inches, while the other is 14 x 13 inches. The 14 x 13 inches tom is a floor tom. In terms of quality, it resembles the finish of the birch drum because they also have Remo UT heads. It may seem that the drum head is quite thin, but it is a model that can stand the test of time. You may find that you also need to tune the sounds a bit to fit your preference. But the fact that the sound is already within your control is already a great plus. 

What you’ll love about the Yamaha Stage toms is the overall experience. Once your stick comes into contact with it, you’ll find that the playing experience is smooth and easy. From here, you can say that it is a drum that is constructed with care. The sound quality is usually sustained and controlled because of its birch shells and high-quality finish.

Yamaha Stage Custom Birch Review -The Bass Drum

Of course, the Yamaha Stage Custom drum set will not be complete without the bass drum. The drum that comes with the collection is a 20 x 17 inches drum. It may seem small in terms of diameter on the surface, but it has a longer depth. Once you tune it, you can find that the sound is quite good because of its Remo UT heads. This allows your hits to sound more than just noise, for it will have controlled tones. The only downside that I found for this drum is the resonance. You may need to dampen the sound a bit. I was able to do this by adding a towel to the batter side. 

Low-Mass Lugs

Another feature that is worth mentioning is the low-mass lugs that help you produce a better sound. You may have seen this feature in other high-quality drums. It is a feature that greatly affects the shells’ vibration and has a great impact on the overall sound of the drum. 

100% Birch

Having a drum that is made from 100% birch is a signal of quality. It shows that you are dealing with a drum that is designed to withstand the test of time. With regards to percussion instruments, you can tell that Yamaha knows what it is doing. By using birch in their instruments, they can ensure the quality and sounds of their drums. The best part is they know how to support it. They enhance it with one-piece lugs so it can support the shells. The result is a well-defined sound that is perfect for studio recordings. 

Yamaha was serious when they created the Yamaha Stage Custom. They know that the drummers who will use it need quality in their build and sound, and it is why many popular names have used the drum kit in their performances. Finding the best solutions ensures more enjoyment, control and connectivity with the Best Logic Pro X Midi Controllers.