Best Tama Drum Sets: Top Picks for Drummers of All Levels

Buying Guide

When looking for the best Tama drum set, there are several factors to consider. Here are some features to look for when choosing the right drum set:

Drum Shell Material

Drum shells can be made from various materials such as wood, metal, and acrylic. Each material produces a unique sound, so it's important to choose one that suits your playing style and genre.

Drum Sizes

Drum sizes can vary from small to large, and each size produces a different sound. It's important to choose a drum set that has the right combination of sizes to achieve the sound you're looking for.

Hardware Quality

The quality of the hardware is important for the longevity and stability of the drum set. Look for a set with sturdy hardware that can withstand frequent use and transportation.

Cymbals

Some drum sets come with cymbals included, while others do not. If you're a beginner, it may be more convenient to purchase a set with cymbals included, but if you're an experienced player, you may prefer to choose your own cymbals.

Price

Drum sets can range in price from a few hundred to several thousand dollars. It's important to choose a set that fits your budget while still meeting your needs in terms of sound quality and durability.

Tama drum sets are a popular choice for drummers of all levels. These drum sets are known for their high-quality construction, innovative features, and exceptional sound quality. When looking for the best Tama drum set, there are several critical factors to consider.First and foremost, the type of music you play will dictate the type of Tama drum set you need. Tama offers a wide range of drum sets, each with its unique sound and features.

For example, if you play jazz, you may want a Tama drum set that is smaller in size and produces a warm, mellow sound. On the other hand, if you play rock or metal, you may want a larger Tama drum set with a louder, more aggressive sound. Another critical factor to consider is the material of the drum set.

We spent hours researching and testing various Tama drum sets to identify the best options on the market. In the following sections, we will discuss our top picks and what makes them stand out from the rest.

Best Tama Drum Sets

We have researched and tested various Tama drum sets to bring you the best options available. Tama is known for producing high-quality drums that are durable and reliable. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced drummer, Tama has a set that will fit your needs. Below are our top picks for the best Tama drum sets.

Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals Bundle

If you're looking for an affordable drum kit that offers great sound quality, the Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals Bundle is worth considering.

Pros

• The drum kit is made of high-quality 100 percent poplar wood, giving it a warm tone and medium attack.
• The Meinl HCS cymbals included in the bundle produce great sound quality.
• The Tama Imperialstar complete drum kit is priced affordably, making it a great option for beginner and intermediate drummers.

Cons

• The cymbals may not be durable enough for experienced drummers who play frequently.
• The assembly process can be a bit challenging for those who are not familiar with drum kits.
• The drum kit may not come with all the necessary accessories, such as drumsticks and a drum key.

In our experience, the Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals Bundle is a solid option for those looking for an affordable drum kit that doesn't compromise on sound quality.

The poplar wood shells produce a full, warm tone that is suitable for a variety of music genres.

The Meinl HCS cymbals included in the bundle are of high quality and produce great sound. However, experienced drummers may find that the cymbals are not durable enough for frequent use.

One potential downside of this drum kit is the assembly process, which can be a bit challenging for those who are not familiar with drum kits. Additionally, the drum kit may not come with all the necessary accessories, such as drumsticks and a drum key.

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Tama Stagestar 5-piece Complete Drum Set

If you're a beginner or a drummer on a budget, the Tama Stagestar 5-piece Complete Drum Set is a great option. It offers an impressive sound and standard shell dimensions at an affordable price.

Pros

• The 7mm, 6-ply all-poplar shells deliver a punchy and present sound.
• The set includes a projective thick-gauge brass hi-hat pair and crash cymbal.
• The double-braced hardware stands and relentless double-chain kick pedal are sturdy and reliable.

Cons

• The set doesn't come with instructions for assembly, which can be frustrating for beginners.
• The black night sparkle finish may not be to everyone's taste.
• The set doesn't include a ride cymbal.

We were impressed by the Tama Stagestar's sound quality, especially considering its affordable price.

The poplar shells offer a dynamic and versatile sound that's perfect for beginners.

The included brass hi-hat pair and crash cymbal add to the set's value, and the sturdy hardware stands and kick pedal ensure that the set will last.

