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Description

Step into the rhythmic legacy of the 1980s with the Tama Superstar drum set. Revered by drummers for its robust build and dynamic sound, this classic kit has stood the test of time, making it a favorite among enthusiasts of vintage percussion. The birch shells deliver a powerful and articulate tone, ensuring each beat resonates with clarity and warmth. This craftsmanship not only provides a sturdy structure but also enhances the acoustic properties, allowing for a broad range of musical expression.

The Tama Superstar is designed for versatility, whether you're playing in a live setting or recording in a studio. Its consistent tuning stability and projection make it an excellent choice for various music genres, from rock to jazz. The toms, bass drum, and snare are crafted to meet the demands of professional drummers, offering both durability and superior sound quality.

Key Features:

  • Birch shells for enhanced resonance and tone
  • Classic 1980s design with modern reliability
  • Versatile sound suitable for multiple music genres
  • Durable hardware for stable tuning and setup
  • Ideal for both live performances and studio recordings
Zero Ground Instruments

Zero Ground Instruments

Tama Superstar Vintage 80's Drum Set - White Lacquer

Video thumbnail for Tama Superstar Vintage 80's Drum Set - White Lacquer by Zero Ground Instruments

Tama Superstar Vintage 80's Drum Set - White Lacquer

Zero Ground Instruments

Zero Ground Instruments

Video thumbnail for Tama Superstar (Vintage 6-Ply Birch) 13/16/18/22 Kit Demo by West Coast Drum Shop

Tama Superstar (Vintage 6-Ply Birch) 13/16/18/22 Kit Demo

West Coast Drum Shop

West Coast Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for My beautiful 1983 TAMA Superstars by Glenn Wilson

My beautiful 1983 TAMA Superstars

Glenn Wilson

Glenn Wilson

Video thumbnail for 1980s Tama Superstar Super Mahogany 16x24 10x14 and 16x16 Drum Kit by Hawthorne Drum Shop

1980s Tama Superstar Super Mahogany 16x24 10x14 and 16x16 Drum Kit

Hawthorne Drum Shop

Hawthorne Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for Vintage TAMA Superstar with CS Black Dot heads by Sturla Nøstvik

Vintage TAMA Superstar with CS Black Dot heads

Sturla Nøstvik

Sturla Nøstvik

Video thumbnail for 1980s Tama Superstar 12/16/24 Birch Kit by West Coast Drum Shop

1980s Tama Superstar 12/16/24 Birch Kit

West Coast Drum Shop

West Coast Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for 1980s Tama Superstar Cherry Wine 16x24 16x18 and 13x14 Drum Kit by Hawthorne Drum Shop

1980s Tama Superstar Cherry Wine 16x24 16x18 and 13x14 Drum Kit

Hawthorne Drum Shop

Hawthorne Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for 1980s Tama Superstar Cherry Wine Drum Kit by Hawthorne Drum Shop

1980s Tama Superstar Cherry Wine Drum Kit

Hawthorne Drum Shop

Hawthorne Drum Shop

Video thumbnail for 1980s Tama Superstar "Super Maple" Drum Kit by Hawthorne Drum Shop

1980s Tama Superstar "Super Maple" Drum Kit

Hawthorne Drum Shop

Hawthorne Drum Shop

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Tama Superstar (80s).

Build quality

  • The 80s Tama Superstars feature 4-ply 6mm shells with re-rings, transitioning to 6-ply 9mm shells mid-decade, providing different tonal characteristics.

    Source
  • Some owners noted that natural finishes on Superstars can show varying color due to wood grain differences, adding unique charm but causing slight inconsistencies.

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  • Aquamarine finishes show significant fading and color mismatch between drums, yet retain aesthetic appeal for enthusiasts.

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Features and functionality

  • The 24x14 bass drum size is praised for its powerful, punchy sound, ideal for rock music.

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  • The 10" diameter toms in the 80s Superstar series were predominantly offered in an 8" depth, with no evidence of deeper options like 9" or 10".

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  • The lack of a date code on badges indicates pre-1982 production, offering a clue for identifying early models.

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Use cases and applications

  • The cherry wine finish is highly sought after, reminiscent of the kits played by iconic drummers like Neil Peart.

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Value and pricing

  • Vintage kits with unique sizes like 18x16 floor toms and 24x14 kicks are valued around $1000, considered fair for good condition sets.

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  • Kits in Aquamarine, especially pre-1982, are rare finds and can be valued around £599 ($750 USD), depending on condition and configuration.

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User experience

  • Owners report that these kits, especially in larger sizes, deliver a deep, resonant sound that remains unmatched by modern equivalents.

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  • Color variations in natural finishes are common, with some owners observing slight reddish tints in mahogany kits, differing from the more uniform Cherry Wine finish.

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Comparisons

  • Some users compare the sound favorably to more expensive brands, noting the Superstar's thumping bass drum outperforms some DW and custom kits.

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  • It's noted that the 16” floor tom receives particular praise from studio engineers for its sound quality.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Owners often replace heads with G2 clears over G1 clears on toms and EMAD on bass drum for optimal sound.

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Mods and upgrades

  • A common modification includes adding a 5" microphone port on bass drums for improved studio recording.

    Source

Based on 0 Reviews and 0 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Bill Bruford uses Tama Superstar (80s)

Bill Bruford

Drummer

King Crimson

...
Verified via Bill Bruford

In the 80s, Bruford started using Tama drums mixed with many electronic drums. His acoustic tama superstar kit in a light blue finish consisted of a: 14? x 6½” 8056 steel snare drum or 14? x 5½” AW456 birch snare drum. 22? Tama gong drum (with 24” head) 22? x 14? Tama Bass Drum

See how Britt Walford uses Tama Superstar (80s)

Britt Walford

Singer, Drummer

Slint

...
Verified via Reddit

Britt Walford has confirmed in a Reddit AMA that he used a 1984 Tama Superstar drum kit during the recording of "Spiderland." When asked for additional details, he detailed the drum sizes as follows:

16x24, 12x13, 13x14, 16x18, 6 1/2x14 Imperialstar steel snare.

He can be seen using the kit throughout the recordings in this video.

The recordings confirm that the kit was not only used in the studio when Slint recorded Spiderland, but also in the band's practice sessions and on stage. It is possible that the drum kit was also used when recording Tweez to some degree, as the song being demoed in the video, Good Morning, Captain, was written at the same time as most of the songs on that album.

See how Steve Jansen uses Tama Superstar (80s)

Steve Jansen

Drummer

Japan

...
Verified via Lifeintokyo

According to this article, Steve Jansen used a Tama Super Star kit in the studio with Japan during the 1980s.

See how Stan Lynch uses Tama Superstar (80s)

Stan Lynch

Drummer, Music Producer

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers

...
Verified via Photo

Featured in this Tama magazine ad.

Album Usage

The Tama Superstar (80s) has been featured on the following albums:

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 Superstar (80s), it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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