Who helped design this snare drum?

The Yamaha Recording Custom Aluminum Snare Drum was designed in collaboration with legendary session drummer and Yamaha artist Steve Gadd.

What is the shell thickness of this drum?

The drum features a shell made of 1.2mm thick aluminium, providing a balance of strength and resonance.

What are the dimensions of this model?

This specific snare drum measures 14 inches in diameter and 5.5 inches in depth.

Does this drum require a lot of dampening?

No, the 1.2mm aluminium shell is designed to provide a well-defined tone that requires little to no dampening to control overtones.

What type of strainers are used on this snare?

The drum is equipped with Yamaha's Q-type and DC3-type strainers for high-precision snare wire control.

Is this drum suitable for loud music?

Yes, while designed for the studio, it produces a crisp tone that is loud enough to fit into heavier music styles.

What heads come standard on this drum?

The Yamaha Recording Custom snare comes fitted with high-quality Remo drum heads as standard.

What is the purpose of the outward centre bead?

The outward centre bead provides structural integrity to the shell and helps focus the drum's overall sound.

How does aluminium sound compared to maple snares?

Aluminium typically offers a drier, crisper, and more focused sound with fewer overtones compared to the warmer, more resonant character of maple snares like the Sonor AQ2.

What is the typical price range for this instrument?

The typical price for the Yamaha Recording Custom Aluminum 14 x 5.5 snare drum is approximately GBP 517.

What are the lug nuts made of?

The drum features precision-machined lug nuts designed for tuning accuracy and long-term durability.

Is this drum part of a specific series?

Yes, it is part of the re-introduced Recording Custom series, which utilises modern technology to optimise classic Yamaha sounds.

Gear article

Yamaha Recording Custom Aluminum Snare Drum 14 x 5.5

The Yamaha Recording Custom Aluminum Snare Drum is a 14 x 5.5-inch professional-grade instrument designed in collaboration with legendary drummer Steve Gadd. It features a 1.2mm aluminium shell with an outward centre bead, engineered to provide a crisp, well-defined tone suitable for both recording environments and high-volume live performances.

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Background and Collaboration

The Recording Custom series is one of Yamaha's most prestigious lines, long favoured by session musicians for its reliability and sonic clarity. This specific aluminium model was developed alongside long-time Yamaha artist Steve Gadd. The collaboration aimed to reintroduce the series by merging traditional design elements with modern manufacturing innovations. The result is a drum that provides a signature crispness that has become a benchmark in professional recording studios.

Construction and Design

The heart of the drum is a 1.2mm aluminium shell, which includes a distinctive outward centre bead. This structural feature increases the shell's rigidity and influences its resonant properties. The drum is equipped with precision-machined lug nuts, ensuring consistent tuning stability even under heavy play. For the throw-off mechanism, Yamaha has utilised a combination of Q-type and DC3-type strainers, allowing for smooth and reliable snare wire engagement and adjustment.

Sound Character

Aluminium is prized in drum manufacturing for its ability to produce a dry, focused tone with minimal unwanted overtones. This specific 14 x 5.5 model provides a well-defined sound that typically requires little to no additional dampening or muffling. Despite the 'Recording' moniker, the drum is engineered to be loud enough to penetrate through heavier musical styles, offering a sharp, bright attack and a crisp response across different dynamic levels.

Market Context and Comparisons

Positioned at a professional price point of approximately £517, the Recording Custom Aluminum sits amongst several other high-end options. It competes with wood-shell alternatives such as the British Drum Co. Maverick or the Sonor AQ2 Maple. For players seeking different metal textures, it is often compared to the DW Collectors Series Stainless Steel snare. While the Recording Custom excels in clarity and 'dryness', these alternatives offer different tonal profiles ranging from the warmth of walnut (Natal Originals) to the aggressive bite of steel.

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Frequently asked questions

Who helped design this snare drum?: The Yamaha Recording Custom Aluminum Snare Drum was designed in collaboration with legendary session drummer and Yamaha artist Steve Gadd.
What is the shell thickness of this drum?: The drum features a shell made of 1.2mm thick aluminium, providing a balance of strength and resonance.
What are the dimensions of this model?: This specific snare drum measures 14 inches in diameter and 5.5 inches in depth.
Does this drum require a lot of dampening?: No, the 1.2mm aluminium shell is designed to provide a well-defined tone that requires little to no dampening to control overtones.
What type of strainers are used on this snare?: The drum is equipped with Yamaha's Q-type and DC3-type strainers for high-precision snare wire control.
Is this drum suitable for loud music?: Yes, while designed for the studio, it produces a crisp tone that is loud enough to fit into heavier music styles.
What heads come standard on this drum?: The Yamaha Recording Custom snare comes fitted with high-quality Remo drum heads as standard.
What is the purpose of the outward centre bead?: The outward centre bead provides structural integrity to the shell and helps focus the drum's overall sound.
How does aluminium sound compared to maple snares?: Aluminium typically offers a drier, crisper, and more focused sound with fewer overtones compared to the warmer, more resonant character of maple snares like the Sonor AQ2.
What is the typical price range for this instrument?: The typical price for the Yamaha Recording Custom Aluminum 14 x 5.5 snare drum is approximately GBP 517.
What are the lug nuts made of?: The drum features precision-machined lug nuts designed for tuning accuracy and long-term durability.
Is this drum part of a specific series?: Yes, it is part of the re-introduced Recording Custom series, which utilises modern technology to optimise classic Yamaha sounds.