What is the shell material of this Yamaha snare?

The shell is constructed from birch. This material is chosen for its bright, cutting tone and its ability to project clear high frequencies while maintaining warm bass tones.

What are the dimensions of the drum?

The drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 5.5 inches in depth. These dimensions are considered standard and versatile for most musical styles.

What is the specific finish of this model?

This model features a 'Classic Walnut' finish. It is designed to offer a vintage aesthetic reminiscent of classic drum kits.

What type of bearing edge does this snare drum have?

It features a 30-degree bearing edge. This angle provides maximum head-to-shell contact, which enhances the roundness and punchiness of the drum's sound.

Is this drum suitable for studio recording?

Yes, as part of the Recording Custom range, it is specifically designed for flawless sound in the studio. It offers crisp articulation and a balanced frequency response ideal for microphones.

How much does the Yamaha Recording Custom Birch Snare typically cost?

In the United Kingdom, this snare drum typically retails for approximately £498. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

What kind of tone can I expect from this snare?

Expect a crisp, clear tone with a vintage character. The birch shell ensures bright highs and a warm low end, creating a very balanced dynamic range.

Can this snare drum be used for live performances?

Absolutely. While it is optimised for recording, its bright and cutting projection ensures it performs well in live gigging environments.

How does the birch shell compare to a maple shell?

Birch generally offers a brighter, more 'pre-EQ'd' sound with boosted highs and lows compared to maple. Maple typically provides more warmth and a stronger mid-range presence.

Who is the primary target audience for this snare?

It is intended for professional and serious amateur drummers. It suits those who require a high-quality, articulate snare for varied musical settings.

Does the 30-degree bearing edge affect the tuning?

Yes, the increased contact between the head and shell from a 30-degree edge typically results in a punchier, more focused sound that is easier to manage in high-pressure recording situations.

How does this compare to a stainless steel snare drum?

A stainless steel snare, such as those in the DW Collectors series, will have a much higher metallic ring and sharper attack. The Yamaha Recording Custom Birch offers a woodier, warmer vintage character.

Gear article

Yamaha Recording Custom 14 x 5.5 Birch Snare Drum Classic Walnut

The Yamaha Recording Custom 14 x 5.5 Birch Snare Drum is a professional-grade percussion instrument designed for both studio recording and live performance. Featuring a birch shell and a 30-degree bearing edge, it is engineered to deliver crisp articulation with a balance of bright cutting tones and warm bass frequencies.

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Overview and Design

The Yamaha Recording Custom 14 x 5.5 Birch Snare Drum is a core component of Yamaha’s renowned Recording Custom series. This specific model utilizes birch shells, a wood choice favoured for its naturally high-frequency response and clear projection. The drum is finished in a 'Classic Walnut' lacquer, providing an aesthetic that recalls vintage drum kits while maintaining modern construction standards.

One of the defining structural features is the 30-degree bearing edge. This design ensures maximum contact between the drum head and the shell, which results in a rounder, punchier tonality compared to sharper bearing edges. The 5.5-inch depth provides a standard profile that is versatile enough for various musical genres.

Sonic Characteristics

This snare drum is characterised by its crisp and clear articulation. The inherent properties of birch allow the drum to cut through a mix with bright highs, while the shell construction ensures a warm bass frequency to ground the sound. This results in a balanced blend of dynamics, offering a 'vintage' tone that is highly sought after in studio environments. The punchy response provided by the 30-degree bearing edge makes it particularly effective for drummers who require precise ghost notes and high-velocity strikes.

British Drum Company British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 Maple Snare Drum

Intended Application

Yamaha has positioned this drum as a versatile tool for professional musicians. Its name, 'Recording Custom,' highlights its primary utility in the studio, where clarity and tonal balance are paramount. However, its bright projection also makes it suitable for live gigging, where it can be heard clearly over amplified instruments. It is designed to suit a wide range of playing environments, appealing to drummers who need a reliable, high-fidelity snare for diverse sessions.

Market Comparisons

When compared to other professional snare drums, the Yamaha Recording Custom Birch occupies a specific niche focused on birch-wood clarity.

Wood Alternatives: The Sonor AQ2 14 x 6 and the British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 both utilize maple, which generally offers a warmer, more mid-focused tone than the birch used here. The Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8 offers a deeper body and walnut construction for a darker sound.
Metal Alternatives: The DW Drums Collectors Series 14 x 5.5 Stainless Steel Snare provides a sharper, more metallic ring compared to the organic warmth of the Yamaha birch shell.
Hybrid/Other: The Tama Starclassic Performer LTD 14 x 5.5 offers a different take on high-end performance, while smaller percussion like the Sela Melody Tongue Drum or Remo Lollipop Frame Drum represent entirely different categories of idiophones and frame drums.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell material of this Yamaha snare?: The shell is constructed from birch. This material is chosen for its bright, cutting tone and its ability to project clear high frequencies while maintaining warm bass tones.
What are the dimensions of the drum?: The drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 5.5 inches in depth. These dimensions are considered standard and versatile for most musical styles.
What is the specific finish of this model?: This model features a 'Classic Walnut' finish. It is designed to offer a vintage aesthetic reminiscent of classic drum kits.
What type of bearing edge does this snare drum have?: It features a 30-degree bearing edge. This angle provides maximum head-to-shell contact, which enhances the roundness and punchiness of the drum's sound.
Is this drum suitable for studio recording?: Yes, as part of the Recording Custom range, it is specifically designed for flawless sound in the studio. It offers crisp articulation and a balanced frequency response ideal for microphones.
How much does the Yamaha Recording Custom Birch Snare typically cost?: In the United Kingdom, this snare drum typically retails for approximately £498. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
What kind of tone can I expect from this snare?: Expect a crisp, clear tone with a vintage character. The birch shell ensures bright highs and a warm low end, creating a very balanced dynamic range.
Can this snare drum be used for live performances?: Absolutely. While it is optimised for recording, its bright and cutting projection ensures it performs well in live gigging environments.
How does the birch shell compare to a maple shell?: Birch generally offers a brighter, more 'pre-EQ'd' sound with boosted highs and lows compared to maple. Maple typically provides more warmth and a stronger mid-range presence.
Who is the primary target audience for this snare?: It is intended for professional and serious amateur drummers. It suits those who require a high-quality, articulate snare for varied musical settings.
Does the 30-degree bearing edge affect the tuning?: Yes, the increased contact between the head and shell from a 30-degree edge typically results in a punchier, more focused sound that is easier to manage in high-pressure recording situations.
How does this compare to a stainless steel snare drum?: A stainless steel snare, such as those in the DW Collectors series, will have a much higher metallic ring and sharper attack. The Yamaha Recording Custom Birch offers a woodier, warmer vintage character.