Yamaha Tour Custom drums,

[L mandrake]

I bought a set of these a few weeks ago. They are about 20 years old and are made in japan. I've been listening to them for the past few years as they belonged to a friend of mine and have always been blown away by the sound and the yamaha quality. I cant seem to find too much info on them. Anyone own a set ? Know about them ? Know any big names who play them?
I saw a video of Steve Gadd playing some yamahas and also Dave Weckl, but not sure if they are the same.

[Bill Furnett]

The Drummer from Bob Marley MIGHT have used them.
I saw some live footage where he had a blue Yamaha kit, but even though i used to own a set myself i just don't know the difference between the Club, Stage, Tour and Recording Customs, so I couldn't say which Marley's drummer had, but maybe it's something you can look into if interested.

Buck62 (Member here) has a really nice set of Club Customs from '86 too.

[Hexenmeister]

Tour Customs were definitely pro kits back in the day.

I can't remember their exact composition. I'm thinking it was a birch/mahogany combo, but don't quote me on that.

Coincidentally, Yamaha is re-releasing the Tour Custom line this year. They will feature all-maple shells. The drums will be manufactured in Yamaha's factory in Indonesia and will be a mid-range kit similar to the Gretsch Catalina kits and the Mapex Pro Ms.

[L mandrake]

Originally Posted by Hexenmeister

Tour Customs were definitely pro kits back in the day.

I can't remember their exact composition. I'm thinking it was a birch/mahogany combo, but don't quote me on that.

Coincidentally, Yamaha is re-releasing the Tour Custom line this year. They will feature all-maple shells. The drums will be manufactured in Yamaha's factory in Indonesia and will be a mid-range kit similar to the Gretsch Catalina kits and the Mapex Pro Ms.

Thanks for the info guys.

[kellySHU]

I have a Yamaha Rock Tour Custom kit purchased in 1991. It's the same model/color kit played by Matt Sorum when he was with Guns & Roses. I love it! It has been very reliable and never had any issues at all. Great set of drums!

[bonjonno]

I've owned Tour Customs and Rock Tour Customs, and currently gig and record with a set of RTC's. They are fabulous sounding drums, perhaps only surpassed by the new Nouveau series. The shells are birch and mahogany and much livelier to my ear than Recording Customs which are solid birch. Manu Katche played the TC's and Alex Acuna as well. The RTC's are the same shell with an outer resin coating under the lacquer. These are totally high end pro drums, much superior to Stage Customs of today. They always sound killer in the studio. Closest thing you can buy new is the Beech series. Enjoy them!