ANAHEIM, Calif. — Yamaha Drums will introduce a Stage Custom Birch kit at Winter NAMM 2008. Perfect for students, houses of worship and gigging drummers, the 100 percent birch shells offer a cutting low-end, while eight new gorgeous lacquer finishes provide sustain and great looks. Yamaha's first mid-priced Birch kit also comes with all-new, top-quality 700 series hardware.

Stage Custom Birch 4 Piece

"Following the success of the all-Maple Tour Custom set, we developed the Stage Custom Birch to put an all-Birch, lacquer-finished Yamaha kit within reach of almost anyone," said Jim Haler, product manager, Yamaha Drums, Pro Audio & Combo Division.

The drum sets feature three unique configurations, including a five-piece with a 20-in. bass drum, a five-piece with a 22-in. bass drum and a four-piece with a 24-in. bass drum. All toms are in "universal" size depths to provide the most projection and purest tone.

Stage Custom Birch 5 Piece

The Stage Custom Birch Drum Set is expected to ship in March 2008.

For more information, visit Yamaha at Winter NAMM 2008 in Booth 4578, Hall C in the Anaheim Convention Center; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Drum Products, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; or visit www.yamahadrums.com.