Gear article
Tama Starclassic Maple 22 4pc Shell Pack (Black Cloud Silver Lining)
The Tama Starclassic Maple 22 4pc Shell Pack is a professional-grade acoustic drum kit featuring high-quality maple construction and a distinctive Black Cloud Silver Lining finish. It is part of Tama's renowned Starclassic series, designed to offer tonal warmth and natural resonance through 6-ply tom shells and an 8-ply bass drum.

Overview and Construction
The Tama Starclassic Maple 22 4pc Shell Pack is a high-end drum set defined by its use of premium maple wood. The kit is constructed with 6-ply shells for the toms and a thicker 8-ply shell for the bass drum. Each shell features an outer ply of figured maple, which contributes to the aesthetic depth of the 'Black Cloud Silver Lining' finish.
Hardware components are finished in smoked black nickel, providing a sleek contrast to the shell finish. The kit includes professional-grade die-cast hoops and claw hooks, which are engineered to ensure consistent and reliable tuning stability during high-intensity performances.
Tonal Characteristics
The choice of maple as a primary tone wood provides this kit with a distinct tonal warmth and significant natural resonance. Maple is traditionally favoured in drum manufacturing for its balanced frequency response, offering a clear low-end and smooth mid-to-high frequencies.
This specific Starclassic configuration is designed to be versatile. The combination of shell thickness and maple's inherent properties makes the kit suitable for a wide range of musical applications. It is equally capable of delivering the projection required for heavy rock as it is the sensitive resonance needed for smooth jazz.

Component Configuration
This product is sold as a 4-piece shell pack. While the specific drum dimensions follow a standard 22-inch bass drum foundation, the package is focused solely on the drums themselves. Users should note that cymbals and additional hardware (such as stands and pedals) are not included in the standard retail pack and must be sourced separately.
Market Comparison
Within the high-end market, the Starclassic Maple competes with several notable alternatives. The DW Drums Performance Series 22" Shell Pack offers a similar professional focus but uses different construction techniques. For those seeking different aesthetics or shell materials, the Ludwig Neusonic Satin Gold Slumbers or the acrylic-based Natal Arcadia series serve as distinct alternatives.
Compared to entry-level or intermediate kits like the Yamaha Rydeen or Tama's own Superstar Classic series, the Starclassic Maple is positioned as a professional instrument, reflected in its higher-grade hardware and figured maple plys.
Related gear
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DW Performance Series 22" 3pc finish ply Black Diamond Shell Pack
£739.00 ($939)Tama
Tama Superstar Classic 22 3pc Shell Pack Transparent Black Burst
£1,495.00 ($1,899)Sonor
Sonor AQ2 20 5pc Shell Pack Transparent Black
£873.00 ($1,109)Sonor
Sonor AQ2 Safari 4pc Shell Pack White Pearl
£2,971.00 ($3,773)Ludwig
Ludwig Neusonic 22 Rapid MOD2 4pc Shell Pack Satin Gold Slumbers
£789.00 ($1,002)Yamaha
Yamaha Rydeen 20" Drum Kit w/ Hardware Burgundy Glitter
£941.00 ($1,195)Natal
Natal Arcadia Acrylic 22 4pc Shell Pack Transparent
£829.00 ($1,053)Gretsch Drums
Gretsch Energy 22" Drum Kit w/Hardware Cymbals & Bags Black
Frequently asked questions
- What is the shell composition of the Tama Starclassic Maple?
- The toms are constructed from 6-ply maple, while the bass drum is made from 8-ply maple. Both feature an additional outer ply of figured maple for aesthetic appeal.
- What finish is used on this specific shell pack?
- This kit features the 'Black Cloud Silver Lining' finish, which is applied over a figured maple outer ply.
- Are cymbals included with this kit?
- No, this is a shell pack only. Cymbals must be purchased separately to complete the drum set.
- What type of hoops are included with the Starclassic Maple?
- The kit is equipped with high-quality die-cast hoops. These provide more consistent tuning and a sharper attack compared to triple-flanged hoops.
- What hardware finish is provided?
- The kit features smoked black nickel hardware, including the hoops and claw hooks, providing a dark and modern aesthetic.
- Is the hardware stands package included?
- No, the price covers the 4-piece shell pack only. Pedals, snare stands, and cymbal stands are not included in the standard package.
- What genres of music is this kit best suited for?
- Due to the warmth and resonance of the maple shells, it is versatile enough for genres ranging from heavy rock to smooth jazz.
- What is the primary benefit of maple shells?
- Maple is known for its balanced tone, providing a mix of warmth, resonance, and clear projection across all tuning ranges.
- How many pieces are in this shell pack?
- This is a 4-piece shell pack, typically consisting of a bass drum and three toms (though specific sizes vary by regional configuration).
- What is the typical price range for this model?
- The kit is generally positioned in the professional bracket, with typical retail pricing around GBP 3309.
- How does the Starclassic Maple differ from the Superstar Classic?
- The Starclassic Maple features upgraded 6-ply and 8-ply shells, die-cast hoops, and premium hardware finishes like smoked black nickel, whereas the Superstar Classic is an intermediate-level kit.
- What are claw hooks used for on this kit?
- Claw hooks are used to secure the bass drum hoops. In this series, they are designed for reliable tuning and consistent pressure across the drum head.
