Does anybody else out there own a Yamaha Subkick? I bought mine years ago when it was first introduced, and have used it just a handful of times. It is only appropriate when you amplify your bass drum through really big P.A. systems, but soundmen have loved it whenever I’ve used it. It’s essentially a speaker that has been reverse-wired to pick up sound rather than project it, so its diaphragm is huge when compared to most bass drum microphones, which enables it to capture really low frequencies. It’s a luxury, for sure, but a great bass drum microphone.

It is a great microphone,  definitely a luxury, and out of the price range for a lot of drummers… mine anyway. I don’t think my wife would approve of me spending that kind of cash on a single microphone. Especially if I still need another internal mic. to pick up the higher frequencies. Maybe someday. Until than, I’ve got my trusty AKGD112.

Can you change the front head on them? Yamaha already took enough $; why give them the free advertisment? Why not do something original, or make it match the kick design?

Good question! I’ll dig mine out and let you know.

Yes you can change the front head out on it if you like (it’s just a mesh head)...however, for us guys who have/own Yamaha drums…I don’t mind advertising for them….

Just made a ‘subkick’ to match my new set- total cost about $65 and it works GREAT!!! The sound guy is VERY happy as I keep my bass front head on and uncut- this helps him get that low rumble without the feedback. I made my own heads for it by stretching speaker grill material over old cut out heads (just the aluminum ring) and glued. I also mike the batter side with the regular bass mike by the beater. You can search many sites about building one- some helpful- some not as much….

I have used home made ones in the studio before and they work wonderfully. I would love to get one of the Yamaha ones because they are sharper looking than one you can do on your own, but I just can’t justify the cost.