New for 2019, Tama's Starclassic Walnut/Birch shell packs add a new dimension of sound to the drummer-favorite Starclassic lineup. Walnut and birch are a match made in heaven. These two tonewoods complement one another with a 6 mm shell consisting of four plies of European birch and two inner plies of American black walnut. The result is a pure, modern tone that is clear and well-defined, yet warm and round.

Two Tonewoods for One Incredible Sound

On its own, walnut produces a boomy, almost vintage tone with lots of attack. But when combined with the more subdued warmth of birch, you get the drum sound you hear in your head. Further adding to the craftsmanship and quality of the shells are Tama's revolutionary hardware advancements, including Tama's die-cast hoops, Star-Cast mounting system and quick-lock tom brackets.

Tama's Upgraded Hardware for Stability and Consistency

Tama's die-cast hoops ensure that your drums tune up quickly and stay in tune for long stretches in the studio or at gigs. The Star-Cast system takes the strain off of the shell and hoop so the drum can ring naturally without being choked. The Quick-Lock brackets make setup and teardown fast and painless. Everything on these drums has been painstakingly crafted to work together to create some of the best-sounding drums possible.

Three Versatile and Dynamic Setups

The Starclassic Walnut/Birch shell packs are available in three versatile configurations. The simplified 3-piece Starclassic includes a 12x8" rack tom, 16x16" floor tom and 22x14" bass drum. These drums are the perfect sizes for the drummer who wants to do a lot with a little. Every drum has a wide tuning range that can fit whatever style you're playing.

Next up is the 4-piece Starclassic shell pack which includes 10x8 and 12x9" rack toms, 16x14" floor tom and a 22x16" bass drum. With the added 10" tom and slightly different dimensions on the other drums, this shell pack gives drummers a little more range and tonal options, depending on the gig.

The final configuration is the 5-piece Starclassic, which features the same setup as the 4-piece, but with an added 14x12" floor tom. This setup features the most diverse tonal palette and is the best choice for drummers who find themselves in the studio needing plenty of sonic options.

Finishes that Inspire

Obviously, the sound and function of Tama's Starclassic Walnut/Birch drums is what matters most, but their new finishes take them to the next level. It's almost too hard to choose. Do you go with the beautiful and eye-catching Lacquer Phantasm Oyster, which takes a traditional oyster pattern and swirls it with reds, blues and purples? Or do you stay with the conservative, understated and all-time classic Vintage Marine Pearl Duracover wrap that delivers durability on the road? It all depends on your preference and there's a lacquer or wrap to fit any drummer's aesthetic.