Yamaha raises the bar once again with the new Stage Custom Nouveau. Its 8-ply Birch/Philippine Mahogany/Fakalta shells, YESS tom mounts, wood snare and Nouveau split lugs make for a kit that sounds much more expensive that it really is. Learn More...









8 out of 10








8 out of 10








9 out of 10








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8 out of 10








9 out of 10








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8 out of 10








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7 out of 10








9 out of 10Feature:
The features have allowed me to be flexible with the kit. Yamaha makes stand mounts that are very available and fit this kit's mounting system. I've set this kit up three different ways and found my comfort zone.
Quality:
For the price this is a great quality kit. The Red finish hides dings that are unavoidable for a kit you may gig with.
Value:
High value for the price. I'd say high-end for beginning & intermediate drummers. As beginners and intermediates get deeper with this kit, they may outgrow it for something more pure, but I've had it for 3 years and am still playing it with a good amount of satisfaction.
Desirability:
Not the most exciting kit, but it can be spruced up to make it come more to life.
Sound:
The sound is not as polished as you would have with a maple kit, but it gets the job done for a range of music. I have found that it's easy to choke this kit out and produce more of a "thud" with the toms. It is harder to get the kit to resonate. You have to have the right resonant side heads (Evans makes a very thin head that has worked).
Support:
I ordered a 14" tom in the same color to boost the depth of the kit. Yamaha was great to deal with. They got the drum to me in a reasonable amount of time and it didn't cost me too much.
Overall:
I think I may be upgrading my kit at some point in the next year or so, as I want to pull a deeper, more resonant sound out of my drums. There is no doubt that this kit has helped me become a better drummer and enhance my band. It's proven to be pretty versitile as well.
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7 out of 10








10 out of 10Feature:
The stands are only single braced, but it seems that Yamaha's single braced stands are stronger than some companies double braced stands. So I wouldn't let that bother you, plus you might have to lug it around and you will be glad you have single braced at that point.
Quality:
I haven't had any problems in a yr. But as I said before there are more expensive sets with better woods, this is the best value being made of birch, falkata,(spelling)and mahogany. I like the tone from the rack Toms best.
Value:
If you can find this set for just under 899 (I got mine brand new for 750) it is a steal, even at 1000 dollars it is a good value.
Desirability:
The laquer finshes in this product are beautiful. The lighter colors allow the woods to come right out for everyone to see. The darker laquers are harder to tell that they are laquers.
Sound:
As with most drum set once you put new heads on the set that fit your style of music this set will blow you away. There are sets with better woods for a fuller sound, but for the price you won't be disappointed, probably the best set in this price range.
Ease of Use:
With the exception of the floor tom, it is a very easy set to set up, but the floor tom legs must be adjusted with a drum key which is time consuming.
Support:
Insead of waiting on hold as you do with some companies Yamaha has you take all issues back to the store and they wait on hold after you have left. It doesn't get better than that.
Overall:
This is a great set for beginners who will play for ever and intermediate players. I bought it after I graduated College and I am satisfied that I won't look anywhere else till something extremely goes wrong with it.
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10 out of 10








10 out of 10Sound:
Awesome value. Great sound - Switch to Evans EC2 heads on top, leave the factory heads on the bottom and you're good to go! Reasonably good hardware - I switched all mine out with HD Yamaha stands to hold the weight of a heavy 22" ride and two floor toms. Put the EMAD beater head on the kick drum and you'll be totally amazed at the difference in sound.
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10 out of 10








9 out of 10








10 out of 10Feature:
i wish it had a better equipment for the hi-hat.
Quality:
its great
Value:
yes
Desirability:
its great....im sure everyone who know about yamaha drums would want it.
Sound:
pretty good
Support:
ive never had a problem
Overall:
i like it, i just wish it wasnt so big.....the rydeen is much lower so it is easier to get around the set.....dont get a 22 inch bass drum...get a 20....i regret getting a 22
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