Yamaha Drums at NAMM 2012
This year marks Yamaha’s 45th anniversary as a drum manufacturer (we’ve been building ‘em since 1967), and we’re still wowing the crowd at the NAMM show.
One of the highlights of this year’s display is the Dragon Hybrid Kit located right at the booth entrance.
This impressive setup demonstrates the flexibility, strength, and safety of our remarkable new HEXRACK II hardware, featuring all aluminum piping that is the lightest in the business! Drummers can create virtually any type of setup their imagination can conceive, to support their individual drumming style. All innovative drummers should definitely check out HEXRACK II!
More information on HEXRACK II can be found here:
http://www.yamaha.com/hex2/
Don’t miss the HEXRACK Gallery while you’re there!
You might have also noticed that the shells used in this kit are Recording Custom reissue shells with an Antique Sunburst finish, one of the two new colors that Yamaha added to this year’s Recording Custom lineup: Antique Sunburst and Deep Blue.
Since it’s release in 1977, the long-selling Recording Custom series has become a standard in studios and on stages around the world, and the distinctive “birch sound” it delivers is still popular with demanding drummers in all genres. The two new colors are not flashy, but they have a deep, sexy, and somewhat mysterious appeal. The depth and dimensionality of these finishes could only be achieved through industry-leading Yamaha finishing technology.
The e-Book catalog is available here:
http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/drums/recording_custom/index.html
Even the more economical Stage Custom Birch series boasts two beautiful new colors: Matte Black and Honey Amber. These gorgeous, sophisticated finishes give the affordable Stage Birch Custom drums top-line visual appeal.
The e-Book catalog for the Stage Custom series is here:
http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/drums/stage_custom/index.html
Some great news for Yamaha came in during the show: the Club Custom series introduced last year was selected by Music & Sound Retailer as “Best Drums of the Year”! Check out the announcement at around 31:45 in the movie at the link:http://www.msretailer.com/msr/?p=440
These innovative drums were inspired by Steve Jordan, and are constructed of 100% Kapur for outstanding tone. They also feature a beautiful swirl finish that adds visual appeal to their stunning sound. We’re honored that a distinguished publication like Music & Sound Retailer has evaluated them so highly, and hope that you’ll try them out for yourself!
http://www.yamaha.co.jp/english/product/drums/cc/
The artist autograph and photo session that took place at the Yamaha booth was probably the highlight event of the entire NAMM show this year. Check out the list of distinguished artists who turned up to show their support for Yamaha! The event began at 11 AM, and even at 1:30 PM the line for autographs and photos was as long as when it started! So many great players in one place at the same time … a very rare opportunity.
The artists were:
David Garibaldi, Tommy Igoe, Gorden Campbell, Donald Barrett, Ralph Humphrey, Steve Jordan, Sonny Emory, Tommy Aldridge, Tom Hunting, Paul Bostaph, Jerry Marotta, Russ Miller, Russ Kunkel, Gerry Brown, Phil Ehart, Prairie Prince, Teddy Campbell, Dave Weckl, Bobby Blotzer, Ndugu Chancler
The Yamaha drums and hardware that these discerning players choose to support their careers is designed and created with the same type of passion that they apply in their drumming. We’re very serious about what we do. We take our “family’s” needs and demands into consideration right from the initial design stage, and that is a significant part of the secret behind the sound, playability, and reliability of Yamaha drums.
It’s our 45th year! As exemplified by our Recording Custom series and System Hardware, our ability to consistently stay at the forefront of the music and technology is our pride. The experience we acquire today goes toward defining the drums of the future. This year begins with the revolutionary HEXRACK II hardware, providing all-new potential for innovative drum settings.