Vintage Drum Kits Made In Japan and Awesome!
I recently came across an awesome vintage drum kit, the 1989 Yamaha Recording Custom (model PRC1492). The owner was looking to get a smaller set of drums and swap out some cymbals and I had no problem taking on his monster Yamaha Recording Custom drums. These are Yamaha drums from the era of heavy music with over sized power toms and massive 22˝ bass drums.
Why Made in Japan drums are better:
MIJ drums were made back when every drum and piece of hardware Yamaha made was made in Japan and made to last. I bought this kit from a pro drummer and after 25 years these shells still sound great!
Modern studio drums with vintage sound:
The Yamaha Recording Customs were made specifically for studio recording—they were customized with updated hardware to make close micing easier with great sound: the deeper shells of this kit put out a deep tone that can be more easily picked up in a fully miced studio.
Although Yamaha still puts out a re-issued version of these awesome drum kits, you won't get the vintage tone of aged birch drum shells unless you get the Made In Japan originals!!