tama royalstar?

[AveyTare]

hello

anybody heard something about them? I've got an opportunity to buy them. are they worth the money? if yes, what about the price? how do they sound compared to starclassics? or they aren't even in the same league?

I will be glad for any input.

[hawk9290]

the Royalstars are vintage kits circa 1970s-early 1980s with 6 ply mahoganny shells + 2 ply shina. they are cool kits (as and vintage kit in good condition is), but they are not in the same league as modern Starclassic series' (birch, maple, or bubinga if you really want to drop some money)

[AveyTare]

so... what are they like? any examples of similar drums nowadays?

[harryconway]

Look in a Guitar Center catalog or any on line shop. The cheaper side of under $1K. These Tama's are pretty rare because they were basically looked at as disposable drums. People spray painted them, thrashed them on stage, lit them on fire. If you can slip into a kit for $300 and it's in good shape, it's at least better than anything you can get new for $300. But don't pay $800 for them. You could pick up a used Pro level 3 piece for that kinda scratch.

[fusssion]

go the tama website and go to "history"

[AveyTare]

thanks

I think I won't get them. hardware is a crap and buying new would make that kit REALLY expensive <welocem to Poland :/ >

[vaaga-tama]

thanks

I think I won't get them. hardware is a crap and buying new would make that kit REALLY expensive <welocem to Poland :/ >

Whoah WAIT... The Tama Royalstar kits may be vintage. But actually in a league a bit higher than that of the whole Rockstar line. They're similar in shell construction and tone. But with Shia and Mahogany they have the vintage BOOM of the old Imperialstars. I have an Artstar2, newer Rockstar Custom kit and a late 70's Royalstar kit. The Royalstar records the best out of all of them and is just a boomy, rumbly kit. It's awesome. an average shape R.S. should run you 4 to 600.00. But again as all instruments go it's a matter of preference. Hope this helps anyone.

Vaaga

[AveyTare]

Whoah WAIT... The Tama Royalstar kits may be vintage. But actually in a league a bit higher than that of the whole Rockstar line. They're similar in shell construction and tone. But with Shia and Mahogany they have the vintage BOOM of the old Imperialstars. I have an Artstar2, newer Rockstar Custom kit and a late 70's Royalstar kit. The Royalstar records the best out of all of them and is just a boomy, rumbly kit. It's awesome. an average shape R.S. should run you 4 to 600.00. But again as all instruments go it's a matter of preference. Hope this helps anyone.

Vaaga

that was ages ago and i believe i've made a good choice by getting mapex pro m fusion instead.

[fusssion]

Royalstar kits are not new...........

[AveyTare]

Royalstar kits are not new...........

the one i was able to purchase was more than twenty years old i believe.

[fusssion]

the one i was able to purchase was more than twenty years old i believe.

that would sound right.........definately a late 70's early 80's kit

[vaaga-tama]

the one i was able to purchase was more than twenty years old i believe.

Yeah it's a shame tama doesn't really put out anything good these days. Like the first great thing they put out, was the Royalstar line. Mine is easily from like circa 78 the first run of them. It was a monster, until the Artstars came out. The starclassics I think are a lot of hype. My artstar 2s have gotten compliments from seasoned soundmen saying the recordability is far greater than that of the starclassics.

[vaaga-tama]

Royalstar kits are not new...........

Yeah I'm definitely sure of that :)

[805Drummer]

I know this is an old thread, but there's a deal on Craigslist that includes a Tama Royalstar kit, brand new heads, a double bass pedal, Paiste 200 hi-hats, and a seemingly vintage Sabian ride, all for $100, hardware included. Should I jump?

[frank0072]

I know this is an old thread, but there's a deal on Craigslist that includes a Tama Royalstar kit, brand new heads, a double bass pedal, Paiste 200 hi-hats, and a seemingly vintage Sabian ride, all for $100, hardware included. Should I jump?

Well, you know what we have told you about impulsive gear buying.

But you could jump and sell it for more money, I think.

[805Drummer]

Well, you know what we have told you about impulsive gear buying.

But you could jump and sell it for more money, I think.

That's exactly why I'm asking the forum first. It seems like a great deal, but I don't know much about the gear.

