Tama Drum Kit article
Everything You Need to Know About Tama Drum Kits
Tama produces drums at every level from student kits to professional touring instruments — understanding the series and materials helps you choose the right option for your playing.
Tama is a Japanese drum manufacturing brand founded in 1974, known for producing instruments used by some of the most recorded drummers in rock, metal and pop music. The company is a division of Hoshino Gakki — the same group that owns Ibanez guitars — and builds drums at facilities in Japan and Taiwan. A Tama drum kit can be found at every price level from entry student kits to custom handcrafted professional sets, and the brand is well regarded for consistent quality across that range.
The Main Series
The Imperialstar is Tama's entry-level line — basswood shell construction, aimed at beginners and students starting out. It includes hardware and is available in full kit configurations, making it a practical first-kit purchase. The Superstar Classic uses birch shells at a mid-range price and is one of the most popular gigging kit ranges the brand produces. The Starclassic Performer uses maple and birch laminate shells for greater warmth and projection at a professional price point. At the top end, the Starclassic Maple is a flagship professional kit used by touring drummers in major recording contexts.
Shell Materials
Shell material significantly affects the tone of any Tama drum kit. Basswood, used in entry-level kits, is lightweight and affordable but produces a thinner, less resonant sound. Birch is the most common choice in mid-range drums — it is dense, bright-sounding and cuts through in live mixes well. Maple produces a warmer, more complex tone with greater low-end depth, making it the preferred material for studio recording and professional touring. The choice of material should reflect the context you are playing in, not simply the highest-priced option available.
Hardware and Included Components
Tama produces its own hardware range under the same brand, and the included hardware in complete kit packages varies significantly by tier. Entry kits include basic stands and pedals that function adequately for learning. Mid-range kits include better quality hardware that is suitable for gigging without immediate replacement. Professional kit packages typically include Tama's higher-spec hardware, and some configurations allow hardware upgrades at purchase. Check what is included before buying — hardware adds cost and some bundle configurations are better value than others.
For buying advice, see the complete buyer's guide. For specific model recommendations, see the best for the money.
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