At the time, most other drum companies used a myriad of wood materials,
Superstar 1978
including gum, poplar, mahogany, maple, beech, etc. Few shells were comprised of 100% anything,
much less a single wood choice. The vast majority of shells used were a mix and match of the woods
listed, sometimes using up to 3 different woods per shell. We launched the 100% birch shell formula
with our groundbreaking Superstar line in the late 70s.
When these drums hit the market, they were
an overnight sensation. They sounded like no other, and artists came to the Tama brand in droves.
In the next evolution of drum-building, we chose to use birch for the core and essence of the popular
Artstar series.
Sonically speaking, birch delivers a unique sound that you won't get from any other wood.
Artstar 1983
If you do a little investigating, you will easily find descriptives like- "solid, punchy, focused, tight, cutting,
pre-EQ'd, rich, raw, powerful, full bodied sound," etc. Realizing what birch brings to the musical table,
we've continued to promote the use of birch over the years through an expansive range of drum lines,
including: Superstar (1970s), Artstar (early 1980s), Granstar, Granstar II, Granstar Custom, Crestar
(all 1980's era up to 1990), Starclassic Birch (1994-'96) Starclassic Performer (1999-2007), Starworks (2008),
Superstar (3rd generation, 2009-2011).
Over the years just about every other brand in the world brought
their version of birch to the market. "Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery?" Hmmm…
Granstar 1986
We have an incredible history of working with birch (nearly 40 years) and we know how to do it right!
And now the Tama birch legacy continues with the new Silverstar line.
Tama Birch Shell Timeline
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Granstar 1986
