Some time ago, we received a sizable parcel containing a TAMA Superstar Hyper Drive Duo drum kit as well as Meinl Classics Custom cymbal set. Having unboxed the kit and taken a closer look at all the drums, especially the Hyper Drive Duo tom/snare, we knew this was going to be very interesting. The only thing left to do was to take on the challenge of testing this piece of gear knowing how TAMA are going to attack the market this year…
To hit on those drums, we invited one of young and very promising Polish drummers, Jeremiasz Baum. He was a finalist of the Young Drum Hero 2014 contest and the winner of the same event in 2016 (jury members included the likes of Jason Sutter, Rick Latham, Jason Bittner and Russell Gilbrook). We think Jeremiasz is the right person to sit behind this TAMA Superstar Hyper Drive Duo kit equipped with Meinl Classics Custom cymbals as they seem to have been created to be used in the music he plays on an everyday basis (not only that, though).
TAMA Superstar Hyper Drive Duo Kit
1. The test
The test was carried out in our own recording facility. We also used an aluminum Tama S.L.P. snare drum, Evans heads used by Tama (coated on the toms and snares, clear on the bass drum), as well as the hardware sent to us by the distributor. As part of the test, Jeremiasz Baum performed a fragment of a song by his band Paranoid Mind, titled “Passing Nights“.
2. Basic specification of the drum kit tested here:
- Manufacturer: Tama
- Model: Superstar Hyper Drive Duo
- Kit elements: tom 12″ x 7″, werbel Duo Snare 14″ x 9″, floor tom 16″ x 14″, bęben basowy 20″ x 16″
- Finish: Flat Black Vertical Stripe (FBV)
- Character: Warm, rather open sound
- Material: Maple
- Hoops: Die Cast, nickle
3. Product and sound
The revamped Superstar Hyper Drive series has quite a universal sound. It is characterized by a warm tom and bass drum tone, which is guaranteed by shells shallower than standard ones. For this reason, the drums are brighter than their deeper brothers, although not as bright as they would be if they were made from birch. They locate themselves somewhere in between. The new feature of this kit is the Duo tom/snare sized 14″ x 9″. It stands on its own legs, which makes it possible to put the drum practically anywhere around the kit. The Duo Snare has snared at the bottom, which allow it to function both as a floor tom and a deep snare drum. In both cases, it sounds really interesting: as a tom, it matches the rest of the kit well, as a snare, its sound is appropriately sharp, but also very “meaty”.
The finish (synthetic Flat Black Vertical Stripe wrap) looks very impressive and is proper eye candy. Just add nickel hoops and lugs to the picture and you get a stylish-looking instrument, which is in no way inferior to its high-end cousins in this respect.
TAMA Superstar Hyper Drive Duo is also available in the Satin Silver Vertical Stripe (SSV) finish.
4. Summary
We consider this to be a very good instrument, however, we think we should let Jeremiasz Baum himself sum up the whole experience:
‘TAMA Superstar Hyper Drive Duo is a very interesting kit. I must say I really like it and could consider playing one. I’m really surprised by the bass drum because it has the right amount of low frequencies and a loud kick despite its size. I’ve liked shallow rack toms ever since I first heard them, especially the contrast between their pitch and the “meat” offered by floor toms. The Duo Snare is a true revelation, I have to say. I’m amazed by it and I dreamed about it the night after the session! Sounds great in both functions (as a tom and a snare). I’m seriously considering getting one!’.
Producer: http://www.tama.com/eu/index_pl.php
Distributor in Poland: http://www.meinldistribution.pl/
OUR VERDICT: 5/5
Advantages:
- Very well crafted
- Warm sound
- Stylistic versatility
- Duo Snare
- Magnificent look
Disadvantages:
- None
Drummers and Drummerettes! It’s time to put the TAMA Superstar Hyper Drive Duo drum kit to the most important test of all, i. e. the en.beatit.tv viewers’ test! Exclusively for you, we give you Jeremiasz Baum!
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