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

The shell pack typically includes a 22-inch bass drum and three toms. It does not include cymbals, snare drum, or additional stands and pedals.

What type of wood is used in these shells?

The shells are made from high-quality maple. The toms are 6-ply and the bass drum is 8-ply, featuring an outer ply of figured maple for aesthetic appeal.

What is the benefit of die-cast hoops?

Die-cast hoops offer better tuning stability and a more focused, powerful sound compared to triple-flanged hoops. They also provide a very consistent rimshot sound.

How does the Natural Walnut Burst finish look?

It is a gradient finish that showcases the natural grain of the figured maple outer ply, transitioning into a darker burst at the edges for a premium appearance.

Is this kit suitable for jazz?

Yes, the maple shells offer a natural resonance and warmth that are highly valued in jazz for their dynamic range and sensitivity.

Can this kit handle heavy rock music?

Absolutely. The 8-ply bass drum and die-cast hoops provide the projection and low-end punch necessary for louder rock performances.

What hardware finish comes with this specific kit?

This kit features Smoked Black Nickel hardware, which provides a dark, high-end aesthetic contrast to the Natural Walnut Burst shells.

How thick are the rack toms?

The rack toms and floor toms are 6-ply maple, designed to balance resonance with structural strength.

What is the typical price for this shell pack?

The typical price for this specific shell pack is approximately £3,095, reflecting its position as a professional-grade instrument.

Does the kit come with a snare drum?

No, this is a 4-piece shell pack. Snare drums are usually sold separately within the Starclassic range to allow drummers to choose their preferred size and material.

What makes Starclassic Maple different from Superstar Classic?

Starclassic Maple kits use higher-grade maple, more sophisticated hardware like die-cast hoops, and premium finishes compared to the more entry-to-mid-level Superstar Classic series.

Are cymbals included in this purchase?

No, cymbals are not included. This is a shell pack only, meaning it consists strictly of the drum shells and their mounting hardware.

Gear article

Tama Starclassic Maple 22" 4pc Shell Pack Natural Walnut Burst

The Tama Starclassic Maple 22" Shell Pack is a high-end acoustic drum kit known for its figured maple construction and distinct Natural Walnut Burst finish. Part of Tama's long-standing Starclassic series, it features thin maple shells and die-cast hardware designed for professional resonance and tonal warmth across various musical genres.

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Overview

The Tama Starclassic Maple 22" 4pc Shell Pack is a professional-grade drum kit that sits at the upper tier of Tama's product catalogue. This specific configuration features shells crafted from select maple, finished with an outer ply of figured maple and a Natural Walnut Burst gradient. The kit is designed to provide a balance of aesthetic luxury and high-performance acoustic properties, suitable for both studio recording and live touring environments.

Shell Construction and Design

The kit's architecture is built around varying shell thicknesses to optimise resonance. The rack toms and floor toms are constructed from 6-ply maple, while the bass drum utilizes an 8-ply maple construction for increased structural integrity and low-end punch.

A key design feature is the use of Smoked Black Nickel hardware. This includes Tama's signature die-cast hoops, which are heavier and more rigid than standard triple-flanged hoops. These hoops provide consistent tension across the drumhead, resulting in more reliable tuning and a sharper, more focused attack. The bass drum is equipped with matching claw hooks to ensure stable tuning of the kick drum heads.

Sound Profile

The Starclassic Maple series is celebrated for its 'warm' tonal character. The maple shells produce a rich, natural resonance with a broad frequency range. While the maple provides the body and warmth, the die-cast hoops add a layer of projection and crispness to the attack. This combination makes the kit versatile enough to handle the high-volume demands of heavy rock as well as the subtle, dynamic nuances required for smooth jazz.

Target Audience

This shell pack is aimed at professional drummers and serious enthusiasts who require a versatile, high-end instrument. Due to its price point and premium features—such as the figured maple finish and smoked nickel hardware—it is an investment piece for those prioritising tonal fidelity and visual presence on stage. It is particularly suited for players who perform across multiple genres and need a kit that can adapt to different tuning ranges.

Market Comparisons

In the professional market, the Starclassic Maple competes with several other notable series:

DW Performance Series: Also offering maple shells and high-end finishes like Black Diamond, though often with different ply configurations.
Ludwig Neusonic: A more accessible alternative that uses hybrid shells (maple/cherry), such as the 22" Rapid MOD2 configurations.
Tama Superstar Classic: A more budget-friendly maple option from the same manufacturer, though it lacks the die-cast hoops and premium Smoked Black Nickel hardware found on the Starclassic.
Sonor AQ2: Offers versatility in smaller configurations like the Safari or 20" packs, often at a lower price point than the Starclassic Maple.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Tama Starclassic Maple 22" 4pc Shell Pack?: The shell pack typically includes a 22-inch bass drum and three toms. It does not include cymbals, snare drum, or additional stands and pedals.
What type of wood is used in these shells?: The shells are made from high-quality maple. The toms are 6-ply and the bass drum is 8-ply, featuring an outer ply of figured maple for aesthetic appeal.
What is the benefit of die-cast hoops?: Die-cast hoops offer better tuning stability and a more focused, powerful sound compared to triple-flanged hoops. They also provide a very consistent rimshot sound.
How does the Natural Walnut Burst finish look?: It is a gradient finish that showcases the natural grain of the figured maple outer ply, transitioning into a darker burst at the edges for a premium appearance.
Is this kit suitable for jazz?: Yes, the maple shells offer a natural resonance and warmth that are highly valued in jazz for their dynamic range and sensitivity.
Can this kit handle heavy rock music?: Absolutely. The 8-ply bass drum and die-cast hoops provide the projection and low-end punch necessary for louder rock performances.
What hardware finish comes with this specific kit?: This kit features Smoked Black Nickel hardware, which provides a dark, high-end aesthetic contrast to the Natural Walnut Burst shells.
How thick are the rack toms?: The rack toms and floor toms are 6-ply maple, designed to balance resonance with structural strength.
What is the typical price for this shell pack?: The typical price for this specific shell pack is approximately £3,095, reflecting its position as a professional-grade instrument.
Does the kit come with a snare drum?: No, this is a 4-piece shell pack. Snare drums are usually sold separately within the Starclassic range to allow drummers to choose their preferred size and material.
What makes Starclassic Maple different from Superstar Classic?: Starclassic Maple kits use higher-grade maple, more sophisticated hardware like die-cast hoops, and premium finishes compared to the more entry-to-mid-level Superstar Classic series.
Are cymbals included in this purchase?: No, cymbals are not included. This is a shell pack only, meaning it consists strictly of the drum shells and their mounting hardware.