Thanks Alister. I haven't gigged this kit yet, I usually use a Pearl kit from the same era. This is partly because I'm lazy as the Pearl kit is cased up and ready to go out the door and partly because i worry that the Yamaha might get damaged. It'll get its turn soon enough though.

I use Sabian AAX Studio hats or 60's Zildjian A's, 16" Paiste 602 crash, 18" Sabian AAX crash and a 20" Sabian AAX ride. I have a few others but they are the ones that go out the door on the way to a gig. Nothing special really.

I've got an early-70's Y-badge kit in Red Pearl w/taillight lugs, which just KILLS! I purchased it in '76 for $100, just sitting in a friend of a friends' garage, all dusty and stuff. After it cleaned up, I realized just how wonderful these drums were.

The 6-ply birch/lauan shells were the precursor to the later 7000-series shells, and THOSE were great as well. But you just HAVE to love the old, cool wraps, and the drum DID sound good.

I just reviewed Yamaha's new Club Custom series for an upcoming MD issue, and the look of these kits was meant to emulate these old drums, in a modern way of course. In the same review, I also did the new entry-level Gigmaker, and I am happy to say that Yamaha has NOT forgotten how to make excellent budget kits.

However, I'm greedy and I want back all of those old Willow and Thunder pearls!

Thanks JRfrond, I'll look out for that review. And yes, the old wraps are too cool.

Not sure how I missed this kit...

Man, that's PURDY!

Good job!

Sweet. Sounds pretty good to me. This kit is soon to be mine... only one more payment away!

Nice Alister. Members Alot2008 and Kadrocker have the same kit in that finish. I had a snare in that finish which Alot2008 now has. Keep your eyes peeled for another as it'd nicely finish off your kit.