However, we were disappointed that the set doesn't come with instructions for assembly. While it's not difficult to figure out, beginners may find it frustrating. Additionally, the black night sparkle finish may not be everyone's cup of tea, and the lack of a ride cymbal may be a drawback for some drummers.

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Tama Club-Jam Pancake 4 Piece Shell Kit

If you're looking for a compact and lightweight drum kit that doesn't compromise on sound quality, the Tama Club-Jam Pancake 4 Piece Shell Kit is worth considering.

Pros

• Easily portable
• Minimalist design
• Professional quality sound

Cons

• A Limited number of drums
• Single-headed toms may not be suitable for all playing styles
• Does not include cymbals or kick pedal

This kit is perfect for drummers who need to travel frequently or have limited space.

The ultra-shallow shell allows you to pack the entire kit in a single bag, making it easy to transport.

Despite its small size, the Club-Jam Pancake kit delivers a professional quality sound that's suitable for any genre.

The double-headed snare drum produces a bright and sharp sound, while the double-headed bass drum provides significant low-end.

The single-headed toms produce a crisp and warm sound with a strong attack, although some drummers may prefer the versatility of double-headed toms.

The minimalist design of the Club-Jam series is also a plus. The kit looks sleek and modern, and the hairline black finish is sure to turn heads. However, the limited number of drums may not be suitable for drummers who need a wider range of sounds.

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TAMA Cocktail-JAM 4-Piece 16" bass Drum Shell Pack

If you're looking for a compact and portable drum kit that still produces high-quality sound, the TAMA Cocktail-JAM 4-Piece 16" bass Drum Shell Pack might be the perfect choice for you.

Pros

• The 100% Birch shell produces a warm and full sound.
• The Sound Focus Pad helps to control overtones and produce a tighter sound.
• The specially designed bags make it easy to transport the kit to any gig.

Cons

• The Cymbal Attachment Kit MCAX5366 is sold separately.
• The set-up expandability is limited due to the compact size of the kit.
• The kick drum may require some tuning time to get the desired sound.

We recently had the opportunity to test out the TAMA Cocktail-JAM kit and were impressed with its quality and portability.

The compact size of the kit makes it perfect for small spaces and tight rehearsal rooms, and the included bags make it easy to transport to any gig.

One of the standout features of the kit is the 100% Birch shell, which produces a warm and full sound.

We also appreciated the Sound Focus Pad, which helps to control overtones and produce a tighter sound.

While the set-up expandability is limited due to the compact size of the kit, we found that it was still possible to customize the kit to our liking. However, we were disappointed to find that the Cymbal Attachment Kit MCAX5366 is sold separately.

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Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Kit

If you want an affordable drum set that offers a full, warm tone combined with medium attack, then the Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals (Carton A, Black Oak Wrap) Bundle with Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals (Carton B, Black Oak Wrap) (2 Items) is a great option.

Pros

• Affordable: The Tama Imperialstar complete drum kits provide everything a drummer needs at an affordable price.
• Cymbals: The drum kit features Meinl HCS cymbals.
• Shells: 100% poplar wood has been used in making the drum shells.

Cons

• Cymbals: Although the cymbals are included, they may not be of the highest quality.
• Assembly: Setting up the kit can be complicated and time-consuming.
• Missing Hardware: Some customers have reported missing hardware upon delivery.

As a beginner drummer, I was impressed with the Tama Imperialstar drum set. The bundle includes everything I needed to start playing right away, and the poplar wood shells provided a warm and full sound. The Meinl HCS cymbals were a nice addition, although I may upgrade them in the future.

However, setting up the kit was a bit challenging, and I had to spend some extra time assembling it. Additionally, some customers have reported missing hardware upon delivery, which can be frustrating.

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Tama Superstar Classic 7-Piece

If you are looking for a drum set that combines groundbreaking design, superior build quality, sterling tone, and clear projection, the Tama Superstar Classic 7-Piece Shell Pack Midnight Gold Sparkle is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The 100% maple shells make this kit thinner and livelier than ever, resulting in a perfect combination of sensitivity and high-end "cut."
• The classic Tama T-shape badge and streamlined low-mass single lugs give this kit a vintage look that is sure to appeal to many drummers.
• The ingenious Star-Mount system is designed to offer superior resonance and sustain, making this kit stand out from its competitors.

