I'm certainly no Yamaha expert, but about a year... maybe year and a half ago someone local (no clue who) put one on C/L, in those (standard) sizes, with the snare and that vintage for $500.00. The ad disappeared within a couple hours.

What's the difference between the 9000 and the 8000? The 9's seem to go for much more - when they show up for sale. Now I'm curious...

Also, of course, I have no idea if the ones offered on C/L actually sold.

Thanks for that. The 8000 series were made of Filipino mahogany and Japanese birch. They have the same lugs as the 9000, I think. Which are all birch, with a black interior coating; as opposed to natural wood in the 8000's. Some people say they actually prefer the 8000's to the 9000's. At any rate, they offer very decent bang for buck. On an interesting side note, I see that Sakae are now offering their "Almighty" kits in birch. So in fact these are Yamaha 9000 RC with the black interior, just different hardware. The latest drummers to jump ship to Sakae? Jamie Oldaker and Ndugu. I really like the whole idea of these drums. I am considering a sale or several to finance a Sakae kit custom of maple kick drum and birch toms . . . .

I've heard some interesting things about Sakae... all impressive! Of course with their provenance and pedigree, it's well deserved, nearly expected.