Tama Imperialstar Fusion 20" + Meinl HCS Blacked Out Black

Historical Context and Positioning in the Range

Relaunched in 2006, the Imperialstar established itself as Tama's iconic "ready-to-play" series: a drum set designed to offer a coherent, reliable, and immediately usable package without the need for a long list of additional purchases. Within the range, it stands as an accessible yet serious solution, with technical choices inherited from Tama's DNA (stability, robustness, practicality) and a refined presentation that avoids the "entry-level" feel. This version emphasizes a truly complete pack, notably adding Stage Master double-braced hardware, matching bass drum hoops, and the Iron Cobra 200 pedal, to provide a more comfortable touch and stronger durability, while maintaining a philosophy focused on quality and equipment value.

Who This Drum Set Is For

The Tama Imperialstar is primarily aimed at ambitious beginners who want a real acoustic drum set that is stable and enjoyable to play from the very first sessions, as well as intermediate drummers looking for a compact kit to rehearse, record at home, or perform in tight venues. Its 20" format is perfectly suited for pop, rock, funk, indie, and gospel repertoires: enough punch to drive the groove while remaining easy to control dynamically. The Meinl HCS cymbal pack provides a coherent foundation to work on timing, dynamics, and orchestrations (hi-hat, crash, ride), without distraction, allowing progress on a full set before considering a targeted upgrade.

Features and Innovations

The Omnisphere plays a key role in comfort: this tom mount allows precise placement, greater adjustment freedom, and promotes tom resonance by limiting unnecessary stress on the shells. On the hardware side, the presence of a double-braced base on the Stage Master stands provides a reassuring sense of stability, especially when playing loudly, working the bass drum with strong foot pressure, or frequently moving the kit. The Iron Cobra 200 pedal complements the set with a smooth feel and consistent response, ideal for building clean technique (movement regularity, rebound control, heel-up or heel-down management). Finally, the fittings (small "Original" lugs, Black Nickel finish, and matching wooden bass drum hoops) contribute both to aesthetics and tuning stability, ensuring a kit that remains pleasant to live with through rehearsals.

Sound

With its poplar shells (6-ply, 8 mm), the Imperialstar offers a very musical signature: a warm low end, rounded mids, and a clear attack without harshness. Poplar is appreciated for its versatility and "easy" mixing qualities: notes come out quickly, sustain stays controlled, which helps both in rehearsal (less sonic muddiness) and recording (fewer corrections needed for a clean result).

The 20" bass drum combines impact and definition: it delivers a present but tighter low end than a larger format, with a quick response suited to precise grooves, sharp breaks, and fast tempos. The toms remain articulate and clear, while the floor tom provides a controlled low foundation, ideal for establishing choruses or thickening a part without saturating the sound space. The snare drum, lively and responsive, highlights a clear attack and good sensitivity, useful for working ghost notes, rimshots, and right- and left-hand dynamics. Finally, the Meinl HCS cymbals offer versatile brightness and direct response, perfect for having a coherent set from the start and developing musicality (balance of ride, crash, hi-hat) on a reliable base.