What is included in the Yamaha Stage Custom Hip shell pack?

The pack includes a 4-piece shell set (typically bass drum, rack tom, floor tom, and snare) and a set of Protection Racket bags. Hardware and cymbals are generally sold separately.

What is the primary shell material used in this kit?

The shells are made from birch, which is known for its bright tone, excellent projection, and durability.

What makes this kit 'Hip' compared to a standard Stage Custom?

The 'Hip' designation refers to the shallow-depth shells and compact configuration designed for portability and small stages.

Does the kit come with cases?

Yes, this specific shell pack comes with Protection Racket bags, which are industry-standard for durability and ease of transport.

What is the bass drum size?

The bass drum is 20 inches in diameter, though it features a shallower depth than traditional 20-inch bass drums for better portability.

Is this kit suitable for street performances?

Yes, the manufacturer specifically highlights street performances and small venues as the ideal environments for this compact setup.

What finish does this specific model have?

This model features a Natural Wood finish, showcasing the aesthetic grain of the birch shells.

How does the floor tom function in this kit?

The floor tom in the Stage Custom Hip series is designed to be versatile and can be tuned or utilized as a large snare drum if desired.

How much does the Yamaha Stage Custom Hip shell pack typically cost?

The typical price range for this specific 4-piece shell pack with bags is approximately £779.

Is hardware like cymbal stands and pedals included?

No, this is a shell pack, meaning it includes the drums and bags but requires separate purchase of stands, pedals, and a stool.

Can this kit handle loud rock music?

While compact, the birch shells and 20-inch kick provide significant volume; however, it is best suited for settings where a controlled, articulate sound is preferred.

How does this compare to the Sonor AQ2 Safari?

The Yamaha has a larger 20-inch bass drum compared to the Sonor's 16-inch, providing more low-end punch, though the Sonor is slightly more compact.

Gear article

Yamaha Stage Custom Hip 20" 4pc Shell Pack

The Yamaha Stage Custom Hip is a compact 4-piece acoustic drum shell pack designed for drummers requiring high portability without sacrificing professional sound quality. Featuring all-birch shells and a shallow-depth design, this kit is specifically tailored for small venues, street performances, and mobile drumming applications.

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Background and Design Philosophy

The Yamaha Stage Custom Hip was developed to address the growing demand for 'bop' or 'hip' kits that provide a smaller footprint for tight stages and easier transit. While many compact kits utilize smaller diameter bass drums, the Stage Custom Hip maintains a 20-inch diameter for the kick, providing a familiar feel and punch, but with a significantly reduced depth to save space.

This specific configuration is presented in a Natural Wood finish, highlighting the grain of the birch shells. The kit is bundled with Protection Racket bags, which are noted for their durability and ease of use, reinforcing the kit's primary utility as a touring and travel-friendly instrument.

Construction and Key Features

The shells are constructed using Yamaha's established birch wood formula, known for its clear, cutting tone and robust build quality. The 4-piece configuration typically includes a shallow bass drum, floor tom, rack tom, and a snare drum. A unique feature of the Stage Custom Hip series is the floor tom, which is often designed to double as a deep snare drum, providing versatile sonic options in a minimal footprint.

Key features include: * Shallow-depth shells: Designed for quick response and easy transport. * 20-inch Bass Drum: Offers more low-end presence than traditional 16-inch or 18-inch compact kits. * Protection Racket Cases: High-quality soft cases included for safe transport. * Natural Wood Finish: A classic aesthetic that fits a variety of performance settings.

Sound Character and Performance

The sound of the Stage Custom Hip is defined by the high-frequency emphasis and crisp attack of birch wood. Because the shells are shallower, the sustain is shorter and more controlled than standard-depth kits, making it well-suited for jazz, hip-hop, and acoustic settings where clarity and articulation are paramount. Despite the reduced depth, the 20-inch bass drum retains enough air volume to provide a solid low-frequency foundation for live performances.

Target Audience

This shell pack is ideal for professional drummers who frequently perform in urban environments where space is limited and load-in times are short. It is also an excellent choice for street performers (buskers) who require a kit that can be packed into a single vehicle efficiently. Because of its professional birch construction, it serves as a reliable secondary kit for drummers who usually play larger setups but need a 'grab-and-go' alternative for rehearsals and club dates.

Market Comparisons

When compared to other compact kits, the Yamaha Stage Custom Hip occupies a middle ground between ultra-portable 'safari' kits and full-sized studio kits. For example, the Sonor AQ2 Safari uses a smaller 16-inch kick drum, which is more portable but offers less low-end than the Yamaha's 20-inch kick. Conversely, kits like the Ludwig Neusonic 20" or the Tama Superstar Classic offer similar footprints but may differ in shell material (such as maple/cherry blends) or price points. The inclusion of premium Protection Racket bags gives the Yamaha pack a distinct advantage in terms of out-of-the-box value for mobile musicians.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Yamaha Stage Custom Hip shell pack?: The pack includes a 4-piece shell set (typically bass drum, rack tom, floor tom, and snare) and a set of Protection Racket bags. Hardware and cymbals are generally sold separately.
What is the primary shell material used in this kit?: The shells are made from birch, which is known for its bright tone, excellent projection, and durability.
What makes this kit 'Hip' compared to a standard Stage Custom?: The 'Hip' designation refers to the shallow-depth shells and compact configuration designed for portability and small stages.
Does the kit come with cases?: Yes, this specific shell pack comes with Protection Racket bags, which are industry-standard for durability and ease of transport.
What is the bass drum size?: The bass drum is 20 inches in diameter, though it features a shallower depth than traditional 20-inch bass drums for better portability.
Is this kit suitable for street performances?: Yes, the manufacturer specifically highlights street performances and small venues as the ideal environments for this compact setup.
What finish does this specific model have?: This model features a Natural Wood finish, showcasing the aesthetic grain of the birch shells.
How does the floor tom function in this kit?: The floor tom in the Stage Custom Hip series is designed to be versatile and can be tuned or utilized as a large snare drum if desired.
How much does the Yamaha Stage Custom Hip shell pack typically cost?: The typical price range for this specific 4-piece shell pack with bags is approximately £779.
Is hardware like cymbal stands and pedals included?: No, this is a shell pack, meaning it includes the drums and bags but requires separate purchase of stands, pedals, and a stool.
Can this kit handle loud rock music?: While compact, the birch shells and 20-inch kick provide significant volume; however, it is best suited for settings where a controlled, articulate sound is preferred.
How does this compare to the Sonor AQ2 Safari?: The Yamaha has a larger 20-inch bass drum compared to the Sonor's 16-inch, providing more low-end punch, though the Sonor is slightly more compact.