Star, SQ2, or Craviotto !!

[Mapex Always]

@Steech Gorgeous kit my friend! Gorgeous! Beautiful!

I was hoping to see that 6 slugger! (I know , lugger) , because I thought I remember you saying it had gold hardware and I wanted to check it out.

I’m not a fiberglass guy , but I’ve spent much time with Dave’s drums , you will love the snare drums and you will love the tom-toms , BUT make sure you play a kit first , the bigger drums will feel slightly “sluggish” in direct comparison ONLY ,, @DanRH may feel differently? ,, but that part , may just be me , and bigger fiberglass drums.

Surprised your not a fan of the Masterworks floor Tom legs? Tho , they tighten the sound up a bit. Love! So much got them for my GORGEOUS @oriollo floor tom ,, I believe @sfmill may use them as well? On his , could be wrong. But I’m a fan

Anyways , love drums!

 

[Steech]

@Steech Gorgeous kit my friend! Gorgeous! Beautiful!

I was hoping to see that 6 slugger! (I know , lugger) , because I thought I remember you saying it had gold hardware and I wanted to check it out.

I’m not a fiberglass guy , but I’ve spent much time with Dave’s drums , you will love the snare drums and you will love the tom-toms , BUT make sure you play a kit first , the bigger drums will feel slightly “sluggish” in direct comparison ONLY ,, @DanRH may feel differently? ,, but that part , may just be me , and bigger fiberglass drums.

Surprised your not a fan of the Masterworks floor Tom legs? Tho , they tighten the sound up a bit. Love! So much got them for my GORGEOUS @oriollo floor tom ,, I believe @sfmill may use them as well? On his , could be wrong. But I’m a fan

Anyways , love drums!

Thanks!!

If you zoom in you can get a better look at the 6-slugger
I’ll see about taking more closeups next time I play the kit.

I like smaller bass drums so a 20” JM kick might not feel as sluggish as the bigger ones, not sure. But thanks for the info!

 

[Matched Gripper]

I am a former Yamaha PHX owner - what do you want to know about them ? View attachment 606368 View attachment 606369 View attachment 606370

Begs the question, why a former owner?

 

[Bandit]

Begs the question, why a former owner?

He sold them to buy his first house.

 

[jkuhl]

@Steech and Masterworks are a match made in heaven , by the way post a picture , if you would , of your snare drum I want to see that six slugger! Actually post a picture of your entire drum set as well - pretty please.

The more I learn about your taste ,maybe @GretschMan61 will back me up here , your not going to top that Pearl sound for that tight precision feeling that you are attracted to.

Besides you have already let the best from Japan leave your possession , no joke though.

Yamaha makes fantastic drums , as far as I’m concerned , and the Phoenix is the best from their arsenal, incredible build quality, gorgeous feel, excellent excellent drums. But more of a crashing wave sound versus a bullet from a gun sound. Does that make any sense? Let’s say that Star you had was to the left of your SQ2 medium beech and the Masterworks was to the right , the PHX would fall between the Pearl and Sonor in sound.

OfCourse you could tune the Pearl , Yamaha and Sonor closer in sound than the Tama , that bubinga is an entirely different animal.

Hope that helps


@GretschMan61 , Thank you my good man, where can I find information about ordering a kit to spec exactly how I want it brand new in box? If I wanted to Outside of a little bit of information on Yamaha’s webpage I can’t find anything from anyone anywhere. Even though the two drum sets I messed around with today hard-core are brand new , I wasn’t the one to open the box l

I've owned two PHX kits and they're the best, most responsive drums, I've ever owned. Extremely sensitive in the lower dynamic. I've never owned any drums that sounded as full at such low dynamics. They're also the most explosive and bombastic drums I've ever played. The kicks in particular sound as though they're mic'd and sound and feel bigger than their diameter.They sound massive and deep. They just give back so much in terms of tone and feedback, they work for you. I set up many kits next to the PHX, from Maple LIght Designers, to USA Customs, Yamaha BCAN, Tama BB, New Classics and several others and nothing really was able to equal the responsiveness and full sound of the PHX. I've described them before as comparable to a wild animal, they take some work to get in tune or train but once you're there, you realize you're dealing with something that's unique and different from the norm. Yamaha makes some of the best drums I've ever played and to me, this series takes things up a notch. You have to spend meaningful time with one in my opinion, because they are a little tricky to dial in. I'll own another one day for sure. Watch Steve Holmes review of them. He really describes them quite close to my own experience with them.

