Air Seal System
All Yamaha wood drums have one thing in common. Our craftsmen create every drum shell using our exclusive staggered diagonal seam, Air Seal System just as they have since 1967. Each two or three-ply master ply is cut to length to very precise tolerance with a diagonal cut on each end. The diagonal seam in the drum shell will not separate, eliminating the need to fill gaps in the bearing edge with filler putty. These plies have glue applied and are then put into the mold by hand, one master play at a time. The craftsman then inserts an air bag into the mold and inflates it, clamping the shell with even pressure 360 degrees around. This process creates a shell that is strong, starts round, and stays round for many years.
100% Maple Shell
Tour Custom drum shells are 100% maple. The bass drums are 7-ply 7mm and have a warm, deep tone; the toms are 6-ply 6mm, with lots of warmth and resonance and have a wide tuning range. The matching wood snare drum has body, yet plenty of high end and is very articulate at all dynamic levels.
60 Degree Bearing Edges
All Tour Custom drums have 60-degree R2 bearing edges. This is something new for Yamaha on a maple shell drums. This bearing edge has a rounder profile so that there is more shell to head contact. This gives the drums clarity in the low-end fundamental and added warmth.
YESS Tom and Floor Tom Brackets
All Tour Custom toms and floor toms use the YESS (Yamaha Enhanced Sustain System). The toms have a mount attached to the shell at the nodal point by two bolts. This system allows the drum shell to vibrate freely for maximum sustain without restricting with where the placement of the drums. The floor tom brackets are small, minimal contact mounts that are located at the nodal point. They hold the legs securely in place without restricting the vibration of the shell.
