I was just reading old posts and came across this one. That kit is beautiful. Do the serial numbers start with 9 or 8? If they start with 9, they are 9000 series drums, the predecessors to the recording series. They made them for a couple of years with the split lugs. I purchased and still play the same kit (9000 system drums), which I purchased in 1981, although they are not in such pristine condition after years of traveling.

What would they be if the serial numbers start with 8?

Less than 9?

(sorry, just had to do that) Lame

If they're Tour Series, you have some nice birch shell drums. I believe the 9000 Series were the same, although 9000's might have featured maple shells.

I sold drums for a retailer in the 80's and 90's. Of all the new production kits

made then, Yamaha were the ones I would have preferred to own.

I believe 9000 were birch, 8000 were birch mahogany swap ply.

I have a turbo tour custom 87-88 in mellow yellow and these drums are loud, a friend on mine back when had a cobalt blue set in 8x12 14x14 16x20 and even that set tuned open would fill a room.

The 9000's were the same all birch shells as the recording series, the only real difference was the lug design. In '83 they might have introduced the 8 series. I thought they only had the 9000, 7000, and 5000 series, but I could be and probably am wrong.

I think it was the serial numbers and not the series number that was being questioned here. Im likely wrong again.

The pictures seem to suggest 9000 series.

If you look closely at pic. three, those drums come with everthing, includeing the kitchen sink !i