TAMA Silverstar Five Piece Shell Pack (VL52KS) Dark Mocha Fade
One Tama Silverstar shell pack here. 3 toms, snare and kick. Swell.
These kits usher fond memories of drum manufacturers assuming their customer-base could actually tell the difference between good kits and shameful pretenders. Trying to shine amidst a plague of Pearl Exports, these were often slept on. Sure, 'export' sounds exotic, but it doesn't matter where the drum was made if it just leaves you with a 'sounds like a drum' impression and a long-lasting sense of disappointment. On the flip, sitting down behind these shells feels like a warm approving pat on the back from a parental figure coupled with, "I know you can tune these." Replace the factory heads on top and you'll make Export owners weep, provided they can tell the difference. Cue "kit sounds huuuuuge" comments.
These kits were introduced around 2011 and replaced the Superstar, sitting in that semi-professional bracket between the midrange Imperialstar and the at-the-time flagship Starclassic. 45° bearing edges, modern birch shells and low profile lugs give these projection and tone. Pretty standard specs here, just executed well. The 14" x 5" snare has a nice open tone and is one of the better sounding birch snares we've had through. The bass drum legs are one of our favourites design-wise. This particular shell pack is called the "Accel Driver", not to be confused with Microsoft Excel or Hyundai Excels.
We'd claim these kits are an antidote to the "heads and tuning" mentality. Sure, if you have worn heads and don't know how to tune, this kit will sound bad. But, unlike the aforementioned abomination kits, these reward you for setting them up well. The toms come up as punchy and full. The bass drum is fat and warm with a thick midrange attack. The snare is responsive and clean. Overall, it's balanced and resonant with punch when you need it.
If you put gaff all over it, we're calling the police. Stewart Copeland will put you in a headlock once he finds out.
Manufacturer: TAMA Drums
Made: China, Post 2011
Sizes: 10x8 | 12x9 | 16x14 | 22x18
Shells: 6ply Birch 6mm | 45° Edges | Dark Mocha Fade
Shell Pack Contents:
- 10x8 Rack Tom (S/N: 048431)
- 12x9 Rack Tom (S/N: 048756)
- 16x14 Floor Tom (S/N: 048642)
- 14x5 Snare (S/N: 048982)
- 22x18 Bass Drum (S/N: 148403)
- Floor Tom Legs
- Rack Tom Double Arm Mount
Current Setup:
- 10" Tama Power Craft II (2 ply, clear) | 10" Evans G2 Clear (1ply)
- 12" Tama Power Craft II (2 ply, clear) | 12" Aquarian Classic Clear (1ply)
- 16" Tama Power Craft II (2 ply, clear) | 16" Aquarian Classic Clear (1ply)
- 14" Aquarian Texture Coated (1 ply) | 14" TAMA Single Ply Clear | Generic TAMA 20 Strand Wires
- 22" Aquarian Super Kick I (1 ply, coated) | 22" TAMA Coated Bass Drum Reso w/ Kick Port
Condition Notes:
Plenty of scuffs and marks on the wrap. Minor blemishes and marks on the hardware. Lugs, hoops and other hardware are in good working order with no serious damage. Tension rods and wing nuts in reasonable shape. The kit tunes up and holds tune with no issues. The shells are in good shape. The snare throw works as expected. Resonant heads are in good shape, batters on the toms would benefit from fresh heads. Overall: good condition!