# Yamaha Recording Custom Drummers — Which Metal Drummers Use It? > MetalForge's guide to pro metal drummers who play the Yamaha Recording Custom drum kit. > Last updated: 2026-06-25 The Yamaha Recording Custom has earned a legendary reputation in rock and metal as one of the most responsive, articulate drum kits ever manufactured. Originally introduced in the 1970s and relaunched in 2017, the Recording Custom combines absolute birch shells with Yamaha's precision craftsmanship to deliver explosive attack, brilliant overtones, and remarkable projection. Its tone has been heard on countless metal recordings from the underground to the arena stage. --- ## Pro Metal Drummers Who Use the Yamaha Recording Custom ### Mikkey Dee — Scorpions / Motörhead **Years used:** 1992–present **Configuration:** Yamaha Recording Custom (22"×18" Bass, 10"×8", 12"×9", 13"×11", 16"×14" Toms) **Endorsee:** Yes Mikkey Dee is one of the hardest-hitting drummers in hard rock and heavy metal. As the drummer for Motörhead from 1992 to 2015, he was the rhythmic driving force behind some of the band's most powerful recordings. His thunderous playing on *Inferno* (2004) and *The Wörld Is Yours* (2010) showcases the Recording Custom's aggressive attack and ability to project over loud guitar rigs. Since joining Scorpions in 2016, Dee has continued to rely on Yamaha's flagship kit for its durability and consistency during high-intensity live performances. His Yamaha signature snare drum — the Mikkey Dee Signature 14×8" — pairs perfectly with the Recording Custom shells. See full profile: [Mikkey Dee Drummer](/drummers/mikkey-dee) ### Nicko McBrain — Iron Maiden **Years used:** 1985–2010 **Configuration:** Yamaha Recording Custom (22"×16" Bass, 10"×8", 12"×9", 13"×10", 16"×14" Toms) **Endorsee:** Yes Nicko McBrain is one of the most technically precise drummers in heavy metal history. During his Yamaha endorsement years, McBrain recorded and toured with Iron Maiden on era-defining albums including *Powerslave* (1984), *Somewhere in Time* (1986), *Seventh Son of a Seventh Son* (1988), and *Brave New World* (2000). The Recording Custom's articulate birch shells suited Maiden's complex, galloping arrangements perfectly — providing crisp attack for McBrain's rapid-fire hi-hat patterns and thunderous fills. His extended Yamaha tenure helped cement the Recording Custom's reputation in the heavy metal world. See full profile: [Nicko McBrain Drummer](/drummers/nicko-mcbrain) --- ## About the Yamaha Recording Custom The Yamaha Recording Custom features 100% absolute birch shells — a material choice that provides brilliant high-end attack, tight low-end punch, and outstanding projection. The reissued 2017 model retained the original's legendary shell recipe while updating hardware and bearing edges. **Key specifications:** - Shell: 100% absolute birch (7-ply) - Bearing edge: 45-degree with micro-edge roundover - Hardware: Chrome hardware standard - Notable feature: Vintage-spec bearing edge for open, sensitive response - Approximate price range: €2,200–€3,800 (configuration dependent) The kit is available through Thomann and Sweetwater. See the [Yamaha brand page](/gear/yamaha) for more on available configurations and finishes. --- ## FAQ **Q: Which pro metal drummers use the Yamaha Recording Custom?** A: Mikkey Dee (Scorpions/Motörhead) and Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden) are among the most notable metal drummers associated with the Yamaha Recording Custom. Mikkey Dee is a current Yamaha endorser; Nicko McBrain used the Recording Custom during his Yamaha endorsement years from the mid-1980s through the 2000s. **Q: Is the Yamaha Recording Custom good for metal drumming?** A: Yes — the Recording Custom's 100% birch shells deliver the aggressive attack, focused tone, and projection that metal demands. Its brilliant high-end response and tight low-end make it particularly well-suited for heavy rock, classic metal, and progressive metal. The kit can handle anything from mid-tempo groove to fast, technical playing. **Q: What configuration does Mikkey Dee use on the Yamaha Recording Custom?** A: Mikkey Dee's main setup features a 22"×18" bass drum, 10"×8" and 12"×9" rack toms, a 13"×11" mid tom, and a 16"×14" floor tom — paired with his Yamaha Mikkey Dee Signature 14×8" snare for maximum projection and punch. He uses Yamaha FP9 double pedals for his explosive double bass work. **Q: How does the Yamaha Recording Custom compare to Pearl Reference or Tama Starclassic?** A: The Recording Custom's birch shells produce brighter, more attack-focused tones compared to the Pearl Reference's maple warmth or Tama Starclassic's birch/maple balance. For metal drummers who want cutting projection in a live mix, the Recording Custom's articulate attack is a major advantage. It tends to excel in classic metal and hard rock contexts where note definition is critical.