Cons

• The drum skins that come with this kit are not professional grade, so you may want to consider replacing them with higher-quality skins to achieve the best possible sound.
• This kit is relatively expensive, which may be a deal breaker for some drummers who are on a tight budget.
• The Midnight Gold Sparkle finish may not be to everyone's taste, so you may want to consider other color options if you are looking for a more traditional look.

Overall, we believe that the Tama Superstar Classic 7-Piece Shell Pack Midnight Gold Sparkle is an excellent choice for drummers who are looking for a high-quality kit that offers exceptional tone, projection, and resonance. While it may not be the most affordable option on the market, its superior build quality and innovative design make it well worth the investment.

The 100% maple shells give this kit a unique sound that is both sensitive and powerful, allowing you to achieve a wide range of tones and styles. The Star-Mount system is also a standout feature, providing superior resonance and sustain that is hard to match.

While the drum skins that come with this kit are not professional grade, they are still decent enough for most drummers to use. However, if you want to achieve the best possible sound, you may want to consider upgrading to higher-quality skins.

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Tama Imperialstar Complete Drum Set

If you're in the market for a complete drum set, the Tama Imperialstar Complete Drum Set is a great option. With its 6-piece set up, including cymbals and hardware, it's a great choice for beginners and intermediate drummers alike.

Pros

• The poplar wood construction provides a warm, resonant sound.
• The hairline black finish gives the set a sleek, professional look.
• The inclusion of cymbals and hardware makes it easy to set up and start playing right away.

Cons

• The set may not be suitable for advanced drummers who require more customization options.
• The included cymbals may not be of the highest quality.
• The set may require some tuning and adjustments out of the box.

The Tama Imperialstar Complete Drum Set is a solid choice for those looking for a complete drum set package. The poplar wood construction provides a warm, resonant sound that is perfect for a variety of musical genres. Additionally, the hairline black finish gives the set a sleek, professional look that is sure to impress.

One of the best things about this set is that it comes with everything you need to get started playing right away. The inclusion of cymbals and hardware means that you won't have to spend extra money on these essential components. This makes it a great option for beginners who may not know exactly what they need to get started.

However, more advanced drummers may find that the set lacks customization options. Additionally, the included cymbals may not be of the highest quality, which could be a drawback for more experienced players. Finally, the set may require some tuning and adjustments out of the box, which could be a challenge for beginners who are not familiar with drum set maintenance.

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Tama True Touch Training Kit

We highly recommend the Tama True Touch Training Kit for drummers who want to practice at home without disturbing the neighbors. The kit offers a realistic acoustic drum feeling that is not possible with conventional practice kits.

Pros

• Low volume for practicing at home
• Realistic acoustic touch and sensitive dynamic expression
• Highly satisfying acoustic drum feeling

Cons

• Pricier than some other practice kits
• A limited number of pads
• Assembly required

The Tama True Touch Training Kit includes AAD Snare Pad, Solid Kick Bass Pad, Acousti-tone Tom Pad, Snare Buzz Balls, Comfort Hoop, Two Position Height Adjustment, Flush Frame, Pedal Anchor, Space Save Tripod Legs, and Easy Setup System. The snare, tom, and bass drum pads each have their unique design and construction that mirrors the feel of actual acoustic drums.

The kit is made of basswood and weighs 42.4 pounds. It measures 37.9 x 21.3 x 11.9 inches. The kit is easy to set up and take down, and the space-saving tripod legs make it easy to store.

The Tama True Touch Training Kit is perfect for drummers who want to improve their technique and control. The kit sounds, dynamically responds, and interacts with the player's playing, making it an excellent tool for refining musical expression.

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Tama Superstar Classic 

If you're looking for a high-quality drum set, the Tama Superstar Classic 7-Piece Shell Pack in Dark Indigo Burst is definitely worth considering.

Pros

• The maple shell pack produces a warm and rich sound.
• The 7-piece set provides a wide range of sound options.
• The dark indigo burst finish looks sleek and professional.

Cons

• Cymbals and hardware are not included, so you'll need to purchase those separately.
• The set is quite heavy, so it may be difficult to transport to gigs.
• The price point is on the higher end, which may not be suitable for beginners.

