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TAMA

Description

TAMA’s Imperialstar drum series is known as an industry standard for beginning drummers who want a high-quality drum set experience at an excellent value. TAMA’s philosophy is that the beginning/aspiring drummer realizes maximum enjoyment and personal fulfillment on a fully functional, highly durable and quality sounding acoustic drum set/cymbal package. This is the foundation for TAMA, and they designed Imperialstar to be a proven value that is uncommon in the world of today’s "entry-level" drum set category.

For TAMA, sound and durability go hand-in-hand and Imperialstar delivers on both accounts. 100% poplar 6-ply, 8 mm shells achieve full, deep sounds that include TAMA’s precision bearing edges for efficient sound transfer from drumhead to shell. The wrap finishes are fully adhered to the shell using a gluing process (not double-sided tape) to produce a strong bond that allows the shell and wrap to fully resonate as one. Ultra low-mass lugs further enable toms and floor toms to reach their full, rich tones. TAMA fully supports the idea that good sounding cymbals are critical to an essential acoustic drum set experience, so they have collaborated with MEINL on the cymbal set up and include MEINL’s HCS series cymbals. They produce clean sonic separation and are highly durable to allow full dynamic exploration.

Good-quality hardware is essential to an enjoyable drum set experience and TAMA has a glowing reputation for making the highest-grade hardware in the industry. TAMA brings their hardware expertise to Imperialstar by offering a super sturdy and highly adjustable ball/socket 10.5 mm double tom holder with memory locks, a height-adjustable padded throne and double-braced, three-tiered cymbal stands that combine stability with full-height adjustment/positioning. Bass drum pedal and hi-hat stand are critical to any drummer’s performance expression, therefore TAMA includes a bass drum pedal that has an underside rock plate for stability, along with independent tension and beater-angle adjustments to allow drummers to find their desired bass drum feel. The double-braced hi-hat stand assures stability and includes secure-grip clutch for prolonged and secure performance, along with seat-cup angle adjustment for customized cymbal feel.

Several configurations and finishes are available to customize the appropriate drum sizes and finish aesthetic for each individual. Add-on drums are available to accommodate drum set expansion.

Imperialstar offers the entry-level drummer incredible value derived from a different kind of product experience. TAMA invites you to engage in your full drum set potential by exploring the Imperialstar acoustic drum set experience.

What's in the box:
Bass Drum: 18x14"
Toms: 10x7", 12x8"
Floor Tom: 14x13"
Snare Drum: 14x5"
Double Tom Holder
Boom Cymbal Stand
Straight Cymbal Stand
Snare Stand
Hi-Hat Stand
Drum Pedal
Throne
MEINL HCS Cymbals 14" Hi-Hats and 18" Crash/Ride
TAMA Imperialstar 5-Piece Complete Drum Set With 18" Bass Drum and MEINL HCS Cymbals Black Oak Wrap
TAMA Imperialstar 5-Piece Complete Drum Set With 18" Bass Drum and MEINL HCS Cymbals Black Oak Wrap

Features

  • 8 mm, 6-ply 100% poplar
  • TAMA Precision bearing edges
  • Original small lugs
  • Glue-adhered wraps
  • New double-braced hardware
  • BD spurs with height calibration
  • Ultra low-mass tom brackets
  • Omnisphere tom holder
  • Accu-Tune bass drum hoops
  • MEINL HCS Cymbals 14" Hi-Hats and 18" Crash/Ride

Warranty

Wood hoops - 30 day warranty.
All hardware (metal hoops) and shell finish - One year warranty.
Shells - 5 year warranty.

Featured Articles

Reviews

4.46

46 Reviews

90%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend

Best kit I've owned yet...

