Hey awesome review. Those stage customs are the most used back line kits for a reason. Built great and sound great and aren't crazy expensive. Great drumming btw.
You don't sound rusty to me. Nice demo and perhaps the best deal on any kit. I often play these instead of my Maple Custom Absolutes. They are that good!
I just finished getting every add on tom available, including the floor toms, and the bop kit for the 18'' bass drum, I couldn't help myself. These drums sound so good I might even sell my 5 piece PHX kit and still come out way ahead.
Sounds amazing. I use the 602 on my kick as well. I have this kit but added an 8, 13 and 18 to it. I use a 902 on the 16 and 18, 604s on the other toms and snare with 614s for overheads. You really can't beat these drums.
I have an older stage custom and I added an 8 inch to it. The stage customs are some of the best drums ever made....if you get a chance, check out my video about using kick drum mics on a snare.
Hey! First, great review and sound test. I'm also in a mood to maybe share my experience gigging with Yamaha Stage Custom and other kits, that I'm gonna compare them to. Keep in mind that the kits I recommend below are the kits I also played many times irl. Yamaha Stage Customs win in terms of hardware, universal sound and usability. The sound is pretty sharp and will sound good in smaller spaces, but incredible on stages and bigger venues. Every drum on the kit sounds exceptional, when the stock heads are replaced. With stock heads, kit sounds very average with a lot of boomyness and useless warmth. Replacing stock heads is a must with this kit! At this price point however, I think there are objectively better options, if you're looking at sound. However if you're looking for best hardware, go with Stage Customs! Pearl Decades are an amazing option when it comes to versatility and sound. They are equiped with one of the best tom mounting systems at this price point and maple shells which are quite outstanding for the price. In my opinion, great kit, amazing projection and in my opinion, they just sound way bigger and smoother than Yamaha Stage Custom. Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz. Way cheaper and way smaller (it comes without hardware). Don't let the size fool you tho! I think that this kit sounds the best. I prefer it to Stage Customs and I prefer it to Decades... Hardware is worse when comparing to Pearls or Yamahas, but it's still amazing and you can definetly count on it, it'll never leave you hanging. It's shell is 7ply Mahogany which I think it sounds great and kind of way warmer and cozyer. I like how it sounds on stages and I really like them way more in clubs and pubs. In clubs they sound like you're playing on a way more expensive kit!
Fantastic birch kit. The snare is terrible though, it really takes away from the overall kit and Adrian's great playing. That stage custom kick drum with it's 45 degree bearing edge will stand up to the most expensive kick drums out there. When it comes to bang for the buck, this kit and the maple stage custom tour kit are the 2 best models from any maker. Although DWs PDP Concept Maple is a close 2nd.Of course at the higher DWs collector series are fantastic too. Great demo Adrian.
Meh. Snare is amazing, but out of the box with stock heads it sounds very lousy and sloppy. All it takes is just a batch of new heads and it sounds really good. I'd even argue that this snare beats most beginner snare such as the new Pearl Export series snare which is getting way too praised for the boxy sound it delivers....
@gilcasarez9950 most of my kits are tuned high but not too high. I like my 10 & 12 to be high...when it comes to my 14 & 16, I like them low with a tad bit of ring
With this particular kit, I bought it slightly used.the previous owner dud tune them but I'm not sure what notes. I typically like to start in E-Flat when I tune my drums. But I didn't do that with this kit
I bought the 20 in kick because I was looking for a smaller lighter drum. You know what, the 20 sounds punchy and I really like it. Plus the smaller sized toms have a great high note to them and I look big behind the kit. I’ll post a link of what it sounds like.
Here you go. Some background. I played all parts and recorded in logic. Trying to learn other instruments (drums are my primary) as well as learn how to work better in Logic Pro. ua-cam.com/video/ukf1O4_7pAs/v-deo.html
I have that same kit. But i ca find the timbre notes for the toms. usually drums have the timbre note written on the inside of the shell hut this one doesnt
@@ajwhite1077 Thank you for your response, but the only value in a review, for any product (cars, mattresses, etc.) is by comparing it to other products in a similar price range. If you don't say how it compares to PDP, Tama, Mapex or Pearl's similarly priced drums then I don't really know what you think about the Stage Custom.