It's a Tama Royalstar, like I already said. All the ride says is Sabian, so it is definetely vintage. The double bass pedal is a Camco by Tama, and the Hihats are Paiste 200. It also includes a brand new snare stand, which alone costs 40 bucks.

http://images.craigslist.org/1261g41473k13o13l68bnadffa060f7d01824.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/zacharykatz/DSCF1080.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/zacharykatz/DSCF1081.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/zacharykatz/DSCF1084.jpg

http://i16.photobucket.com/albums/b32/zacharykatz/DSCF1086.jpg

[timmdrum]

I'd jump on that deal for the snare stand and especially the pedal; I've got a single Tama Camco pedal w/footplate (basically the left side of that one with the beater attached to it), and in 20 years I've never had any trouble with it. Still rockin' it. Hell, I've never even adjusted the thing- I like my pedals pretty tight and this one doesn't even lose tension in the spring. Awesome. Jump on that deal!

[805Drummer]

I'd jump on that deal for the snare stand and especially the pedal; I've got a single Tama Camco pedal w/footplate (basically the left side of that one with the beater attached to it), and in 20 years I've never had any trouble with it. Still rockin' it. Hell, I've never even adjusted the thing- I like my pedals pretty tight and this one doesn't even lose tension in the spring. Awesome. Jump on that deal!

Yeah, I think I will. Is the pedal valuable? I'm probably gonna re-sell most of it, unless I really like the drums. I'm also trying to see if he'll go down to $75.

[805Drummer]

Update: He'll do $75. But I'm consulting here first: Is it completely worth it? He might lower the price even more if I buy them today.

[king fail]

bro, if you can ship to the UK, i'll buy the pedal!

However, don't get too excited about the ride... seriously i've seen B8's that have been (ab)used so much, the ink has just worn off.

[805Drummer]

bro, if you can ship to the UK, i'll buy the pedal!

However, don't get too excited about the ride... seriously i've seen B8's that have been (ab)used so much, the ink has just worn off.

Well, the hi-hats are vintage 200's, which I read were pro cymbals back then, and that Camco pedals are the same as the DW 5000s, under a different name.

But I'm confused, because I'm not too sure if I should...three other GREAT AMAZING deals:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/msg/931016773.html
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/msg/931013264.html
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/msg/931020579.html

[timmdrum]

Yeah, I think I will. Is the pedal valuable? I'm probably gonna re-sell most of it, unless I really like the drums. I'm also trying to see if he'll go down to $75.

I dunno if the pedal's particularly valuable, but I love 'em. And for $75 or less? You'd be silly to not get 'em. If I was closer, I'd get 'em. Sell me the footplate pedal (or the whole business if you don't wanna separate them) so I can have a spare for parts- not that I forsee needing them anytime soon, but one rarely does, right?

[trkdrmr]

Whoah WAIT... The Tama Royalstar kits may be vintage. But actually in a league a bit higher than that of the whole Rockstar line. They're similar in shell construction and tone. But with Shia and Mahogany they have the vintage BOOM of the old Imperialstars.
Vaaga

I can't remember the imperialstars going "boom". They were philippine mahogany and they were more on the dead side (shell wise) like rock stars. Stewart Copelands imperialstars sounded pretty dead.

[joshisaces]

Well, the hi-hats are vintage 200's, which I read were pro cymbals back then, and that Camco pedals are the same as the DW 5000s, under a different name.

But I'm confused, because I'm not too sure if I should...three other GREAT AMAZING deals:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/msg/931016773.html
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/msg/931013264.html
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/msg/931020579.html

Those three aren't THAT great of deals...

I'd get the kit.

[805Drummer]

Those three aren't THAT great of deals...

I'd get the kit.

God, I hate this. I don't quite have $75 (in fact, I only have $45), and there are so many huge deals on eBay, craigslist, etc! But I don't have any money! AHHHH!!!! This is my least favorite part of drumming--having to have money. Once you have the money, buying isn't a problem.

[metal overlord]

Yeah, I think I will. Is the pedal valuable? I'm probably gonna re-sell most of it, unless I really like the drums. I'm also trying to see if he'll go down to $75.

Those were the Speed Kings competitors, back in the day Iron Cobras.
My dad had them for years (I believe he still does) w/ a homemade footplate.

See, my dad has a set of old Superstars (cherry red laquer) with titan series harware & those pedals. For a drum set that's 20 yrs old it sounds amazing still.

Not to sure on your Royalstars, though. But most older Tamas sound good, Supers, to Imperials, to the Royalstars they should all sound good (maybe)

[harryconway]

......that Camco pedals are the same as the DW 5000s, under a different name.
Similar, yes, but not the same. The "origin" of the DW5000 can be traced to the Camco. DW was founded in 1972, and bought the Camco machinery in 1977. Tama was making the Camco pedal, "hence" the Camco by Tama name. Tama was also producing a pedal, known as the "Flexi-Flier (model 6730) strap drive pedal. Incorporating a bit of both designs, the primitive version of the Iron Cobra emerged.

