Tama Unveils Starclassic Exotix "Red Viking" Set

SE722EAWV5 Red Viking Set (Click for a close-up)

Now an annual rite, Tama drums unveiled a limited edition Starclassic Exotix 7pc kit at the 2005 Winter NAMM Show. Said Tomo Yoshinaga of Hoshino's Tama Drum Division. "This is our third version featuring bubinga shells, something that no other major manufacturer has done before. Our 2005 Exotix set features an outer-ply of very rare, beautifully figured Scandinavian birch, hence the name, 'Red Viking.'"

Only 60 sets will be available worldwide (7 pc kits only, add-on drums are not available) Because of the rarity of the Scandinavian birch used in the Red Viking set, no individual snare drums will be offered as was the case with the 2004 Volcanic Fire Exotix.

Tama caused quite a stir when they created Starclassic Exotix. Crafted of unique combinations of materials and rare woods accented by the right finishes, these limited edition drums are just the sort of thing that pro drummers (and serious drum collectors) dream about.

For 2005, Tama presents an Exotix kit fashioned of eight plies of African Bubinga and one outer-ply of richly detailed Scandinavian birch. Bubinga offers a deep, rich and resonant sound with great punch and response. According to Ace Okamoto of Tama, "The sound character is very different from maple or birch. As a matter of fact, the character is completely unique; you really can't compare it to any other tone wood. Which is why Bubinga may be the answer to the discriminating drummer who desires something completely new and different in sound."

Drum Specifications:

• Shell Materials: Quilted Bubinga (1 ply) and Bubinga (8 plies)
• Shell Thickness: Tom Toms: 7mm, Bass and Snare Drums: 9mm
• All toms feature Tama's Star-Cast free-suspension mounting system. Toms and snares are equipped with die-cast hoops.

The beauty of the Quilted Bubinga outer-ply is enhanced by Tama's Super High Gloss "Quilted Bubinga Burst" (QBB) finish. The darker portion of the burst harmonizes the grain of the Quilted Bubinga with the Brushed Black Nickel shell hardware. For the crowning visual touch, hand-laid genuine abalone highlights the imprinted Exotix emblem.

Earth Tone Bass Drum Head

An "Earth Tone" head of genuine goatskin not only contributes to the classic look of these exquisite drums, it also brings out the deep, rich resonance of the Bubinga bass drum.

Head Specifications

• Bass drum front head: Goatskin "Earth Tone" head with special Star logo.
• Bass drum batter head: Evans Genera EQ4 self-muffling
• Tom tom batter heads: Evans G2
• Tom tom bottom heads: Evans G1
• Snare drum batter head: Evans G1 Coated
• Snare drum snare head: Evans Resonant 300

Limited Edition 7pc Kit SE622EAWV4 Set Without Hardware: $7599.99

• 18 x 22 Bass Drum
• 6 x 14 Snare Drum
• 7 x 8 Tom Tom
• 9 x 10 Tom Tom
• 10 x 12 Tom Tom
• 11 x 14 Tom Tom
• 13 x 16 Tom Tom

SE722EAWRVK Set With Hardware (Same Drums As Above But With The Following Hardware) : $8599.99

• HH906 Iron Cobra Lever Glide Hi-Hat
• HS700W Roadpro Omni-Ball Snare Stand
• HC73BW Roadpro Boom Cymbal Stand
• HC72W Roadpro Straight Cymbal Stand
• HTW79W (2) Roadpro Double Tom Stands
• HTC77 Roadpro Combination Stand
• HP900P Iron Cobra Power Glide Pedal

All Tama Exotix Limited Edition 7pc kits include a Certificate of Authenticity indicating the number of sets made and the serial number of the bass drum. The Certificate is signed by Mr. Taka Hoshino, General Products Manager, of the Tama Factory.