I know where in a period in time where people yern to be told what to do and how to think but don't take it out on aj... What do you think? You are able to think for for yourself right? Doesn't matter what aj thinks. This is actually a huge problem in to days day in age.
@@Groov3lab Your comment is absurd. First, I didn't "take it out' on AJ. Second, if it doesn't matter what AJ or others think why does he or anybody write reviews about any product? Third, I tend not to take too seriously comments from people incapable of posting their thoughts without multiple spelling and grammar errors. I think for myself just fine, not too sure about you.
@@DavidMaurer-lk1br oooh where instead of we're and a space between to & day. Really that's your ammo? It's the youtube comment section not a thesis I'm being graded on you twat! 🤡🤣 How is it absurd exactly? Oh let me guess.. You were only giving constructive criticism? AJ took the time to set the drums up and play them and you don't like that he didn't give a sales pitch at the end. Instead of taking the time to type a narcissistic comment (actually TWO comments) to AJ why didn't you just simply take that time to look up and LISTEN to the other kits you would like to hear? I'm not sensing great thinking skills here David. AJ has another video where he compares the 'pearl vision' and the 'stage custom' but be warned. He doesn't give a sales pitch at the end so I don't want you crying over it Ok! 🤣🤣🤣 If you want a great review, then nothing beats going down to a store and playing a bunch of different kits yourself, youtube should only be a point of reference especially when it comes to musical instruments.
I don't have a sure right way. I usually tune by my ear and fill. However I do check my tuning by lightly tapping the head in front of each tension rod. I make sure each eared is in tune. That's one method I use. The other is I use to tune my drums in E-Flat or C-Sharp.
Currently I have the factory heads on that came with it. I believe they are Remo Ambassador for the toms. Ambassador Coates for the snare. The kick head might be 2 ply emperor. The resonant head is an Evans Mesh Head
They are thicker than ambassadors. Well, at least the snare is. Put coated ambassadors top and bottom for the Tom’s and you’re set. Ambassador and a 300 reso for snare and change the snare wires too.
I got a classic white custom stage kit, added on an 8 inch rack tom and a 16 inch floor tom so now a 7 piece beauty...love it!
Do you know if a 13 inch tom is available ?
@Grit489 yes they are available for the stage customs
@@T.Maximus thanks, I'm trying to decide between the Tama superstar classic or the Yamaha, but the Yamaha looks like a better option so far.
@Grit489 I've got a tama superstar classic too, either way it's a win!
Hey awesome review. Those stage customs are the most used back line kits for a reason. Built great and sound great and aren't crazy expensive. Great drumming btw.
You don't sound rusty to me. Nice demo and perhaps the best deal on any kit. I often play these instead of my Maple Custom Absolutes. They are that good!
I just finished getting every add on tom available, including the floor toms, and the bop kit for the 18'' bass drum, I couldn't help myself. These drums sound so good I might even sell my 5 piece PHX kit and still come out way ahead.
ummm you're crazy. How dumb would that be?
Nice👍
Wow beautiful the sound of those drums
Awesome video! I might get one a Yamaha Stage Custom drum set in the future when I graduate from my GROW program. I will be graduating in 2025.
Thanks for the detailed review Adrian!!!
I have this kit; it’s top end quality and sound at mid price; Cool drumming
Sounds amazing. I use the 602 on my kick as well. I have this kit but added an 8, 13 and 18 to it. I use a 902 on the 16 and 18, 604s on the other toms and snare with 614s for overheads. You really can't beat these drums.
I have an older stage custom and I added an 8 inch to it. The stage customs are some of the best drums ever made....if you get a chance, check out my video about using kick drum mics on a snare.
Amazong demonstration btw man! Subbed
Hey! First, great review and sound test. I'm also in a mood to maybe share my experience gigging with Yamaha Stage Custom and other kits, that I'm gonna compare them to. Keep in mind that the kits I recommend below are the kits I also played many times irl.
Yamaha Stage Customs win in terms of hardware, universal sound and usability. The sound is pretty sharp and will sound good in smaller spaces, but incredible on stages and bigger venues. Every drum on the kit sounds exceptional, when the stock heads are replaced. With stock heads, kit sounds very average with a lot of boomyness and useless warmth. Replacing stock heads is a must with this kit!
