Gear article

Yamaha Recording Custom Brass Snare Drum 14 x 5.5

The Yamaha Recording Custom Brass Snare Drum is a professional-grade percussion instrument designed in collaboration with legendary drummer Steve Gadd. Part of the reintroduced Recording Custom series, it features a 1.2mm brass shell and 2.3mm Dyna Hoops to deliver a crisp, punchy sound suitable for studio and live performance.

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Background and Design

The Yamaha Recording Custom Brass Snare represents a modern evolution of one of the most storied lines in drumming history. Developed alongside long-time Yamaha artist Steve Gadd, the drum was engineered to reintroduce the Recording Custom series using contemporary manufacturing innovations. The design focuses on optimising sonic clarity and consistency, ensuring the drum complements existing Recording Custom kits while functioning as a versatile standalone piece of hardware.

A defining characteristic of the shell construction is the outward centre bead. This structural choice, combined with precision-machined lug nuts, ensures the 1.2mm brass shell maintains its integrity and provides a stable platform for high-tension tuning.

Technical Features

The drum is equipped with high-specification hardware designed for reliability and ease of use. It features two distinct strainer types: the Q-type and the DC3-type, which provide smooth engagement and precise control over snare wire tension.

Additional hardware specifications include: * 2.3mm Dyna Hoops: These hoops are designed to provide extra clarity and a sharp, defined rimshot. * Remo Drumheads: The snare comes fitted with Remo heads as standard, ensuring professional-level tone straight from the box. * Precision Lug Nuts: These are machined to exacting standards to facilitate accurate tuning and long-term stability.

Sonic Characteristics

The 1.2mm brass shell delivers a crisp, articulate sound that is characteristic of the metal. It is noted for providing a clear rimshot that possesses enough volume and cut to penetrate through loud musical arrangements. Despite its brightness, the drum maintains a good low-end punch, offering a balanced frequency response that is highly sought after in recording environments.

Market Comparison

When compared to other professional snares, the Recording Custom Brass sits alongside various material-specific alternatives. While the British Drum Co. Maverick uses maple and the Natal Originals utilizes walnut for warmer, woodier tones, the Yamaha Brass provides the metallic 'cut' necessary for louder genres. It serves as a middle ground between the extreme brightness of stainless steel models, such as the DW Drums Collectors Series, and the drier response of thinner maple shells like the Sonor AQ2.

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Frequently asked questions

Who helped design the Yamaha Recording Custom Brass Snare?
The drum was designed in collaboration with legendary drummer and long-time Yamaha artist Steve Gadd. His input helped optimize the drum for modern recording and performance standards.
What is the shell thickness of this snare drum?
The drum features a 1.2mm thick brass shell. This thickness is chosen to balance resonance with structural durability.
What type of hoops are used on the 14 x 5.5 model?
It is equipped with 2.3mm Dyna Hoops. These hoops are specifically designed to enhance the clarity of the rimshot and provide a consistent tuning surface.
What kind of strainers are included with this drum?
The drum utilizes Q-type and DC3-type strainers. These components are designed for smooth operation and precise snare wire adjustments.
How does the brass shell affect the sound profile?
The brass shell provides a crisp sound with a clear rimshot. It is known for its ability to cut through loud music while maintaining a solid low-end punch.
What is the significance of the outward centre bead?
The outward centre bead is a design feature of the Recording Custom shell that helps optimize the sound and adds structural rigidity to the metal.
What drumheads come standard with the unit?
The snare comes fitted with high-quality Remo heads. These are selected to complement the brass shell's natural resonance and projection.
What is the typical price for this snare drum in the UK?
The typical price range for this model is approximately £517. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock.
Is this drum suitable for loud music environments?
Yes, the combination of the brass shell and 2.3mm Dyna Hoops allows the drum to produce a clear, cutting sound that performs well in high-volume settings.
How does this compare to the Tama Starclassic Performer snare?
While the Tama Starclassic Performer often utilizes different shell blends (such as maple/birch), the Recording Custom Brass offers the specific punch and high-end clarity unique to brass construction.
Can this snare be used with a standard Recording Custom kit?
Absolutely. It was specifically designed to be an excellent addition for drummers wanting to fully utilize a Yamaha Recording Custom drum kit.
What are the dimensions of this specific model?
This specific model measures 14 inches in diameter by 5.5 inches in depth. This is a versatile size that works well for a variety of musical genres.