The Bottom Line – The Tama Stagestar is a decent quality all-inclusive beginner drum set with good sound, passable hardware and a nice aesthetic. However, you will get better value with something like the Pearl Roadshow or Mapex Rebel.
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Last update on 2024-11-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Tama Stagestar is an entry-level drum kit designed to provide a quality drumming experience for beginners. However, while it offers several notable features, its price point raises questions about its overall value compared to other options on the market. In our opinion, unless you really like the look and feel of this kit you’d be better off going with some of the other options shown below.
Features
Configuration:
- Bass Drum: 22″ x 16″
- Snare Drum: 14″ x 5.5″
- Tom Toms: 10″ x 8″ and 12″ x 9″
- Floor Tom: 16″ x 15″
Hardware:
- Cymbals: 14″ Hi-hats and 16″ crash thick gauge brass cymbals
- Pedal: Single-chain bass drum pedal
- Stands: Adjustable snare stand, hi-hat stand, boom cymbal stand with multi-angle adjustment
Materials:
- Shells: 6-ply 7mm poplar shells for a warm, punchy sound
- Finish: Durable and attractive wrapped finishes
Performance
Sound Quality: The Tama Stagestar delivers decent sound quality for its price range. The poplar shells provide a warm and resonant tone with good projection and clarity. The bass drum offers a deep, punchy thump, while the toms and snare produce crisp and articulate sounds, suitable for various music styles.
Playability: The Stagestar kit is designed with younger and smaller players in mind, featuring a smaller bass drum and compact overall size. This makes it easier to play and maneuver, especially for beginners. The hardware is sturdy and reliable, ensuring stability during playing sessions.
Ease of Setup: Setting up the Tama Stagestar is relatively straightforward and includes well-designed hardware. The included stands and pedals are easy to assemble, and the drum kit can be ready to play in a short time. This user-friendly setup is ideal for novice drummers. Instructions are not included but there are plenty of videos that show how to assemble a drum kit.
Value
Affordability: While the Tama Stagestar is marketed as a beginner kit, its price is relatively high compared to similar entry-level kits. Several other drum kits offer comparable features and quality at a lower price, making the Stagestar seem overpriced for what it provides. As you can see below, the Mapex Rebel offers similar to better quality while being ~$200 less. The Pearl Roadshow is cheaper and, in our opinion, is a superior sounding and higher quality kit.
Durability: Tama is known for producing durable and reliable drum kits, and the Stagestar is no exception. The hardware and shells are built to withstand regular use, making it a good investment for new drummers who need a kit that will last as they develop their skills. However, this durability does not fully justify its higher price tag.
Conclusion
The Tama Stagestar is a decent choice for beginner drummers seeking a reliable drum kit. It combines quality sound, durable construction, and easy setup in a compact package. However, its higher price point makes it less attractive compared to other entry-level options that offer similar features and performance for a lower cost. While it provides good quality, those on a budget might find better value elsewhere.