[SNARE TEST] TAMA Starphonic Bubinga 14x6 made in Japan

daniboun

Senior Member
Hi amigos,

Let me introduce you a new test of the Tama Starphonic Bubinga 14x6 snare, made in Japan.
I bought it in Paris @ La Baguetterie Shop after having tested 4 snares side by side.
I was hesitating between a Sonor Prolite, a Gretsch Broadcaster, a Yamaha Custom Hybrid and this Tama Starphonic Bubinga. I was looking for warm and woody snare and I was charmed by the Video I heard at Memphis Drumshop. This snare just got my vote!
What I can I say about my self test:
Superb sonic quality Sensitivity, nice articulation, surprising rim-shots and very organically warm sound! I'm just in love with it:)
This an high quality snare with an incredible craftsmanship job. Those 1.6mm groove hoops combined with this dual adjustable snare strainer make this snare absolutely perfect!

Details about Starphonics in details :

http://www.tamadrum.co.jp/STARPHONIC/key_u.html

Spec:

100% African Bubinga wood, 8 ply
7mm shell / out 1 ply Cordia
Rounded 45° bearing edges
1.6mm Groove hoops
Dual ajustable Line drive
Detachabloe butt end
Freedom lugs and claw hoops
Hi-Carbon wire 20

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pG65BgjbXmo

SELF DEMO :

4 mics, CAD D189 + Audix F14 + 2X CM41
NO Muflle NO EQ
Medium tunning

https://soundcloud.com/justdani/tama-starphonic-bubinga-no-muffle-no-eq-14x6

Pictures:









 
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I played one of these quite recently. Certainly one of the better large manufacturer snares out there in terms of both playability & engineering quality. The high hardware mass allied to a thin hoop gives a focus to the shell but keeps the head fairly open. That doesn't really play to the low end strengths of bubinga, but it does accentuate the highs that bubinga delivers, & also it's "scooped" midrange.

Nice drum. I'd be happy to own one :)
 
I played one of these quite recently. Certainly one of the better large manufacturer snares out there in terms of both playability & engineering quality. The high hardware mass allied to a thin hoop gives a focus to the shell but keeps the head fairly open. That doesn't really play to the low end strengths of bubinga, but it does accentuate the highs that bubinga delivers, & also it's "scooped" midrange.

Nice drum. I'd be happy to own one :)

I really think that those groove hoops really give "something special" to this snare. The thin shell works great with those light hoops. The snare really breathes and sings !
 
I absolutely love this snare. It's my go to for just about everything, and I love the depth of character it has. I prefer mine just a bit higher than medium tuning, to help give it a bit more crack. Gorgeous drum.
 
Nice drum!!!! I have the 14" Tama SLP Bubinga snare and it's got a unique character - on the drier side but with a snap and crack that'll take your head off.
 
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