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Tama Superstar

Posts: 3165 Threads: 969

First, let me state that this question is NOT regarding "vintage" TAMA SUPERSTAR drums. However, since I couldn't find a forum that specifically addresses "modern" non-USA drums I thought I'd challenge the experts over here.

Anyway, the other day I happened to come across three TAMA Superstar drums (rack tom/floor tom/snare). All three shells had what I believe to be the company's most recent badge installed. I've added a pic of a TAMA drum that has the same badge as on the drums I saw. All three drums were covered in a satin flame wrap similar to that in the pic I've attached.

Based on the little research I've done it appears that the "Superstar" line of drums was considered TAMA's high end "back in the day." Would that still hold true today? Also, do you believe that the wrap I saw on the three pieces would be original to the drums? I haven't been able to find it in any catalog I've viewed as of yet. Finally, do you think that the three pieces in this particular wrap might be worth a couple hundred bucks WITHOUT the matching bass drum?

I was the original owner of a Slingerland Blue Satin flame kit "many moons ago", and always liked the looks of the satin wraps under the lights despite how easily they seemed to scratch and scuff. I was thinking it might be fun to put together a little player's kit starting with these three pieces if I could do so at an extremely low price.

I was also wondering if anyone's played a modern TAMA Superstar kit and could provide an idea of the sound quality?

As usual, any "words of wisdom" would be greatly appreciated!

THANKS in advance for your time and your help!

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Posted on 13 years ago
#1
Posts: 1014 Threads: 14

After discontinuing the superstar line Tama re released it as a lower line a while back,I do not believe it was an all birch shell.The badge you posted looks like them,and I believe they came in that orange satin wrap.Try the Tama websites catalogue section for more info, try this link, http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/anniversary/index.html

Posted on 13 years ago
#2
Posts: 307 Threads: 26

I've got a 1978 Tama superstar kit, 24,13,16, and they are great sounding

drums. 6 ply (I think?) birch shells, I've never played the new ones but I've

heard them at a couple of gigs and to my ears they don't sound as good,

I could be bias though.I agree with eamesuser the new ones are a lower

line,going on prices the Artstars seem to be Tama's high end line these days.

Stevo

"It's Charlie Watts' band
Without him we wouldn't have a group"

Keith Richards
Posted on 13 years ago
#3
Posts: 1212 Threads: 37

From Stevo

I've got a 1978 Tama superstar kit, 24,13,16, and they are great soundingdrums. 6 ply (I think?) birch shells, I've never played the new ones but I've heard them at a couple of gigs and to my ears they don't sound as good,I could be bias though.I agree with eamesuser the new ones are a lowerline,going on prices the Artstars seem to be Tama's high end line these days.Stevo

Artstars haven't been made in a while.

Starclassic is Tama's flagship at the moment.... however, there are a couple of versions of those..

_________________________

MY Dirty Little Collection
Posted on 13 years ago
#4
Posts: 47 Threads: 5

Agreed; from what I hear, Tama Superstars are their lower end models these days. The original, higher-end ones that I have seen had factory-painted black interiors; although that may not be standard for them, not sure....

Wikipedia says "Superstar is the mid line featuring 100% birch shells and the first generation Starcast tom mounts fitted with die cast hoops on all toms. These models are all manufactured in China. In the 1970s and 80s, Tama's "Superstar" and "Imperialstar" lines were the sole premier products of the company."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tama_Drums

Also it would have the older style, "T' shaped Tama badge.

Posted on 13 years ago
#5
Posts: 307 Threads: 26

From latzanimal

Artstars haven't been made in a while.Starclassic is Tama's flagship at the moment.... however, there are a couple of versions of those..

You are right latzanimal!

Starclassics are Tama's top line now.

I'm getting different series mixed up DOH

"It's Charlie Watts' band
Without him we wouldn't have a group"

Keith Richards
Posted on 13 years ago
#6
Posts: 1212 Threads: 37

From Stevo

You are right latzanimal!Starclassics are Tama's top line now.I'm getting different series mixed up DOH

[sarcasm]Of course I am, how or why would you doubt me? [/sarcasm]

Laughing HLaughing HLaughing H

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MY Dirty Little Collection
Posted on 13 years ago
#7
Posts: 145 Threads: 38

these are indeed ther modern made in china superstars,not a patch on the originals!

69 super classic 63 supra paiste 2000
Posted on 13 years ago
#8
Posts: 3972 Threads: 180

Without pics, it is mere speculation. It seems about fifteen years ago that Tama came out with a run of Superstars that had the flame wraps. White was my fave of that batch. They made them for about two years, I think. They were lower line drums ... entry level stuff, to my ears.

Posted on 13 years ago
#9
Posts: 123 Threads: 21

From eamesuser

After discontinuing the superstar line Tama re released it as a lower line a while back,I do not believe it was an all birch shell.The badge you posted looks like them,and I believe they came in that orange satin wrap.Try the Tama websites catalogue section for more info, try this link, http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/anniversary/index.html

I believe they re released the superstars(china) in all birch for a few years with die cast hoops good sounding drums......not top of line Starclassics are there top of line


Fatchoppers
Tama
Ludwig
Posted on 10 years ago
#10
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