We were impressed with the sound quality of the Tama Superstar Classic 7-Piece Shell Pack. The maple wood produces a warm and rich sound that is perfect for a variety of genres, from jazz to rock. The 7-piece set provides a wide range of sound options, allowing you to create a unique sound that fits your style.

The dark indigo burst finish looks sleek and professional, making this drum set a great choice for gigs and performances. However, it's important to note that cymbals and hardware are not included, so you'll need to purchase those separately.

One thing to keep in mind is that the set is quite heavy, weighing in at 52.8 pounds. This may make it difficult to transport to gigs, especially if you don't have a car. Additionally, the price point is on the higher end, which may not be suitable for beginners or those on a tight budget.

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Tama Club-Jam Flyer 4-Piece Shell Kit

If you're looking for a compact-sized drum kit, the Tama Club-Jam Flyer 4-Piece Shell Kit is an excellent option.

We highly recommend this kit for its authentic drum sound, compact size, and easy transportation.

Pros

• The compact size of the kit makes it perfect for small venues and street shows.
• The kit features a well-balanced authentic drum sound despite its smaller-sized shells.
• The special drum bag set allows for easy transportation.

Cons

• The kit only includes four pieces, so it may not be suitable for those who prefer larger drum sets.
• The kit does not come with cymbals or stands, which will need to be purchased separately.
• The Aqua Blue color may not be to everyone's taste.

We were impressed with the Tama Club-Jam Flyer Kit's sound quality, which delivers a very-well balanced authentic drum sound despite its smaller-sized shells.

The kit's compact size and configuration make it perfect for any small venue or street show. Additionally, the special drum bag set allows for easy transportation, making it an excellent choice for drummers on the go.

The Tama Club-Jam Flyer Kit is made of poplar wood, which is known for its warm and balanced sound.

The kit includes a 14 x 10-inch bass drum with a bass drum lifter, 8 x 6-inch tom-tom, 10 x 9-inch floor tom, and a 10 x 5-inch snare drum.

However, it's important to note that the kit does not come with cymbals or stands, which will need to be purchased separately.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the distinguishing features of Tama Starclassic series?

The Tama Starclassic series is known for its high-quality birch and bubinga wood construction, which provides a warm and full-bodied sound.

These drums also feature Tama's Star-Mount system, which enhances resonance and sustain. The Starclassic series also offers a wide range of finishes and configurations, allowing drummers to customize their kit to their specific needs and preferences.

Which Tama drum set is most suitable for beginners?

The Tama Imperialstar series is a great option for beginners, as it offers a balance of affordability and quality.

These drums are made from poplar wood, which provides a bright and punchy sound. The Imperialstar series also includes hardware and cymbals, making it a complete package for new drummers.

How does the Tama Superstar compare to the Tama Imperialstar?

The Tama Superstar series is a step up from the Imperialstar in terms of construction and sound quality.

The Superstar drums are made from maple wood, which provides a warmer and more resonant sound. The Superstar series also includes higher-end hardware and finishes, making it a more premium option.

What are the preferred Tama drum sets for metal music?

The Tama Starclassic Bubinga and Tama Starclassic Performer B/B are both popular choices for metal drummers.

These kits feature thick shells made from birch and bubinga wood, which provides a powerful and aggressive sound. They also offer ample projection and sustain, making them ideal for playing in loud and heavy genres.

What are the notable differences between Tama Star and Tama Starclassic kits?

The Tama Star series is a more recent addition to Tama's lineup, and it features a unique hybrid shell construction that combines birch and bubinga wood.

The Star drums offer a bright and punchy sound, with a focused attack and quick decay. The Starclassic series, on the other hand, features a more traditional all-birch or birch/bubinga shell construction, which provides a warmer and more full-bodied sound. Both series offer a wide range of finishes and configurations to suit different playing styles and preferences.

Which drum sets are considered the best for professional studio recording?

The Tama Starclassic Maple and Tama Starclassic Bubinga are both highly regarded for their sound quality and versatility in the studio. These kits offer a wide range of tuning options and tonal variations, making them ideal for capturing different drum sounds and textures.

The Starclassic Maple is known for its warm and balanced sound, while the Starclassic Bubinga offers a more aggressive and focused sound.