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Description

Discover a drum set that marries exquisite craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation—the Tama Starclassic Bubinga. This remarkable drum set is crafted from 100% African bubinga wood, known for its strikingly sharp attack and resonant lows, making it an extraordinary choice for drummers craving a rich and dynamic sound. The bubinga shells are slightly thicker than those of the Starclassic Maple series, offering a deep, dark tone with powerful resonance that will fill any room.

The Starclassic Bubinga set comes equipped with Tama's acclaimed Star-Cast Mounting System, which ensures maximum resonance and stability. Its streamlined design and switch to aluminum make it easier to position the toms precisely where you need them, while also reducing the weight for better portability. Die-cast hoops contribute to consistent tuning and an assertive attack, while the innovative Omni-Tune Lug and Key System allows for precise and effortless tuning of both drum heads from the batter side, a leap forward in tuning ease and accuracy.

This set includes a 22" bass drum, 10" and 12" tom toms, and a 16" floor tom, each fitted with high-quality Evans heads, known for their durability and excellent sound. Claw hooks with rubber spacers, Air Pocket rubber feet, and memory markers on the spurs add practical touches that make setup a breeze and protect your investment. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Tama Starclassic Bubinga is designed to deliver outstanding performance and unmatched tonal quality.

Key Features:

  • 100% African bubinga wood shells
  • Star-Cast Mounting System for enhanced resonance
  • Die-cast hoops for consistent tuning and attack
  • Omni-Tune Lug and Key System for precise tuning
  • Evans Genera drum heads
  • Claw hooks with rubber spacers for hoop protection
  • Air Pocket rubber feet to absorb shock
  • Memory markers for easy setup

FAQs

What sound characteristics can I expect from the Tama Starclassic Bubinga drum set?

The Tama Starclassic Bubinga drum set offers a punchy and sensitive sound with an even level of mid and high frequencies, complemented by a rich low-end tone. This makes it especially suitable for rock and metal genres.

What is the shell construction of the Tama Starclassic Bubinga drum set?

The drum set features a 9-ply Bubinga shell construction with a thickness of 6.0 mm, providing durability and a robust sound profile.

Are the Tama Starclassic Bubinga drums made in Japan?

The Tama Starclassic Bubinga drum set is manufactured in China, offering high-quality craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Does the Tama Starclassic Bubinga drum set include a snare drum?

No, the Tama Starclassic Bubinga set is a 5-piece kit that includes bass drums, toms, and floor toms, but it does not come with a snare drum.

What type of mounts are used on the Tama Starclassic Bubinga drum set?

The Tama Starclassic Bubinga drum set utilizes suspended mounts, which help enhance the resonance and sustain of the drums.

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Drum Center of Portsmouth

A&F Raw Steel, Tama Starclassic Bubinga, Ludwig Classic Maple - 3 Drum Sets Tested!

Video thumbnail for A&F Raw Steel, Tama Starclassic Bubinga, Ludwig Classic Maple - 3 Drum Sets Tested! by Drum Center of Portsmouth

A&F Raw Steel, Tama Starclassic Bubinga, Ludwig Classic Maple - 3 Drum Sets Tested!

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Video thumbnail for TAMA STARCLASSIC BUBINGA-Flavius Hosu by Flavius Hosu

TAMA STARCLASSIC BUBINGA-Flavius Hosu

Flavius Hosu

Flavius Hosu

Video thumbnail for Tama Starclassic Bubinga by sewy

Tama Starclassic Bubinga

sewy

sewy

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tama Starclassic (Bubinga).

Comparisons

  • Bubinga is favored for its rarity and potential to hold value better, while Walnut/Birch is noted for newer hardware advancements.

    Source
  • Bubinga and Walnut/Birch kits sound similar, with Bubinga being the traditional choice before wood restrictions led to Walnut/Birch alternatives.

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  • Birch/Bubinga kits provide a brighter sound than maple, with Bubinga softening the tone for versatility.

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  • Bubinga kits are compared favorably against newer Starclassic models, with some owners preferring Bubinga despite the availability of Walnut/Birch options.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Bubinga is often associated with a unique, musical sound that many owners find superior, especially in MIJ (Made in Japan) models.

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  • The Bubinga inner ply adds a subtle dark purple tone to the wood, giving the kit a classy aesthetic.

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  • The hardware includes memory mag locks on toms and floor tom legs, enhancing setup ease and stability.

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Use cases and applications

  • The choice between Bubinga and Walnut/Birch can depend on gig type, with Bubinga recommended for its rarity and sound, while Walnut/Birch offers responsive tuning.

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  • Owners report these kits are highly versatile, suitable for cover bands due to their punchy attack and sweet low end.

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  • Bubinga kits, no longer produced due to wood protection, are highly sought after and considered valuable by enthusiasts and collectors.

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User experience

  • Owners of Bubinga kits find it essential to consider drum sizes, as used kits may not offer the desired dimensions for every setup.

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  • Owners express strong attachment to Bubinga kits, often noting the rarity and distinctiveness as reasons for keeping them long-term.

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Value and pricing

  • Previously retailed at approximately $3500 AUD; a second-hand purchase at $1600 AUD represents significant savings.

