YAMAHA RYDEEN DRUM KIT: A GREAT START

—Entry-Level Kits Offer High-End Quality—

BUENA PARK, CA (December 5, 2003)—Yamaha Drums brings the quality, durability and craftsmanship of the company's distinctive high-end acoustic drum sets to the entry-level musician with the Rydeen series. Designed for musicians in the critical teenage demographic, the Rydeen (Japanese for "God of Thunder") offers truly professional sound, construction and playability at an attractive price.

Rydeen Drum Kit

Currently available in three 5-piece configurations, each kit features a bass drum with PowerStroke3-type heads and wood hoops, triple-flanged steel tom hoops, and a separate lug design.

Rydeen hardware features sturdy double-braced legs, and includes a straight cymbal stand, hi-hat stand, snare stand and bass drum pedal (cymbals not included). All hardware is manufactured in the Yamaha motorcycle factory, and is subjected to the same stringent durability and quality control standards.

Constructed of 6-ply Philippine Mahogany shells with a high-impact PVC outer covering, the Rydeen is manufactured with the same proprietary Air-Seal System as Yamaha's high-end models, ensuring that each shell is perfectly round. Yamaha's original ball clamp mounts and tom hardware offers quick and easy setup.

"Every drummer, whether a gigging professional or hobbyist, remembers his or her first drum kit," states David Jewell, marketing manager, Yamaha Drums, "and remembers that most of those 'beginner' kits were of questionable quality. With the Rydeen, Yamaha has developed an affordable drum set—aimed at the beginner, but with the same quality and attention to detail as our high—end pieces-which can easily grow with the player."

The RD2F5 configuration features a 22" x 16" kick drum, 12" x 9" and 13" x 9 ½" rack toms , a 16" x 16" floor tom, and 14" x 5 ½" snare. Model RD2FS5 also features a 22" x 16" bass drum, plus 10" x 8" and 12" x 9" racks, a 14" x 14" floor, and 14" x 5 ½ " snare. The RD0F5 kit features a 20" x 16" kick, 10" x 8" and 12" x 9" racks, a 14" x 14" floor, and a 13" x 5" snare drum.

Finishes offered are Rydeen Ash, Night Black, Garnet Red, Racing Green and Royal Blue.

For more information on the Rydeen series acoustic drum kits, 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.yamaha.com.