Gear article
Tama Club-JAM 14" Flyer Shell Pack
The Tama Club-JAM 14" Flyer is a compact acoustic drum shell pack designed for maximum portability and a vintage aesthetic. It features scaled-down shell dimensions and wooden bass drum hoops, making it a professional-grade solution for small stages, home practice, and mobile drummers.
See live pricesHistory and Design Philosophy
The Tama Club-JAM Flyer is an evolution of Tama’s compact kit series, drawing heavy inspiration from vintage jazz kits of the mid-20th century. While modern drum sets have often trended towards larger configurations, the Club-JAM series addresses the needs of urban drummers who require gear that can fit into small vehicles and navigate tight performance spaces without sacrificing structural integrity.
In the context of Tama's wider catalogue, the Flyer represents the most compact iteration of the Club-JAM aesthetic. It retains the signature look of high-end vintage kits through the use of wooden hoops on the bass drum, a feature typically reserved for more expensive, full-sized flagship models.
Features and Engineering
The defining characteristic of the Flyer shell pack is its 14-inch bass drum. To ensure proper beater impact and resonance, the kit includes a dedicated bass drum lifter, which elevates the drum so the pedal beater strikes the centre of the head.
Hardware utility is prioritised through a single tom holder and a specialized bracket for a cymbal holder mounted directly onto the bass drum, reducing the need for additional floor stands. The kit is finished in a vibrant Candy Apple Mist, providing a striking visual contrast to the natural wood bass drum hoops.
Sound Profile
Despite its diminutive size, the Club-JAM Flyer is engineered to provide a focused and punchy tone. The wooden bass drum hoops play a critical role in the kit's sonic character, helping to control overtones and provide a warm, rounded 'thud' that suits jazz, funk, and acoustic genres. Because the shells are smaller, the kit naturally produces a higher fundamental pitch, allowing it to cut through a mix in intimate settings without reaching overwhelming volume levels.
Comparative Analysis
When compared to other compact kits, the Club-JAM Flyer occupies a specific niche due to its 14-inch bass drum. Alternatives like the Sonor AQ2 Safari 4pc Shell Pack or the Yamaha Rydeen 20" Kit offer larger footprints that provide more low-end resonance but lack the extreme portability of the Flyer.
Against high-end options like the DW Performance Series or the Ludwig Neusonic Downbeat, the Tama Flyer offers a more budget-conscious and space-saving alternative for drummers who specifically prioritise mobility over the broad frequency response of a 20-inch or 22-inch kick drum.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is included in the Tama Club-JAM 14" Flyer Shell Pack?
- The shell pack includes the drums, a bass drum lifter, a single tom holder, and a bracket for a cymbal holder. It does not include cymbals, cymbal stands, a snare stand, a hi-hat stand, or a bass drum pedal.
- What is the size of the bass drum?
- The bass drum in this specific kit is 14 inches in diameter. This makes it significantly smaller than standard 20-inch or 22-inch bass drums found in most acoustic kits.
- Does the kit include a bass drum lifter?
- Yes, a bass drum lifter is included as standard. This allows the 14-inch drum to be raised so that a standard bass drum pedal can strike the centre of the drum head.
- What is the benefit of the wooden hoops on the bass drum?
- The wooden hoops provide a more focused tone and a vintage aesthetic typically found on higher-end kits. They help control the resonance of the small drum for a punchier sound.
- Is this kit suitable for home practice?
- Yes, its extremely compact size makes it an ideal choice for home practice where space is limited. Its smaller shells also tend to produce less volume than full-sized kits.
- Can I fit this drum kit in a small car?
- The Club-JAM Flyer is specifically designed for easy transport. Its small dimensions allow it to fit easily into the boot or back seat of most compact vehicles.
- What finish does this specific model come in?
- This specific model features a Candy Apple Mist finish. This is a metallic red aesthetic that contrasts with the natural wood hoops of the bass drum.
- Does the kit come with a cymbal holder?
- It includes a bracket for a cymbal holder mounted on the bass drum, but the actual cymbal boom arm and the cymbals themselves must be purchased separately.
- How does this kit compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?
- The Club-JAM Flyer is much smaller and more portable than the Superstar Classic, which typically features a 22-inch bass drum. The Flyer is designed for portability, while the Superstar is built for full-stage resonance.
- Is the hardware included in the price?
- No, this is a shell pack, meaning it only includes the drums and specific mounting hardware like the tom holder. Floor hardware like stands and pedals are sold separately.
- Who is the target audience for the Club-JAM Flyer?
- It is best suited for gigging drummers playing small venues, street performers (buskers), and students or hobbyists who need a kit for a small room or apartment.
- Can the 14-inch bass drum produce a deep sound?
- While it lacks the deep sub-frequencies of a 22-inch drum, the wooden hoops and proper tuning help it deliver a focused, punchy sound that is surprisingly effective for its size.
