Tama OCTOBANS - 7850N2H

Historical Context and Positioning in the Range

The "Octobans" are among the very first original instruments developed by TAMA and have established themselves as a creative extension of the drum kit, especially prized in progressive music and effect-oriented setups. Their adoption by drummers known for their orchestral approach and precision, such as Billy Cobham, Simon Phillips, Stewart Copeland, Bill Bruford, Mike Portnoy, and Tim Alexander, helped cement the Octoban as a classic in the percussion world.

The 7850N2H model continues this tradition: a high-pitch set designed to complement a kit with more singing pitches and livelier responses, while retaining the sonic DNA of the series. It is a relevant choice to enrich a set without overloading it, adding a palette of "ready-to-play" notes that naturally stand out in the mix.

Who This Drum/Instrument Is For

This TAMA Octobans set is aimed at intermediate to expert drummers who want to expand their rhythmic and harmonic vocabulary. It is also well suited for stage musicians seeking a distinctive visual and sonic element, easy to spot in the space and effective in transitions.

In terms of styles, this high-pitch set excels in progressive rock, fusion, sophisticated pop, technical metal, film music, modern worship, and any context where melodic responses, calls, or cascading patterns are desired. The small diameter shells favor clear articulation, ideal for fast patterns and precise accents.

Features and Innovations

The philosophy of Octobans is based on a simple and highly musical idea: instead of relying on shells of different diameters as in a classic tom series, the pitch changes according to the shell length. The result is a more homogeneous sound signature, with pitch intervals designed to be exploited as a true melodic extension of the kit.

With its 6-inch diameter shells, this high-pitch set offers a very effective compromise between compactness and presence. The instrument responds quickly, is easy to position above or beside the toms, and allows building sequences that remain clear even at high volume. The addition of the HOW29WN stand secures the setup and facilitates shell orientation to optimize ergonomics and access to strikes.

The Sound

An Octoban is distinguished by a clear attack and a note that shapes quickly, with a very marked "tubular" sensation. The small diameter (6 inches) enhances precision and sound focus: you get clear impacts, clean rebounds, and projection that naturally cuts through a band without forcing the playing.

On this high-pitch set, the response highlights higher pitches, perfect for creating melodic lines, call-and-response effects with the snare drum, or punctuations that advantageously replace certain electronic effects. Tuning can be thought of in intervals (thirds, fourths, fifths) to build percussive "hooks," or conversely in close notes for fast and tense descents. Thanks to the principle of variation by shell length, the sound identity remains consistent from one Octoban to another, which helps maintain a homogeneous mix rendering.

Technical specifications