Takes me back to 1980 or so. Always regretted never owning a Tama Superstar set. Beautiful finish, drums sound great and I love the rack toms mounted on the bass drum. Never hurt the bass drum sound and it made set up and tear down so much easier.
I still have my c1984 Tama Swingstar kit in Aspen White. Power toms. I added 8 and 10" power toms, so I have 8, 10,12,13 and 16, 22 kick, all with the sprayed speckled interior. Don't pull that kit out much, but might have to for nostalgia's sake now.
A family emergency caused me to sell my Tama Superstar Hyperdrive kit years ago. I had and loved other drums before that kit, and I've had and loved others since. But I do believe that was the best-sounding kit I've ever owned. I'll spend the rest of my days pining over that beautiful specimen. Anyway, great video. It was cool to learn a bit more about the company's history.
This edition is like annual CMA Awards for me. Owned 2 Tama sets over 30 years ago AND played as main snare an Imperialstar 6,5”x14” steel snare exactly like the one in this video. That snare was heavy and awesome. Picked up my playing again last year and bought a Starclassic Walnut Birch kit. 😄 with a 6” Tama aluminum snare. Great video as always. 🥁
If Tama can offer Star Bubinga, they should be able to offer/reoffer Starclassic- Bubinga /Birch. Would like to see return to deeper tom options, also how about 11" toms being available again?
@@steventodd5983 I’m surprised they can still even get it at all. I thought I heard a few years back that drum companies could not get any more bubinga going forward
It’s lovely to see these drums reissued. I had a Superstar Super Mahogany which I bought in 1981 and recorded all of the published material we ever did with it. I use a USA Custom these days and gifted my old kit to a young drummer who is making great use of them. It’s nice to see them back and faithful to how they were.
I'm so glad to see you guy's doing a review on these drums. They look and sound awesome !!! One thing that was not mentioned was the depth of the kick drum. This kit comes with a 22×14 kick drum. This size has more punch. Most drums will come in at 22×18.
The best thing about these drums is the mounting system. This retro system proves that suspension mounts and all the over hyped and over priced mounting systems drums companies invent are simply marketing techniques. Yes I love my 2021 star cast tom mounts and quick-release memory locks but imo drum sounded better in the 80's with shallow bass drums, aged wood, metal on wood tom mounts, plain old triple flanged hoops, and drums heads with less plastic. I'm leaning towards picking up the acrylic version but might get the birch and acrylic. I appreciate Tama so much, I believe they make the all around best hardware and most affordable high quality drums.
Shane should have really put a big in their ear about doing a commemorative 50 year kit. Like they used to do with the Warlord kits and others before them. The bell brass is cool and all but not for $4K. Just be a collectors piece for some lawyer or doctor to put in their shelf and look at and dream of the day of when they used to play rockstar with their buddies!!! Am I bitter about that one? Yes, maybe a little. I feel like certain things in life should be attainable for everyone! That being said, would’ve also liked to have seen maybe direct drive versions of all their pedals or maybe conversion kits? It’s about time that it happens. Maybe more versions of the SLP line instead of a hammered steel shell? That’s been done and beaten to death! Would love to see a budget friendly bell brass SLP!!! Or a copper version??? Shane you have a lot of pull with Tama, make my dreams come true!!!🤣🤣🤣
Got one of the new Superstar kits in Super Mahogany from DCP and a 6.5 Artwood reissue from another shop as they were the only one that had one in stock. Best anniversary drum stuff to ever hit the street!
the tama rosewood snare drums are really something special sonically sounding and aesthetically looking very beautifull and so are the artwood birch snare drums equally just the same 🙂🙂❤️
I always understood Star was the previous company name of Tama. You can tell Tama is hinting towards that name in their various series, i e. Starclassic, superStar, Star series, etc. Thanks for yet again an awesome video!
Tama has done a fantastic job over the years with there innovations. I wish they would bring back the silverstar line.very good affordable drums for the person just starting out all the way to the pro.the quality was top notch.
