Tama Starclassic Performer EFX

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

How long have you use it?
I use it for two weeks. I have finished in "Black Magic" in cnfiguration 14 "x5.5" - 10 "x08" - 12 "x09" - 14 "x11" - 22 "x18".

What is so special that you like best?
The sound! This drumkit is very easy to give (exept for the bass Tom).
Toms: The sound is rather dull (mounted with Evans G1 and G2 in strikes because of) but still with a minimum of sense ... in short, a happy medium!
He reacted as well skins stretched (its slamming, net) that relaxed skin (his grave, pure).

The Snare: The sound is dull (and exellent!) By typing into the center of the skin, but it's easy to get beautiful harmonics, tapping the ends of the skin (an Aquarian satin finish: one of the skins thinner market). As has often been repeated, we are dealing at the best element of this set.

The bass drum: This is very serious and deep. I do not put anything in it, but it sounds very dull all the same (relaxed skin) ..
Nothing to add, just huge ...

All hardware is also very good. It is entitled to cast circles all over the drums on which is engraved the word "Starclassic".
The toms are fitted with the fastening system "Starcaster" which does not puncture was to improve the reasonable.
The shells are stylish, compact, rounded and solid.
The trigger seems stamp is also very solid / sturdy and is easy to operate, no need to force.

What is so special that you like the least?
There is really not much ... I just have noticed that it was difficult to return the toms "front" (10 "and 12") to touch the tuning of the skin as reasonable, without disturbing the positions of each.

Have you tried many other models before buying it?
I had before (and always for the moment) a Pearl Forum FX, which did not sound bad, but then of course, with the Starclassic we are dealing with higher quality, but at the same time, n ' is not the same price.

How would you rate the quality / price?
Well, it is worth its price.
€ 1500 for one really good material.
It is true that there are some models in birch are much cheaper than Starclassic (about € 900 from Mapex, PDP ...) but the quality of wood is not necessarily the same.

With experience, you do again this choice?
Surely. I've always dreamed of owning this drumkit and now that I have, I am delighted.

To view photos:
IroncobrA ( https://fr.audiofanzine.com/membres/index%2Cidmembre%2C149874%2Cpage%2Cphotos.html )