Originally introduced to succeed the Stage Custom Advantage series, Yamaha has upgraded the Stage Custom shells with the same thicker ply concept used on Live Custom, using 1.2mm plies. The bearing edges are now rounded for more head to shell contact, which provides a fatter sound.

The Absolute style lug, which attaches to the shell using a single screw, requires fewer holes in the shell and less metal inside the drum, allowing the drums to resonate more fully.

Die-cast claws and new spurs now adorn the bass drum and the snare drum now includes ten lugs for more precise tuning.

Stage Custom Birch kits also come in new sizes. Tom and floor tom sizes are now available at traditional depths and diameters, offering wider tuning and dynamic ranges. The floor toms, trimmed down to be under square, provide a better tone to attack balance.

Dave Jewell, marketing manager, Yamaha Drums, Yamaha Corporation of America, comments:

"The Stage Custom Birch has been a very successful drum set due to its incredible value. We listened to dealers and consumers and improved our number one selling drum set in many ways. From pro finishes to the new Absolute lug casing, the Stage Custom Birch drum kit will continue to set the standard for the industry."

Yamaha Stage Custom Birch drum sets will ship across Northern America in March 2014, with the rest of the world usually following one or two months laters.

About NAMMM
The 2014 Winter NAMM Show, the world’s largest trade-only event for the music products industry, will takes place in Anaheim, California from 23-26 January.