I have always loved Tama drums and currently own a Tama Star drum kit. They should have reissued all the metal drummers favorite kits the Granstar and the Artstar lines. I love the new Bell Brass snare drum but ordering one might not go over well with my better half.
I got to see the Tama 50th Aniv Superstar Kit along with a Yamaha Stage Custom (Turquoise). Both looked good. Found out this Superstar kit is made in Guangzhou factory in China. The Yamaha SC is also made in China. Both are all Birch, solid hardware. Last I checked, No 13" for the TAMA ? So stuck with the 10/12/16/22. You can get the Yamaha SC 8/10/12/13/14/16/18 & 20 or 22 and matching Snare ? But the TAMA goes for $1200 more than the Yammy base setup. And you gotta wait. People must really really like Neal Peart ( I do too, but not that much ! 😁). Having said that, I am a TAMA fan boy, so will add one to my collection if I run into it used 😛. And no I don't have a Yamaha SC. 🙃 Another great upload by DCP. Thanks
Great video, as always. I’m guessing the 50th anniversary gear is why so much gear is on back order? I’m in the market for a speed cobra 310 double pedal but there’s none available. I really would prefer to buy it from DCP.
I gotta tell ya Shane, I'm a bit jaded with drum gear, after so many years and so many kits, BUT..... this kit, just as shown here, with the coveted Bell Brass snare, would ABSOLUTELY be what I would buy RIGHT NOW, if I was in the market, and had the cash. No contest. Hell, I'd even do this as an impulse buy! 😍💓🤘
Shane or Tony: Does the bass drum pole mimic the original and pass through the bass drum, or does it function like the Starclassic series and not penetrate the bass drum shell?
50 years ago today (March 1, 1974), Rush released their first record. Also, on this date (TODAY, March 1, 2024), my 50th anniversary Tama Superstar drumkit arrived at my house. It is Cherry Wine, which was the kit I desperately wanted to buy in the 80s (because --> Neil P. = my favorite drummer since 1981), but I could not afford them. I thought I had missed my chance when they discontinued the birch Superstars many years ago. So I got a second chance. Rock on.
Hi Shane! Awesome looking drums here, hope you are doing great! Which drums would you choose for recording, this new Superstar or a Starclassic from TAMA?
2:54 Jesus. That is where it's at. Imagine that intricate pattern in a sparkle!!! This was a good video. Odd that another famous Japanese company had a boring red for their 50th anniversary kit too. Anyway. I like the use of 14X6.5 and 14X5. 5 rather 5.5 as a depth has a little something that makes someone want more; a certain anticipation: this is great when after smacking a good 2 and the 4 is right around the corner. 16:08 YES! Remember the Swing State "Van Halen" style prints? A Tama rep told me they came out with it slightly before Eddie. Not sure how true that is. I might say I did it first and better and all that if I was in that rep's position too.
I was hoping for Shane's take on the traditional tom bracket on the Superstar reissue vs. the more modern suspension-type bracket. The kit sound pretty phenomenal in this vid, which is making me wonder if the modern suspension mounts are as necessary as we've all kinda felt over the last 30 years.
The Tama Superstar Reissue drum set sounds great. But what's the difference between it and the Superstar Classic that has been out for a few years? Different shell material and hardware? Is the 4-piece shell pack the only configuration available? I would like to have the addition of a 14x14 floor tom for a 5-piece shell pack, and maybe also an 8-inch tom. (Since I use 6-piece and 7-piece drum sets including the snare.) I also prefer the toms mounted on the bass drum like this has, and floor toms with legs. I really like the 22x14 bass drum as it's easier for this old guy to move around and takes up less space. My first sets from the 70's had 14-inch-deep bass drums and I miss them. They sounded just fine to me. Since this is a limited-edition set, are any other Tama drum sets available with a 22x14 bass drum? Thanks.
