What material is the Yamaha Tour Custom snare shell made from?

The shell is constructed from 6-ply all-maple. This material is chosen for its ability to produce rich bass frequencies and a warm, resonant tone.

What are the dimensions of this specific snare drum?

The drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 6.5 inches in depth. This depth provides a meatier, more shell-focused sound compared to shallower 5.5-inch models.

What is the finish on this model?

This model features a Chocolate Satin finish. It offers a bold, matte visual aesthetic suitable for various stage and studio environments.

What is the typical price range for the Yamaha Tour Custom 14 x 6.5 snare?

In the UK market, this snare drum typically retails for approximately £271. This price point is intended to balance high-end design with accessible value.

How does the sound differ from smaller Tour Custom snares?

The 6.5-inch depth produces a deeper, fuller-bodied tone than the smaller variants. It offers more presence in the low-end frequencies and a heavier 'pop' from the shell.

Which musical styles best suit this snare drum?

It is highly adaptable but particularly effective for big funky beats and pop. The deep shell and maple construction provide the punch and resonance needed for these genres.

Is the Yamaha Tour Custom snare an electronic or acoustic drum?

While sometimes categorised broadly within drum kit sections, this specific item is an acoustic snare drum. It relies on a maple shell and traditional drumheads for sound projection.

How does this drum compare to the Sonor AQ2 Maple Snare?

Both feature maple shells, but the Yamaha is slightly deeper at 6.5 inches compared to the Sonor AQ2's 6-inch depth. This gives the Yamaha a slightly more pronounced low-end character.

Can this snare drum be used for recording?

Yes, its all-maple construction and standard dimensions make it a versatile choice for the studio. It provides a balanced tone that is easy to capture with standard microphone techniques.

What makes the Tour Custom series unique in Yamaha's lineup?

The Tour Custom series is designed to offer professional features, such as all-maple shells, at a price point that represents high value for touring drummers.

Does the Chocolate Satin finish affect the sound of the drum?

Satin finishes are generally thinner than heavy lacquers or wraps. This typically allows the maple shell to vibrate more freely, supporting the drum's natural resonance.

How does the depth of this drum affect its 'meatiness'?

The 6.5-inch depth increases the volume of the air column inside the drum. This results in a thicker, 'meatier' sound with more emphasis on the shell's fundamental pitch.

Gear article

Yamaha Tour Custom 14 x 6.5 Snare Drum Chocolate Satin

The Yamaha Tour Custom 14 x 6.5 Snare Drum is a professional-grade percussion instrument featuring an all-maple 6-ply shell. Finished in a distinctive Chocolate Satin, it is designed to provide a deep, full-bodied tone with significant shell-focused presence.

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Design and Construction

The Yamaha Tour Custom snare drum is built using a 6-ply all-maple shell, a choice of material known for its resonance and warmth. The 14-inch diameter paired with a 6.5-inch depth allows for greater air displacement and shell vibration compared to shallower models.

The exterior is finished in Chocolate Satin, providing a bold and modern aesthetic that remains neutral enough to fit into various kit configurations. The construction focuses on balancing high-end design elements with value, positioning it as a versatile tool for working drummers.

Sonic Characteristics

This specific snare model is characterised by its deep, full-bodied pop. The 6.5-inch depth emphasizes rich bass frequencies and provides a 'meatier' sound than smaller variants in the Tour Custom line. The maple shell contributes a wide tonal range, ensuring the drum has enough presence to cut through a mix while maintaining a natural, organic character. It is particularly noted for its performance in grooves requiring a strong low-end response and a pronounced shell-focused sound.

Applications

Due to its dimensions and material composition, the Tour Custom 14 x 6.5 is well-suited for musical styles that demand 'big' beats, such as funk, rock, and pop. Its adaptability makes it a reliable choice for drummers who require a single snare that can handle multiple genres. The combination of maple's sensitivity and the 6.5-inch depth provides enough volume for live performance while retaining the nuance required for studio recording.

Market Comparison

When compared to alternatives in the mid-to-high-end market, the Yamaha Tour Custom sits alongside other maple options such as the Sonor AQ2 14 x 6 Maple Snare or the British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5. While the Maverick and Tama Starclassic Performer LTD offer different depths or hybrid shell compositions, the Yamaha differentiates itself through its specific 6.5-inch depth and 6-ply maple construction. For those seeking even deeper tones, alternatives like the Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8 exist, though the Yamaha provides a more traditional balance of snap and body.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the Yamaha Tour Custom snare shell made from?: The shell is constructed from 6-ply all-maple. This material is chosen for its ability to produce rich bass frequencies and a warm, resonant tone.
What are the dimensions of this specific snare drum?: The drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 6.5 inches in depth. This depth provides a meatier, more shell-focused sound compared to shallower 5.5-inch models.
What is the finish on this model?: This model features a Chocolate Satin finish. It offers a bold, matte visual aesthetic suitable for various stage and studio environments.
What is the typical price range for the Yamaha Tour Custom 14 x 6.5 snare?: In the UK market, this snare drum typically retails for approximately £271. This price point is intended to balance high-end design with accessible value.
How does the sound differ from smaller Tour Custom snares?: The 6.5-inch depth produces a deeper, fuller-bodied tone than the smaller variants. It offers more presence in the low-end frequencies and a heavier 'pop' from the shell.
Which musical styles best suit this snare drum?: It is highly adaptable but particularly effective for big funky beats and pop. The deep shell and maple construction provide the punch and resonance needed for these genres.
Is the Yamaha Tour Custom snare an electronic or acoustic drum?: While sometimes categorised broadly within drum kit sections, this specific item is an acoustic snare drum. It relies on a maple shell and traditional drumheads for sound projection.
How does this drum compare to the Sonor AQ2 Maple Snare?: Both feature maple shells, but the Yamaha is slightly deeper at 6.5 inches compared to the Sonor AQ2's 6-inch depth. This gives the Yamaha a slightly more pronounced low-end character.
Can this snare drum be used for recording?: Yes, its all-maple construction and standard dimensions make it a versatile choice for the studio. It provides a balanced tone that is easy to capture with standard microphone techniques.
What makes the Tour Custom series unique in Yamaha's lineup?: The Tour Custom series is designed to offer professional features, such as all-maple shells, at a price point that represents high value for touring drummers.
Does the Chocolate Satin finish affect the sound of the drum?: Satin finishes are generally thinner than heavy lacquers or wraps. This typically allows the maple shell to vibrate more freely, supporting the drum's natural resonance.
How does the depth of this drum affect its 'meatiness'?: The 6.5-inch depth increases the volume of the air column inside the drum. This results in a thicker, 'meatier' sound with more emphasis on the shell's fundamental pitch.