Yamaha Shows new EAD50 Drum Module and the Roy Haynes Centennial Signature Snare
A significant upgrade to the hybrid drum module!
5,0 / 5,0 | 
Yamaha Shows new EAD50 Drum Module and the Roy Haynes Centennial Signature Snare · Source: Yamaha
Yamaha’s NAMM 2026 drum announcements bridge the past, present, and future. The EAD50 sees the company evolve one of its most practical modern drum concepts, while the Roy Haynes Centennial Signature Snare and new Recording Custom finishes highlight the brand’s rich history.
EAD50: Yamaha’s next-gen Electronic Acoustic Drum Module
Yamaha’s EAD50 is positioned as the long-awaited successor to the EAD10. Simply clamp one sensor unit to the bass drum hoop to capture the entire drum kit, then use effects, mixing, and processing to shape the sound. The EAD50 is now much more clearly aimed at stage, recording, and content creation workflows.
To understand why that matters, here’s a brief history of the EAD10: when it arrived, it essentially established Yamaha’s Electronic Acoustic Drum category as a system for capturing acoustic kits that allows drummers to monitor, add effects, and record and share performances. Its strong suit was speed and practicality: clip on the sensor, dial in the sound with large knobs, and practice with audio.
The EAD50 moves the needle on connectivity and control. Compared to the EAD10, it offers far more external inputs (up to 5 additional mics/triggers can be connected) and proper multi-output routing (8 individual outputs), as well as more hands-on performance control via 6 assignable modifier knobs. Yamaha also emphasises the mobile/app functionality more. There is a new EAD Touch Editor for more in-depth editing, as well as a Rec’n’Share feature for creating social-ready performance videos. An official price announcement has not been made, but we’ve seen it around for about 1,500 euros.
Roy Haynes Centennial Signature Snare & new Recording Custom finishes
Yamaha’s NAMM 2026 acoustic drum launch includes two very different releases: one focuses on legacy, while the other aims to provide players with a wider range of options. The headline-grabbing item is the Roy Haynes Centennial Signature Snare, released in honour of Haynes (1925–2024) and intended as a limited-edition tribute rather than a mass-market product.
The 14″ x 5.5″ snare drum is made in Japan and comes with a hand-hammered 1.2 mm copper shell. It is designed to deliver the fast, lively response that players associate with articulate jazz phrasing, as well as the bite and warmth of a copper shell.
Yamaha has also incorporated vintage practicality into the design with an externally adjustable internal damper for an old-school vibe with modern convenience. In addition to that, they’re retaining current Yamaha hardware such as the Q-type strainer and Dyna Hoop flanged hoops. With only 100 units available worldwide* and a signed brochure included, it’s clear that this is a collector-grade release.
Yamaha is also expanding the Recording Custom line-up with three new finishes (Polar White, Red Autumn, and Silver Sparkle), which are scheduled to be available for order from April 2026. There’s no reinvention here: it’s the same Recording Custom platform that drummers already know and love.
More on the new releases from Yamaha
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links and/or widgets. When you buy a product via our affiliate partner, we receive a small commission that helps support what we do. Don’t worry, you pay the same price. Thanks for your support!
This might also interest you
