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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.

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

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

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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.

    Source

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 Alex Bent uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Alex Bent

Drummer

Trivium

...
Verified via Photo

In this post alex shows off his tama drum kit he was sent to use on tour with trivium

See how Anika Nilles uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Anika Nilles

Drummer

Rush

...
Verified via YouTube

IN THE VIDEO ANIKA EXPLAINS WHY SHE PLAYS THE TAMA STAR KIT

See how John Tempesta uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

John Tempesta

Drummer

Helmet

...
Verified via Tamadrum

The Tama artist page lists John Tempesta as playing the following Starclassic Bubinga series drumset: 26x16 Bass Drum, 18x16 floor time,16x14 floor tom,13x10 rack tom.

See how Eddy Thrower uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Eddy Thrower

Drummer

Lower Than Atlantis

...
Verified via Photo

On his artist profile, on Tama's website, it can be seen that Eddy Thrower uses a Tama Starclassic Bubinga set.

See how Nic Pettersen uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Nic Pettersen

Drummer

Northlane

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video description he mentions his gear used! *"Drum Kit - http://bit.ly/TamaBubingaStarclassic

Tama Bubinga Star Classic 10x9" rack 14x14" first floor 16x16" second floor 22x20" kick"*

See how Murph uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Murph

Drummer

Dinosaur Jr

...
Verified via Tama

Listed under Murph's official TAMA artist page.

See how Jon Dette uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Jon Dette

Drummer

Slayer

...
Verified via Tama

The great Mr. Dette's kit specs can be found on the TAMA website!

See how Shaun Foist uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Shaun Foist

Drummer

Breaking Benjamin

...
Verified via Facebook

As mentioned in a Facebook post by Tama Drums.

See how Max Portnoy uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Max Portnoy

Drummer

Tallah

...
Verified via Photo

Max can be seen using a tama starclassic kit

See how Dave Mackintosh uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Dave Mackintosh

Drummer

DragonForce

...
Verified via DragonForce Wiki

Listed here as using Tama Starclassic bubinga in an ultraviolet sparkle. sizes are: Tama Starclassic bubinga, ultraviolet sparkle Kicks: 2 x 22" x 18" Brass snare: 14" x 5.5"(main) Starclassic maple 14” x 5.5 snare,(secondary) Toms: 8", 10", 12", 13", 14" Floor Toms: 16" & 18" 4 x octaban,left side 4 x octaban, right side 1 x 20” gong drum Double tier, Tama power tower rack, with Tama road pro hardware

See how Kim Jae Hyun uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Kim Jae Hyun

Drummer

N.Flying

...
Verified via Twitter

Kim Jae Hyun frequently uses the Tama Starclassic Bubinga Drum Kit during performances, as noted on Twitter.

See how Kenny Aronoff uses Tama Starclassic (Bubinga)

Kenny Aronoff

Drummer

Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band

...
Verified via Tama

As mentioned on Tama's official website.

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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