At this price point however, I think there are objectively better options, if you're looking at sound. However if you're looking for best hardware, go with Stage Customs!
Pearl Decades are an amazing option when it comes to versatility and sound. They are equiped with one of the best tom mounting systems at this price point and maple shells which are quite outstanding for the price. In my opinion, great kit, amazing projection and in my opinion, they just sound way bigger and smoother than Yamaha Stage Custom.
Gretsch Catalina Club Jazz. Way cheaper and way smaller (it comes without hardware). Don't let the size fool you tho! I think that this kit sounds the best. I prefer it to Stage Customs and I prefer it to Decades... Hardware is worse when comparing to Pearls or Yamahas, but it's still amazing and you can definetly count on it, it'll never leave you hanging. It's shell is 7ply Mahogany which I think it sounds great and kind of way warmer and cozyer. I like how it sounds on stages and I really like them way more in clubs and pubs. In clubs they sound like you're playing on a way more expensive kit!
6-stroke rolls are off the chain sir!
Great review and playing as well . Looks like I'm going to get a Yamaha kit
I have this kit in black. This kit rocks
Fantastic birch kit. The snare is terrible though, it really takes away from the overall kit and Adrian's great playing.
That stage custom kick drum with it's 45 degree bearing edge will stand up to the most expensive kick drums out there.
When it comes to bang for the buck, this kit and the maple stage custom tour kit are the 2 best models from any maker. Although DWs PDP Concept Maple is a close 2nd.Of course at the higher DWs collector series are fantastic too.
Great demo Adrian.
Meh. Snare is amazing, but out of the box with stock heads it sounds very lousy and sloppy. All it takes is just a batch of new heads and it sounds really good. I'd even argue that this snare beats most beginner snare such as the new Pearl Export series snare which is getting way too praised for the boxy sound it delivers....
And that’s him rusty god help the rest of us 😀😀
I did enjoy it! Great playing! Going to get this set for my son. Your video greatly helped in the decision making. Thank you so much! 🙏🏻
I hope your son is enjoying his kit, and appreciating his awesome dad
This will be my 1sy Yammaha kit, my other 2 are Luddys. Look forward to kicking this. I heard literally and figuratively great kit. Thanks
Definitely my new favorite drummer🎉🎉🎉
Awesome job 👏 👍 🙌 👌 😀 😎
for $750 shell.. with stocks.. JESUS
After killing it .. I’m a little rusty as you can see 😂
I'm thinking of one of these ...and adding another base drum build it bigger....
Adrian or anyone else following this thread, have you upgraded the heads? I’m considering pinstripes. Thoughts????
I changed the heads to pinstripes shortly after I did this video. I'm a huge fan of the Remo pinstripe and emperor heads
@@ajwhite1077what do you think about the kick heads? What do you use! The aquarium super kick 1 or 2
@@ajwhite1077do you tune them high or on the lower side
@gilcasarez9950 most of my kits are tuned high but not too high. I like my 10 & 12 to be high...when it comes to my 14 & 16, I like them low with a tad bit of ring
@@ajwhite1077thk you brother i appreciate you and your a clean drummer as well! Blessings 🙏
Nice one. Are the snare and the two toms pre-tuned in the box? If so, do you know what notes were they tuned to?
With this particular kit, I bought it slightly used.the previous owner dud tune them but I'm not sure what notes. I typically like to start in E-Flat when I tune my drums. But I didn't do that with this kit
I own this same kit but the Cranberry Red. This set makes someone question why they spent $2-3,000 on a kit!
Exactly.
I have this kit W/ the 20 inch bass drum. I love it. It has a sound that sounds a lot higher priced than the kit is.
I've never owned a 20 inch kick. I think my next kit will have a 20 inch kick
I bought the 20 in kick because I was looking for a smaller lighter drum. You know what, the 20 sounds punchy and I really like it. Plus the smaller sized toms have a great high note to them and I look big behind the kit. I’ll post a link of what it sounds like.
Here you go. Some background.
