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Yamaha Recording Custom Aluminum Snare Drum - 5.5 x 14-inch - Brushed

5.5" x 14" Aluminum Snare Drum with 1.2mm Beaded Shell and Die-cast Hoops
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$494.99
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Opening a New Vein in the Recording Custom Legacy

Yamaha's Recording Custom snare drums have been at the heart of countless records since the late '70s. And now, thanks to a partnership with session icon Steve Gadd (Paul Simon, Steely Dan), these snares are better than ever. Each Recording Custom represents a different generation of some of the most celebrated metal snares in the industry. Choose from the dynamic woodiness of aluminum, the cutting crack of steel, or the dark intensity of brass (each sold separately). Shells are expertly formed to just 1.2mm thick with an external center bead — a first in Yamaha's history — and treated to a sumptuous brushed finish with updated lugs and an offset badge.

Aluminum shell boasts an open, woody tone

Of all the metal snares, aluminum is generally the most organic sounding. The most famous of these vintage snares remain studio standards to this day, beloved by drummers of all backgrounds for their open and woody presence. The Yamaha Recording Custom's 1.2mm aluminum shell embodies everything that was great about this period of drum making. You get the sensitivity of metal with the warm, organic qualities of wood, all with the dependability you count on from modern Yamaha drums.

3mm die-cast hoops provide an edge in the studio

When you really need a snare that cracks, die-cast hoops are a joy in the studio. At 3mm each of matching aluminum, these hoops don't just make a nice complement to the Recording Custom's openness and body, but also to its aesthetic appeal.

Smooth, stable, and quiet throw off

A dependable snare throw off is essential for studio work. The Yamaha Q-type mechanism on your Recording Custom is quick and stable at dialing in snare tension and stealthy at releasing wires in the middle of a take.

Choose from stock or Gadd-designed snare wires

The Yamaha Recording Custom snare comes equipped with a 20-strand snare wire. But for players whose environment and playing style demand a quieter, more delicate snare tone, you also get a custom 10-strand type. This clever design is inspired by Steve Gadd's tendency to cut the four middle wires out of his 14-strand snares for less sympathetic buzz and a higher head-to-snare ratio.

Session ready with Remo heads

Your Recording Custom snare is ready for the record light with an included complement of Remo heads. You get an industry-standard Ambassador Coated on top for backbeats to brushwork and a sensitive 3mm Ambassador Snare Side to draw out your grace notes. This finishing touch is just another reason Sweetwater drummers stand behind Yamaha Recording Custom snare drums for session work.

Yamaha Recording Custom 14" Aluminum Snare Drum Features:

  • Size: 5.5" x 14" (depth x diameter)
  • Designed in cooperation with Steve Gadd
  • 1.2mm aluminum shell boasts an open tone, woody depth, and satisfying crack
  • Takes design cues from some sought-after vintage aluminum snares
  • External center bead provides a classic look and crisp tone
  • Timeless, understated brushed finish makes a fine addition to any kit
  • Made over with sleeker 1-piece lugs and an updated offset badge
  • 3mm aluminum die-cast hoops give backbeats an edge in the studio
  • Q-type throw off mechanism tensions snares quickly, releases quietly
  • Includes both 20-strand and 10-strand snare wires for sensitivity or subtlety
  • Fitted with Remo batter and snare heads for a record-ready sound

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Snare
  • Drum Depth: 5.5"
  • Drum Diameter: 14"
  • Shell Material: Aluminum
  • Shell Construction: 1.2mm
  • Hoops: Die-cast
  • Lugs: 10 x Updated 1-piece Lugs
  • Color: Chrome
  • Finish: Polished
  • Heads: Remo USA
  • Manufacturer Part Number: RAS-1455

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Amazing sounding Aluminum Snare drum

Ok, I'm pretty stoked about this purchase. I've had the drum for a week. Here are some observations:

Incredibly articulate at all tuning ranges
Outstanding hardware (strainer/throw off is literally the best I've ever used)
The pop and crack are very dry but musical
Very lightweight (obviously!)
Nice looking
This drum has presence in the mix with and without snares engaged

A couple notes. I currently own and have owned high quality snares from reputable makers. This is my first aluminum snare. I chose the YRC over the other popular options because of Yamaha's reputation for quality and durability. The quality of this drum is better than most (if not all) at this price point. I did change out the quality Remo ambassador heads that came with this drum to an Evans Heavyweight batter/500 snare side, which darkened the sound substantially.

This is my new favorite snare drum!
Music background: Hobbiest, part time gigging drummer, newish instructor
Rated 5/5

Thee dream snare

I see why now this Yamaha recording custom snare is the go to snare for recording,i use this in a livestream service at church and the sound was amazing , Also i use this snare for other musical genre of music.I had many other snares ,But none like this snare drum . Yamaha has hit a grand slam along with partnering with the legendary drummer Steve Gadd on this snare.This is the only snare you need to get if you wanted to get a snare that is durable and wont go out of tune , YAMAHA RECORDING CUSTOM SNARES ARE THE WAY TO GO HANDS DOWN!
Music background: Jazz,R&B,Soul,Funk,Gospel
Rated 5/5

Yamaha makes great drums

This aluminum snare is the best snare drum I've ever owned, which is saying something. For under $ you get an extremely versatile snare.
Rated 5/5

Amazing Snare! Totally Underrated! Tons of Bells and Whistles!

This snare is great. The aluminum shell sounds amazing. What makes this really stand out is the extras. The aluminum made die cast hoops are truly special. They're pretty rare too, it's hard to go online and just order a pair of these hoops in aluminum. The lightweight hoops but still diecast and stiff compliments this drum tremendously.

The throw off is amazing. I've never been one to care about that, I hear others talking about throws etc but never paid attention. Then I got this drum and realized how well made and heavy duty the throw off is, it really blows away every other snare except for my Dw's when it comes to this department. Definitely high quality.

And also, the fact that it comes with usa remo ambassadors too and bottom, not a Yamaha branded one but the same ones that will cost you $ from sweetwater, is a big bonus too. Just about every drum I change heads, snares, and even hoops on. This drum I didn't change one of those things. Just tuned it slightly and it was good to go.

Lastly, the snare wires seem to compliment the drum well too. They come with a 20 strand on the drum but also include a 10 strand optional pair you could swap to if wanted. Haven't seen any other snare offer that either.

All in I highly suggest this snare, it sounds great and all the extras I mentioned put it over the top. Surprised I don't hear more about it when people are discussing amazing snares.
Rated 5/5

So good.

This is all I really need.
Not that I don't have other snares and I will continue to buy them, but that's just an addiction really.
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