• Sweet...Tama does it again!

  
  As reviewed by graham976 on 3/30/2010

  First off, and most of us are already well aware of; Tama definitely makes good ?quality? products. What primarily interested me in the Starphonic series were the unique depth 6 x 14 & the fact that Tama hasn?t had an aluminum snare since the discontinuation of the metal series. And Tama?s new features or ?Key Advancements? are interesting as well. If you?re not already aware, I want to state that those are not die-cast hoops on the Starphonics. Although different in concept & design, the ?Grooved Hoops? are somewhat similar in weight to the 1.6mm flanged hoops found on today?s Artwood & Metalworks series?which isn?t necessarily a bad thing. I found that it gives the snare a more rounded, softer tone than the aggressiveness found in heavier flanged or die-cast hoops. And don?t get me wrong?the snare will be heard. Also, I heard in a review the ?Freedom Lug & Claw Hook? is a great innovation, however ?a few more turns than needed? when loosening the tension rod from the hoop removes it from the lug anyway--defeating the purpose altogether. I personally haven?t noticed it to be a major issue, although it can happen. I heard someone quote ?the Starphonic Aluminum is an Acrolite on steroids?. I honestly wouldn?t know because I?ve never played Ludwig?s Acrolite, however, I do like the sound of Tama?s Starphonic Aluminum. It?s bright, open, & has depth. I currently have the drum equipped with an Evans Reverse Dot, and I get a nice pleasing rimshot slightly off center. I also liked the factory single ply coated head. The drum had a more open, resonant sound with a nice ring to it. I personally wasn?t found of the Hi-Carbon snares on the aluminum, although I liked them on the Warlord series. I changed them to Tama?s Starclassic steel wires, and I?m very pleased with the response. Most likely Tama will add to the series?possibly a bronze and/or a stainless steel shell. Anyway, the different shell options combined with all the Key Advancements makes the Starphonic series a definitive choice for anyone?s snare arsenal.

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