Other Acrylic Drums - Tama

In 1974, the Hoshino Drum Company re-launched its drum line as "Tama" having previously traded under the name Star. As a part of this re-launch, they introduced the "Royalstar" line which they produced until 1984. The Tama Crystar was produced as a part of the Royalstar line.

The first picture shows a very early Crystar kit that was recently sold by Cherie Willoughby at Repercussions.

The second shot - from Tama publicity material, shows a much later (early 80s?) kit.

The final photo is Megadeath drummer Nick Menza playing a custom built Tama acrylic kit with Artstar fittings in the mid-1990s.

A well informed source informs VISTALITES.COM that - since Tama had long stopped making acrylic shells - this kit was specially constructed using Zickos shells, cut with Pork Pie bearing edges and fitted with Tama hardware and badges. The heads were specially constructed 2-ply clear heads with a clear centre dot - provding the strength of a third ply to survive the punishment Nick dished out every night !!