I played all parts and recorded in logic. Trying to learn other instruments (drums are my primary) as well as learn how to work better in Logic Pro.
ua-cam.com/video/ukf1O4_7pAs/v-deo.html
Rusty?? LoL! Nasty chops.
I have that same kit. But i ca find the timbre notes for the toms. usually drums have the timbre note written on the inside of the shell hut this one doesnt
Mine didn't have the notes either
I just tuned it to the tones that sounded good. Once I get the sound I'm looking for, I try to stay close to that.
Hey Angel, the timbre note is a dw thing. Maybe some other companies do it to. But to my knowledge dw is the only one.
Great review! All the best
your bigger rack tom sounds a little tight,small rack tom sounds great.
That 12 inch tom always gives me hell. It's difficult for me to get the right tone out it
Damn, you’re really good.
Thank You
Nice man!
I don't really hear him give an opinion on the drums or compare them to the other drum companies' equivalent sets, so that was disappointing.
It really wasn't s comparison. It was more focused on the stage custom birch kit
@@ajwhite1077 Thank you for your response, but the only value in a review, for any product (cars, mattresses, etc.) is by comparing it to other products in a similar price range. If you don't say how it compares to PDP, Tama, Mapex or Pearl's similarly priced drums then I don't really know what you think about the Stage Custom.
I know where in a period in time where people yern to be told what to do and how to think but don't take it out on aj... What do you think? You are able to think for for yourself right? Doesn't matter what aj thinks. This is actually a huge problem in to days day in age.
@@Groov3lab Your comment is absurd. First, I didn't "take it out' on AJ. Second, if it doesn't matter what AJ or others think why does he or anybody write reviews about any product? Third, I tend not to take too seriously comments from people incapable of posting their thoughts without multiple spelling and grammar errors. I think for myself just fine, not too sure about you.
@@DavidMaurer-lk1br oooh where instead of we're and a space between to & day. Really that's your ammo? It's the youtube comment section not a thesis I'm being graded on you twat! 🤡🤣
How is it absurd exactly? Oh let me guess.. You were only giving constructive criticism? AJ took the time to set the drums up and play them and you don't like that he didn't give a sales pitch at the end.
Instead of taking the time to type a narcissistic comment (actually TWO comments) to AJ why didn't you just simply take that time to look up and LISTEN to the other kits you would like to hear? I'm not sensing great thinking skills here David.
AJ has another video where he compares the 'pearl vision' and the 'stage custom' but be warned. He doesn't give a sales pitch at the end so I don't want you crying over it Ok!
🤣🤣🤣
If you want a great review, then nothing beats going down to a store and playing a bunch of different kits yourself, youtube should only be a point of reference especially when it comes to musical instruments.
how do you tune the floor tom? I have 14"x13" having a hard time tuning it, thanks
I don't have a sure right way. I usually tune by my ear and fill. However I do check my tuning by lightly tapping the head in front of each tension rod. I make sure each eared is in tune. That's one method I use. The other is I use to tune my drums in E-Flat or C-Sharp.
Which drums set do you suggest? Yamaha stage custom birch or Tama superstar maple?
Honestly I haven't played a Tama Super Star kit. My opinion may be biased. I'm going to go with the Yamaha Stage Custom Birch or a PDP M5( FS) Kit
Kick bass 20" or 22" better Yamaha stage custom birch?
@@giannispan8129 I prefer a 22"...I like the punch and dept I get out of them
@@ajwhite1077 Between yamaha stage custom birch and PDP concept maple which one do you suggest?
@@giannispan8129 concept maple. The concept is basically the DW designer kit
What heads used butter and resonant toms, snare and bass?
Currently I have the factory heads on that came with it. I believe they are Remo Ambassador for the toms. Ambassador Coates for the snare. The kick head might be 2 ply emperor. The resonant head is an Evans Mesh Head
They are thicker than ambassadors. Well, at least the snare is. Put coated ambassadors top and bottom for the Tom’s and you’re set. Ambassador and a 300 reso for snare and change the snare wires too.
Adrian do you still have your stage custom birch
Yes I still have it
@@ajwhite1077 that’s great you still have it
And are you from USA or where are you from
Nice sound. I'm not a fan of the snare though.
The snare is my leat favorite as well. I haven't played that snare since I did this video.