NAMM 2023: Yamaha Stage Custom Birch drums get a triple-facelift with new finish options
A fade and two solid colours expand the mid-level palette
![Yamaha Stage Custom Birch new finishes NAMM 2023](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uwSBmLwvYqfhxWYXWmMo4V-320-80.jpg)
Namm 2023: Yamaha’s Stage Custom series has cemented its name as one of the best intermediate workhorse drum sets ever since its arrival nearly three decades ago. The Stage Custom has been through various incarnations and iterations, with the current line-up comprising the Stage Custom Birch, Stage Custom Hip and Stage Custom Bop configurations. Now for 2023, Yamaha has made three new finish options available, sort of.
That’s because it depends on which Stage Custom Birch configuration you’re going for. The latest options include Deep Blue Sunburst, Classic White and Matte Surf Green. The first two are both brand new and look Very Nice Indeed, while Yamaha fans will recognise the equally impressive and distinctive Matte Surf Green from the Stage Custom Hip configuration.
Now, ‘Standard’ configurations (22”/10”/12”/14” or 20”/10”/12”/16”) receive all three finishes tweaks so if you’re looking at a regular Stage Custom Birch setup, you can feast your eyes.
Likewise, Classic White will be available across all Stage Custom Birch categories, replacing the previous Pure White option.
Elsewhere, the Stage Custom Birch drums remain unchanged, using 6-ply, 7.2mm, 100% birch shells, with hardware inherited from Yamaha’s higher-end lines (Y.E.S.S. tom mounts, Absolute lug designs). For more information, check out Yamaha’s website.
Get the MusicRadar Newsletter
Want all the hottest music and gear news, reviews, deals, features and more, direct to your inbox? Sign up here.
I'm a freelance member of the MusicRadar team, specialising in drum news, interviews and reviews. I formerly edited Rhythm and Total Guitar here in the UK and have been playing drums for more than 25 years (my arms are very tired). When I'm not working on the site, I can be found on my electronic kit at home, or gigging and depping in function bands and the odd original project.