TAMA 2-Piece High-pitch Octoban Set Black

I spent a lot of time reading various web reviews and listening to YouTube videos that had octoban samples, solos, etc. I read as many reviews as I could find on all the different manufactures of octobans i.e. DW Ratatoms, Pearl Rocket Toms / Quarter Toms, ddrum deccabons, Peace octobans, and Tama octobans... I was limited to what I could find on YouTube for hearing samples of all the above with the exception of ddrum deccabons, which I found easily in every Guitar Center in my area. Even though all of my drums are Pearl, I ultimately decided on Tama octobans for several reasons... (1) Tama's hoops are slightly shorter than the typical triple flange hoop, so you have a better area to strike. This makes a huge difference. For example, my 6-inch rototom is noticeably more difficult to play compared to the 6-inch octobans. (2) Tama's long history and reputation with octobans and (3) most reviews that I read rated them as the best (not always, but more times than not). I've finally played them now and sound AWESOME! On the cons side of the equation, I do see what other people were talking about being limited on positioning options. Personally, I wish they did not stand quite so tall even with the stand lowered as much as possible. And as others have mentioned, they are mounted on a clip system, so you cannot maneuver the octobans independently of each other. Honestly, that was not too big of a deal for me. Just had to play around with them for a few minutes and now they are positioned perfectly. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a great add-on to their kit. Also, compared to Tama octobans, the ddrum deccabons sound absolutely horrible. Reach a little bit deeper in your wallets and get Tama octobans.

Having owned 2 sets of octobans over the last 20 years, I can point out their pitfalls including Tama's refusal to make any improvements to them since their inception. To begin with, they still utilize that atiquated, concert tom style clip mount which makes it impossible to position the drums independently of eachother. Compare that to the new ddrum version which utilize modern tom mounts like any other acoustic drum. The octoban shells themselves are in dire need of an overhaul. They are still constructed of fragile, lightweight fiberglass. This poses a sreious problem, since the low profile hoops increase the liklihood of accidentally striking the bearing edge of the drum. Once damaged, they cannot be repaired. I don't know whether or not the ddrum shells are any better, but @ half the price of the Tamas such losses would be much easier to absorb. The only changes these drums have seen are the omission of the Tama i.d. badges and the occasional updates of the stand and lugs to match the exsisting hardware line. I purchased my octobans when there were no alternatives available. Yes they sound cool, but ddrum's 50% lower price tag, superior mounting hardware and a choice of 10 octives, compared to Tama's 8, make the octobans obsolete.

Seriously, some of the best add ons to my kit. I am EXTREMLEY happy with the outcome of buying these octo's. If youre looking for something to add on thats no too expensive but has amazing quaility youve found it. Pick yourself up a pair of these and sound like mike portnoy instently. Jokes aside, they are an amazing addition to any inspiring drummers kit.

The first time I ever heard Tama octobans was when I listened to Mike Portnoy on Dream Theater's Systematic Chaos album. I immediately loved the sound. I don't have them, but have played them a lot. I hope to buy some soon. If you are thinking about getting the cheaper Ddrum decabons instead, don't. They are of way worse quality in both construction and sound. The Tamas blow them out of the water. If you are looking for a great sounding expansion to your set, look no further.