Is the Tama Imperialstar good for a beginner?

Yes. It comes with drums, hardware, throne and cymbals, so a new drummer can set up and play immediately. The shells and hardware also hold up as skills improve.

Does it come with cymbals and hardware?

The all-in-one package includes Meinl HCS hi-hats, a crash and a ride, plus stands, a bass pedal, a throne and a tom holder. Check the specific configuration, since Tama sells several shell packs.

How does it compare with the Pearl Roadshow or Yamaha Rydeen?

All three are poplar entry kits. The Imperialstar is known for its tom mount and included brass cymbals, while rivals vary in hardware and cymbal quality by package.

What sizes are the drums?

The IE50C configuration has a 22x16 bass drum, 10x7 and 12x8 rack toms, a 16x15 floor tom and a 14x5 snare. Other Imperialstar configurations use different bass and tom sizes.

Can I add more drums later?

Yes. Tama sells Imperialstar add-on toms and floor toms in matching finishes, so the kit can grow.

Should I replace the stock drumheads?

Most owners do. Upgrading the batter heads improves tone and durability, and it is the most common first change on this kit.

Where is the Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Drum Set cheapest?

At Sam Ash Direct, for $807.49, 19% under what the other stores charge, as of our latest check.

What do buyers say about the Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Drum Set?

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 248 ratings.

Where can I buy the Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Drum Set?

9 stores we checked sell it, including Sam Ash Direct, Adorama, Guitar Center, Musicians Friend, Drums Etc..

Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Drum Set

Best price now

$807.49at Sam Ash DirectChecked Nov 7

19% under what the other stores charge

Compared across 9 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Sam Ash Direct

What reviewers say

4.7 / 5248 ratings

Owners rate the Imperialstar highly, calling it one of the best-sounding complete starter kits and praising the hardware and included cymbals. Common complaints focus on the stock heads and the entry-level pedal and throne.

What people mention

SoundPraisedOwners say the poplar shells tune up warm and full, more like a mid-range kit than a starter one.
CompletenessPraisedBuyers like getting drums, hardware, throne and cymbals in one purchase with nothing else needed to play.
HardwarePraisedThe stands, spur brackets and tom holder are described as stable and durable for the class.
DrumheadsCriticisedReviewers say the stock heads dent and lose tone fast, and most replace them soon after buying.
CymbalsMixedThe Meinl HCS brass cymbals are seen as a real bonus over rivals but thinner-sounding than pro cymbals.
Pedal and throneCriticisedHeavier players find the included bass pedal and throne basic and upgrade them.

About the Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Drum Set

The Tama Imperialstar is a complete 5-piece drum kit that includes drums, hardware and cymbals. The kit described here is the IE50C, which has a 22"x16" bass drum, 10"x7" and 12"x8" mounted toms, a 16"x15" floor tom and a 14"x5" snare drum. It suits beginner and intermediate players and can be used for genres from jazz and R&B to rock.

The shells are 100% poplar, 8mm thick and 6-ply. Poplar gives a full, warm tone with medium attack. Tama precision bearing edges are cut to let the shells ring openly and to give a wide tuning range, sensitivity and response. Spur brackets add durability and stability.

The toms mount on an MTH50 double tom holder. Tama L-Rod and Omnisphere tom holder systems allow easy positioning and do not penetrate the shell interior, which helps resonance. The cymbals are Meinl HCS genuine brass.

Kit size

5 piece

Bass drum

22"x16"

Toms

10"x7" and 12"x8" mounted; 16"x15" floor tom

Snare drum

14"x5"

Cymbals

Meinl HCS brass: 14" hi-hats, 16" crash, 20" ride

Shells

100% poplar, 8mm, 6-ply