[aydee]

I can't remember the imperialstars going "boom". They were philippine mahogany and they were more on the dead side (shell wise) like rock stars. Stewart Copelands imperialstars sounded pretty dead.

Might have been the way he liked em, trk. My gigging kit is probably a first cousin to SC's first kit and with the right heads, it can be whatever you want it to be ( Except maybe a yammie MCAN...)

[trkdrmr]

Might have been the way he liked em, trk. My gigging kit is probably a first cousin to SC's first kit and with the right heads, it can be whatever you want it to be ( Except maybe a yammie MCAN...)

Original imperialstars? It's been a long time, and it probably was the tuning du jour. Even folks with double headed toms in that era liked the thud. I just don't remember them having much sustain in the early 80's. I think it was because of the era's music, and stuff like blue hydraulic drumheads on them.

The birch superstars were definately lively. I have considered restoring a set.

I'd like to hear fiberstars because they are so rare. Donn Bennetts drum studio has a snare drum, but wants about $600 for it.

[aydee]

LOL, the reso-less thud of yore! I remember that, and on occasion try and re-create it

22379

[Big_Philly]

Well, the hi-hats are vintage 200's, which I read were pro cymbals back then, and that Camco pedals are the same as the DW 5000s, under a different name.

But I'm confused, because I'm not too sure if I should...three other GREAT AMAZING deals:

http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/msg/931016773.html
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/msg/931013264.html
http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/nva/msg/931020579.html

I highly recommend that sound formula cymbal. They are great!

[johnnyhasbeen]

Anyone ever encounter Royal Star concert tom kits?
Any info on them?

[arlo]

Look in a Guitar Center catalog or any on line shop. The cheaper side of under $1K. These Tama's are pretty rare because they were basically looked at as disposable drums. People spray painted them, thrashed them on stage, lit them on fire. If you can slip into a kit for $300 and it's in good shape, it's at least better than anything you can get new for $300. But don't pay $800 for them. You could pick up a used Pro level 3 piece for that kinda scratch.

A five piece Tama Royalstar kit cost $1,000 back in 1978. I wouldn't call that disposable.

[DrumEatDrum]

Royalstars were only around for a few years.

They were sort of ahead of their time, good mid-line drums at a reasonable price. I don't know why they didn't sell more at the time.

[aging_drummer]

Royalstars were only around for a few years.

They were sort of ahead of their time, good mid-line drums at a reasonable price. I don't know why they didn't sell more at the time.

I've owned a 7pc set of royalstars since 1984 and well pleased with their performance over the years. With fresh heads and a good tuning I'd put them up against anything out there.
This set cost just under 2 grand in 1984.

[fawfamily]

I've owned a 7pc set of royalstars since 1984 and well pleased with their performance over the years. With fresh heads and a good tuning I'd put them up against anything out there.
This set cost just under 2 grand in 1984.

Same here, but I got it slightly used then at $850 in England. It came with no bottom heads or bottom head hardware (love it that way) and nice sounding Zanki Cymbals. What about yours?

[mcb003]

I realize that this is a very old thread, but there's not too much talk about Royalstars so I thought I'd weigh in. My parents bought me a new 5 piece Royalstar in Royal Pewter in January 1981. I'd consider them middle of the road in quality, but absolutely not cheap - ask my dad! Some features where ahead of their time. In 1984 I bought a 2nd floor tom and two mounted toms (all Imperialstars). The Royalstars have a very open sound, but more vintage than do the Imperialstars from that era. Careful tuning is required, but a more modern sound can be coaxed out of them, albeit rather dull by that point. The post for the bass drum-mounted tom tom holder is of a non-standard size and difficult to find.

It's my first kit and I'll never let it go. I played all through high school and college making money in bar bands with it. I still play it occasionally in a jazz gig, believe it or not. They have held up VERY well, being played hard for nearly 29 years.

[therjrock]

i actually bought a 1979 tama royalstar back awhile ago as a back up kit. it was a bit beat up and missing one rack tom. but i cleaned it up, put new heads on it and used it as a back up kit for touring. i was endorsed by another drum company. i actually ended up selling my endorsement kit due to frustration of their drums and service and used this on many arena and big club tours and our sound tech was blown away and almost upset i didn't use it more before.
mine is actually a 4 piece. sounds great with evans g2 coated heads on top and g1's for bottom heads. very full and awesome when mic'd.

i build my own kits now but will never part with this kit. if you can find one in decent shape go for it!