 

[Mapex Always]

Th

I've owned two PHX kits and they're the best, most responsive drums, I've ever owned. Extremely sensitive in the lower dynamic. I've never owned any drums that sounded as full at such low dynamics. They're also the most explosive and bombastic drums I've ever played. The kicks in particular sound as though they're mic'd and sound and feel bigger than their diameter.They sound massive and deep. They just give back so much in terms of tone ans feedback, they work for you. I set up many kits next to the PHX, from Maple LIght Designers, to USA Customs, Yamaha BCAN, Tama BB, New Classics and several others and nothing really was able to equal the responsiveness and full sound of the PHX. I've described them before as comparable to a wild animal, they take some work to get in tune or train but once you're there, you realize you're dealing with something that's unique and different from the norm. Yamaha makes some of the best drums I've ever played and to me, this series takes things up a notch. You have to spend meaningful time with one in my opinion, because they are a little tricky to dial in. I'll own another one day for sure. Watch Steve Holmes review of them. He really describes them quite close to my own experience with them.

I don’t doubt anything you’re saying, but for me they were nowhere near the responsiveness or deep end of the Tama Star Bubinga , not even close. But , that’s just my findings , and though I did not live with them I’ve spent some good time with them. The Tama on the other hand is like a crystal clear earthquake in comparison. But again those I live with every day, and wow. The PHX for the sound Steech is going to dial them in to will fall smack between a Masterworks and Sonor Beech. That’s where he would end up by my ear.

 

[zenghost]

IMHO, PHX are the most overrated drums I ever owned - biggest disappointment and regret, period. YMMV.

 

[Steech]

IMHO, PHX are the most overrated drums I ever owned - biggest disappointment and regret, period. YMMV.

Interesting.
Have you played other higher-end Yamaha kits? I had a Live Custom Oak and then later got a Live Custom Hybrid Oak and loved both of them for their quick decay but still warm tone and especially for their punch and responsiveness. I can only imagine that the PHX would give me all of that at the very least.

 

[Bandit]

I was out in the barn today playing my 26 piece Saturn III and I was thinking just how amazing these things sound. I can't imagine needing anything more.

 

[Steech]

I was out in the barn today playing my 26 piece Saturn III and I was thinking just how amazing these things sound. I can't imagine needing anything more.

Maybe 3 or 4 more 8” toms would finally complete it

 

[Bandit]

Maybe 3 or 4 more 8” toms would finally complete it

Come on. I have 6 more than most people now on that kit.

 

[GretschMan61]

Begs the question, why a former owner?

Why ? The drums are HEAVY ! They can be finicky to dial in . They are fine drums. Big, Bold and very resonant drums . Maybe a bit too much for me . I just did not feel I needed such an expensive kit for playing at the type of gigs I play . I am happier with my Gretsch and Ludwig kits .

 

[Steech]

Come on. I have 6 more than most people now on that kit.

I know I was just kidding, I would love to be able to play a 26-piece kit!

 

[jkuhl]

I don’t doubt anything you’re saying, but for me they were nowhere near the responsiveness or deep end of the Tama Star Bubinga , not even close. But , that’s just my findings , and though I did not live with them I’ve spent some good time with them. The Tama on the other hand is like a crystal clear earthquake in comparison. But again those I live with every day, and wow. The PHX for the sound Steech is going to dial them in to will fall smack between a Masterworks and Sonor Beech. That’s where he would end up by my ear.

But what kind of masterworks or beech kit? Ply thickness, shell thickness, bearing edge profile, timber species, lug choice, hoop choice, what kind of tuning you're aiming for and head choice, are all variables. I love my masterworks, it's an amazingly great sounding and fun to play kit. I loved my Heavy Beech, thin Birch, vintage Beech, maple lights and vintage maples too but they're very different kits. Sonor in general to me, is a very refined sound and a super user friendly and easy to tune drum. The easiest, by a lot, I've ever owned.

The PHX by comparison, to me, was a tad unruly at times but just had more of everything in terms of feedback and sound. I didn't have to put in as much energy to excite the drum's full tonality as other drums I've owned. My heavy beech, was probably the next most responsive. Which most people would argue, is counter to the notion, that thick shelled drums only do loud and need to be hit hard. I play single ply coated ambassadors, usually with a medium to medium high tuning and those Yamaha drums were just alive in a way I've never experienced with any kits I've played.

