Product details
The Recording Custom Studio Voice
The RBS1455 is the compact birch snare built to match Yamaha's Recording Custom kits. Its 6-ply, 6.0 mm, 100% birch shell delivers punch with controlled overtones, helping each stroke remain clearly defined when microphones are close and the rest of the kit is active.
A 30-degree / R1.5 bearing edge, lightweight steel triple-flange hoops and Yamaha's one-piece lugs give it a crisp, articulate response with a broad usable tuning range. It is the Recording Custom choice when you want the focus of the series in a warmer wood-shell voice.
At a Glance
What You Get
- 6-ply, 6.0 mm, 100% birch shell — punchy and controlled, with the clear note separation Yamaha designed the Recording Custom family around.
- 1.6 mm steel triple-flange hoops with 10 holes. Their lighter construction leaves the birch shell open and responsive while keeping rim shots consistent.
- One-piece lugs with an internal lug lock mechanism for stable tuning and clean sustain from the core shell sound.
- Q-type strainer on the release side and DC3-type butt side — heavy-duty hardware with smooth operation, fine adjustment and straightforward wire replacement.
- SN1425H 25-strand high-carbon steel snare wire for a dense, even response across the 14-inch resonant head.
- Yamaha Remo Ambassador Coated batter and Ambassador Snare side heads, fitted at the factory.
- 30-degree / R1.5 bearing edge and a 2.7 mm snare bed on the RBS1455.
Three Details That Define It

One-Piece Lugs with Internal Locks
Yamaha's modern one-piece lug retains the visual character of the Recording Custom series. The internal locking mechanism helps resist gradual detuning, while the rigid one-piece construction supports the crisp, articulate core sound Yamaha specifies for the drum.
For a studio snare, that consistency matters: the drum returns to the same response across repeated takes and remains dependable through longer sessions.

6-Ply, 6.0 mm, 100% Birch Shell
Birch combines punch with controlled resonance. Yamaha highlights its ability to reduce unwanted noise and limit interference when drums sit close together, helping every stroke stay clearly separated.
The RBS1455 turns that behaviour into a focused 14 × 5.5-inch studio voice: quick enough for detailed work, with more warmth and shell tone than the Recording Custom metal models.

Q-Type Strainer
The heavy-duty Q-type strainer is robust, stable and smooth in operation. It gives you controlled wire engagement and fine tension adjustment without distracting mechanical noise.
Yamaha pairs it with a DC3-type butt side and the SN1425H 25-strand high-carbon steel wire for an even, sensitive response across the head.
Hear It
Yamaha's official RBS1455 sound demos, recorded at low, mid and high tuning with Ambassador heads. Listen through all three to hear how the 5.5-inch shell moves from a fuller backbeat to a tight, articulate studio crack.
RBS1455 — 14 × 5.5 inches
SN1425H 25-strand high-carbon steel wire
Audio: official Yamaha RBS1455 sound demos.
Choose Your Finish
Real Wood
The natural Recording Custom appearance and the closest visual match for a Real Wood Recording Custom kit. Shell, hardware and price are identical to Solid Black.
Solid Black
The same RBS1455 specification in Yamaha's understated opaque black finish. Choose it for a neutral stage look or to pair with a darker kit.
Wood or Metal?
The RBS1455 gives you the warmth and controlled resonance of birch with the Recording Custom family's crisp articulation. The metal models use thinner 1.2 mm shells and a 45-degree edge for a more immediate metallic voice. Aluminium is the most open and woody of the metals; brass adds darkness and weight; stainless steel emphasizes attack and projection.
| Model family | Shell | Sizes | Hoops | Character |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RBS1455 | Birch, 6-ply 6.0 mm | 14 × 5.5 inches | 1.6 mm steel triple-flange | Focused, warm and articulate |
| RAS1455 / RAS1465 | Aluminium 1.2 mm | 14 × 5.5 or 14 × 6.5 inches | 3.0 mm aluminium die-cast | Open and woody |
| RRS1455 / RRS1465 / RRS1365 | Brass 1.2 mm | Three sizes | 2.3 mm steel Dyna Hoop | Dark intensity, weight and body |
| RLS1455 / RLS1470 | Stainless steel 1.2 mm | 14 × 5.5 or 14 × 7 inches | 2.3 mm steel Dyna Hoop | Crisp attack and strong projection |
FAQ
Q. Is this page for the RBS1480 too?
No. This listing covers only the 14 × 5.5-inch RBS1455. The 14 × 8-inch RBS1480 has a much deeper shell and is a separate product.
Q. Is there any specification difference between Real Wood and Solid Black?
No. The finish is the only difference. Both variants use the same 6-ply 6.0 mm birch shell, hoops, lugs, heads, strainer and snare wire.
Q. Why does the RBS1455 use triple-flange hoops?
The 1.6 mm steel triple-flange hoops are lighter and allow more of the birch shell's natural response to come through. They suit the open, responsive character Yamaha designed into this wood snare.
Q. What heads and wire are supplied?
Yamaha fits an Ambassador Coated batter, Ambassador Snare side head and an SN1425H 25-strand high-carbon steel snare wire at the factory.
Q. Does it come with a snare stand?
No. This is the RBS1455 drum alone in your selected finish. Ask us and we will add a suitable Yamaha snare stand.
Why Buy from YMS?
YMS For Music is an authorised Yamaha Premium Retailer. Every drum is genuine Yamaha stock with full manufacturer warranty.
Hear the RBS1455 beside the Recording Custom metals in Bengaluru or Mangaluru to choose the voice that fits your playing. Secure delivery across India.
Specifications
Overview
| Model | Yamaha RBS1455 |
|---|---|
| Series | Recording Custom Wood |
| Type | Wood snare drum |
| Size | 14 x 5.5 inch |
| Finishes Available | Real Wood or Solid Black |
Choose Your Finish
| Real Wood | The classic Recording Custom look, matching the Recording Custom kit |
|---|---|
| Solid Black | The same drum in an opaque black finish |
| Difference | Finish only - shell, edges, hoops, hardware and price are identical |
Shell & Hardware
| Shell Material | Select birch |
|---|---|
| Plies | Six thin plies |
| Bearing Edge | 30 degrees |
| Hoops | 1.6 mm lightweight triple-flanged |
| Snare Mechanism | Q-type |
| Snare Wires | 25-strand high-carbon |
| Heads | Remo USA, fitted |
Character
| Tone | Crisp and cutting with a dry, focused attack |
|---|---|
| Tuning Range | Wide - suits multiple styles from one drum |
| Best For | Studio and close-miked work, and any player who wants a wood snare that stays controlled |
Supplied
| Included | Snare drum with Remo USA heads fitted |
|---|---|
| Not Included | Snare stand, sticks, case |
Sold as a snare drum only - a snare stand is a separate purchase. Choose your finish on the product page. Specifications from Yamaha Recording Custom product data and authorised dealer listings.
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