Tama PC42S-HAG Starclassic Performer BB Honey Amber Gold

General

Though it's part of Tama's Starclassic line of drums, the Starclassic Performer Birch Bubinga, or B/B, is in a league of its own. This four-piece shell set consists of birch shells that have a few inner plies of bubinga. Bubinga is an African wood type that is on average 53% harder than maple and birch, resulting in a great emphasis on the low-end. Combined with the great attack provided by the birch, this hybrid kit in Honey Amber Gold delivers a fantastic sound. The set consists of a 22-inch bass drum, 10 and 12-inch toms and a 16-inch floor tom.

Tama Starclassic Performer BB Honey Amber Gold: quality hardware

Not only does Tama make high-quality shells, they also make ultra-sturdy hardware. This shell set, for instance, is equipped with the Star-Cast tom mounting system, which has become a mainstay on Tama's drum sets. The streamlined design and minimal contact with the shells allow for optimal resonance. On the Birch Bubinga kits, this mounting system is made of aluminium, which is lighter and allows for a more natural tonal vibration. Furthermore, this kit in Honey Amber Gold has zinc die-cast hoops, instead of the common triple-flanged hoops. These hoops don't just create a sharper attack and clear highs, but they also allow for more powerful rim-shots and, more importantly, they make sure your tuning stays consistent.

Finding the ideal position for your toms has never been easier, thanks to Tama's Starclassic Performance tom holder. This has what Tama calls a sliding connector, which you can slide back and forth up to about 5 centimetres. By simply loosening the wing bolt, you can adjust your toms to suit your preference in no time at all.

Claw hooks

The bass drum of this four-piece shell set comes with a number of sturdy claw hooks. These hooks are fitted with a rubber lining, which greatly reduces the chance that they will damage the wooden hoops. The Air-Cushioned bass drum legs also deserve an honourable mention. 'Air Cushioned' means they're equipped with a special air chamber that prevents the sound and sustain of your bass drum disappearing into the ground, and it absorbs most of the shocks created by your playing.

This great-sounding shell set comes with high-quality Evans drumheads.

• Please note: this shell set is supplied without hardware or cymbals.