DanRH
Old guy, getting younger
Question for you Tama Star guys. Which do you prefer? And why?
OK, go!
OK, go!
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Tama Star - Walnut or Maple?
- Thread starter DanRH
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GretschMan61
DFO Master
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I have been lucky to have played both at some local shops and to keep this brief, my personal preference sound wise is the walnut. The Maple though has better finish options IMHO. The maple is excellent, but I just prefer the richness and enhanced depth of walnut.
DanRH
Old guy, getting younger
Thank you my son!
premierplayer
DFO Master
watch that signature line folks, I see a change ah comin'
DanRH
Old guy, getting younger
Nice! I hear Tama will not honor their warranty if you get a bass drum tom mount installed on their bass drums. Even if they do it.
Trust me, they won’t install one on the Star bass drums.
Simon Phillips Maple bass drums have thinner shells (4mm) than the production model. He told me so himself. He installed tom holders. No issues.
The maples are about twice the cost of the walnuts, just adding that here…
drums1225
Very well Known Member
I chose STAR Maple because the finish that inspired me to even CONSIDER buying a new kit was Ocean Blue Curly Maple, which is only available on the Maple.
I'm sure you've already done so, but I watched the DCP shootout between STAR Maple, Bubinga, and Walnut, and the differences weren't pronounced enough for me to be swayed from my chosen finish.
Main Differences:
I'm sure you've already done so, but I watched the DCP shootout between STAR Maple, Bubinga, and Walnut, and the differences weren't pronounced enough for me to be swayed from my chosen finish.
Main Differences:
- Price - For a standard 4pc shell kit 22/10/12/16, STAR Walnut is more than $1000 cheaper than a STAR Maple or Bubinga.
- Inlays - The exterior inlays are not available on the Walnut, while the (exterior) inlays are standard on the Maple and Bubinga. You actually have to actively omit them if you don't want them. At first, I had mixed feelings about the inlays, but I grew to like them and ordered my kit with them, with no regrets ~2 years in. Interior inlays are available for added cost, something like $150 per drum, IIRC, but I didn't consider them for a second.
- Finish Options - I loved the Indigo Japanese Sen Burst on the Walnut, as well as the Satin Grey Sen Burst, and tried to convince myself that the $1000 savings to "downgrade" from the Maple was worth it, but nothing could lure me away from the Ocean Blue Curly Maple. There are more finish options on the Walnut series (17) than on the Maple (13).
Gorgeous, amazingly crafted, great sounding drums. Dollar for dollar, the Walnuts are probably a "better value", but if you're dropping $4k on a 4pc STAR Walnut shell kit or around $5K for a STAR Maple, I can't imagine value is weighing heavily on your decision. I also can't imagine you would be anything less than thrilled with either wood option.
drums1225
Very well Known Member
Not true. They are about 20-25% more.
JDA
DFO Star
..always no matter the brand get ones that sound closest to USA Gretsch 6 P. No matter the brand
Interesting. Maybe I’m thinking of the Bubingas. I keep seeing them go for around $7K whereas the Walnuts are listed at $3.5-4K on Reverb.
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Mapex Always
Very well Known Member
1,000,000% bubinga …. Have spent time with all three , no contest for me.
Walnut … After Craviotto, any other walnut kit you sit at, you’ll be thinking about the Craviotto, best walnut on the market …. With that being said the Star Walnut and the MAPEX walnut combo are both brilliant.
So with both of the above statements being what they are, you in my opinion should buy and own the Star maple … Fantastic drum set that you will be able to tune to any situation you want, it will fit any category music you’re looking for.
Happy hunting buddy
Wait have you heard the N&C Walnuts? They sound incredible imo.
Mapex Always
Very well Known Member
All N&C drums are distinct, one of a kind, amazing drums, and the walnut is no exception! Was playing my SS snare yesterday , Beautiful!
TheDrummerFromAmsterdam
DFO Master
Bubinga.
The perfect blend between the maple and walnut.
Played a set they had in our local drum shop and was amazes, as I initially leaned to the walnut for its lows.
The perfect blend between the maple and walnut.
Played a set they had in our local drum shop and was amazes, as I initially leaned to the walnut for its lows.
Bubinga and Maple are in a similar price range. Walnut is a bit cheaper.
Murat
DFO Veteran
Ever since Tama and N&C introduced Walnut, I have been sold. That wood is magic 
I have this beauty that I admire every day at the shop.
I have this beauty that I admire every day at the shop.
Phantomlimb777
DFO Veteran
My favorite of the Star finishes is the Raspberry Curly Maple, I would personally get it without the outside inlays and add the inside ones. I used to want the Antique gold, but then I played this 12/14/18/sn kit at NAMM.
Pro Drum also has a Star kit 10/13/16/13sn in a recreation of Camco’s Alice Cooper White, and it’s like the Strat that Wayne ogles at. I just look at it.
Pro Drum also has a Star kit 10/13/16/13sn in a recreation of Camco’s Alice Cooper White, and it’s like the Strat that Wayne ogles at. I just look at it.
Attachments
That red is beautiful. There’s a Tama Star Walnut bop kit in a similar finish.
