Re: Tama Drums Discussion
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Originally Posted by xweasel
Brief history lessons
Tama swingstar was the longest Tama series ever created. They were introduced around 1972. They were marketed as an affordable option against the Gretsch, Ludwig, Slingerland and Rogers of this world. They mostly used real philipine mahogany as wood for their shell. Then, in the 80s Tama switched their wood for the Swingstar, they began using Luan as primary wood for the Swingstar series and also developped the zola-coat formula which had as main purpose to protect the shells against humidity & moisture for the heavy giggers (indoors & outdoors).
The period from the end of the 80s to the beginning of the 90s showed the introduction of the Rockstar in TAMA family and marked the start of the fall of the swingstar in the TAMA line-up. The Rockstar were labeled as tough drums build for the gigging drummers while still being affordable. The Rockstar Shell were select Philipine Mahogany (Luan) with and outer ply of birch for the Rockstar Custom. In the first years the Rockstar beneficied of the zola-coating too but TAMA eventually decided to cease all zola-coating process.
While the Rockstar were propulsed on top as one of the most sold drums ever (not as much as the Pearl Export though) the Swingstar continued its fall. In 1997, the Rockstar & Swingstar were upgraded with Accu-tune hoops which were used for a few years on the Performer (not confound with Starclassic Performer). Tama upgraded the Rockstar with the Starcast system for triple-flanged hoop but left the Swingstar equipped with the shell mount screwed at nodal point.
In 2005, TAMA discontinued the Rockstar because it was the introduction and rebirth of the remixed Superstar with its hybrid basswood/birch shell and cast hardware and multiple finish option. The Swingstar died two years later with the introduction of another dead series, the Imperialstar (about the same construction as the defunct swingstar but using poplar as wood for their shell) and it also came with a steel snare drum instead of a wood shelled one.
In 2008, A Guitar Center & TAMA association resurrected the Rockstar for an exclusive deal. These Rockstar shell are now a basswood and birch mix.
The primary difference between the Swingstar & Rockstar was the # of ply, finishes, size option and the marketing supporting both.
*DRIINNNGGG*
End of class....
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