Hey everybody I'm new here and looking at the Tama starclassic performer 4 piece kit and the regular starclassic kit. The regular starclassic is about 500 more and I would think it would be maybe a little cheaper hardware but if anybody any experience with these kits I would like to know how much difference there is between the two.
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Tama
- Thread starter telejojo
- Start date
petrez
Senior Member
By "regular" Starclassic, I suppose you mean the W/B (Walnut/Birch)? Since those are closest in price to the Starclassic Performer. I think only you can decide when it comes to the sound difference, if the W/B is worth the price difference to you. They also have a few more hardware upgrades that the Performers don't have (10 lugs on the bassdrums as opposed to 8 on each side on the Performers, memory locks on the toms, quick lock mounting system and beefier Starclassic bassdrum spurs). They both have Die-Cast rims. Different finishes, of course... I went with the Performers myself, have them on order as I wanted a bigger setup with two bassdrums, hopefully they arrive next month. And that was one of my biggest criteria, I wanted a bigger setup and it would have been almost twice the price if I had ordered a W/B in that size, and frankly, those hardware differences don't matter all that much to me. But check out soundclips of both, try them out if you can. Only you can decide if the price difference is worth it, to you. But with that said, in any situation imaginable, the Performers will do a great, solid job, and by that you could say they are more of a bargain/bang for the buck than the W/B. In my opinion, at least. In general I'm a fan of getting as good as a kit you can afford though so you might not want to upgrade in a good while, so if the W/B is within reach and you are satisfied with the size of a general shellpack, I would probably get that.
A comparison video of the two here:
A comparison video of the two here:
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steadypocket
Gold Member
I own a Starclassic maple and Starclassic walnut/birch, among other Tama Starclassic and Star kits, and I can’t tell the difference from a sonic or quality perspective that would justify the difference between the W/B and SC maple kits. Both are terrific. I can’t imagine that maple is that much more expensive than birch and walnut. 
That’s exactly what my sales guy at Sweetwater said and he’s had every high-end kit from a Star, SCM, SQ2, USA Custom, etc.
IBitePrettyHard
Senior Member
The difference is pretty clear to me.
The Starclassic Maples have an articulate, clean, and staccato note. The Starclassic Walnut/Birch have a "meatier", fuller sound. I like the sound of both equally. They both sound great.
But yes, single vs double ply heads do play a big part in how they sound. (I'm not sure what heads are being used in the W/B demo.) If I had to guess, the W/B is using G2s? That would account for the thicker sound.
He said Shane from DCP was right: not worth the extra $. Don’t shoot the messenger.
I ordered the 5 piece performers as I don't gig anymore but if I decide to I can use these.I bought them from GC so if I don't like them I will take them back to my local GC and not have to deal with shipping.If iI like them I will keep um I got them at a good price..............
Artstar
Platinum Member
That is a nice thing about GC !
JimmyM
Diamond Member
Excellent bass drum art.
petrez
Senior Member
It is no problem at all to gig with Performers, trust me. The last years I've been doing most of my gigs with a much cheaper Yamaha Stage Custom, the Performers are much nicer in all aspects, I bet few can tell the difference from more expensive drums at an usual gig environment. I've seen pro bands at festivals using these (Kataklysm), so gig with them all you want and be proud. That's what I intend to do.
Congratulations with a new kit
Congratulations with a new kit
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Sonar Dave
Well-known Member
The Walnut sure is purdy.
Hi everyone!
I'm Diego from Paraguay.
I've acquired a drum set that appears to be Starclassic Bubinga Birch, but I haven't been able to verify this, not even from the previous owner.
That's why I'm writing to you to try to identify the exact model and year of manufacture.
I'm attaching some images and also the serial numbers for each drum.
Bass Drum 22"- 005744
Tom 10" - 006002
Tom 12"- 006100
Floortom 16" - 006130
I'm Diego from Paraguay.
I've acquired a drum set that appears to be Starclassic Bubinga Birch, but I haven't been able to verify this, not even from the previous owner.
That's why I'm writing to you to try to identify the exact model and year of manufacture.
I'm attaching some images and also the serial numbers for each drum.
Bass Drum 22"- 005744
Tom 10" - 006002
Tom 12"- 006100
Floortom 16" - 006130
IBitePrettyHard
Senior Member
Take a picture of the inside of the shells. We should be able to tell if they're Bubinga or Walnut.
cbphoto
Diamond Member
I think it's a Starclassic Performer Birch/Bubinga with a "Smoky Indigo Burst" lacquer paint job.
See pages 20–21 in this catalog.
See pages 20–21 in this catalog.