Tama

I had the black version of the Imperialstar but you can also purchase it in Red and Blue. I used it for about 3 months and the reason that I purchase this set was just to have a set of drums at home that I could practice with. The tone of these drums is amazing, it is nice and warm and for this price I didn’t expect to get that. This is a complete system that comes with everything you need to work with it right way. It did require some assembly when it arrived at my doorstep which was long, extensive and gave me a headache putting everything together. It comes with the hi hats, crash and cymbals too but of course nothing was put together on the stands. So it took me some time to get it all together but it was worth the headache. The finish on the drums is all black which was fine for me because I am not a fanatic when it comes to color on drums especially since they were going to be my practice set. The kick pedal feels great, Tama has always made some really good kick pedals that come with their basic kits. The bass drum is 18 x 22 with the floor tom being 14 x16 and two mounted tomes 8 x10 and 9 x 12. The snare drum is a standard 5 x 14 and sounds great for it to be this cheaply priced. For a practice set, it had everything that I needed and the sound was incredible. I would not suggest getting this set if you are going to be recording your drum tracks with it though because I do not feel like it is that good to put out some master songs with. But if you want to invest a little more look into some of the higher end Tama kits. They are really good!

Bought the set(BD, 3 Rack Toms, 2 Floor Toms)new in Canada. Took just over 4 months for the custom ordered sizes, and color, Crimson Fade, with brushed nickel hardeware, to arrive. As to be expected. Top quality, rich warm sound, with a good high end attack due to the cast rims. Starcast mounts do a very good job isolating the shell from the stand hardware. The drums sound awesome, and they are beautiful to look at. So far, nothing with the drums themselves, although the packaging was poor. They each came in a plastic bag in a box. Not really any other type of cushioning. One tom had been dropped, or hit, and the cast rim was severely bent, requiring a new one... not in stock in North America, so another 3 months for that. They are well made, have perfect bearing edges, and finish is impeccable. The laquer job is equal to the best you will find anywhere. Expensive as hell, and had to wait forever(plus now having to wait for a rim), but they are top of the line drums, and you get what you pay for. Highly recommended. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

The Tama Rhythm Watch is a great tool for drummers to practice and play with a click. I am a student, musician, writer, and pretty good line dancer residing in beautiful Nashville, TN. I've been a drummer and guitar player for the past 10 years of my life and have began engineering and producing in the past 4. I currently play drums for the band Brookline and you can see me rockin' an Orange County Drum and Percussion or Mapex kit decked out with Zildjian K Hybrids. I bought the Rhythm Watch and Guitar Center in Nashville for $89.99 about 7 months ago while searching for a good click track to put in line for reference while playing live. The Tama Rhythm Watch can save up to 30 pre-set tempo's switchable by a foot pedal (not included). It allows you to mix in quarter notes, eighth notes, triplets, and more. It has a great back-lit display for when you're on the dark stage and has two different click sounds and even offers tap tempo input. The only I feel could make this product better would be a larger library of click sounds. The two they have a very basic and a little to high-end for me. It would be great for them to add a few cowbell clicks, shaker, ect...drummers love having options! Very sturdy and durable. Easy to read and understand all of the buttons/knobs. Can buy a separate clamp and rod to mount it to hi-hat stand. Bottom Line? It doesn't get much better to this when it comes to a great tempo reference. Easy to navigate, fair amount of options, and very programmable. This review was originally published on https://www.musicgearreview.com

My name is Dino Paradiso. I have been playing drums for about 8 years now in sevral different band, mainly with punk rock influence, but lately my band and I have gotten much heavier, therefore I needed to acquire a heavier and deeper sounding kit. I have purchased the Tama Starclassic Performer B/B Dark Cherry Fade kit with a 22/18 bass drum, a 10/8 and 12/9 tom, a 16/14 floor tom, a 14/5.5 snare drum, a rock n sock drum throne with back rest, an Iron Cobra Double pedal Limited adition (all chrome), a Lever Glide HH905 Hi that stand, 4x H3CCBW Boom Stands and Hs30W Snare Stand. All for more or less 5000$ at Ital Melodie, Montreal Qc. Lets just say that I went all out because I want this kit to last for quite a long time. My main kit use to be a Sonor Force 3003 which worked well but was too small by size, sound and quality for the music that I am playing. I had shopped around for two year for a kit that would give me the sound that I required. I was hesetant between the tama starclassic performer b/b and the Gretsch renown maple. The Gretsch had a great look to it and seamed adaqute for my requirements but when I tried it out in the store, I was completely turned off by its sound, the clerk (who was a professional) even changed the skins on it and tried to tune it himself but after 15 minutes he gave up and told me that the reason it sounds so bad is because it is made in China and even though they usually sound rather good, the