Tama Star Maple Snare Drum 14x6.5 Raspberry Curly Maple w/Outer Inlay

Star is the new flagship line for Tama drums. It takes the knowledge and research we cultivated for the Starclassic series to the next level, by reexamining every detail to enhance shell resonance. STAR Maple shell's "Solid Core Ply" is a totally new design for this series. This unique shell provides the warm, open tone of Maple, combined with the rich, hearty sound of a solid ply shell.

Shell
5mm, 5ply Maple (1 outer ply Sycamore for MGSM) w/ 5mm Sound Focus Ring.
Although they feature one of the most popular and traditional drum shell materials, STAR Maple drums have some very unique hidden features that set them apart from the rest. The ultra-thin 5 ply, 5mm shells are comprised of a 2mm thick solid wood core ply, sandwiched between 1.5mm thick cross-laminated plies on both sides.
Traditional Maple shells generally sound bright and open. Our STAR Maple shells share those characteristics, but also add rich dynamics, body, and warmth, by utilizing a solid ply core. The concept is similar to other solid shell drums, but our unique shell construction allows the shells to be very thin by comparison. This groundbreaking design gives STAR Maples shells the bright, open tone one expects from Maple, as well as the rich sound character of solid shell drums, resulting in a truly one-of-a-kind, outstanding combination.

Bearing Edge
Vibration produced by hitting a drum transfers to the shell through the contact point between the drumhead and the shell. Therefore, the shape of the bearing edges is one of the most important factors in a drum's sound.
STAR drums feature a bearing edge shape as shown in the diagram. Its peak is rounder than Tama's traditional bearing edge. This rounded peak provides more contact between the drumhead and shell, allowing vibration to travel from the drumhead to the shell more efficiently. Also, the peak position of the edge is 3.5mm from the shell's outer surface, which further improves contact between the drumhead and drum.

Die-Cast Hoops
Hoops are a crucial element to a drum's sound and ease of tuning. STAR drums feature die-cast zinc hoops, which are manufactured by injecting molten metal into molds. Die-cast hoops are denser and more consistent in shape than triple-flanged hoops, which are manufactured by bending metal plates.

Sonically, die-cast hoops provide crisper attack, greater projection and a more focused and powerful tone. Die-cast hoops also make tuning easier and keep drums in tune longer because of their density and consistency in shape. These hoops combine with the rich, resonant STAR drum shells for a very well-balanced, full-bodied sound.

Hold Tight Washers
Hold Tight washers are designed to prevent the tension rods from loosening. They consist of a cup-shaped stainless steel washer which contains a rubber ring.
Vibration caused from striking a drum creates space between tension rods and hoops, which can cause the tension rods to loosen over time. The rubber rings on our Hold Tight washers help absorb the impact of vibration and keeps tension rods in constant contact with the hoops to prevent loosening.