Is Tama a good drum brand? Do their drum kits sound good and are versatile enough to be played for lots of different genres? Are they durable and can they last for a long time? Let’s find out everything about how Tama drum kits are.
History Of Tama Drums
Before we check out whether Tama is a good drum brand or not, we should know first its history. Tama Drums, a prominent name in the world of drum manufacturing, boasts a rich history spanning several decades. Founded in Japan in 1974 as part of the Hoshino Gakki company, Tama quickly established itself as a serious competitor in the drum industry.
Tama’s initial breakthrough came with the introduction of their innovative Superstar series in the late 1970s, featuring birch shells that provided a warm and powerful sound. This set the stage for Tama to become a prominent player in the global drum market.
In the 1980s, Tama continued to innovate with the introduction of the Tama Rockstar series, which incorporated innovative materials and manufacturing techniques, making them more affordable while maintaining high-quality sound. The Artstar series, released in the late ’80s, also gained recognition for its premium craftsmanship and top-notch materials.
The 1990s saw Tama furthering its reputation with the Starclassic series, featuring bubinga and maple shells, which became a favorite among professional drummers for their versatility and tonal richness. During this period, Tama also made significant strides in hardware development, offering advanced features like the Iron Cobra series of bass drum pedals.
In the 2000s, Tama continued to evolve with new offerings like the Silverstar and Superstar Hyper-Drive kits, catering to various musical genres and player preferences. The company also partnered with renowned drummers like Lars Ulrich of Metallica and Stewart Copeland of The Police to create signature drum kits.
Tama’s commitment to innovation extended to hardware and accessories, such as their renowned Iron Cobra and Speed Cobra pedals, as well as their innovative Star Hardware line.
Today, Tama remains a respected and influential brand in the drumming community. Their commitment to quality, innovation, and collaboration with top drummers ensures that Tama Drums continues to be a leading choice for drummers of all levels worldwide, leaving an indelible mark on the history of drum manufacturing.
Sound Quality
Is Tama a good drum brand when it comes to sound quality? Tama Drums are renowned for their exceptional sound quality and versatility, making them a popular choice among drummers across various musical genres. Their reputation is built on decades of innovation, craftsmanship, and a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of musicians.
Tama’s dedication to using high-quality materials for their drum shells, such as birch, maple, and bubinga, contributes to their rich, resonant tones. These woods are carefully selected and crafted to produce warm, full-bodied sounds that are highly appreciated by drummers.
Tama has pioneered various shell technologies, including the Superstar and Starclassic lines, which are designed to enhance drum resonance and tonal clarity. These innovations result in drums that project well in both live and studio settings.
Tama drums are known for their ease of tuning, allowing drummers to achieve a wide range of tones. Whether you prefer a deep, punchy sound for rock or a crisp, articulate sound for jazz, Tama drums can be tuned to match your musical preferences.
When it comes to versatility, Tama offers a wide range of drum series, each tailored to different musical styles and player preferences. Whether you’re into rock, jazz, metal, or any other genre, Tama has a drum kit that can suit your needs. For example, the Starclassic series is celebrated for its versatility, offering a balance of warmth and projection suitable for various styles.
Tama has collaborated with renowned drummers to create signature drum kits that cater to specific playing styles. These kits often feature unique configurations and finishes that make them versatile for the respective artist’s needs. For instance, the Lars Ulrich and Stewart Copeland signature kits cater to the preferences of metal and rock drummers, respectively.
Tama allows drummers to customize their drum kits to a significant extent. You can choose shell sizes, finishes, hardware, and even add-on accessories to create a kit that suits your style and sound requirements perfectly. This level of customization ensures versatility in design and sound.
Tama’s hardware and accessories, such as their Iron Cobra and Speed Cobra pedals, are designed with versatility in mind. These products offer a range of adjustments, allowing drummers to fine-tune their setup for different playing styles and techniques.
Tama Drums have earned their reputation for exceptional sound quality and versatility through a combination of craftsmanship, innovation, and a commitment to meeting the diverse needs of drummers. Whether you’re a professional musician looking for a reliable kit that can adapt to various genres or a beginner seeking a quality instrument to grow with, Tama’s range of drum series and customization options ensure that you can find a kit that suits your musical journey.
Build Quality
Is Tama a good drum brand when it comes to build quality? Tama Drums are renowned for their exceptional build quality, which is a testament to the company’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and providing drummers with instruments that stand the test of time.
Tama uses high-quality materials for their drum shells, including birch, maple, and bubinga. These woods are selected for their tonal characteristics, durability, and resonance. The careful selection of wood ensures that Tama drums produce rich, full-bodied sounds.
Tama’s shell manufacturing process involves precise cutting, shaping, and layering of wood plies. This results in shells that are consistent in thickness and free from imperfections, leading to better sound quality and structural integrity.
Tama has developed innovative shell technologies, such as the Starclassic series with its “Thin Maple” shells and the hybrid Star series with a combination of maple and birch. These advancements enhance drum resonance and overall tonal clarity.
Tama’s hardware components, including lugs, hoops, and tension rods, are built to withstand the rigors of regular use. They are designed for durability and longevity, ensuring that your drums stay in excellent condition over the years.
Many Tama drums feature die-cast hoops, which provide enhanced tuning stability and rimshot clarity. These hoops are known for their strength and resilience, making them ideal for drummers who demand precision and durability.
Tama pays meticulous attention to the finish of their drums. Whether it’s a glossy lacquer, beautiful wood veneer, or vibrant wrap, the finish not only adds to the aesthetic appeal but also protects the drum’s exterior and contributes to its overall durability.
Tama offers customization options that allow drummers to personalize their kits to their specific preferences. This includes choosing shell sizes, finishes, hardware, and even add-on accessories. The ability to create a kit tailored to individual needs ensures that the build quality aligns with the drummer’s requirements.
Tama collaborates with renowned drummers to create signature drum kits that cater to specific playing styles. These kits are built to meet the demanding needs of professional drummers and are a testament to Tama’s dedication to quality.
Tama’s production process includes rigorous quality control checks at various stages of manufacturing. This ensures that each drum meets the company’s high standards for sound, appearance, and durability before it reaches the customer.
Tama drums are often the choice of touring drummers due to their durability and reliability. They can withstand the demands of extensive travel and live performances, making them a trusted instrument for professionals.
Many Tama drum kits have a reputation for lasting for decades with proper care and maintenance. This longevity is a testament to the enduring build quality of Tama’s instruments.
Tama Drums are synonymous with exceptional build quality, driven by a commitment to using premium materials, advanced manufacturing techniques, and rigorous quality control processes.
Is Tama a good drum brand? When it comes to build and sound quality, Tama drum kits are really an excellent option that you should try out. Not only are they a great option for entry-level and intermediate drummers, but they have been long used by professional and legendary drummers as well, making them one of the better known brands in the drum market.