sound quality is not consitant from drum to drum. It made sense to me. Thats when I turned to the Tama. I was told that the Starclassic performer b/b had enhanced lows due to the inner plys of Bubinga wood. After giving it a few hits, I was sold. But because of all of the other drums inside the store, its true tones were a litle difficult to makeout but I was sitll able to hear all the lows in it. But stil I wish that I could have heared in on its own. This made me a litle heasetant but I still ordered it in Dark Cherry Fade and then recieved it 5 months later. I can't figure out what I love the most about this kit, the sound, the look or all the great features. The pictures of the finishes on the Tama Website do not do them justice. I was a litle turned off by the photos when I ordered my kit, but when I had finally recieved it, I was compeletely stunned. The sound is versatile, and it always has an enhanced low end weather tuned high, mid, or low. My bass brum sounds like its already miked and the snare is quite versitile. There is not much that I do not love about this kit but what I do not like, is the loose air holes on the toms and floor toms. The clerk at the store told me that it wasent normal and that to could be fixed. This does create a problem because the loose hadware on the drum sometimes creates a small buzz. It is not consistent problem. Most of the time it doesent buzz. Also I do not like the evans skin that come with it, I prefer Remo. Also Tama already has pre configured kits which limits the customer's shell size choices. I wanted a 13/7 snare drum and my bass drum to be 2 inches deeper instead, but that was not possible. I also wish that they would have more finsishes options like their maple series. I had made a direct comparison from the Starclassic performer b/b to the Starclassic maple. Construction quality wise, they are very similar to my point of view. I would even say that they are neck and neck. Even the sound is almost the same in term of quality. I would say that they are the same exept that the maple is obviously more versitile and warm. As for the performer b/b, it simplylouder and has more lows, more chunk and more balls. It is probably not as versatile as the maple but would still sound great no matter what type of music you will play. If you ask me, it it just depends on the player. If your looking for a cheeper alternative to maple or simply a lower and deeper sounding kit, the performer b/b is always a good idea. Personally i don't think that it should be considered of lower quality or lower series than the Starclassic maple because they are so similar in every way. I just think that they are different. To my point of view I think that they would suite most people who play heavy music or reggae. The sound quality, the awsome features and the amazing looks to this kit makes it a pro kit by my standads. The best part is that its cheeper than the Starclassic Maple. This kit has BALLS!!! This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought a five-piece starclassic performer at a local shop for $1,687. I wanted to step up from my cheaper kit, I'm glad I did! Later, I ordered a 16 inch floor tom to go with the kit, which I received after about 2 months. I've played maple kits from almost every manufacturer, and this kit beats them all hands down. They are definitely the best drums on the market. They just have so much tone and are so dark and warm sounding, and they have no bad overtones (as with some maple kits). Also, with the 'fast' sizes that I bought, they are very articulate. They sound huge, particularly the bass drum. I wish all the options on the starclassic maple series were available for the performer (sizes, sound focus rings, gold hardware). But, that's how they keep the price down. It's Tama. What else do I have to say? The hardware is particularly nice. These are the best sounding drums on the planet. They aren't quite as 'pretty' as top of the line maple drums, but they far supass maple when it comes to tone, warmth, and articulation. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought this kit from ADC Drums in Liverpool. Their internet site had it advertised for £530, which is very cheap for a new model kit. Well first what you get for the money. The quality is superb and many pro features are offered. I bought a fusion kit with only a 20" bass drum but was amazed that it has such a big sound (especially with the right amount of muffling). The toms tune up very well and respond well to high frequencies, although most tones are capable. The snare is very good, a lot better than I expected. Nice and loud with a good rim for decent rim shots. Well as it is a fusion kit it does lack some low-end balls. Adding a floor tom would easily alleviate this, but I wanted a fusion kit instead of a rock kit because of the more balanced tom sizes so the kit would be more diverse in styles. Also the heads that come with the kit aren't bad, they aren't brilliant. I'd recommend fitting some Remo Ambassadors or whatever your favourite head is to extract the maximum from the shells, but the factory heads are by no means terrible, so long as you know how to tune. This is the kit that replaced the Rockstar, so you still get the star-cast mounting system, but now you get upgraded hardware and a wooden snare drum as standard. The shells are now made of birch, but the inner plies are still made of bass wood, but this is probably so it doesn't clash with the Starclassic. The factory heads are pretty good quality and take a beating and the Iron Cobra junior pedals are as good as everybody says they are: light and controllable. These drums are brilliant! Fit some decent cymbals and you have an almost professional sounding kit. To answer a question that quite a lot of people have asked me: there is no difference between this and the Custom. All you pay for is a professional finish. Anyway I recommend this kit from beginners to pros looking for a cheap quality kit; also I like to say adcdrums.co.uk is great for cheap drum equipment to. