What is included in the Tama Starclassic Maple 22 4pc Shell Pack?

The pack includes a 22-inch bass drum and three toms. It does not include a snare drum, cymbals, cymbal stands, or a bass drum pedal.

What is the shell composition of the toms?

The toms are constructed from 6-ply maple. This design is intended to provide a balance of resonance and structural integrity.

What is the shell composition of the bass drum?

The bass drum is an 8-ply maple construction. The extra plies provide the necessary strength and low-end punch for a 22-inch drum.

What kind of hoops does this kit use?

This kit features die-cast hoops. These are known for offering much more consistent tuning and a Sharper attack compared to standard triple-flanged hoops.

What is the finish of the hardware?

The hardware, including the hoops and claw hooks, is finished in a specialized smoked black nickel. This provides a dark, metallic aesthetic.

Is a snare drum included with this shell pack?

No, a snare drum is not included. It must be purchased separately or used from an existing collection.

What is unique about the Flat Burgundy Metallic finish?

It is a matte-style burgundy finish applied over an outer ply of figured maple. This gives the wood a textured, marbled appearance through the colour.

What genres of music is this kit best suited for?

Due to the versatile nature of maple shells, this kit is suitable for everything from heavy rock and pop to smooth jazz and fusion.

How does maple sound compared to birch?

Maple generally offers more warmth and a boosted low-end. Birch is typically known for more 'attack' and boosted high frequencies.

Does this kit come with cymbals or stands?

No, this is a 'shell pack' only. All cymbals and mounting hardware (unless specified as tom mounts) are sold separately.

What are the benefits of the figured maple outer ply?

The figured maple ply is primarily aesthetic. It provides a more intricate wood grain pattern that enhances the visual depth of the finish.

Is the bass drum drilled or virgin?

As part of the professional Starclassic range, these kits often feature 'virgin' bass drums or specialized mounts to maximize shell resonance by minimizing contact.

Gear article

Tama Starclassic Maple 22" 4pc Shell Pack Flat Burgundy Metallic

The Tama Starclassic Maple 22" 4pc Shell Pack is a high-end acoustic drum kit consisting of premium 100% maple shells in a Flat Burgundy Metallic finish. Designed for professional use, it combines 6-ply toms and an 8-ply bass drum with smoked black nickel hardware to provide high levels of resonance and tuning stability.

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Historical Context

The Starclassic series represents a significant milestone in Tama's evolution, marking a shift toward thinner shells and refined mounting systems compared to the heavy Artstar models of the previous era. Introduced to provide maximum resonance and a high-fidelity sound, the Starclassic Maple specifically utilizes the inherent warmth of North American maple. This specific shell pack continues that lineage, featuring modern updates such as Smoked Black Nickel hardware and a unique Flat Burgundy Metallic finish with a figured maple outer ply.

Shell Construction and Design

The shells are meticulously constructed to balance durability with vibration. The rack and floor toms feature 6-ply maple construction (5mm), while the 22" bass drum is slightly thicker at 8-ply (7mm) to provide a solid low-end foundation.

Each shell includes an outer ply of figured maple, which enhances the aesthetic depth under the Flat Burgundy Metallic finish. The kit is equipped with die-cast hoops, which are heavier than standard triple-flanged hoops. These provide more consistent tension across the drumhead, resulting in a crisper attack and more reliable tuning stability.

Hardware and Components

A defining feature of this Starclassic configuration is the premium hardware appointments. The kit uses smoked black nickel-plated hardware, including the claw hooks on the bass drum and the die-cast hoops on the toms. This finish provides a sleek, contemporary contrast to the deep red of the burgundy finish.

Note that this is a shell pack configuration. While it includes the drums themselves (toms and bass drum), it does not include a snare drum, cymbals, or additional stands and pedals.

Tonal Character

Maple is traditionally favoured by drummers for its wide frequency response and natural warmth. The Starclassic Maple 22" kit provides a balanced sound characterized by a strong low-end punch and a clear, resonant sustain. The thin shell design allows for immediate response even at lower volumes, while the die-cast hoops focus the tone, making it suitable for both high-energy rock and more nuanced genres like jazz or fusion.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other professional-grade kits, the Starclassic Maple sits in a competitive bracket.

Against the DW Performance Series: The Tama kit offers a different shell thickness philosophy and the distinct aesthetic of figured maple plies.
Against the Yamaha Rydeen or Tama Superstar Classic: The Starclassic is a professional-level upgrade, featuring superior shell material (all maple vs. poplar/meranti blends) and higher-end die-cast hardware.
Against the Ludwig Neusonic: The Neusonic uses a hybrid shell (maple/cherry), whereas the Starclassic remains a pure maple design focused on traditional warmth and resonance.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Tama Starclassic Maple 22 4pc Shell Pack?: The pack includes a 22-inch bass drum and three toms. It does not include a snare drum, cymbals, cymbal stands, or a bass drum pedal.
What is the shell composition of the toms?: The toms are constructed from 6-ply maple. This design is intended to provide a balance of resonance and structural integrity.
What is the shell composition of the bass drum?: The bass drum is an 8-ply maple construction. The extra plies provide the necessary strength and low-end punch for a 22-inch drum.
What kind of hoops does this kit use?: This kit features die-cast hoops. These are known for offering much more consistent tuning and a Sharper attack compared to standard triple-flanged hoops.
What is the finish of the hardware?: The hardware, including the hoops and claw hooks, is finished in a specialized smoked black nickel. This provides a dark, metallic aesthetic.
Is a snare drum included with this shell pack?: No, a snare drum is not included. It must be purchased separately or used from an existing collection.
What is unique about the Flat Burgundy Metallic finish?: It is a matte-style burgundy finish applied over an outer ply of figured maple. This gives the wood a textured, marbled appearance through the colour.
What genres of music is this kit best suited for?: Due to the versatile nature of maple shells, this kit is suitable for everything from heavy rock and pop to smooth jazz and fusion.
How does maple sound compared to birch?: Maple generally offers more warmth and a boosted low-end. Birch is typically known for more 'attack' and boosted high frequencies.
Does this kit come with cymbals or stands?: No, this is a 'shell pack' only. All cymbals and mounting hardware (unless specified as tom mounts) are sold separately.
What are the benefits of the figured maple outer ply?: The figured maple ply is primarily aesthetic. It provides a more intricate wood grain pattern that enhances the visual depth of the finish.
Is the bass drum drilled or virgin?: As part of the professional Starclassic range, these kits often feature 'virgin' bass drums or specialized mounts to maximize shell resonance by minimizing contact.