I've not owned a Bubinga star so I can't comment beyond playing one for less than a few hours. We all have our own subjective experiences and opinions about gear, that I'd argue, not a single audience member would either care about, or notice. However if a piece of gear can inspire its owner to want to play even more, just because it's so enjoyable to use, I'd say that's a hard thing to best and even harder to put a value on. Could be the world's most expensive set of drums, or some lower end drum that has really deep meaning to the owner through it's history amd just sounds great and feels great to play. The PHX did that for me and has been the most memorable set of drums I've owned.

There are so many great kits out there to play and experience but in my world, I'd take a crappy safari with beat up heads, as long as I get to play music I enjoy and people I enjoy playing it with, over the super blingy kits I've had the fortune of owning any day. Everyone will have their opinions and none are more valid than any of the others. I'm content with my MW but if I were looking to go another route, I'd definitely be considering the PHX again and just may in the future.

 

[jkuhl]

Why ? The drums are HEAVY ! They can be finicky to dial in . They are fine drums. Big, Bold and very resonant drums . Maybe a bit too much for me . I just did not feel I needed such an expensive kit for playing at the type of gigs I play . I am happier with my Gretsch and Ludwig kits .

The resonance and large sound is what steered me to the ultra polite and refined sounding German Sonor drums. I don't regret that at all but I realize more what I had now that they're gone haha.

 

[Mapex Always]

But what kind of masterworks or beech kit? Ply thickness, shell thickness, bearing edge profile, timber species, lug choice, hoop choice, what kind of tuning you're aiming for and head choice, are all variables. I love my masterworks, it's an amazingly great sounding and fun to play kit. I loved my Heavy Beech, thin Birch, vintage Beech, maple lights and vintage maples too but they're very different kits. Sonor in general to me, is a very refined sound and a super user friendly and easy to tune drum. The easiest, by a lot, I've ever owned.

The PHX by comparison, to me, was a tad unruly at times but just had more of everything in terms of feedback and sound. I didn't have to put in as much energy to excite the drum's full tonality as other drums I've owned. My heavy beech, was probably the next most responsive. Which most people would argue, is counter to the notion, that thick shelled drums only do loud and need to be hit hard. I play single ply coated ambassadors, usually with a medium to medium high tuning and those Yamaha drums were just alive in a way I've never experienced with any kits I've played.

I've not owned a Bubinga star so I can't comment beyond playing one for less than a few hours. We all have our own subjective experiences and opinions about gear, that I'd argue, not a single audience member would either care about, or notice. However if a piece of gear can inspire its owner to want to play even more, just because it's so enjoyable to use, I'd say that's a hard thing to best and even harder to put a value on. Could be the world's most expensive set of drums, or some lower end drum that has really deep meaning to the owner through it's history amd just sounds great and feels great to play. The PHX did that for me and has been the most memorable set of drums I've owned.

There are so many great kits out there to play and experience but in my world, I'd take a crappy safari with beat up heads, as long as I get to play music I enjoy and people I enjoy playing it with, over the super blingy kits I've had the fortune of owning any day. Everyone will have their opinions and none are more valid than any of the others. I'm content with my MW but if I were looking to go another route, I'd definitely be considering the PHX again and just may in the future.

Fantastic post!!

I tried to word my post to you before , in such the same way , that it would not come down on the Phoenix at all. I’m more than sure based on your information, that you are more versed in that drum set than I. With that being said , I am a bit of a sonic sound nut, and I guess I have access to more than I should for an OCD maniac like myself, and in the past (1 PHX) and just recently, as recent as 2 days ago I’ve spent time with multiple PHX sets at my home alongside my other seven kits.

No I did not do any comparing to my other drum sets, I just enjoyed the heck out of the two Phoenix kits. Enough so, that my brain told me it’s a special instrument. I don’t find it as hard to tune as other say , I remember DCP saying the same thing, but that’s just me I’m pretty dialed into the sound I’m looking for. Which is any sound that sounds good

But , during that time frame , it was more than enough to be able to answer Brother Steech’s question , which was very easy for me, I’ve heard both his videos of his MW and SQ2 , and no matter which way you slice it the Yamaha Phoenix would fall right between those two sets of his, the two he played in his videos , the two I heard, and I know what they both are spec wise , so it was easy for me to tell him with great confidence what he needed to know. At the same time I know where the TAMA would fall on that spectrum. So I was able to reassure him exactly where that kit (PHX) would be in comparison to those three (his MW , SQ2 , Tama) , and I feel very confident that I delivered that perfectly to him.


