What woods are used in the Tama Club-JAM shells?

The shells are constructed from a hybrid of mersawa and poplar wood. This combination is designed to provide a deep, focused warmth that differs from traditional maple shells.

What makes the floor tom in this kit unique?

The kit features an uncommon 14" x 7" floor tom. This shallower depth keeps the sound in higher frequency ranges, providing more 'pop' and a quicker response than standard deeper toms.

Does the Tama Club-JAM include a cymbal stand?

The kit features a vintage-style cymbal holder that is mounted directly onto the bass drum. This design saves floor space and enhances the kit's retro aesthetic.

What is the typical price range for the Tama Club-JAM w/ Hardware?

This specific kit configuration typically retails for approximately £643.

What finish is available for this specific model?

This model is finished in a 'Satin Blonde' aesthetic, which complements its vintage-inspired hardware.

How does the sound of mersawa/poplar compare to maple?

Tama describes these shells as offering a unique deep focused warmth. They suggest that this specific hybrid blend provides a character that traditional maple tonewoods cannot exactly match.

What kind of bass drum spurs does the kit have?

The kit utilizes curved bass drum spurs. These are designed to maintain a vintage look while providing modern stability for the bass drum.

Is this kit suitable for small venues?

Yes, the compact configuration and bass-mounted cymbal holder make it ideal for small stages and tight performance spaces where a full-sized kit would not fit.

How does the Tama Club-JAM compare to the Sonor AQ2 Safari?

Both are compact kits designed for portability. The Club-JAM uses mersawa/poplar shells and a 14" x 7" floor tom, whereas the Sonor AQ2 Safari typically uses maple shells.

Does the kit come with hardware?

Yes, this specific version is sold as a drum kit including the necessary hardware components.

What is the overall aesthetic of the Tama Club-JAM?

The kit is inspired by vintage drum sets, featuring retro hardware designs like the curved spurs and shell-mounted cymbal arm combined with a modern Satin Blonde finish.

Who is the primary audience for the Tama Club-JAM?

It is designed for drummers who need a portable, high-quality kit with a vintage sound, particularly those playing jazz, acoustic sessions, or gigging in small clubs.

Gear article

Tama Club-JAM Drum Kit

The Tama Club-JAM is a compact acoustic drum kit designed to combine vintage aesthetics with modern portability. It features a unique hybrid shell construction of mersawa and poplar, delivering a focused, warm tone suitable for small venues and session work.

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Background and Design

The Tama Club-JAM takes clear inspiration from vintage drum kits of the mid-20th century, specifically those used in jazz and lounge settings. Tama developed this kit to address the needs of the modern gigging drummer who requires a smaller footprint without sacrificing the visual appeal of a classic set. The design is characterised by its space-saving features, such as the cymbal arm mounted directly onto the bass drum shell rather than a separate stand.

Shell Construction and Hardware

The shells are built using a hybrid blend of mersawa and poplar wood. This combination is relatively uncommon in contemporary drum manufacturing but was selected for its specific acoustic properties.

The kit includes specific hardware elements that reinforce its retro identity: * Curved Bass Drum Spurs: These provide a classic silhouette while ensuring the compact bass drum remains stable during play. * Bass-Mounted Cymbal Holder: This reduces the amount of floor hardware required, making the kit ideal for tight stages. * Compact Dimensions: The kit features a unique 14" x 7" floor tom, which provides a higher-frequency 'pop' compared to standard 14" x 14" or 16" x 16" units.

Sound Character

The Mersawa and Poplar hybrid shells offer a 'deep focused warmth' that Tama suggests distinguishes the kit from standard maple alternatives. Due to the smaller shell depths and diameters, the kit naturally emphasizes higher frequencies and a quick decay. The 14" x 7" floor tom contributes to a punchy, articulate sound that cuts through a mix without the overwhelming low-end resonance of larger kits.

Comparison and Suitability

The Club-JAM is positioned as a portable solution for drummers playing in small clubs, cafes, or street performances. It competes with other compact or 'bop' kits such as the Sonor AQ2 Safari and the Yamaha Rydeen 20" configurations.

While larger kits like the Tama Superstar Classic or DW Performance Series offer more volume and low-end projection for rock and metal, the Club-JAM is specifically voiced for styles where nuance and space-efficiency are prioritised. At a typical price point of £643, it offers a complete hardware package that caters to both students and professionals needing a secondary 'grab-and-go' rig.

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Frequently asked questions

What woods are used in the Tama Club-JAM shells?: The shells are constructed from a hybrid of mersawa and poplar wood. This combination is designed to provide a deep, focused warmth that differs from traditional maple shells.
What makes the floor tom in this kit unique?: The kit features an uncommon 14" x 7" floor tom. This shallower depth keeps the sound in higher frequency ranges, providing more 'pop' and a quicker response than standard deeper toms.
Does the Tama Club-JAM include a cymbal stand?: The kit features a vintage-style cymbal holder that is mounted directly onto the bass drum. This design saves floor space and enhances the kit's retro aesthetic.
What is the typical price range for the Tama Club-JAM w/ Hardware?: This specific kit configuration typically retails for approximately £643.
What finish is available for this specific model?: This model is finished in a 'Satin Blonde' aesthetic, which complements its vintage-inspired hardware.
How does the sound of mersawa/poplar compare to maple?: Tama describes these shells as offering a unique deep focused warmth. They suggest that this specific hybrid blend provides a character that traditional maple tonewoods cannot exactly match.
What kind of bass drum spurs does the kit have?: The kit utilizes curved bass drum spurs. These are designed to maintain a vintage look while providing modern stability for the bass drum.
Is this kit suitable for small venues?: Yes, the compact configuration and bass-mounted cymbal holder make it ideal for small stages and tight performance spaces where a full-sized kit would not fit.
How does the Tama Club-JAM compare to the Sonor AQ2 Safari?: Both are compact kits designed for portability. The Club-JAM uses mersawa/poplar shells and a 14" x 7" floor tom, whereas the Sonor AQ2 Safari typically uses maple shells.
Does the kit come with hardware?: Yes, this specific version is sold as a drum kit including the necessary hardware components.
What is the overall aesthetic of the Tama Club-JAM?: The kit is inspired by vintage drum sets, featuring retro hardware designs like the curved spurs and shell-mounted cymbal arm combined with a modern Satin Blonde finish.
Who is the primary audience for the Tama Club-JAM?: It is designed for drummers who need a portable, high-quality kit with a vintage sound, particularly those playing jazz, acoustic sessions, or gigging in small clubs.