Most Liked Positive Review

5

Tama Imerpialstar

The sound of this drum kit is amazing for an entry level kit. It was easy to set up and tune. These drums easily accommodate many different styles of playing. They are not overly loud for residential practice yet they don't sound wimpy like so many of the retail store models. Studio rings are a must especially in a small room. This set is perfect for the serious and committed beginner or for anyone who wants an acoustic set for home use. TAMA hardware is an amazing value. It is sturdy, stylish and functional. This particular set included everything you need to get started playing. My particular set did not have drum sticks but I am sure it was just an oversite when packaging it. It included Mienl Cymbals which are an unbelievable value. These things ring like Zildjan A's at a fraction of the cost. I was surprised at the superior quality of these things. As I said before this kit was very easy to assemble. It came with a step by step DVD to show you how to put it together yet I didn't need it. You can set it up right out of the box and begin having fun. The finish was very nice and the hardware is superior quality. I got the Midnight Blue and it has a lot of bling. The only drawback with this set that I could see is that the kick drum has plastic hoops which may break if you transport your drums often. The kick pedal may be a little flimsy and I will probably replace it in 6 months. Great web site with lots of information and user forums for support. TAMA is a major brand name and local dealers can help with any questions you might have. The overall value is excellent. If you are looking for a new kit that won't break the bank and if you are new to drumming then this is the set for you. It smells so much better than the used garage kits I checked out. I like this kit a lot. It's like a piece of furniture and the new Imperial Star Logo on the drum head makes people take notice. Looks kind of like a crown or a crest. It is different than what you see in the pictures. Everyone who sees this kit says it is awesome and they want it. Even people who don't like drums will want to beat on this thing. I will keep this kit for many years to come unless I become so inspired and motivated to get a professional set. Then I might pass it on to some lucky child at Christmas time. If I had it to do over again I would get the 22" Kick drum instead of the 20". Since this is for residential practice I didn't want to upset the neighbors too much.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

1

Poor hardware quality

Would have rated this set a solid 4 as shells, cymbals, and heads are good quality and value for the price paid. Overall sound is really good as well. Hardware was solid as well with exception of the hi-hat stand which is complete garbage. The spring in the stand failed after 13 months of moderate use. It is not serviceable and Tama would not help out what so ever on warranty as it was only 1 month over. My only option was to purchase a replacement.

Filters
Best Uses
  1. Accompaniment12
  2. School Bands9
  3. Small Venues9
  4. Jazz Clubs7
  5. Soundtracks3
Cons
  1. Flat Sound2
  2. Poorly Made2
  3. Too Much Reverb1
  4. Says comes with a free gift. Which i never got.1
  5. None1
Describe Yourself
  1. Experienced10
  2. Novice5
  3. Professional Musician4
  4. Child2
Pros
  1. Great Sound14
  2. Responsive11
  3. Versatile9
  4. Huge Tone7
  5. Sensitive5

Reviewed by 46 customers

  • Great for Beginners and Hobbyists

    5

    submitted10 months ago

    byJim

    fromCovington, Kentucky

    I purchased my first kit in 1986, a Ludwig Rocker II with cheaper hardware—that set cost twice as much as this one, nearly $6,000 in adjusted dollars. This set has much better hardware, includes cymbals ( I paid an additional $1,000 more for those back in the day), and appears good quality. For the price, I am impressed. The Meinl cymbals do not stand up to my classic Zyldians, but they are not bad in any way. The shells on the drums are not nearly as thick and durable as my 1980s set, but they are fine for those not performing professionally. The only negatives I found was the throne (drum stool) was an absolute piece of crap. I had to strip out everything to support my 205 lbs frame, and it still dropped me unexpectedly while I was playing. The stock heads are OK. I'm out of practice, but I'm not a newbie. After only an hour, I dented up the heads pretty well, so I ordered better ones. If you're a newbie, you will destroy these in no time. This is an excellent deal for anyone who wants to learn percussion or enjoys playing for fun. Just plan on buying a better throne and drumheads.

