NAMM 2023: Yamaha Stage Custom Birch drums get a triple-facelift with new finish options

Yamaha Stage Custom Birch new finishes NAMM 2023
(Image credit: Yamaha)

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.

Yamaha Stage Custom Birch new finishes NAMM 2023

(Image credit: Yamaha)

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.  

Yamaha Stage Custom Birch new finishes NAMM 2023

(Image credit: Yamaha)

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. 

Stuart Williams
Drums

Stuart has been working for guitar publications since 2008, beginning his career as Reviews Editor for Total Guitar before becoming Editor for six years. During this time, he and the team brought the magazine into the modern age with digital editions, a Youtube channel and the Apple chart-bothering Total Guitar Podcast. Stuart has also served as a freelance writer for Guitar World, Guitarist and MusicRadar reviewing hundreds of products spanning everything from acoustic guitars to valve amps, modelers and plugins. When not spouting his opinions on the best new gear, Stuart has been reminded on many occasions that the 'never meet your heroes' rule is entirely wrong, clocking-up interviews with the likes of Eddie Van Halen, Foo Fighters, Green Day and many, many more.