[ado 85]

hi i also own a 82 tama royal star i picked up for 150 bucks from a local paper ad about 10 years back and i still use it till this day ive had other kits but ive always ended up playing this one in the end i was using a ddrum at one point but it was not reliable as the old royal star shes a 7 piece concert tom set with a set of remo rotos all with remo heads the kit has a few marks from gigs soon i might just pull her down and try and get the shells covered in the same colour again cause i just love it http://www.facebook.com/#!/photo.php?pid=30619941&id=1512261978[QUOTE]

[ccdrums]

Similar, yes, but not the same. The "origin" of the DW5000 can be traced to the Camco. DW was founded in 1972, and bought the Camco machinery in 1977. Tama was making the Camco pedal, "hence" the Camco by Tama name. Tama was also producing a pedal, known as the "Flexi-Flier (model 6730) strap drive pedal. Incorporating a bit of both designs, the primitive version of the Iron Cobra emerged.

having working a few years with the tama company, there was quite a legal battle over the tama/camco pedal. dw had the molds. tama had the name. The original design of both the tama/camco and dw 5000 both based off the old camco pedal (also the gretsch pedal. camco made the gretsch pedal for them identical pedals. of course they were strap drive pedal. both tama and dw changed the cam and the new era was born.
but your right the flexi flier design was also used as part of the tama/camco pedal

[smccullough]

Good Royalstar story I was in sixth grade it was 1973 living on Long Island and I was due for my second set , but this time a real set. My father took me to Sam Ash in Hempstead, great store at that time ( moved to Carle Place since then ) . Well we walked in and I traded an old beat up 2 ply Japan starter set I think we paid $99 for that a few years before so what would have been 1971. A salesman approached us and asked have you heard these drums called Tama? There where boxes of them all around as if the truck just dropped them off and the had a spiff on them for the sales person. I was thinking oh no never heard of them. Dad please dont listen to this guy , where are the Ludwigs and Slingerlands ? Then the salesman said Liberty Divito picked up a kit about an hour ago , and it blows away Ludwig (everyone wanted that then due to Zeppelin and we all wanted to be Bono the original Bono ). He said these are the strongest name in drums, watch this as he stood on the floor tom no problem on the rims. People started to gather around like he was the pied pipper . Then he had me hit them and the whole store shook. A crowd gathered as this salesperson litterally tried to damage them and they took all he could give them . That sound traveled right through me . We traded my first starter set in 25 bucks and took the Tama Royalstars for $375.00. Best thing I ever did, I have had them all over the place literally, all temperatures , and they are still great sounding. They just don’t make anything like this anymore. What great sound and holds it tune. Hardware is nice; I have a white set but what quality. Shortly after I had this set the reps from Tama covered the earth with the Tama name and did some great promoting. If you ever see a true Royalstar set from very early 70’s buy them for sure. The abuse these have taken and still look and feel great nothing touches them. Hope that helps but a price can only be put on them after you play the hell out of them , then they are priceless

[EdO]

I realize this is an old thread, but I just wanted to share a few inages of my babies.

I bought a Tama Royalstar set, brand new, in 1982. Played in a few bands back in the late 80s, but then put the drums in storage in 1996. This past year, I brought them out, and began the arduous, but loving task of restoring them to their former glory.

I've removed, cleaned and polished every single lug and screw, polished up the Brazilian Grain shells with Murph's oil soap, and carefully reassembled.

I set them up when I was finished to tried and play them. They sound better than ever, but this 47 year old body can't make them sing like the 27 year old version of me. But still...this was my first decent drum set, and the sentimental value cannot be assessed.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/yesanded/DSC_1143.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/yesanded/Drums3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v160/yesanded/Drums4.jpg

The bottom heads are a little rough. Back in the day, I rotated them to the top, for some reason I cannot remember. I'll probably replace them, but they're original equipment, so I'm gong to at least hang on to them.

[tamadrm]

Brazilian Rosewood ...very nice.Very underated drums.Great attack and depth at any volume,and the Imperialstar king beat snare ...also underated.Great set of drums.

Steve B

[Paul T]

I have that exact same RoyalStar kit in the Brazillian Rosewood.

Bought mine new in 1984 and still going strong (after years of gigging and wear 'n' tear).

Awesome kit & I'd never part with mine for similar sentimental reasons (and they sound good too)!

Cheers,

Paul. :)