The Versatus is a perfect example of a drum set , much like the PHX , not in SOUND , but in understanding , once you hear it and live with it , if that’s the sound you love , it’s going to be very hard to find it elsewhere. I would never allow that Mapex Versatus to escape me. And when I try to explain it to people they either can’t believe it or don’t believe it, and that’s how I’m assessing your thoughts on the PHX.

Much respect, Doc.

 

[Tornado]

I was out in the barn today playing my 26 piece Saturn III and I was thinking just how amazing these things sound. I can't imagine needing anything more.

I need a drum barn so bad.

 

[Steech]

I need a drum barn so bad.

+1

 

[jkuhl]

Fantastic post!!

I tried to word my post to you before , in such the same way , that it would not come down on the Phoenix at all. I’m more than sure based on your information, that you are more versed in that drum set than I. With that being said , I am a bit of a sonic sound nut, and I guess I have access to more than I should for an OCD maniac like myself, and in the past (1 PHX) and just recently, as recent as 2 days ago I’ve spent time with multiple PHX sets at my home alongside my other seven kits.

No I did not do any comparing to my other drum sets, I just enjoyed the heck out of the two Phoenix kits. Enough so, that my brain told me it’s a special instrument. I don’t find it as hard to tune as other say , I remember DCP saying the same thing, but that’s just me I’m pretty dialed into the sound I’m looking for. Which is any sound that sounds good

But , during that time frame , it was more than enough to be able to answer Brother Steech’s question , which was very easy for me, I’ve heard both his videos of his MW and SQ2 , and no matter which way you slice it the Yamaha Phoenix would fall right between those two sets of his, the two he played in his videos , the two I heard, and I know what they both are spec wise , so it was easy for me to tell him with great confidence what he needed to know. At the same time I know where the TAMA would fall on that spectrum. So I was able to reassure him exactly where that kit (PHX) would be in comparison to those three (his MW , SQ2 , Tama) , and I feel very confident that I delivered that perfectly to him.


The Versatus is a perfect example of a drum set , much like the PHX , not in SOUND , but in understanding , once you hear it and live with it , if that’s the sound you love , it’s going to be very hard to find it elsewhere. I would never allow that Mapex Versatus to escape me. And when I try to explain it to people they either can’t believe it or don’t believe it, and that’s how I’m assessing your thoughts on the PHX.

Much respect, Doc.


View attachment 606513

View attachment 606512

I'm merely sharing my experience and don't seek to discredit anyone else's or have an argument, that's not my intent. It doesn't bother me in the least, if someone else disagrees because again, this is almost entirely subjective. I dont subscirbe to brand loyalty in any way, shape, or form. So it doesn't bother me if someone else doesn't like brand x or compares it unfavorably to something else. Until you get into measuring sound waves etc, there's zero science to what either one of us, or anyone else, for that matter, says regarding what brings us a pleasurable drum sound. Even then, we'd have to establish variables that all by themselves, are perfectly subjective. No one wants to do that hahaha. I don't. You may love, low tuned, double ply headed toms and that's not my cup of tea. Not saying you do but people do and base their idea of a great sound, around that vibe. Any kit tuned that way, wouldn't appeal to me from cb7000 to Guru, it wouldn’t matter. That also has so much to do with feel as well, which may be the most important factor to me. How the kit feels and reacts to my input, is fundamental to maximzing the joy of the experience, for me. The Versatus seems really cool and I love the peach burl burst and all of the cool mounting features. Russ Miller had something to do with it if I'm right? He was also a PHX user with Yamaha and I see some philosophical design principles in common between the kits. In fact, the Velvetone, may be the nearest simlar experience in a kit to the PHX I've ever had too. Really sensitive and resonant and full sounding. Just bigger. Again, my experience was real to me and has shaped my opinion and given me a pretty clear road map to get to the sound and feel I like. You're ending point and mine could easily be two very different places. It's so rare these days, to find any drum, from the reliable and highly affordbale workhorse, like a Stage Custom, through Saturn's and up to boutique drums, that sound really good to phenomenal with good tuning and touch. I bought my Pearl kit more because of some of the people that work there, than anything else. I nearly bought a Star Bubinga or a Beech Crav but in the end, went with Pearl because they have some great people working for them. It's cool that you have the opportunity to own such a varied collection of kits and I hope they all continue to give you great musical experiences.

 

[jkuhl]

"I need a drum barn so bad."

Who doesn't hahaha