General
Tama developed the Starclassic Maple series as the modern-day answer to the success of the Superstar and Imperialstar series. This versatile five-piece kit consists of a 22 x 18-inch virgin bass drum, 10 x 8 and 12 x 9-inch toms, and 14 x 12 and 16 x 14-inch floor toms. As Tama made this set out of maple and employed various modern techniques, it produces a warm and open sound. It features a beautiful Light Jade Burst finish and chrome-plated shell hardware.
Thin shells
The toms and floor toms are made of 6 plies of maple, while the bass drum consists of 8 plies. While this is nothing out of the ordinary, the plies are quite a bit thinner than usual, so that the shells are only 5 and 6 mm thick respectively. This is done to ensure the optimal transfer of vibrations from the drumhead to the shells, and to fully emphasise the maple's warm sound. There are also a number of features that enhance these drums' resonance, like the StarCast tom mounting system, which suspends the toms by their hoops instead of their shells. Besides that, the floor tom legs feature special air chambers that prevent the vibrations from disappearing into the ground.
Efficient hardware
Tama fitted the toms and floor toms with a special Quick Lock-system that makes setting up your kit a quick and easy process. The tom and floor tom hoops are made of die-cast zinc, which means they have no structural weak spots. This keeps the tension even across the drumhead and allows for powerful rimshots. Furthermore, the tension rods are fitted with rubber Hold Tight washer that prevent them from coming loose. Finally, the wooden bass drum hoops are kept in place by rubber-lined claw hooks that won't damage the hoops and won't rattle if you tune your bass drumhead very loosely.
Tips or comments about this product
Please note:
- The pictured stands and cymbals serve illustrative purposes only and are not included.
- A 'virgin' bass drum is a bass drum without tom mounts, which means the toms need to be mounted on a stand or separate tom holder. This set-up allows for more room for your cymbals and allows you to position them a little lower.
