Yamaha YD Series

I used to have a 1970's pearl export but it was in really bad condition and I quickly became tired oh having to hold the hi-hat stand up with my knee (no joke). I eventually decided to replace it and bought a Yamaha YD series drum kit from ebay for £360.

Initially I was worried that I should have brought something in the next price range (like another pearl export) but when I actually saw the kit I was astounded. It looks several price ranges up with the wooden bass drum hoops. And it doesn't stop there - the drums sound great as well. The snare has a lovely crisp, deep crack to it; the bass drum makes a very deep, powerful boom, the toms (with upgraded heads) are clean and tonally rich. The hardware is great too, but I'd advise upgrading the cymbal stands to pearl ones later.

I have only a few dislikes that I can think of instantly - the original Remo heads soumd absolutely awful and If you're going to buy this kit buy some better ones along with it. I would advise Evans hydraulic heads. Also, the tom mounting system is a bit awkward and if you're not careful you could end up bashing the toms on the bass drum every time you want to move them. This isn't really a problem if you're careful, but you might wish to buy a rack later on if you're accident prone.

Outstanding. The wood used looks great and is light yet durable. The hardware, although awkward at times is very tough and will last a long time.

When looking at reviews of kits of this price you'll usually see 'its great for a beginner'. However, if my band got a number one tomorrow, I'd be proud to keep this kit (although a DW or Pearl Masterworks might find it's way to my doorstep too!). It's as good as most of the kits under £1000 and with features like wooden bass drum hoops, hook it up to some Sabian HHXs and it's hard to tell the difference between this and a Maple Custom. Don't be fooled by the price, this is a great kit for drummers of all levels, and I mean all levels, and will stay with me for a long time.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I wanted to upgrade my ancient STAR(now Tama) drumkit so i looked up an online dealer and got the YD series for about €650.

This being my second drumkit i was very pleased with it. Great sound out of all the drums, perfect tone all around. I really like the tom mounting system on them which the exact same as used on all Yamaha top-end kits. The stands that came with the kit were of good quality too.

Factory skins were crap (Remo 'U2' heads)- had to buy a full set of pinstripes and an emperor for the sanre, resonant heads were fine though.

Great quality, beats the hell out of a lot of other drumkits ive jammed on at friends houses. All Phillipean mahogony shells.

Great drumkit, buy one if you cant afford the real expensive stuff, or just buy it anyway- you probably wouldnt be able to tell the difference. I've recorded a few songs with my band using this kit and it sounds great.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I just picked up this 5-piece set after 16 years of being drumless. Got them at musiciansfriend.com at a great price of around 6 bills. Always loved Yamaha--had beautiful Recording Customs back in the mid-eighties so....

As usual Yamaha can make quality out of crap everytime...for an entry level kit these drums are just great. I always loved Yamaha hardware in particular and the YD set comes with sturdy stuff. I was a little scared of single-braced stands...but there was no reason to be, they're fine. Tom and Bass tones are great...nice and deep.

Cymbals---If you can get a set cheaper without the cymbals...do so and invest in a decent set of Paistes or something. They ALWAYS put the worst cymbals in these entry sets..In fact I'm currently using my hi-hats as sauce pan lids. I can't say much about the snare drum. I always preferred a steel snare and just haven't found the right one yet...wood rings too much...maybe I'm just old and stupid now.

Great construction per usual with Yamaha--and they just look so damn pretty!!

First, let me say that the one surprise joy of this kit was the Dave Weckl video that came with it. The sight of one of music's most amazing drummers fulfilling his endorsement contract was just hilarious. He hasn't tuned one of his own drums in twenty years!! Anyway,my days of Rock and Roll dreaming are over but with these Yamaha YD series drums I can finally put together the monster 10-piece set of my teen-year dreams without remortgaging my house. My recording customs would be proud. Thanks, Yamaha.

This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com