Yamaha RRS1365 Recording Custom Brass Snare Drum

A Masterpiece Designed with Steve Gadd

The addition of the metal snare lineup to the legendary Recording Custom series represents the pinnacle of Yamaha’s acoustic engineering. Decades of experience and meticulous, repeated design evaluations by drumming icon Steve Gadd culminated in the Yamaha Recording Custom Brass Snare (RRS1365).

At The Bangalore Drum Shop, we highly recommend this specific 13″ x 6.5″ model for professionals who demand maximum consistency. It actively helps drummers bring out the full tonal potential of their kit, offering a wide tuning range that excels in everything from delicate jazz brushwork to aggressive, heavy rock backbeats.

The Innovative “Outward” Center Bead

To truly redefine the metal snare sound, Yamaha had to rethink fundamental manufacturing physics. Historically, most metal snare drums feature a center bead (the ridge running around the middle of the shell) that curves inward.

After exhaustive testing with Steve Gadd, Yamaha took the groundbreaking step of fixing the center bead to the outside of the drum shell. This convex design allows the internal sound waves to move freely without obstruction, resulting in a noticeably more open sound and crisper articulation compared to conventional inward-flanged models.

1.2mm Brass Shell & 13″ x 6.5″ Dimensional Magic

Brass is universally celebrated by studio engineers for its musicality—offering a full sound, a rich mid-range, and a brilliant tone that sits perfectly between the dryness of aluminum and the harshness of steel. The RRS1365 utilizes a heavy 1.2mm brass shell that boasts limitless projection, singing overtones, and massive, fat rimshots.

The 13-inch diameter by 6.5-inch depth is a “sweet spot” for modern drummers. The smaller 13″ diameter tightens the snare response, providing a fast, high-pitched “crack” that cuts through dense mixes. Meanwhile, the deeper 6.5″ shell completely restores the low-end body and volume, ensuring the drum never sounds thin or weak.

Heavy-Duty Hardware & Q-Type Strainer

Yamaha outfits this drum with extremely robust, low-noise hardware to guarantee a flawless studio recording experience:

• Q-Type Strainer: This heavy-duty throw-off mechanism is incredibly robust, offering solid, stable, and buttery-smooth operation. It tensions the snares quickly and releases them in absolute silence.

• 2.3mm Dyna Hoops: The 8-hole, 2.3mm triple-flanged Dyna Hoops impart openness to the brass shell while delivering an excited, low-end punch to every strike.

• One-Piece Lugs: The shell is adorned with 8 newly designed, sleek one-piece lugs that reduce shell contact and maximize the drum’s natural sustain.

What is in the Box?

• 1x Yamaha Recording Custom Brass Snare Drum (RRS1365)

• Factory Installed Remo USA Drumheads

• 20-Strand Regular Snare Wires (Pre-installed)

• Drum Key & Owner’s Manual

Is This The Right Snare For You?

13″ vs. 14″ Diameter If you want a classic, standard backbeat, a 14″ snare is traditional. However, a 13″ snare drum is highly favored by fusion, gospel, and progressive rock drummers. It fits more comfortably between the knees, allows for a tighter pedal setup, and provides a slightly higher, more piercing pitch without sacrificing volume.

Brass vs. Aluminum Yamaha’s Recording Custom Aluminum snare offers a light, clean, and very dry tone with short sustain. If you want a drum that “rings” musically, projects loudly, and offers a fat, heavy tone with rich midrange harmonics, the Brass RRS1365 is the absolute superior choice.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Does this 13″ model come with the special 10-strand Steve Gadd snare wires?

  • No. The signature Steve Gadd 10-strand snare wires (with the middle four strands removed) are exclusively bundled with the 14″x5.5″ (RRS1455) model. The 13″x6.5″ model comes equipped with highly responsive standard 20-strand snare wires to properly excite the deeper shell.

• Is the finish plated or natural?

  • The drum features a timeless, understated brushed/polished brass finish. It is visually stunning without being overly flashy, making it a classy addition to any drum set.

• Why does an outward center bead make a difference?

  • An inward-facing bead slightly disrupts the flow of air inside the drum cylinder when the batter head is struck. By pushing the bead outward, the internal air column moves more smoothly to the resonant head, resulting in a “crisper” and more “open” sonic response.