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I finally got rid of the Sonor force 2001 garbage kit and bought a tama star classic drum kit about three months ago from an online music store. It took forever to get them (over four months) but they were worth the wait. I got a good deal too. I bought a 12x11 14x13 16x15 (toms) and a 22x18 (bass drum) for $2,200 U.S. I already had a brass Pearl snare drum so I was not in need for a snare. These drums are absolutely amazing. After playing on my Sonor (garbage) set for so long, I feel like I've died and gone to heaven. I am literally addicted to hearing these things. It doesn't matter how bad of a tuner you are, you can literally hear the sound of wood every time you hit a tom. The bass drum is the most amazing part. It sounds too good to be accustic. I love to practice now. I'm addicted to the sound of these drums!! I wish I could find something, but I can't. I guess more colors to pick from would be nice. I love the silver titanium shells I chose, but there wasn't too many too choose from. The quality of these drums are first class. Remember, I was playing a Sonor force 2001 (garbage) set. Tama Star Classic's are top of the line drums. If you are a novice player, do not buy these drums!!! Play on a garbage set like I did for a while. You don't want to ding the sharp bearing edges of these amazing maple shells. Get accurate with you drum sticks before you ever play a high quality drum set. I was concidering Tama, Mapex, Pearl, DW, OCP, and Premier. I remembered one of my favorite drummers (Wild Mick Brown) used to play Tama drums, so checked out a star classic performer (birch) at a local music store. I liked them so much that I new a star classic maple would be the set of all sets. And I was right. Thank goodness, because I spent a lot of money for them. P.S. OCP is way over priced, buy Tama!! This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought the Tama Hi hat stand (HH805) form a local music store dealer. When i asked for it they said "Someones into their drumming". Too right they were. I paid $395 (New Zealand dollars) - quite expensive, but well worth it I like the adjustability of this stand. I can change it to whatever I want, angle, height, tension of pedal, pedal angle...everything. The stand is sturdy, and remains still on the slipperiest of concrete (my old stand did not). Almost nothing..>Almost... I havent yet figured out how to stop the inner rod sticking way out the top. Just a matter of time before i chance upon the right nob that adjusts this Everything could withstand my pounding (apart from my cymbals - cheapie ones from an NZ$800 kit - basically 2 cleverly shapen garbage cans). The stand doesnt move at all, and everything works fine. Its perfect This stand will perform for anyone who has to move it about for performing at gigs, or even if they just want something solid for practicing on...but then this would be a bit expensive. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I traded an 8pc Pearl Masters Custom maple kit for the new Tama Birch Starclassic Performer EFX in silver sparkle finish at my local Guitar Center. My old kit consited of an 8", 10", 12", 14", 16" mounted toms a 18x22 kick, a 14" Alloy Sensitone snare and a 13" maple piccalo snare. The new kit is a 10", 12", 14" mounted tom and 18x22 kick and 12" hammered steel soprano snare. I liked the look and the sound of those Birch shells. The tone is fantastic and the attack blows maple away. The silver sparkle finish reflects whatever light source you use on it. It's a classic wrapped look that does not harm the sound and is very road worthy. The concussion of the Birch 18x22 kick will stop your heart. I wasn't realy in the market to change kits, but thanks to the store display at the local Guitar Center and a more than forgiving staff who actually insist you play their equipment to the best of your abilty, I had to have the preciousssssssssss! P.S. check out the price on these drums. you wont believe this is a pro kit with a brand name. I have heard that the availability of extra toms and floor toms are minimal at best and the waiting period is extremely long. I'm sure Tama will see the need to boost production once the word is out on the Perfomer EFX series. My other concern is that the wrap finish will bubble up or come loose like other wrapped finishes Ive seen. I have noticed that Tama has left about a quarter of an inch gap between the wrap material and the edge of the shell where the drumhead makes contact. hopefuly this will help with the bubbling issue. The Starcast mounting system is very cool. Your toms wont be going anywhere anytime soon as long as this mounting systems in use. The attention to small details is a nice touch. Tama has gone so far as placing rubber buffers on the lug clamps of the kickdrum. This keeps the clamps from rattling when loose tuning is used on the kick. Evans 2 ply heads on toms and muffled kick drum heads....great! The shell wrap material is nice and durable. You won't be as worried about your guitar player banging your kick drum against a door frame when he/she helps you move your gear. The new covering material is tougher than clearcoat paint. BIRCH IS BACK! Guys try whatever brand you like, but try good old American Birch instead of that Canadian Maple! The sound is better than the hype of maple would have you believe. Save a few of your hard earn dollars and blow that syrup wood off the stage. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

