I'm hoping someone can help me better identify this drum. I purchased brand new back in the 1970s along with a full Tama Superstar kit. I sold the kit but kept the snare. It sounds killer and cuts like a knife. I've searched Tama's history but can't locate a brochure or catalog that includes this drum. No photos, no history, nothing. Anyone who can add to this, I'd appreciate it.
Tama Superstar Snare 1970s vintage
Welcome
This looks to be a Mastercraft Artwood.
6 ply maple shell with really tasteful wood inlay
and the Tama RB throw and butt.
The 6.5" was #AW-456 ( Yours? ) and the 5"
was #AW-455.
Such simple nomenclature!
Incidentally, IMO Tama was making some of their finest
snares in this period with offerings in Bell Brass ( priced one
of those lately? ) Rosewood and Fibreglass.
A very lovely drum.
The same shells with a similar inlay were also available in the late 70's under Tama's Camco brand as the "Renaissance" series. They offered a darker walnut or mahogany stain finish with natural maple inlay, too.
These were the first new drums without re-rings I actually considered buying at one time.
The same shells with a similar inlay were also available in the late 70's under Tama's Camco brand as the "Renaissance" series. They offered a darker walnut or mahogany stain finish with natural maple inlay, too.These were the first new drums without re-rings I actually considered buying at one time.
Do you know if this is maple or birch? Have any idea of value?
I believe the shell has core plies of Birch with a Maple outer ply. I'm not certain about the inner ply.
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