Yamaha 17x20 Oak Custom Bass Drum 2002 Original(w/ 18X20 Roadrunner Bag)

Description

I will include a 18x20 Roadrunner Bass Drum bag. The kind with the nice plush interior.
Up for sale is a very deep and resonant Yamaha Oak Custom Kick Drum.
Finish: Blue Ridge Blue Oak
The Drum is 17x20 keeping a small foot print, while delivering a rich, heavy low end.
The model number is on the left and the Drum’s serial number is on the right:
NBD820U QI03006
This places it as having been made in August of 2002, the first release of Oak Drums, not only from Yamaha, but in the World.
The Drum is crafted from 100% Japanese white oak, which is a very dense hard wood( similar to Bubinga). The low fundamental and projection of oak make it a favorite with Rock Drummers, and the wide tuning and dynamic range makes it a top choice for Jazz Drummers as well. Oak customs complement the player with outstanding volume and clarity. Oak has a lower fundamental pitch than that of birch or maple, making this drum an ideal choice for those who love a deep, rich, resonant Bass Drum sound. The warmth is between that of Birch and Maple.
The Drum is all original with the exception of:
-The tension adjuster for the rack mount is DW, functions perfectly, aesthetically pleasing.
-I replaced one of the bass drum spurs with a genuine Yamaha bass drum spur ordered directly from the factory
-On the batter side there is a brand new 10 mil single ply Evans Emad.( also included is a little Evans Falam patch)
A few more things
- There is some scuffing on the batter side hoop, in two places.
- There are some very, very small dings in the lacquer near the badge, and elsewhere.
- You can see some ware on the original spur, I ensure as with the rest of this drum, it functions perfectly and exactly as you would want.
This Drum not only has Historical and Artisanal significance because it is from the first release of Yamaha Oak Custom Drums, But also, because it is from the Original Yamaha Factory in Japan.
Yamaha’s and sakae’s information contradicts one another, but essentially, sometime between 2011 and 2013, Yamaha lost its longtime partner in drum making, Sakae. Also at that time, Yamaha moved production of its high end drums from Japan, to Xiaoshan, China.
I don’t know all of the specifics, but from 1967 until about 2011, Sakae was the primary “ original equipment manufacturer” for Yamaha drums. So in simpler terms, Sakae made all of the shells for Yamaha’s high end drums. Kindof like how Rogers, and DW, both used Keller shells , for their highest quality models, for periods of time.
“ Sakae was founded in 1925 by my Grandfather in Osaka, Japan. Up until the late 60’s we made several percussion instruments for the Japanese school market. We spent many years developing our unique way of making Drums and creating our own musical voice in the world of percussion. Because of this success we eventually drew the attention of Yamaha who approached my father to consider a partnership in making drums for them. So, from 1967 until now Sakae has been the primary OEM source of all Yamaha high end Drums. This is something my family is very proud of and for over 40 years we have remained exclusive to Yamaha.”
“ One thing is for certain and that is change. Recently I became the third Generation to be handed the reins of this proud Family Business. My whole life I have been groomed to understand and respect the importance of our Drum Traditions, Artists, History, and Honor. I grew up with legends like Elvin Jones, Roy Haynes, Steve Gadd, Peter Erskine, Ndugu Chancler, Charley Drayton etc. all contributing to my nurturing and training. It is upon me that my family has now laid the Responsibility to carry on this excellence and tradition to making this instrument we call the drums. Equipped with this task I now find it necessary to have the Sakae brand stand on its own and come out from behind the shadow of Yamaha.”
Excerpt of statement from:
- Eizo Nakata , president of Sakae Drums
on leaving Yamaha.
Drummers who chose Oak Custom:
- Manu Katche - Sting, Peter Gabriel, Gloria Este
- Cliff Almond - Manhattan Transfer, Michael Camilo
- Keith Carlock - Sting, Steely Dan
- Sonny Emory - Earth, Wind & Fire, Bette Midler
- Peter Erskine - Weather Report, Steps Ahead, Independent
- George Schwindt - Flogging Molly
- Victor Jones - Dizzy Gillespie, Adrienne Wilson, Chaka Khan
- Buddy Williams - Manhattan Transfer, George Benson
So, if you’re looking for a one of a kind, deep, resonant kick drum, with a small footprint and a low Fundamental pitch, easy to tune and versatile in its application , which is a part of the Fabric of Drum History, look no further than this beautiful 17x20 Yamaha Oak Custom Kick Drum. I will include an 18x20 road runner bag.
If you desire, I will also include a Yamaha TH945B YESS Mount with ONE Ball and socket tom holder in near perfect condition at no additional charge. I’m not including it in the main listing as I know that not all interested potential buyers will want/ need it. So please just let me know.
Thank you and message me with any questions you may have, or if you would like to see additional pictures. Feel free to make an offer.