What is included in the 4-piece shell pack?

The pack includes a 3-piece Be Bop sized shell kit (18" kick, 12" tom, 14" floor tom), a CL945LB tom arm, and a 14 x 5.5-inch steel snare drum.

What is the primary shell material of the drums?

The shells are made from 100% birch, providing a balanced sound with a cutting low-end and sustained overtones.

How does the EAD10 sensor attach to the kit?

The EAD10 sensor unit clamps directly onto the hoop of the bass drum, capturing the sound of the entire kit from that single position.

Can the EAD10 be used for recording?

Yes, the EAD10 module is designed specifically to simplify recording by capturing high-quality audio that can be sent to a computer or mobile device.

What finish is this specific model available in?

This specific package is finished in Raven Black, a dark and sleek aesthetic.

Is hardware like cymbal stands and a bass drum pedal included?

No, this is a 'shell pack' with an added module. While it includes the tom arm, it does not include cymbal stands, pedals, or a drum throne.

What does 'Be Bop sized' mean in this context?

It refers to the smaller, more portable drum diameters, specifically the 18-inch bass drum, which is traditional for jazz and small-venue settings.

Does the EAD10 module include built-in effects?

Yes, the module allows you to apply studio-quality effects, samples, and triggers to your acoustic drum sound.

What type of snare drum is included?

The package includes a Yamaha Stage Custom 14 x 5.5-inch steel snare drum.

How does the tom mount work?

It uses Yamaha's CL945LB ball and socket system, which allows for precise, 360-degree positioning of the rack tom.

Is this kit suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is marketed for everyone from beginners and educators to working professionals due to its ease of use and portability.

How does this compare to the Yamaha Rydeen kit?

The Stage Custom features higher-quality birch shells compared to the Rydeen's poplar shells, and this package specifically includes the EAD10 electronic system which the Rydeen does not.

Gear article

Yamaha Stage Custom EAD10 18 4pc Shell Pack

The Yamaha Stage Custom EAD10 18 4pc Shell Pack is a hybrid drum solution combining a birch acoustic shell kit with a high-definition electronic sensor system. Designed for versatility, this package integrates 'Be Bop' sized drums with the EAD10 module to facilitate easy recording, teaching, and live performance in a compact footprint.

See live prices

Overview and Construction

The Yamaha Stage Custom Birch kit included in this package features 'Be Bop' sizes, centred around a portable 18-inch bass drum. The shells are constructed from 100% birch, a wood choice synonymous with Yamaha's recording heritage. This specific configuration includes a 12-inch rack tom, a 14-inch floor tom, and an additional 14 x 5.5-inch steel snare drum to complete the four-piece shell foundation.

The hardware utilizes Yamaha’s renowned ball and socket tom arm (CL945LB), which allows for infinite positioning flexibility. The Raven Black finish provides a sleek, professional aesthetic suitable for both stage and studio environments.

The EAD10 Hybrid System

A defining feature of this package is the inclusion of the Yamaha EAD10 Electronic Acoustic Drum Module and Sensor. This system functions by attaching a single stereo microphone and trigger sensor to the bass drum hoop. The sensor captures the entire acoustic kit while the module allows the user to layer electronic samples, studio-quality effects, and triggers over the natural sound.

This integration simplifies the process of recording and practicing, as it eliminates the need for complex multi-mic setups. The module acts as a hub for monitoring through headphones or sending a processed signal to a front-of-house mixer or digital audio workstation.

Ludwig Neusonic 20" Downbeat 3pc Shell Pack Blue Super Sparkle

Sonic Characteristics

Acoustically, the birch shells produce a 'cutting' low-end sound characterised by a sharp attack and sustained overtones. The smaller Be Bop dimensions favor a higher tuning range suitable for jazz and fusion, though the birch construction ensures enough punch for pop and rock applications.

The steel snare drum adds a bright, high-frequency crack to the ensemble, contrasting with the warm, woody resonance of the toms. When the EAD10 is engaged, these natural tones can be digitally enhanced with reverb, compression, and various electronic textures without losing the feel of the acoustic instrument.

Target Audience and Applications

This package is marketed as an 'ultimate' solution for three primary user groups:

Educators: The hybrid system allows for easy recording of lessons and the ability to play along with tracks.
Practicing Musicians: Headphone monitoring through the EAD10 enables quiet practice with high-fidelity sound.
Working Professionals: The 18-inch kick drum makes the kit highly portable for small stages and jazz club settings, while the EAD10 provides a quick 'plug-and-play' miking solution.

Market Comparison

In the realm of compact and hybrid kits, the Stage Custom EAD10 package competes with several notable alternatives. The Ludwig Neusonic 20" Downbeat and 22" Rapid MOD2 offer larger shell options but lack the integrated electronics. For those seeking different shell materials, the Natal Arcadia Acrylic provides a distinct visual and sonic alternative, while the Sonor AQ2 Safari offers similar portability in a 4-piece format.

Compared to the Yamaha Rydeen, which is an entry-level kit with hardware and cymbals, the Stage Custom Birch occupies a higher tier of shell quality and includes the sophisticated EAD10 module, justifying its position as a more professional recording and performance tool.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is included in the 4-piece shell pack?: The pack includes a 3-piece Be Bop sized shell kit (18" kick, 12" tom, 14" floor tom), a CL945LB tom arm, and a 14 x 5.5-inch steel snare drum.
What is the primary shell material of the drums?: The shells are made from 100% birch, providing a balanced sound with a cutting low-end and sustained overtones.
How does the EAD10 sensor attach to the kit?: The EAD10 sensor unit clamps directly onto the hoop of the bass drum, capturing the sound of the entire kit from that single position.
Can the EAD10 be used for recording?: Yes, the EAD10 module is designed specifically to simplify recording by capturing high-quality audio that can be sent to a computer or mobile device.
What finish is this specific model available in?: This specific package is finished in Raven Black, a dark and sleek aesthetic.
Is hardware like cymbal stands and a bass drum pedal included?: No, this is a 'shell pack' with an added module. While it includes the tom arm, it does not include cymbal stands, pedals, or a drum throne.
What does 'Be Bop sized' mean in this context?: It refers to the smaller, more portable drum diameters, specifically the 18-inch bass drum, which is traditional for jazz and small-venue settings.
Does the EAD10 module include built-in effects?: Yes, the module allows you to apply studio-quality effects, samples, and triggers to your acoustic drum sound.
What type of snare drum is included?: The package includes a Yamaha Stage Custom 14 x 5.5-inch steel snare drum.
How does the tom mount work?: It uses Yamaha's CL945LB ball and socket system, which allows for precise, 360-degree positioning of the rack tom.
Is this kit suitable for beginners?: Yes, it is marketed for everyone from beginners and educators to working professionals due to its ease of use and portability.
How does this compare to the Yamaha Rydeen kit?: The Stage Custom features higher-quality birch shells compared to the Rydeen's poplar shells, and this package specifically includes the EAD10 electronic system which the Rydeen does not.