My first pro set was a 83’ Superstar kit and I still own and play it. I’ve always love the huge sound those dense heavy shells get. They were made like a tank. No other drums sound that beefy to me. They did a wonderful job on these anniversary kits. Sounds great. Wish I had money to blow right now. Unless I wonder if it’s the same type birch. I heard the original was a specific birch tree found at the base of Mt. Fuji but they put a stop to harvesting them. Maybe that’s been reversed or possibly, the whole story was crap. Who knows. Love the new kits tho!
What impressed me the most was the floor tom sounds throughout...very resonant but non intrusive. I had Superstars in the early 80's so I know how these should sound. My floor toms did not resonate like these, and I used Emporers on top with black dots on the bottom.
I'm thinking that from the price point, it's like thier starclassic line. From China. But for some reason I don't see a country of origin anywhere on the superstar drum sets.
The best 50th anniversary in the history of 50th anniversaries.
I got the very last 5x14 Rosewood snare from DCP and it is epic! What an honor to finally own one of these great drums!
I own a 1979 Cherry Birch Tama Superstar kit. 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 22 kick. I still gig with this kit. They are special.
Takes me back to 1980 or so. Always regretted never owning a Tama Superstar set. Beautiful finish, drums sound great and I love the rack toms mounted on the bass drum. Never hurt the bass drum sound and it made set up and tear down so much easier.
That this video is 21:12 in duration and discusses drums similar to what Neil used to play is…. Pretty cool
I love the look of these. They look great, sound great. I just wish they'd gone back to the old school 12, 13, 16 sizes.
Love living in the world of Full Microphone Mix
Glad I got the 6.5 Rosewood. I had to have it after missing the 40th anniversary version.
A video about red Tamas that’s 21:12 long. Nicely executed, guys.
These reissue kits are PHENOMENAL!! DCP = Top Shelf! 🫡💯
Love to see the direct tom mounting brackets. Wish I could get 10,12,13,16 toms
Want the Superstar reissues so bad. Tama why oh why didn't you make even a few additional sizes? :( Need two floor toms...
Too bad they’re not offering extra toms. They sound great. I can’t imagine people not wanting a giant kit of these. Great vid
I would like to see Tama add a 14×14 floor tom together with the 16×16 floor tom.
@@DrummerDanny76Agree!
I still have my c1984 Tama Swingstar kit in Aspen White. Power toms. I added 8 and 10" power toms, so I have 8, 10,12,13 and 16, 22 kick, all with the sprayed speckled interior. Don't pull that kit out much, but might have to for nostalgia's sake now.
A family emergency caused me to sell my Tama Superstar Hyperdrive kit years ago. I had and loved other drums before that kit, and I've had and loved others since. But I do believe that was the best-sounding kit I've ever owned. I'll spend the rest of my days pining over that beautiful specimen. Anyway, great video. It was cool to learn a bit more about the company's history.
AMAZING presentation. Tony you should smile LOL
This edition is like annual CMA Awards for me. Owned 2 Tama sets over 30 years ago AND played as main snare an Imperialstar 6,5”x14” steel snare exactly like the one in this video. That snare was heavy and awesome.
Picked up my playing again last year and bought a Starclassic Walnut Birch kit. 😄 with a 6” Tama aluminum snare. Great video as always. 🥁
Now THAT'S how you demo a drumkit. Well done, everyone.
I love that Rosewood.
Nice drums. Nicely presented. Thank you! 👍🏼
thanks for watching!
TAMA always , forever!
Love you guys! Cheers from Canada!
Maybe they could do a power tom Superstar reissue for us old timers. Thanks for the great vid as always!
This is what I'm telling everybody!!
Shane, since you have some influence on these manufacturers maybe you’d suggest they do a reissue of the artstar cordia line in old power Tom sizes.
Excellent!
The Tama drum set used by the master, Stewart Copeland, to record Zenyatta Mondatta!!
Great video as always! 👍👍 Tama doing some incredible things 💯🔥🔥
I still have my original superstars from the 80s in Cherrywine. Always loved the sound of that kit especially the kick drum.
