When choosing for a drum kit, you need to factor in three crucial elements for it; its quality, performance, and durability. Today, we will be talking about Tama Drum Kits, specifically, two of their most popular drum kits. One is the Tama Rhythm Mate and the other one is the Tama Imperial Star. In this comparison guide, we will tell you all about their technical aspects, how they differ from each other, and for which level of drummer they are perfect.

Brief Overview of Tama Rhythm Mate vs Imperial Star

Tamar Rhythm Mate is made for beginner-level drummers. Still, the company has not compromised on the quality. The drum set has all the features that a quality drum kit from Tama should have. This Drum kit is super affordable for aspiring drummers, offers great sound quality, & is very durable.

The Tama Imperial Star is a cut above Tama Rhythm Mate; made for the needs of intermediate-level drummers. It offers a more refined sound quality with a much sturdier build. With many of its professional drumming features, it is a popular choice for gigging drummers.

Tama Rhythm Mate vs Imperial Star: Key Features Comparison

Let’s take a look at how both these amazing drum kits from Tama fare against each other in terms of features.

1.   Shell Material

The Rhythm Mate has poplar shells that create warm and full-bodied sounds. The depth & thickness of shells are engineered to offer improved resonance & sustain. This is so they can better control sound. Imperial Star drums also have poplar shells but with much more refined construction. They are a bit thinner compared to Rhythm Mate to offer resonant sound quality.

2.   Bearing Edges

Tama Rhythm has a precise cut of 45 degrees for its bearing edges which allows the drumheads to sit evenly on the shells. This even placement of the drumheads on the shell offers a consistent tuning with maximum resonance. The Tama Imperial Star also has a precision cut of 45 degrees like its competitor Rhythm Mate but the cut is much more refined. This allows for the drumheads to have better contact with the poplar shell to create better resonance & sustain.

3.   Tom Holder

Tama introduced the ‘’Omnisphere Tom Holder’’ in the Rhythm Mate which gives flexibility when positioning the toms. This feature makes it ideal for beginners who are finding a comfortable playing position. This holder also allows the tom to remain in place during intense drumming sessions. Imperial Star also features the Omnisphere Tom holder but with much better adjustment options. Drummers can set the drum kit the way they like it.

4.   Drum Heads

The Rhythm Mate Drum kit has the original Drum Heads from Tama which can be upgraded as the skill level of the drummer increases. The Imperial Star drum kit also has upgradeable drum heads that offer better sound quality & durability compared to Rhythm Mate drum heads. For those drummers who have a consistent playing technique, these drum heads are perfect.

5.   Hardware

The Tama Rhythm Mate comes with double-braced hardware that is sturdy; allowing it to bear the rigor of performance & practice. The hardware in this kit has stuff like a hi-hat stand, cymbal stand, pedal, & snare stand.

For the Imperial Star kit, the hardware is quite sturdy. Pedals & the double-braced stands can handle aggressive drumming styles. The hi-hat stand, the cymbal stand, & the snare stand are all of advanced design for better stability during drumming sessions.

6.   Finish

You can have the Rhythm Mate kit in different attractive finishes – a great option for beginner-level drummers. As for the Imperial Star kit, it also has a variety of finishes but with a more professional appearance. These finishes ensure that the drum kit retains its appeal even after prolonged use.

Tama Rhythm Mate VS Imperial Star: Comparison Table

Which Drum Kit Should You Choose?

For questions like ‘’which of these two drum kits is better’’ or ‘’which one should you choose’’; we would like to put our two cents in.

If you are a beginner, who is just starting out, this kit offers a balance of quality & affordability. The warm sounds from its poplar shells & sturdy hardware make it perfect for daily practice sessions. The price is low; making it a great option for aspiring drummers.

As for Tama Imperial Star, it’s built for intermediate-level drummers who wish to upgrade their skills. The better shell construct, refined bearing edges & much sturdy hardware make it ideal for live performances. So, if you are a professional drummer who is developing his drumming style, this kit can help you in your journey.

Conclusion

The choice between Tama Rhythm Mate & Tama Imperial Star is ultimately yours to make. Both are excellent drum kits to offer what you need from a drum kit. For those starting their drumming journey, Tama Rhythm Mate is for you. And, if you have been drumming for a while now and need to polish your skills, Imperial Star is the one you should go for.