Trusted Shops: 4.84/5,00 (10085)
Tama Star
Star – the absolute top class from Tama
The term “Star” has been an integral part of the naming of drums from Tama since 1965. The “Imperialstar” series , for example, is still one of the scene’s mainstays today. Its origin can be found in the family name of the founding father: Matsujiro Hoshino, whose family still runs the fortunes of the company Hoshino Gakki, whose brands Tama and Ibanez are familiar to everyone. Hoshino, to draw the bow again, means something like “from the stars”. This inspiration also flows into the traditional company's Prestige series , which solidly and confidently goes by the compact name “Star”.
In a very time-consuming process, the bearing edges and interiors of all Star drum shells are carefully hand-treated with oil to achieve a luxurious appearance. Star Bubinga shell have an oiled cordia inner material , while Star Maple drums have an oiled maple interior.
Due to their very high density , Bubinga shell deliver rich, fat bass and deep, dark tones. At 4.5mm thickness , Star Bubinga shell are much thinner than their Starclassic counterparts, allowing the Bubinga material to vibrate more freely and significantly improving resonance.
The ultra-thin, 5 mm thick shell consist of a 2 mm thick solid wood core embedded between 1.5 mm thick cross-glued layers on both sides. Like traditional maple shells, the Star maple shells sound bright and open, but thanks to the use of a solid plywood core they offer additional dynamics, body and warmth.
Generations of furniture makers have preferred walnut for its reliable, solid stability. As a drum shell material , walnut's distinctive warm, fat sound has long been the subject of rumors among drum sound lovers. Star Walnut will undoubtedly revive this discussion.
Vibration caused by striking a drum creates space between tie rods and tires, which can cause the tie rods to loosen over time. Hold-Tight washers consist of a cup-shaped stainless steel washer that contains a rubber ring. They dampen vibrations and keep the tension rods in constant contact with the tires to prevent loosening.
Star drums feature die-cast zinc hoops, which are denser and more uniform in form than triple-flanged rims and provide a crisper attack, greater projection and a more focused and powerful tone. They also make tuning easier and keep the drums in tuning longer due to their density and uniform form .
Under this name, Tama produces drums in a time-honored manner using the highest craftsmanship in its workshops in Seto, Japan. And although instruments from this manufacturer are already unparalleled, they are still striving for improvement. Because absolute perfection is the goal and uncompromising care down to the last detail is the duty imposed by the artists themselves. By constantly perfecting tonal and aesthetic properties, they create instruments that go beyond conventional standards.
Since their launch in 2013, the Star series shell have been crafted from either maple or bubinga to signature specifications that deliver a rich, warm classic sound that best showcases the essence of each wood. In 2016, Tama added walnut as a shell material to explore a more modern approach that is sonically aimed at a younger generation of drummers.
Star drums feature a brand new mounting system with three contact points on the drum. Two of them are on the head skin (A & B) and one on the bottom head (C). These three points form the largest possible theoretical triangle on the drum. By placing the third contact point as far as possible on the lower rims using the support arm, we were able to dramatically reduce the load on the shell and hoop and increase the natural resonance.
The "Quick-Lock" tom holders enable quick and easy assembly and dismantling. Once the drum is positioned on a tom stand or floor tom feet, there is no need to attach and adjust separate memory locks to save the setting. By simply sliding the switch on the tom mount, the hook can be dismantled into two parts . When the drum is removed for dismantling, the "Memory Lock" portion remains on the tom stand or dimensions BT (set only) leg. This allows you to maintain your positioning and carry out the next set-up quickly and easily.
The newly designed hooks for Star drums have a luxurious, sophisticated look and an extremely low-mass bar construction for minimal shell contact. The bass drum claw hooks follow the same principle by "floating" on the finish of the bass drum hoops. Star drums also feature a printed plaque and a small wooden vent grommet, further reducing the weight of the materials on the shell and improving resonance and sound .
In general, floor toms are placed vertically and struck with downward force. This means that the legs of the floor tom absorb this impact directly. The tips of the Star Floor tom legs feature a special, hollow, soft rubber construction that absorbs this impact, enhancing the drum's natural resonance and sustain.
The bass drum spurs follow the same concept as the floor tom feet . For this reason, we have equipped the Star measurements bd (set only) Spurs with soft, solid rubber feet. To achieve the same principle of impact absorption when using metal spikes, the Star Bass Drum Spurs have a unique two-piece construction / acoustic. The spike is separated from the rest of the spur by rubber, which absorbs impact without transferring it to the spike itself, allowing the bass drum shell to vibrate and resonate more freely.
Tom Toms & Floor Toms: Remo® Coated Ambassador for the front side / Remo® Clear Ambassador for the bottom
Bass drums: Remo® Coated Powerstroke 3 for the drum side / Remo® Fiberskyn Powerstroke 3 Diplomat for the front
Snare drums: Remo® Coated Ambassador for the batter side / Remo® Snare Ambassador for the snare side
Another critical factor for a wood type to qualify for use in Tama's proprietary manufacturing process is its suitability for these same precision-driven methods. A candidate wood must have the structural flexibility and essential tonal properties to be considered. In order to finally confirm suitability, the candidate must first demonstrate on a Star shell prototype that he can meet the requirements in terms of both robustness and, of course, sound quality to the fullest satisfaction. Only then does the complex process of transforming the perfect material into a perfect finish begin.
The production of a Star Drum Kit is accompanied by highly qualified and experienced craftsmen from the first step to the moment it leaves the workshop. In their braces to create the perfect drum kit, they uphold time-tested and time-consuming techniques with meticulous accuracy, honoring the company's legacy of innovative spirit. Star embodies Tama's highest level of sonic character, precision and sophistication. And Star Factory Vault offers an unparalleled experience for those seeking the truly unique.
Rarities are not always in stock, but that doesn't mean they are out of reach!
With our Meinl/ Tama flagship store we have the hottest connection to the source that you can have in Europe. If you are interested in a drum kit from the Star Factory Vault and can't find one here in the webshop or in our exhibition in Walldorf, don't be afraid to contact us! Our staff in the Walldorf specialist department, who have been specially trained on this theme , will be happy to advise you in detail and initiate appropriate measures to get you one of the most desirable instruments of its kind from the manufacturer in Japan. It should go without saying in this class that this is not always possible at short notice. After all, the result depends on factors that cannot be influenced, such as the availability of materials, which is not always given but is essential. But as the common saying likes to put it bluntly but accurately: good things take time. Of course, we strive to keep this time as short as possible, but we can promise that any waiting time that may arise will be worth enduring!
We look forward to welcoming you to the Meinl/ Tama Flagship Store at session in Walldorf! Of course, we are happy to advise you at any time with the same expertise and enthusiasm for any other drum kit or accessories from these brands - here, in the largest Meinl/ Tama exhibition in Europe.
Know-how
With us you not only get what you need – we also show you how it works! To the guides.