If Tama can offer Star Bubinga, they should be able to offer/reoffer Starclassic- Bubinga /Birch. Would like to see return to deeper tom options, also how about 11" toms being available again?
Bubinga is now a protected wood species. The supply of Bubinga will not last forever, that’s why it’s only available for Star series drums.
Some communist bureaucrat said it’s protected because trees apparently never grow back.
😂
@@steventodd5983 I’m surprised they can still even get it at all. I thought I heard a few years back that drum companies could not get any more bubinga going forward
@@rkaylor5769 It was being cut down at a faster rate than it could be regrown. But I realize you’re already not too bright.
It’s lovely to see these drums reissued. I had a Superstar Super Mahogany which I bought in 1981 and recorded all of the published material we ever did with it. I use a USA Custom these days and gifted my old kit to a young drummer who is making great use of them. It’s nice to see them back and faithful to how they were.
I'm so glad to see you guy's doing a review on these drums. They look and sound awesome !!! One thing that was not mentioned was the depth of the kick drum. This kit comes with a 22×14 kick drum. This size has more punch. Most drums will come in at 22×18.
The best thing about these drums is the mounting system. This retro system proves that suspension mounts and all the over hyped and over priced mounting systems drums companies invent are simply marketing techniques. Yes I love my 2021 star cast tom mounts and quick-release memory locks but imo drum sounded better in the 80's with shallow bass drums, aged wood, metal on wood tom mounts, plain old triple flanged hoops, and drums heads with less plastic. I'm leaning towards picking up the acrylic version but might get the birch and acrylic. I appreciate Tama so much, I believe they make the all around best hardware and most affordable high quality drums.
They also have a support rod in the kick drum, to hold the weight of the toms.
Shane should have really put a big in their ear about doing a commemorative 50 year kit. Like they used to do with the Warlord kits and others before them. The bell brass is cool and all but not for $4K. Just be a collectors piece for some lawyer or doctor to put in their shelf and look at and dream of the day of when they used to play rockstar with their buddies!!! Am I bitter about that one? Yes, maybe a little. I feel like certain things in life should be attainable for everyone! That being said, would’ve also liked to have seen maybe direct drive versions of all their pedals or maybe conversion kits? It’s about time that it happens. Maybe more versions of the SLP line instead of a hammered steel shell? That’s been done and beaten to death! Would love to see a budget friendly bell brass SLP!!! Or a copper version??? Shane you have a lot of pull with Tama, make my dreams come true!!!🤣🤣🤣
I hope one day I can drop in and spend a full day at DCP
Tama is the best in my eyes always will be
Got one of the new Superstar kits in Super Mahogany from DCP and a 6.5 Artwood reissue from another shop as they were the only one that had one in stock. Best anniversary drum stuff to ever hit the street!
Beautiful kit!
And those snares!!!
holy hell this kit sounds incredible! this is the best bang for your buck high end kit you can possibly ever have.
I had a crown Drum kit in 1972. I can’t believe you showed that. Wow.
Something tells me the length of this video being 21:12 is not a coincidence.
Good eye 👏🏼
A red Tama kit… 21:12… brings back memories.
beat me to it - RIP Neil
interesting in that when I purchased mine yesterday from DCP the final total was 2112 with PA state tax! DOH!
Don't Rush to conclusions.....😅😅😅
I Have a Tama Rosewood Superstar 14"×6.5" snare I love Tama and the hardware it's the best🥁🔥🥁
the tama rosewood snare drums are really something special sonically sounding and aesthetically looking very beautifull and so are the artwood birch snare drums equally just the same 🙂🙂❤️
I always understood Star was the previous company name of Tama. You can tell Tama is hinting towards that name in their various series, i e. Starclassic, superStar, Star series, etc.
Thanks for yet again an awesome video!
Never knew that.
Let’s buy these, gents. Send a signal to TAMA. This is a slam dunk.
