Who designed the Yamaha Recording Custom Brass Snare?

The drum was designed in collaboration with legendary drummer and long-time Yamaha artist Steve Gadd. The goal was to update the Recording Custom series with modern innovations while retaining its iconic sound.

What is the shell thickness of this snare drum?

The drum features a 1.2mm brass shell. This thickness is chosen to provide a balance between a crisp attack and a powerful low-end punch.

What type of hoops are used on the 14 x 6.5 Brass model?

It is equipped with 2.3mm Dyna Hoops. These hoops are specifically included to enhance the clarity of rimshots and improve overall tonal definition.

Which strainers are included with this drum?

The snare utilizes a combination of Q-type and DC3-type strainers. These components ensure smooth operation and precise control over the snare wire tension.

What is the specific shell design feature of the Recording Custom Brass?

A notable design feature is the outward centre bead. This structural element helps optimise the shell's resonance and adds a distinct aesthetic to the Recording Custom series.

What kind of sound can I expect from the brass shell?

The 1.2mm brass shell delivers a crisp sound with a very clear rimshot. It is designed to cut through loud music while maintaining a solid low-end presence.

Does this snare come with specific drumheads?

Yes, the Yamaha Recording Custom Brass snare is fitted with Remo drumheads as standard. This ensures the drum is ready for professional use immediately upon setup.

How does the 14 x 6.5 size affect the sound compared to shallower drums?

The 6.5-inch depth provides more body and a deeper fundamental pitch than a 5.5-inch drum. This makes it particularly effective for achieving a 'fat' backbeat in recording sessions.

What is the typical price for this snare drum in the UK?

The typical price range for the Yamaha Recording Custom 14 x 6.5 Brass Snare Drum is approximately £525. Pricing may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.

Are the lug nuts on this drum special?

Yes, the drum features precision-machined lug nuts. These are designed to provide consistent tuning and durability, which is essential for high-pressure recording environments.

How does this compare to the British Drum Co. Maverick snare?

The Maverick is a 14 x 5.5 maple snare, which offers the warm, organic tone of wood. In contrast, the Yamaha Recording Custom Brass is deeper and made of metal, offering more volume and a brighter high-end cut.

Is this snare drum suitable for live performances?

Yes, it is highly suitable for live use. The brass shell's ability to cut through loud music makes it an excellent choice for stages where projection and clarity are required.

Gear article

Yamaha Recording Custom 14 x 6.5 Brass Snare Drum

The Yamaha Recording Custom 14 x 6.5 Brass Snare Drum is a professional-grade percussion instrument developed in collaboration with legendary drummer Steve Gadd. Part of the reintroduced Recording Custom series, it features a 1.2mm brass shell designed to deliver a crisp, punchy sound suitable for studio and live performance environments.

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History and Development

The Recording Custom series holds a significant place in Yamaha's percussion history. To modernise the range, Yamaha collaborated closely with long-time artist Steve Gadd. This partnership aimed to reintroduce the series by integrating contemporary manufacturing innovations while maintaining the tonal characteristics that made the original line a studio standard. The 14 x 6.5 Brass snare represents a specific expansion of this line, utilising metal shells alongside the traditional wood options of the Recording Custom family.

Design and Key Features

The drum is constructed around a 1.2mm brass shell featuring an outward centre bead, a design choice that adds structural integrity and influences the shell's resonance. Key hardware components include:

Precision-Machined Lug Nuts: Designed for tuning stability and consistent tension.
Strainers: The drum utilises Q-type and DC3-type strainers for smooth, reliable snare engagement.
Dyna Hoops: 2.3mm hoops are fitted to provide clarity and enhance the rimshot sound.
Heads: The drum comes equipped with Remo drumheads as standard.

Acoustic Character

The choice of a 6.5-inch depth combined with a brass shell results in a balanced sonic profile. The brass material provides a naturally crisp high-end and a clear rimshot that can cut through dense musical arrangements. This brightness is balanced by a 'low-end punch' inherent to the 1.2mm shell thickness. The addition of the 2.3mm Dyna Hoops further refines this clarity, ensuring that rimshots are articulate without becoming harsh.

Target Audience

This snare drum is primarily designed for drummers who require a versatile, high-quality recording instrument. It is an ideal addition for those already using a Yamaha Recording Custom kit who wish to match their snare to the series' technological standards. Given its ability to cut through loud music, it is also well-suited for live performers playing in high-volume genres who still require precision and tonal depth.

Comparative Analysis

Within the professional snare market, the Yamaha Recording Custom Brass competes with various high-end models. While the British Drum Co. Maverick and Sonor AQ2 offer maple alternatives for those seeking warmer, wood-based tones, the Yamaha Brass provides more 'cut' and metallic brilliance. Compared to the DW Collectors Stainless Steel, the brass shell offers a different harmonic profile, often perceived as having more mid-range warmth than steel. For drummers requiring even more depth, the Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8" provides a larger air chamber and darker wood tone, contrasting with the crispness of Yamaha's 6.5" brass design.

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Frequently asked questions

Who designed the Yamaha Recording Custom Brass Snare?: The drum was designed in collaboration with legendary drummer and long-time Yamaha artist Steve Gadd. The goal was to update the Recording Custom series with modern innovations while retaining its iconic sound.
What is the shell thickness of this snare drum?: The drum features a 1.2mm brass shell. This thickness is chosen to provide a balance between a crisp attack and a powerful low-end punch.
What type of hoops are used on the 14 x 6.5 Brass model?: It is equipped with 2.3mm Dyna Hoops. These hoops are specifically included to enhance the clarity of rimshots and improve overall tonal definition.
Which strainers are included with this drum?: The snare utilizes a combination of Q-type and DC3-type strainers. These components ensure smooth operation and precise control over the snare wire tension.
What is the specific shell design feature of the Recording Custom Brass?: A notable design feature is the outward centre bead. This structural element helps optimise the shell's resonance and adds a distinct aesthetic to the Recording Custom series.
What kind of sound can I expect from the brass shell?: The 1.2mm brass shell delivers a crisp sound with a very clear rimshot. It is designed to cut through loud music while maintaining a solid low-end presence.
Does this snare come with specific drumheads?: Yes, the Yamaha Recording Custom Brass snare is fitted with Remo drumheads as standard. This ensures the drum is ready for professional use immediately upon setup.
How does the 14 x 6.5 size affect the sound compared to shallower drums?: The 6.5-inch depth provides more body and a deeper fundamental pitch than a 5.5-inch drum. This makes it particularly effective for achieving a 'fat' backbeat in recording sessions.
What is the typical price for this snare drum in the UK?: The typical price range for the Yamaha Recording Custom 14 x 6.5 Brass Snare Drum is approximately £525. Pricing may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
Are the lug nuts on this drum special?: Yes, the drum features precision-machined lug nuts. These are designed to provide consistent tuning and durability, which is essential for high-pressure recording environments.
How does this compare to the British Drum Co. Maverick snare?: The Maverick is a 14 x 5.5 maple snare, which offers the warm, organic tone of wood. In contrast, the Yamaha Recording Custom Brass is deeper and made of metal, offering more volume and a brighter high-end cut.
Is this snare drum suitable for live performances?: Yes, it is highly suitable for live use. The brass shell's ability to cut through loud music makes it an excellent choice for stages where projection and clarity are required.