TAMA Rockstar.... Quick advice needed.

Drumatore

Alright guys, my situation is that I'm a 16 year old drum obsessed freak. I currently own two drum kits (1960's Ludwig Superclassic) and a Clear Ludwig Vistalite set. Both kits are my dads, but hes more than happy to let me use them providing I look after them for him.

So I've been savng up some cash to go and get a kit of "my very own". Basically one that I can chuck in the back of a car for rehearsals and gigs, and not have to worry about scratching the 40 year old wrap or lugs.
So considering the fact that I'm on a "teenagers budget" do you think that a TAMA Rockstar would be the go for a throw-around kit.
I'd use my own snare drum, cymbals and replace the skins and stuff.
But is the Rockstar a good kit? I play rock n roll and want a tough little *sometimes angry female* to tolerate my playing style.

Or should I go for the Rockstar Custom...
What other kits are there out there that sound kickass for a smaller price?

I'd truly appreciate any help I can get..
Thank you

Jonesie67 · Posted: Sun Mar 21, 2004 6:31 am Post subject:

go for the Yamaha Stage Custom Advantage split lug. You can buy one with no hardware (no stands, throne, bass drum pedal) But still get all the mounting for $600
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sycostixx666 · Not So Newbie Joined: 22 Mar 2004 Posts: 6

Dude,get the basic Rockstars.I've been playing for 12 yrs. and I'm only on my second set of Rockstars.The only reason I bought another set was cuz I had white wrap on my old ones and it faded after 10 YEARS! They sound great and the wrap is durable for gigging.I play 6-10 shows per month and have little wear on my 2yr. old set.The new wraps are also glued all the way around the shell.All others at that price are just spot glued or use the tape at the seam.If they get hot in the van or practice space the wrap will bubble.And you can get a shell pack at Guitar Center/MusiciansFriend or Sam Ash for $500.

Drumatore · Posted: Mon Mar 22, 2004 11:42 pm Post subject: Re: re:rockstars?

touchdown boy · Little Guppy Joined: 28 Dec 2003 Posts: 33

yea, i just got my own first kit, a set of dx rockstars.

these things are like 10 years old, and aside from a few nicks where the previous owner ran the toms into the bass drum, they look new.

jotun · Posted: Wed Mar 31, 2004 1:06 am Post subject:

I just bought a rockstar. It'll be a good choice I think to start with. And the starcast system (hold toms) is great. I look for Pearl export series but, you cannot even compare them.

AHAMAY081 · Posted: Sun Apr 04, 2004 12:43 am Post subject:

just thought i should mention that the rockstar and rockstar custom are virtually the same kit with 2 differences: custom is laquered and i believe rockstars have less bass wood since basswood is better for laquering, but not as good as mahogany for sound. so the better deal is rockstarunless you care about loks more than sound. however, Jonesie67 is a very smart person and makes a whole lot of sense in recommending the Yamaha Satge Custom Advantage.

Tama_Drummer · Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 12:44 pm Post subject:

i would personally love to get the rockstars. im 16 too, but the rockstars were outta my $ range when i got em about 6 months ago. i got the swingstars instead. for a beat-around kit, they are great. i wouldnt wanna throw around a rockstar or rockstar custom kit, but i can throw mine around and they dont get a knick!
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Tama_Drummer · Posted: Thu Apr 08, 2004 12:46 pm Post subject:

i would personally love to get the rockstars. im 16 too, but the rockstars were outta my $ range when i got em about 6 months ago. i got the swingstars instead. for a beat-around kit, they are great. i wouldnt wanna throw around a rockstar or rockstar custom kit, but i can throw mine around and they dont get a knick!
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SPEAK!! I don't get it! Should i ignore the fashion or go by the book!? I want it! i just want your eyes fixiated on ME!
-Deftones

PeterW · Goldfish Joined: 09 Mar 2004 Posts: 55

Just wanted to add a word of warning to potential Rockstar owners:

Tama uses a "hoopgrip" to make the Starcast mounting system work with the triple-flanged hoops that are used on the Rockstar. These hoopgrips are attached with screws.

The problem is that these screws protrude enough that they make fitting other heads quite difficult. For example, if you use Evans heads which have a slightly beefier collar, there is not enough clearance for them to fit.

Tama is aware of this problem and advises that you must back-off the hoopgrip screws if you want to change heads. It's a pity this problem exists - you shouldn't have to do it for a simple head change.

Snake · Big Lion Joined: 10 Feb 2004 Posts: 989 Location: DFW

I use Aquarian heads on my Rockstar Customs and haven't had that problem. So the solution is . . . don't play Evans, play Aquarian. Razz

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DanielBM85 · Posted: Wed May 12, 2004 6:39 am Post subject:

I personally think stage customs sound a lot better and yamaha has extremely good/durable hardware, i used to use a stage custom, lasted me 7 years and is still going extremely well, i just opted for a new maple kit. Ive played on rockstars and although i think its comparable to stage customs for sure, stage custom is going to be a better drumset
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