My high school had an OG. It was killer!!!
👍 Nice.
Where's the 13" tom?
Where are the shell depths?
pearts tama's back in the late '70's early '80's, blew the doors off the later dw kits....they had a powerful ,cutting sound....
You mentioned YYZ and the video length was 21:12!! hahaha
Verrrrry nice!
DCP Rockin the flannel on a cold January day!
I like the room sound so much more
I like the depth of the 2 rack toms. finally you can mount them on the same height right above the kick. love it
Tama has done a fantastic job over the years with there innovations. I wish they would bring back the silverstar line.very good affordable drums for the person just starting out all the way to the pro.the quality was top notch.
Enjoyed the history intro on this one! DCP is. # 1 👍
BIG TAMA!! 👏👏👏
It's just such a shame that you don't have a range of individual toms for the Superstar kits...
I have always loved Tama drums and currently own a Tama Star drum kit. They should have reissued all the metal drummers favorite kits the Granstar and the Artstar lines. I love the new Bell Brass snare drum but ordering one might not go over well with my better half.
I'm not huge into Tama personally but all the snares sound amazing
Nice Drum 🥁🛢️ Set UP Sounds Good TO Also Nice Drum Playing
Copeland played the superstar in the studio to record zynatta mondatta in 1980
We are waiting for the revival Warlord collection!
Damn those toms sounded so good.
Wow, that SLP snare sounds great.
I liked their first Pro Drum's the Camco' version they made, the Wood Shells with inlays & High Gloss was amazing,
I'm not a Tama fanboy, I just hitted the like button by reflex
Thanks 👍
Hopefully not a DW fanboy
Nice shirt, Shane!
Still have my 82 Superstars!
I got to see the Tama 50th Aniv Superstar Kit along with a Yamaha Stage Custom (Turquoise). Both looked good. Found out this Superstar kit is made in Guangzhou factory in China. The Yamaha SC is also made in China. Both are all Birch, solid hardware. Last I checked, No 13" for the TAMA ? So stuck with the 10/12/16/22. You can get the Yamaha SC 8/10/12/13/14/16/18 & 20 or 22 and matching Snare ? But the TAMA goes for $1200 more than the Yammy base setup. And you gotta wait. People must really really like Neal Peart ( I do too, but not that much ! 😁). Having said that, I am a TAMA fan boy, so will add one to my collection if I run into it used 😛. And no I don't have a Yamaha SC. 🙃 Another great upload by DCP. Thanks
thanks for watching!
Oh man...the pan direction change of the mic mix from the straight on camera vs the over head camera!
Oh I noticed 21:12 is the length of the video! Nice!😂
Great video, as always. I’m guessing the 50th anniversary gear is why so much gear is on back order? I’m in the market for a speed cobra 310 double pedal but there’s none available. I really would prefer to buy it from DCP.
thank you
I'd keep the vintage as well. However, that reissue is pretty sweet.
I gotta tell ya Shane, I'm a bit jaded with drum gear, after so many years and so many kits, BUT..... this kit, just as shown here, with the coveted Bell Brass snare, would ABSOLUTELY be what I would buy RIGHT NOW, if I was in the market, and had the cash. No contest. Hell, I'd even do this as an impulse buy! 😍💓🤘
I know! I want one too! I was goo goo for these when I first tried them at Tama.
Shane or Tony: Does the bass drum pole mimic the original and pass through the bass drum, or does it function like the Starclassic series and not penetrate the bass drum shell?
It does go into the shell
Thank you for the response! Any plans for Tama to make an add-on 9x13 tom?@@tinterlande
@@dogmart ugh… I wish. No plans that I know of, but my fingers are crossed!
50 years ago today (March 1, 1974), Rush released their first record. Also, on this date (TODAY, March 1, 2024), my 50th anniversary Tama Superstar drumkit arrived at my house. It is Cherry Wine, which was the kit I desperately wanted to buy in the 80s (because --> Neil P. = my favorite drummer since 1981), but I could not afford them. I thought I had missed my chance when they discontinued the birch Superstars many years ago. So I got a second chance. Rock on.