    Source
  • It's suggested that a 5-piece Bubinga kit could reasonably be priced at around $2600-$2900 USD, contingent on local demand and condition.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Review: Tama Starclassic Bubinga Exotix Crimson Tigerwood Fade Drum Set - DRUM! Magazine

drummagazine.com

The Tama Starclassic Bubinga Exotix drum set impresses with its high-end features borrowed from the Star series, offering exceptional tone and craftsmanship at a more accessible price. The unique Exotix Crimson Tigerwood Fade finish and high-gloss finesse add visual allure, though not everyone's taste. Bubinga shells deliver a full, resonant sound with robust low-end, making it a joy for rock drummers. The Quick-Lock tom system and die-cast hoops enhance tuning ease and drum sustain. Some may prefer alternate hardware finishes, but the kit's overall quality and sound justify the investment.

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 2 Reviews and 4 Ratings

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fr_vandepavert

gives a warm and dark tone

the Bubinga wood gives the most warm and dark sound on the toms even the smallest an most shallow shells

avalanche86

Best rock drum in the world

Tama starclassic bubinga is not only the greatest rock drum in the world but also has deep sound. It makes me feel rocking and aggressive sound !!!

Artist usage

Add artist
See how Mike Portnoy uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Mike Portnoy

Drummer

Avenged Sevenfold

...
Verified via Tama

Mike Portnoy used a Tama Starclassic Bubinga kit during the creation of Black Clouds and Silver Linings, and on the albums tour. He has also used this kit in some of his other projects.

See how Mario Duplantier uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Mario Duplantier

Drummer

Gojira

...
Verified via Tama

Mario Duplantier is associated with the Tama Starclassic (Bubinga) drum set, as detailed on the Tama Drums website. His setup includes two 18"x22" bass drums, a 6.5"x14" snare drum, 9"x12" and 10"x13" tom toms, and a 16"x16" floor tom, all featuring a White Pearl finish with Diamond Inlay and Black Nickel hardware.

See how Dave Lombardo uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Dave Lombardo

Drummer

Slayer

...
Verified via Tama

Dave's current set up is a Tama Starclassic Bubinga kit

See how Abe Cunningham uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Abe Cunningham

Drummer

Deftones

...
Verified via Wikipedia

In Abe's wikipedia page his drum setup is listed as the following: 12x8" Tom 14x9" Tom 16x16" Floor Tom 18x16" Floor Tom 22x20" Bass Drum

See how Eloy Casagrande uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Eloy Casagrande

Drummer

Slipknot

...
Verified via TAMA Drums

Eloy Casagrande uses a Tama Starclassic Bubinga drum set, as detailed on TAMA Drums' artist page. His setup includes two 22"x16" bass drums, a 14"x5.5" snare drum, 10"x8" and 12"x9" tom toms, and 16"x14" and 18"x16" floor toms.

See how Brann Dailor uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Brann Dailor

Singer, Drummer

Mastodon

...
Verified via Drummerworld

http://www.drummerworld.com/drummers/Brann_Dailor.html

Click on this link and scroll down. About half way down you´ll see a picture of his drumset along with text describing what each item is.

See how Simon Phillips uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Simon Phillips

Drummer, Composer

Judas Priest

...
Verified via YouTube

In the YouTube video "Falling In Between Live" by Toto, Simon Phillips can be seen playing a Tama Starclassic drum kit, featuring a combination of Maple and Bubinga woods.

See how Matt Nicholls uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Matt Nicholls

Drummer

Bring Me The Horizon

...
Verified via YouTube

“I bought a Tama kit in maybe 2007 from my local drum shop in Rotherham. I just needed a good kit to record on. All I had before that was an old Pearl Export that was good for touring but it didn’t sound the best.

“The band had a bit of money, not much, and we thought we’d buy a sick drum kit to record on. We bought a maple Starclassic kit and have recorded every album on it since apart from the one we have just finished because we didn’t fly it out to the studio. It’s the kit that I have at home. I love it.”

Since the First Love Tour Mat has been using a Tama Starclassic Bubinga in standard rock sizes as he says. It's a 1 up 2 down kit with a 22" bass drum. The tom sizes are 12x8 rack tom on a snare stand and 2 floor toms size 16x16 and 18x16. The kit has a Light Pink/Champagne Sparkle finish with black nickel hardware.

See how Akane Hirose uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Akane Hirose

Drummer

Band-Maid

...
Verified via Twitter

Drummer Akane Hirose announced on Twitter that she has entered an endorsement deal with TAMA Drums, choosing the Tama Starclassic (Bubinga) as her new set. She expressed her excitement about this partnership, stating that she believes this drum set will be a key part of her growth as a musician.

See how Jack Bevan uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Jack Bevan

Drummer, Composer

Foals

...
Verified via Tamadrum

In the official page of Tama we see Jack presented with a Tama Starclassic Bubinga.

SHELL COLOR:Piano Black (PBK) H/W COLOR:Chrome Drums : a 18"x22" Bass Drum b 6"x14" Starphonic Brass Snare Drum c 8"x10" Tom Tom d 9"x12" Tom Tom e 14"x16" Floor Tom

See how Roger Taylor uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Roger Taylor

Drummer

Duran Duran

...
Verified via Modern Drummer Magazine

My two Tama Starclassic Bubinga kits (piano black and purple sparkle) have served me very well and are definitely the best-sounding kits I’ve ever owned.

See how KJ Sawka uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

KJ Sawka

Drummer, Music Producer

Pendulum

...
Verified via MusicRadar

In a MusicRadar article, KJ Sawka's use of the Tama Starclassic (Bubinga) drum set is highlighted in a detailed overview of his setup with Pendulum.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Tama Starclassic (Bubinga), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Community setups

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E

emm

Gear IQ 144

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