Tama WBS32RZS-MPB - Starclassic Walnut/Birch Rock 22" Molten Platinum Burst

Historical Context and Positioning Within the Range

Developed from Tama's experiments with wood combinations, the Starclassic Walnut/Birch has established itself as a modern sonic identity within the Starclassic family. While maple favors a homogeneous roundness and birch offers a very sharp attack, this walnut/birch mix aims for a more contemporary balance: present lows, rich mids, and a quick response, all while remaining very clear in a dense mix. Within the range, this shell pack is clearly positioned as a high-end solution designed for demanding contexts, from the stage to the studio, with a finish and hardware reliability geared towards intensive use.

Who This Drum Set Is For

This Tama acoustic drum set is aimed at intermediate to expert drummers who want a responsive, musical kit that is easy to mic. The 22/12/16 configuration is a versatile standard suitable for both concerts and sessions, with reasonable footprint and immediate response. It excels in rock, pop, funk, fusion, or gospel, whenever a solid low end and a fast kick without heaviness are desired. The 22 x 14 bass drum, with a more "vintage" feel than a deeper shell, promotes a quick rebound and a dynamic playing sensation, while maintaining the punch needed for modern styles.

Features and Innovations

The core of this Starclassic lies in the hybrid shells designed to combine body and definition: tom and floor tom at 6 mm thickness (birch structure with internal black walnut plies) and bass drum at 8 mm (birch with internal black walnut plies). The Inside Lacquer finish optimizes response and projection by stabilizing the wood's behavior and promoting a more direct attack, particularly appreciated in studio settings. The Star-Cast Mounting System suspends the tom to preserve resonance while ensuring reliable support for consistent tuning. On the toms, the die-cast hoops tighten the attack, focus the pitch, and improve tuning retention, helping maintain a consistent sound even when playing hard or alternating rimshots and open strokes. Finally, the included MC69 tom mount allows clean mounting on a stand, and the unperforated bass drum maintains a sleek aesthetic while avoiding additional stress points on the shell.

Sound

Walnut stands out for immediate warmth, ample low-mids, and a generous fundamental note, providing a sense of "mass" under the stick without losing musicality. Birch, conversely, brings precision in attack, clear note separation, and projection that helps the drums remain audible within a band mix. The combination produces a balanced spectrum: present lows, articulated mids, and controlled highs, ideal for drummers seeking a modern sound without harshness.
The 22 x 14 bass drum delivers a quick punch and a short to medium response depending on tuning, facilitating precise grooves and fast patterns. The 12 x 8 tom retains definition at low volume and remains very usable in medium to high tunings for pop, funk, or fusion. The 16 x 16 floor tom adds a solid foundation, with a nice note length for broad tom runs and a low end that fills the space without masking other instruments. With Evans heads pre-installed, the kit is easy to tune: you quickly get a controlled, recording-ready sound while retaining the flexibility to open up sustain if a more resonant drum is preferred.

Technical specifications