Gear article

Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike Iron Cobra Beater

The Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike is a professional-grade bass drum beater designed for high-velocity playing and precision. Constructed from a dense, hard felt with a reduced surface area, it is engineered to provide a focused projection and definitive strike while maintaining the classic response associated with felt beaters.

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Overview

The Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike is a specialised component within the Tama hardware catalogue, designed primarily as an upgrade or replacement for the Iron Cobra series. It focuses on balancing lightweight construction with the physical momentum required for powerful kick drum performance. The design prioritises a smaller, flatter contact point compared to standard bulbous beaters, allowing for a more distinct 'click' or attack while retaining the warmth of a felt surface.

Design and Features

The CB900PS features a head made from compressed hard felt. This material choice is significant as it provides a middle ground between the soft attack of traditional fleece or loose felt and the aggressive snap of plastic or wood.

Key design attributes include: - Reduced Diameter: The smaller head size allows for more precise placement and a more focused energy transfer. - Flat Strike Surface: Unlike rounded beaters, the flat face ensures a consistent area of contact with the drumhead, improving tonal consistency. - Lightweight Composition: The materials are selected to facilitate fast-paced footwork without sacrificing the force of the stroke.

Sonics and Character

The sonic profile of the Accu-Strike is defined by its versatile attack. Because of the hard felt construction, it produces a definitive strike that cuts through a mix, yet it maintains a classic feel. The projection is more focused than standard beaters, making it particularly useful in recording environments or live settings where kick drum definition is paramount. It offers a great response for drummers who require feedback from the pedal to execute complex patterns.

Applications

While the CB900PS was developed for the Iron Cobra pedal system, its standard shaft diameter makes it compatible with most modern bass drum pedals. It is particularly well-suited for: - Technical Metal and Rock: Where speed and 'fast-paced' techniques are required. - General Purpose Drumming: Genres requiring a balance of power and traditional felt warmth. - Precision Work: Drummers who find larger beaters too cumbersome or lacking in clear definition.

Comparison with Alternatives

When compared to generic options like the Gibraltar G5, the Tama CB900PS offers a more sophisticated, focused strike due to its specific 'Accu-Strike' geometry. While the G5 serves as a reliable standard replacement, the CB900PS is a performance-oriented upgrade. Compared to plastic or rubber beaters, the CB900PS provides a more 'organic' feel and less harsh rebound, which minimizes the 'pitter-patter' sound often found in high-trigger-speed settings.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material of the Tama CB900PS head?
The beater head is constructed from a high-density hard felt, designed to offer a balance between a classic feel and a modern, definitive strike.
What is the typical price for the CB900PS?
In the United Kingdom, this beater typically retails for approximately £25.00.
Is the CB900PS only compatible with Tama pedals?
No, while it is an ideal addition for the Tama Iron Cobra series, it uses a standard diameter shaft that fits most modern bass drum pedals.
How does the size of this beater compare to a standard one?
The CB900PS is slightly smaller than a standard beater, which helps in achieving more precise projection and a more focused strike on the drumhead.
What kind of sound does the hard felt produce?
It produces a versatile sound with a classic feel. The hard density provides more 'snap' and projection than soft felt, but remains warmer than plastic or wood options.
Is this beater suitable for fast-paced music?
Yes, its lightweight materials and small surface area are specifically designed to excel in faster techniques and high-velocity playing styles.
What is the significance of the flat surface on the beater?
The small and flat surface ensures a definitive strike and a very focused sound by concentrating the force of the hit into a specific area.
Can I use this for jazz or lighter playing styles?
While it excels in fast play, the felt material makes it versatile enough for various styles where a clear, responsive attack is desired.
How does it improve the feel of a pedal?
The lightweight design allows the beater to throw itself at the drum with full force with less effort, resulting in a more responsive and 'fast' pedal feel.
Does the CB900PS come with any weights?
This specific model is designed for speed and balance through its material choice; it does not typically include additional adjustable weights.
How durable is the hard felt on this beater?
The hard felt is designed for longevity and to resist the typical compression or 'flattening out' that occurs with softer felt beaters over time.
What makes this an 'Accu-Strike' beater?
The 'Accu-Strike' moniker refers to the design's focus on accuracy, achieved through the smaller head size and the specific flat contact patch for consistent drumming.