Experience Next Level Resonance With the TAMA Star Maple 4-Piece 20" Shell Pack
"STAR" is the flagship line for TAMA drums.
Reexamining every single detail to further enhance shell resonance, TAMA takes all the knowledge and research cultivated for the Starclassic series to the next level.
STAR Drum Maple Shells
"Solid Core Ply" is a totally new design for the STAR series. This unique shell provides the warm, open tone of Maple, combined with the rich, hearty sound of a solid ply shell. STAR Maple drums have some very unique hidden features that set them apart from the rest. The ultra-thin 5 ply, 5mm shells are comprised of a 2mm thick solid wood core ply, sandwiched between 1.5mm thick cross-laminated plies on both sides. Traditional Maple shells generally sound bright and open, and STAR Maple shells share those characteristics, but also add rich dynamics, body, and warmth, by utilizing a solid ply core. The concept is similar to other solid shell drums, but unique shell construction allows the shells to be very thin by comparison. This groundbreaking design gives STAR Maples shells the bright, open tone one expects from Maple, as well as the rich sound character of solid shell drums, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind, outstanding combination.
Drum Heads
- Tom Toms & Floor Toms: Remo® Coated Ambassador for Batter Side / Remo® Clear Ambassador for Bottom Side
- Bass Drums: Remo® Coated Powerstroke 3 for Batter Side / Remo® Fiberskyn Powerstroke 3 Diplomat for Front Side
- Snare Drums: Remo® Coated Ambassador for Batter Side / Remo® Snare Ambassador for Snare Side
Die-Cast Hoops
Hoops are a crucial element to a drum's sound and ease of tuning. STAR drums feature die-cast zinc hoops, which are manufactured by injecting molten metal into molds. Die-cast hoops are denser and more consistent in shape than triple-flanged hoops, which are manufactured by bending metal plates.
Sonically, die-cast hoops provide crisper attack, greater projection and a more focused and powerful tone. Die-cast hoops also make tuning easier and keep drums in tune longer because of their density and consistency in shape. These hoops combine with the rich, resonant STAR drum shells for a very well-balanced, full-bodied sound.
Hold Tight™ Washers
Hold Tight washers are designed to prevent the tension rods from loosening. They consist of a cup-shaped stainless steel washer which contains a rubber ring.
Vibration caused from striking a drum creates space between tension rods and hoops, which can cause the tension rods to loosen over time. The rubber rings on Hold Tight washers help absorb the impact of vibration and keeps tension rods in constant contact with the hoops to prevent loosening.
Minimum Shell Contact
Every piece of hardware that is attached to shells affects the resonance and sound of the drums. In developing the STAR drum line, every detail was carefully considered to maximize resonance and optimize sound.
The newly designed lugs for STAR drums have a luxurious, sophisticated look, as well as an extremely low mass bridge construction for minimum shell contact. The bass drum claw hooks follow the same principle by "floating" on the surface of the bass drum hoops. STAR drums also feature an imprinted badge and small wooden air hole grommet which further reduces the weight of materials on the shell and improves resonance and sound.
Bass Drum Spurs & Spikes
The bass drum spurs adopt the same concept as the floor tom legs. Since the bass drum spurs receive the horizontal impact from the pedal striking the bass drum, properly absorbing this impact is critical to the natural resonance of the bass drum shell and for a comfortable feel from the bass drum pedal. This is why STAR bass drum spurs are designed with soft, high-mass rubber feet.
The spike itself is separated from the rest of the spur by rubber, which absorbs the impact without transferring it to the spike itself, allowing the bass drum shell to vibrate and resonate more freely.
Floor Tom Legs
Generally, floor toms are positioned vertically and are struck with a downward force. This means that the floor tom legs receive this downward impact directly. The tips of STAR floor tom legs feature a special, hollow, soft rubber construction which helps absorb this impact in a way that emphasizes the drum's natural resonance and sustain.
Playability is also one of the key elements considered in crafting the high-end STAR drum line. This hollow, soft rubber construction on the floor tom legs also provides a very comfortable feel and response when striking the drum.
Quick-Lock Tom Brackets
The "Quick-Lock" tom brackets equipped on the Super Resonant Mounting System and on STAR floor toms have some very distinctive, ground-breaking features.
By simply sliding the switch on the tom bracket, the bracket separates into two parts. When the drum is removed for breakdown, the "memory lock" portion remains on the tom stand or floor tom leg. This saves your positioning and makes the next set up quick and easy.
The Quick-Lock tom brackets have some hidden acoustic benefits as well. Following the same principle of reducing vibration transference from drums to the tom stands or floor tom legs, these tom brackets also employ rubber lining to further isolate the drums and enhance resonance.
Inside Finish
In a very time-consuming process, the bearing edges and insides of all STAR drum shells are meticulously hand finished with oil for a luxurious look.
Bearing Edges
The vibration produced by hitting a drum transfers to the shell through the contact point between the drumhead and the shell. Therefore, TAMA's rounding the shape of the bearing edges is an important factor for drum sound; the peak position of the edge is 3.5mm from the shell's outer surface, which further improves contact between the drumhead and drum.
Super Resonant Mounting System
To maximize natural resonance, tom toms should be mounted with minimal stress and strain on the shells and hoops.
STAR drums feature a brand new mounting concept to achieve this goal, called the Super Resonant Mounting System, dramatically reducing the stress and strain on the shell and hoop while increasing natural resonance. Meanwhile, utilizing rubber at each contact point between the shell and the mounting system helps to isolate the shells to greatly reduce vibration transference.
Shell Sizes
- 7 x 10 Rack Tom
- 8 x 12 Rack Tom
- 14 x 16 Floor Tom
- 16 x 20 Bass Drum
Manufacturer: Tama
Model: TM4PCSGYB
SKU: I640743-N-0-WHXB
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