Great stuff.
Nice foot work, Shane!
Someone at the drum centre must watch a lot of South Park to find those short clips.😂
LOVE TAMA
God, they’re beautiful
That kick is nice
Floor tom..💪
Is this cherry wine finish brighter than the original run, or is it just the video perhaps?
Are these limited in number or do they just stop producing them in 2025?
There’s like 40 of each color superstar kit, I think. Not many more of the Mastercraft, either. Most are gone except for pre-orders
2025😂That's Next Year
TAMA!!!!!!!!!
They need to reintroduce the artstar or grandstar with large drums. I’d buy it immediately
Hi Shane! Awesome looking drums here, hope you are doing great!
Which drums would you choose for recording, this new Superstar or a Starclassic from TAMA?
2:54 Jesus. That is where it's at. Imagine that intricate pattern in a sparkle!!! This was a good video. Odd that another famous Japanese company had a boring red for their 50th anniversary kit too. Anyway. I like the use of 14X6.5 and 14X5. 5 rather 5.5 as a depth has a little something that makes someone want more; a certain anticipation: this is great when after smacking a good 2 and the 4 is right around the corner. 16:08 YES! Remember the Swing State "Van Halen" style prints? A Tama rep told me they came out with it slightly before Eddie. Not sure how true that is. I might say I did it first and better and all that if I was in that rep's position too.
Very nice 👍
I was hoping for Shane's take on the traditional tom bracket on the Superstar reissue vs. the more modern suspension-type bracket.
The kit sound pretty phenomenal in this vid, which is making me wonder if the modern suspension mounts are
as necessary as we've all kinda felt over the last 30 years.
6:15
Whoops! Must've been distracted.
The Tama Superstar Reissue drum set sounds great. But what's the difference between it and the Superstar Classic that has been out for a few years? Different shell material and hardware? Is the 4-piece shell pack the only configuration available? I would like to have the addition of a 14x14 floor tom for a 5-piece shell pack, and maybe also an 8-inch tom. (Since I use 6-piece and 7-piece drum sets including the snare.) I also prefer the toms mounted on the bass drum like this has, and floor toms with legs. I really like the 22x14 bass drum as it's easier for this old guy to move around and takes up less space. My first sets from the 70's had 14-inch-deep bass drums and I miss them. They sounded just fine to me. Since this is a limited-edition set, are any other Tama drum sets available with a 22x14 bass drum? Thanks.
My first pro set was a 83’ Superstar kit and I still own and play it. I’ve always love the huge sound those dense heavy shells get. They were made like a tank. No other drums sound that beefy to me.
They did a wonderful job on these anniversary kits. Sounds great. Wish I had money to blow right now.
Unless
I wonder if it’s the same type birch. I heard the original was a specific birch tree found at the base of Mt. Fuji but they put a stop to harvesting them. Maybe that’s been reversed or possibly, the whole story was crap. Who knows. Love the new kits tho!
What impressed me the most was the floor tom sounds throughout...very resonant but non intrusive. I had Superstars in the early 80's so I know how these should sound. My floor toms did not resonate like these, and I used Emporers on top with black dots on the bottom.
TAMA - bring back the Titan Touch Lock for hardware
You look super familiar, did you use to work at a music store in Maine years back ?
What tuning do you guys use on this kit? I will invest in a drum tuner if I can get that sound exactly right
Does anyone know if the tom mounts and L-rods are exactly the same diameter as the originals?? I'd love to be able to mix n match with my originals!
They are.
Awesome! Thanks!
Great drums. They need more size options. I like the 12 “ Tom but not the 10 , I’d throw in another floor Tom
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Where are the new Superstar kits made?
I'm thinking that from the price point, it's like thier starclassic line. From China. But for some reason I don't see a country of origin anywhere on the superstar drum sets.
According to Drum! Magazine they say China.