Traded in a Pearl Masters kit for a Tama Starclassic Performer EFX kit at Guitar Center (Colorado Springs.) The pedal came with the trade for an extra $78.00 SMOOOTH! like butter, but rock solid drum equipment. The use of oiles bearings in the pedals is brilliant. You can adjust this pedal any way you like with minimal difficulty or instruction. You can even adjust the angle of the beater head so that it hits flat every time. The foot pedal stays flat and does not move from side to side as you play. No squeeks or rattles to speak of. Who else offers a hard plastic case with their pedals! Reasonable price and Tama quality that cant be beat. I was concerned at first about how the pedal springs are only held on to the beater rod by the spring tension on the bearings and not secured by any other means. They havn't popped off yet, but If they come off during a show I'll be scrambling around on the floor in the dark trying to fix it. Fortunately it only takes a second to slip the spring back on. P.S. Don't let the pedals rub against any other metal hardware ie..(high-hat pedal)or else that nice black finish will rub away along with some of the foot pedal. The quality and construction is second to none in its price range. It looks and feels solid. You don't have to tighten down set screws till your knuckles are blue in order to keep rods and beaters in place. These pedals won't help with your speed, nor will DW's for that matter. It's all practice and natural ability....sorry! But these pedals will help you on your way. I have played drums off and on for over twenty years. These pedals keep drumming fun. I have owned pedals from the following major brands(Pearl,Yamaha, DW) and have found the quality to be higher and the price lower with Tama Iron Cobra pedals. The quality of the meterials used, the ease of set-up and a pedals durability are all important to me and I have found them. When you have to drop $200 to $400 for equipment it better not strip bolts, squeek, rattle or break otherwise. Nuf Said. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I purchased this kit from the drum shop in newcastle. The finish was custom green (very very nice). The kit retailed at $2395 but i got it for $1650. I got this because i researched all the other kits in my price range and nothing came close to the tama in quality,PLAYIBILITY and the price for the features on this kit. The only kit that did come close to the tama was the mapex pro m. I cant believe the tama isn't classed as an pro kit because it just is flat out pro. I like absolutely everything on this kit there is nothing wrong. The hardware is extremely thick (really heavy duty stuff). The kit can take a massive flogging and still sound perfect everytime. I also like the iron cobra jr powerglide bass pedal it rips. The snare also sounds very nice it gives out a nice snappy punch sound great for all styles of music. Also the tuning of the drums is incredibly easy. I also liked the wood hoops the look and make the kit sound great. NOTHING!!!!!!!!! The construction of the kit is sick. The shells have 1 ply basswood, 5 plies phillipine mahogany, 1 ply basswood for a 7 ply 9mm thick shell. They use a staggered steam construction which makes the shells extremely strong. The hardware is very thick, strong and i have noticed that they put alot more teeth into the roadpro hardware. This is a extremely well built drum kit. This kit could last you ten lifetimes. You won't find any another quality kit anywhere near the rockstar customs price range. Just go and buy it, it will last you forever and can take everything that you give it. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com

I bought this double pedal from Musicians Friend. I purchased it because my cheap $99 pacific pedal was old, rusted, and just to squeeky for normal use. I paid $270 for it, and I bought it with a pack that included two additional sets of beaters, high tension springs, and some other goodies, for the same price. This is simply the smoothest pedal I have ever played on. The action isn't too light (like an Axis pedal) and the footboard is decent sized (unlike a DW pedal). It's perfect for my tecnique because I do alot of heel-toe playing, which, in my case, requires a decent sized footboard, smoothness of action, and no "kickback" from the pedal when hitting hard. The Iron Cobra provides all of these. Also, the power glide cam does as advertised, increasing the punch with little or no effort. My only complaint is that it didn't arrive sooner, and the adjustments were a bit quirky to get at first but I caught on in like five min. This pedal is obviously built to last. it looks thick and clunky, but it is really just strong, it actually isn't all that much heavier than my former Pacific pedal. The cross bar bolts grip with a piece of steel, so there is no damage there, and you don't have to reach under the footplate to tighten it! Also, it stays in place very well, very secure on the ground. Appeently, the action never needs oiling either, which was a big problem with my previous pedal. I would say that this is one of the best if not the absolute best pedals on the market today. You can play fast with it almost effortlessly, it is completely silent, and can be very sensative and light if need be. It is stable, sturdy, strong, and very much worth the money that I paid for it. This review was originally published on http://www.musicgearreview.com