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Dave has been a proud endorser of Yamaha drums since 1983. The combination of quality drums and hardware is simply unmatched in the industry.

Dave's studio setup is a Yamaha PHX-Phoenix kit. It was developed and handcrafted after four years of extensive research at Yamaha's new drum laboratory. Working with world leading artists, sound engineers and drum technicians, the aim was to build the best possible sounding drum kit. Using Yamaha's 40 years of craftsmanship know-how, they completely redesigned and improved all the elements of the drum to create the ultimate in quality and in appearance.

The shell of the drum is a hybrid of three materials; Jatoba, Kapur and Maple. In our studies into the vibration of a shell we understood the need to have different strengths of materials to enhance vibration. The centre-ply of the shell is made from Jatoba, this very hard material from Japan providing the core of the sound and is the strength of the shell. Either side of this is Kapur from Brazil. Kapur is a softer material than Jatoba which contributes to the body of the sound with warm mid-low range frequency. Finally, Maple from North America adds good response and balance. The shells are finished in either Maple or Ash, making the drums 11-Ply in total.

The PHX also uses the YESS mounting system. It is mounted to a wooden plate using rubber parts attached to the shell, this system allows the shell to vibrate freely and keep the resonance and sound within the shell.

The new Hook Lug is designed to take the majority of metal away from the shell to allow the drum to resonate. Using our deep understanding of the Nodal point, the new Hook Lug is mounted at a very special point of the shell to control unwanted shell vibration and overtones.

Dave also has a long history of creating signature snare drums with Yamaha. They featured dual snare strainer designs with 8 lugs (14") and 6 lugs (13"), making them unique with amazing sound control.

These snare are no longer in production, but they are highly sough-after and can sometimes be found on eBay, etc. Drums that have been produced include:

- Original 5x14 and 5x13 "see through" maple snares from the early '90s
- Aluminum shell 5.5x14 and 6.5x14 from the mid '90s
- 30th Anniversary limited edition snares included a brass shell 5.5x14 drum plus a 5.5x13 maple (2014)

He recently subsitituted a 16" floor tom next to the hi-hat where a 13" snare drum was once used. An LP timbale is sometimes used to the right of the 14" floor tom.

Though Dave's studio kit is a PHX, he often says that out on the road, he welcomes any Yamaha kit. Two other kits Dave plays on the road: Yamaha Live Custom and Yamaha Absolute Hrbrid Maple.
Basic Setup

Dave’s set up changes with the different gigs he does. Either the 13” snare or a floor tom of different sizes may appear on his left under the hi hat. A timbale (LP) can appear in back of the 14” Fl Tom placement
Yamaha Drums Yamaha Hardware
10x7" tom Hex Rack (when available)
12x8" tom SS-950 snare stand
14x13" floor tom TH 840 tom holder
14" snare drum CS-865 boom stands
16x15" floor tom CH-755 cymbal holders w booms
22x17" bass drum CHH-930 hi hat
  DS-840 Drum Seat (round)
  DFP-9500C Flying Pedals
(straps, not chains)
  CSAT-924 straight accessory clamps
   
2013 Yamaha Dave Weckl 30th Anniversary Tour

In 2013, Dave and Yamaha Drums celebrated a 30 year relationship. Dave travelled around the U.S. and Europe doing large group clinics and small group Intensives.

Here are some photos from the tour!







Click here to visit the Yamaha Drums Web site.