Tama IMPERIALSTAR FUSION 20 BURNT RED MIST

Historical Context and Positioning in the Range

Reintroduced in 2006, the Imperialstar series embodies Tama's "accessible and reliable" approach to acoustic drums. It builds on over 40 years of the brand's expertise, with a clear philosophy: to offer a complete, robust, and musical kit inspired by practical solutions from higher-end ranges like Superstar and Starclassic, while remaining designed for learning, progression, and first gigs.

Who This Drum Kit Is For

The Tama Imperialstar is primarily aimed at demanding beginners who want a genuine acoustic drum kit ready to play, without compromise on hardware stability or sonic coherence. It is also well suited for intermediate drummers seeking a versatile kit for rehearsals, lessons, home studio, and small venues. Its 20-inch format and balanced character make it comfortable in pop, rock, funk, R&B, and even light jazz when favoring dynamic and controlled playing.

Features and Innovations

The poplar shells (6-ply, 8 mm) benefit from precision bearing edges that facilitate tuning and promote even vibration, ideal for quickly achieving a clean and usable sound. The Omnisphere suspension system with L-Rod offers smooth and precise adjustment while limiting contact points on the shell: this enhances openness and sustain without sacrificing stability. The wooden bass drum hoops reinforce the "attack" feel and low-end density, while providing a more premium visual finish. Regarding hardware, the Stage Master double-braced hardware secures stands (intensive rehearsals, transport, local gigs), and the Iron Cobra 200 pedal delivers a smooth and consistent response, appreciated for working on foot control as well as speeding up grooves.

Sound

Poplar is known for its musical and forgiving character: it offers immediate warmth, round lows, present mids, and a moderate attack that avoids harshness. The result: the kit integrates easily into a mix, with controlled sustain that simplifies recording and volume management in practice rooms or rehearsal spaces.

The 20x16 bass drum combines depth and punch, with a clear low end that sits well both live and in recording. The 10x7 and 12x8 toms respond quickly, with clear projection and a pleasant rebound for fills. The 14x12 floor tom adds density without dragging, practical for clean drum fills and a controlled low spectrum. The 14x5 snare is lively and articulate: ideal for sharp backbeats, clear ghost notes, and versatile playing. The wooden hoops on the bass drum enhance the roundness and definition of the lows, while the Omnisphere mounting helps the shells maintain natural resonance. Finally, the Meinl HCS cymbals (hi-hat, crash, ride) provide a coherent foundation for beginners, allowing them to work on dynamics and have a complete set from the first rehearsal.

Technical specifications

Bass drum	20x16	Shells	100% poplar, 6-ply, 8 mm
Toms	10x7 and 12x8	Bass drum hoops	matching wood
Floor tom	14x12	Tom mount	Omnisphere system (L-Rod)
Snare drum	14x5	Meinl HCS	14" hi-hat, 16" crash, 20" ride