  • Poor hardware quality

    1

    submitted6 years ago

    bysdunnin

    fromEdwardsville, IL

    Would have rated this set a solid 4 as shells, cymbals, and heads are good quality and value for the price paid. Overall sound is really good as well. Hardware was solid as well with exception of the hi-hat stand which is complete garbage. The spring in the stand failed after 13 months of moderate use. It is not serviceable and Tama would not help out what so ever on warranty as it was only 1 month over. My only option was to purchase a replacement.

  • Amazing for the price.

    5

    submitted7 years ago

    byJeff

    fromIdaho Falls, ID

    Well made and affordable, sets up easy and comes with everything. The only problem I could find is that the throne likes to slide down while playing. It also adjusts to a rack with no problems and required no special parts.

  • I would not buy this product

    1

    submitted7 years ago

    bymartylowry

    frombristol, va

    general use

  • More than I was expecting...

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    byJorge

    fromundisclosed

    Great set... Great quality and wonderful brand

  • Yes I will buy this product again

    5

    Verified Buyer

    submitted8 years ago

    byJoseph

    fromundisclosed

    Very happy with the service the drums sound excellent son is very happy

Q&A

Have a question about this product? Our expert Gear Advisers have the answers.

  • submitted8 months ago

    asked byCraig

    fromundisclosed

    How much does the 18" x 14" bass drum weigh, unboxed and fully assembled?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    The unboxed, fully assembled weight of the TAMA Imperialstar 18"x14" bass drum isn't officially listed. However, based on its construction—6-ply, 8mm poplar shell with Accu-Tune composite hoops—you can expect it to weigh approximately 16 to 18 pounds (7.3 to 8.2 kg).

  • submitteda year ago

    asked bytim

    fromathens pa

    can i buy this with out cymbals

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    We can probably do something. Please give us a call – 855-770-3373.

  • submitted2 years ago

    asked byaustin

    fromvirginia

    I'm seeing mixed responses for the drum pedal being included or not but under features it does say bass pedal included so which is it?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, the bass pedal is included.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byBriana

    fromSan Diego, CA

    Does this come with hardware and cymbals?

    Open Reply - Gear-Support
    Yes, it's all included.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byMatteo

    fromManchester NH

    How heavy is it?

    Open Reply - Gear-Adviser
    Two boxes, 40 lbs each.

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byRyan

    fromUtah

    Does it come with a foot pedal?

    Open Reply - Kenneth
    Pedal not included

  • submitted3 years ago

    asked byCarla

    fromPensacola

    If I were to purchase a set in Nov is there any way that I could have it ship to my local store and pick it up like a few days before Christmas? This will be a surprise and I have no where to store it. Thank you.

    Open Reply - Thomas
    I’m sorry, but no. We can hold an order for 10 days only.

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byPeter

    fromManteca Ca.

    Hello. Does this set come with hi hats, a crash and a ride cymbal?

    Open Reply - Thomas
    "What's in the box: Bass Drum: 18 x 14 in. Toms: 10 x 7 in., 12 x 8 in. Floor Tom: 14 x 13 in. Snare Drum : 14 x 5 in. Double Tom Holder Boom Cymbal Stand Straight Cymbal Stand Snare Stand Hi-Hat Stand Drum Pedal Throne Meinl HCS Cymbals 14 in. Hi-Hats and 18 in. Crash/Ride"

  • submitted4 years ago

    asked byAdam

    fromundisclosed

    Can I get this in purple sparkle? (Same color as lars ulrich kit)

    Open Reply - Thomas
    A Special Order may be possible if the color is in current production. Please call us 855-770-3373

  • submitted5 years ago

    asked byRobby

    fromundisclosed

    So all i know is that there are 3 toms, a snare, a kick, and a hi-hat. The only thing i have a doubt about is that does this set come with 2 cymbals or 1 cymbal and 1 ride?

    Open Reply - Beau
    This drum set comes with one cymbal and one ride. Meinl HCS Cymbals 14 in. Hi-Hat, 16 in. Crash, 20 in. Ride.
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