[gyutae]

Tama has just released a new entry level drum set called Imperial Star which is supposed to replace the Swingstar. This is really interesting because the Imperial Star used to be Tama's high end kit back in the day before they were discontinued. Supposedly these new kits are 100% poplar but I'm not sure how they're different from the old Swingstars. Any thoughts?

http://www.tama.com/new_product/default.asp#main

	Tama Drums Shop for Tama Drums at Musician's Friend

[mind_drummer]

TAMA modyfied the imperialstar lugs, spurs and strainer , improved hardware "Stagemaster", new poplar shell (which I suppose went at better price than good phil. mahogany because TAMA always used grade A phil. mahogany for the entry level kit which IMO is a better sounding wood than the softer poplar) and now offer the "Ready to rock" config without their brass cymbals, though a better priced kit. Missing various finish, overall it look good but I'm not sure if they are really better than previous swingstar series.

	Tama Drums Shop for Tama Drums at Musician's Friend

[skinslapper]

I used to own the old swingstar. I'm not sure what wood they used as the interior was covered in some sort of corse, fiborous finish, but the, all poplar, export I now posses sounds a lot better in my opinion.

I couldn't find anything on the new kit on their website , but I'm betting the hareware also still isn't quite as good as pearl. Hope I don't sound like a snob with that.

	Pearl Drums Shop for Pearl Drums at Musician's Friend

[mind_drummer]

Originally Posted by skinslapper

I used to own the old swingstar. I'm not sure what wood they used as the interior was covered in some sort of corse, fiborous finish, but the, all poplar, export I now posses sounds a lot better in my opinion.

I couldn't find anything on the new kit on their website , but I'm betting the hareware also still isn't quite as good as pearl. Hope I don't sound like a snob with that.

Your kit was a Swingstar with phil. mahogany shel with zola-coated shell interior.

	Pearl Drums Shop for Pearl Drums at Musician's Friend

[Mapex4Ever]

The new poplar shell is now marketed to compete with the Pearl Exports. Poplar wood is very inexpensive and yet is also very durable. It can take humidity changes and temperature changes very well. As is not the case with some of the more expensive woods like Birch or Maple. It's not a bad shell material at all other than the acoustics are not there to compete with the other higher priced woods. I'll tell you one thing though ............. you mic those puppies and hang on cause the Pearl Export bass drum will produce a chest pounding THUMP!!!!! Alot of things are changing at Tama. For instance, if someone can find me a Tama piccolo snare or a popcorn snare anywhere in their lineup of snares let me know!! They have stopped producing them. It has me wondering what is happening at Tama. Could it be time for a merger??? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm

	Pearl Drums Shop for Pearl Drums at Musician's Friend

	Tama Drums Shop for Tama Drums at Musician's Friend

[Chicagoed]

I still have an early 80's Tama Swingstar that I am still using for recording. G2's, Emad, Camco snare, and old Slingerland heavy duty stands. It sounds great. Not sure what the Imperial Stars are like, but for entry level, Tama makes some pretty good stuff.

	Tama Drums Shop for Tama Drums at Musician's Friend

[guss]

Originally Posted by Mapex4Ever

The new poplar shell is now marketed to compete with the Pearl Exports. Poplar wood is very inexpensive and yet is also very durable. It can take humidity changes and temperature changes very well. As is not the case with some of the more expensive woods like Birch or Maple. It's not a bad shell material at all other than the acoustics are not there to compete with the other higher priced woods. I'll tell you one thing though ............. you mic those puppies and hang on cause the Pearl Export bass drum will produce a chest pounding THUMP!!!!! Alot of things are changing at Tama. For instance, if someone can find me a Tama piccolo snare or a popcorn snare anywhere in their lineup of snares let me know!! They have stopped producing them. It has me wondering what is happening at Tama. Could it be time for a merger??? Hmmmmmmmmmmmm

Just got a 10" x 5 wooden popcorn for $50, great condition, I had to break the head(purposly). Now then snair god is going to tune it.

	Pearl Drums Shop for Pearl Drums at Musician's Friend

	Tama Drums Shop for Tama Drums at Musician's Friend

[duffjones]

Mapex4Ever, I have a Tama 10x6 hand-hammered snare that I am looking to get rid of. If you are interested in it, let me know.

	Tama Drums Shop for Tama Drums at Musician's Friend