This kit sounds fantastic live! I have experimented with various head and have settled on the Evans Hydraulics to take away a little of the "brightness." The toms resonate very well. I'm using an Evans Genera Dry Batter head on the snare to give it a good, hard, "crack" sound. In the studio, I've run a little compression on the snare and kick, and absolutely no effects at all on the toms. These drums are easy to tune and record with a warmth more expensive "pro" kits should strive for.

Beautiful finish! The chestnut stain is To Die For! Looks awesome under stage lights! The ball/socket adjustments for the toms will put these drums right where you want them. I purchased a 6 piece kit-snare, 10, 12, 14, 16 toms 16x22 kick drum.

I have owned these drums for 10 years, and have carried them all over North FL and to TN. I now play for a local Christian Rock band and we will playing all over the SouthEast. The hardware has stood up well and the shell are still flawless with only minor scratches to the finish. Yamaha quality is evident everywhere on this kit.

I haven't needed Yamaha's help yet, but I'm sure they'll provide service equal the quality of the gear.

I don't know about "sex appeal." I've bigger kits, more elaborate kits, but there is something inherently "sexy" to me about a great looking product that performs as well as it looks.

Active Musician

Rock/Metal

I have had my Yamaha Stage Custom since I was 11. The Toms echoe well. It is very well for live concerts. I have never had to use microphones. The sound quality is very good.

Everything about this kit screams quality. The finish on the drums is absolutely flawless . Yamaha scores top marks in this category!

Exellent wood. Nothing better!

Not much sex appeal, but this kit is classically gorgeous.

80's style ( Dire Straits) but also Jazz and rock ( Nirvana, Nickelback, Offspring...)