I have a Starphonic Aluminum and Starphonic Spotted Gum. They are very versatile ’cuz Tama die cast and brass mighty hoops can be used on them (and probably their steel hoops, but I’ve only used the aforementioned hoops). When removed from the drum and tapped with a stick, the Starphonic hoops are almost as dead as die cast. I’m currently using a brass mighty hoop on the batter side of my spotted Gum snare and it’s a nice change up.
The design of the reso-side hoop is ingenious when combined with the MLS50B butt (‘cuz it removes very easily without affected snappy tension). Simply detach the butt and swing it out of the way to tune (or replace) the reso head.
The MLS50A “linear strainer” never slips and is a vast improvement over their MUS80A “upright” strainer. Both strainer & butt have notched tension knobs, too.
I had a Starclassic brass snare drum and was considering selling it and buying the Starphonic brass but when compared side-by-side, I and a few others in the shop couldn’t tell a difference in sound. Tone, punch and harmonics were all very similar.
I don’t know about the Yamaha snare, but the Starphonic is not a seamless shell. If Tama doesn’t explicitly state “seamless” in their description, it isn’t.
A limited edition Starphonic Brass was issued years ago with a unique finish. There might be one on your side of the pond.
View attachment 133804