Gear article

Tama HTS108W Single Tom Stand

The Tama HTS108W is a professional-grade drum hardware component designed to support a single rack tom independently from the ground. It utilises a basket-style mounting system engineered to maintain the instrument's natural resonance while providing the stability of a tripod stand.

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Overview

The Tama HTS108W Single Tom Stand is a specialised hardware solution for drummers who prefer a floor-based setup for their rack toms rather than mounting them from a bass drum or a cymbal stand. The design addresses the common issue where standard snare baskets suffocate a drum's sustain. By allowing the tom to 'float' within the grip, the HTS108W ensures the shell's natural resonance is preserved while maintaining a secure position.

Technical Features and Construction

The stand incorporates several of Tama's high-end hardware technologies to ensure durability and sound isolation:

  • Glide-Tite Grip Joint: This feature employs a metal-to-metal contact point which provides an extremely secure attachment while effectively isolating the drum from the rest of the stand.
  • True-Sound Insulation: Installed within the top inner pipe, this insulation material is designed to minimise vibrations that would otherwise travel through the stand, ensuring the tone remains pure.
  • Hybrid Feet: The base is equipped with oversized rubber feet for general grip, which also house retractable spikes to provide extra stability on carpeted surfaces or specific stage floor types.

Sound and Character

The primary sonic benefit of the HTS108W is its ability to provide full resonance. Unlike traditional snare stands that may damp the bottom hoop and restrict shell vibration, the HTS108W's architecture is focused on complete isolation. This results in a deeper, more open tom sound with consistent sustain, regardless of how hard the drum is struck.

Target User and Applications

This stand is primarily aimed at professional drummers and recording engineers who require precise placement and maximum tonal fidelity. It is particularly suited for players using larger rack toms (such as 13-inch or 14-inch diameters) that might be too heavy or cumbersome for cymbal-stand attachments, or for those using 'virgin' bass drums that lack mounting brackets.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to the Tama HTS88W Roadpro, the HTS108W offers specific enhancements in isolation technology. While alternatives like the Yamaha HS740A serve hi-hat duties, and stands like the Premier NXT GEN are built for marching applications, the HTS108W remains a dedicated solution for static kit toms. It offers a more robust and sonically isolated alternative to using a standard snare stand for a tom-tom.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the main purpose of the Tama HTS108W?
It is designed to mount a single rack tom from the ground rather than from a bass drum or cymbal stand, ensuring maximum stability and resonance.
How does this stand prevent the drum from losing resonance?
It uses a specialized basket design that allows the drum to float freely, preventing the hardware from suffocating the natural vibration of the shell.
What is the Glide-Tite Grip Joint?
It is a metal-to-metal contact point at the stand's joint that provides a secure attachment while maintaining complete isolation for the tom drum.
Does the HTS108W include any vibration dampening features?
Yes, it features True-Sound Insulation inside the top inner pipe to minimise vibration transfer through the hardware.
What kind of feet does the stand have?
The stand is equipped with oversized rubber feet that provide stability on most surfaces.
Can this stand be used on slippery or carpeted stages?
Yes, the oversized rubber feet feature retractable spikes that can be deployed for extra grip on surfaces that require more stability.
How does this compare to using a standard snare stand for a tom?
A standard snare stand basket often suffocates a tom's resonance; the HTS108W is specifically engineered to let the tom float and resonate fully.
What is the typical price for the Tama HTS108W?
The typical price for this professional-grade hardware is approximately GBP 176.
Is the HTS108W suitable for heavy hitters?
Yes, its heavy-duty construction and metal-to-metal joints are designed for durability and stability under intense playing conditions.
Does this stand work with 'virgin' bass drums?
Yes, it is an ideal solution for drummers using bass drums without mounting brackets who want to position their rack toms independently.
What is the benefit of the True-Sound Insulation?
It maximizes isolation by ensuring that the tom's vibrations are not lost or distorted as they pass through the stand's pipe structure.
Is this stand part of the Tama Star or Roadpro series?
While Tama offers the HTS88W in the Roadpro series, the HTS108W is a distinct model featuring specific isolation technologies like True-Sound Insulation.