Perfect example that you do NOT need a $6,000 kit to sound great. Great playing, tuning, and recording.
@jamesrichardsutton
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much, Joe!
@cj_ssfsm
2 жыл бұрын
Facts!🙃✌🐐
@J.RProductions2024
2 жыл бұрын
I have a Gretsch energy drum set with a chrome wrap. I just recently put Evans coated heads on all drums but my kick. Sounds like a vintage drum kit with Zildgian Planet Z cymbals
@carmelotorres5912
2 жыл бұрын
I agree.
@austinsatterfield4981
2 жыл бұрын
Yes but a 6000 dollar drumset is going to sound better in recording
@ftt7429
2 жыл бұрын
The first kit my parents ever bought for me was a Swingstar in smokey chrome. I remember sitting in my bedroom just staring at it, not quite believing I actually had something that awesome. This video brought back a lot of memories.
@Inactiveregret
Жыл бұрын
These 80's swingstars were on another level great drums.
@decemberagents1401
3 жыл бұрын
This is the video you send people to when they say they prefer shallow toms because they want to be melodic. :)
@alidisco
3 жыл бұрын
The whole kit sounds amazing but that snare drum is truly exceptional.
@thomascalegari7554
3 жыл бұрын
It's like Simon Philips Amazing sound !!!!! Beautifull !!!!
@rolandedrummer9723
3 жыл бұрын
Can't be the one that came with them. As good as the other drums sound the snare drum was not great. I trashed my 85 swingstar snare long ago.
@flocore
3 жыл бұрын
@@rolandedrummer9723 Actually, the Swingstar steel snares from the 80s are the same seamless steel shells as the higher-tier ones. They were pretty good!
@DG-sf9ei
2 жыл бұрын
Agreed, when he hit that 1st snare shot after rolling the toms, I was awestruck. Sounds better than a modern Supraphonic.
@timebandit0123
3 жыл бұрын
I've always been a big believer in the fact that you can make any drum sound good if you know what you are doing. These drums sound and look fantastic!
@scottsmith4238
2 жыл бұрын
BY FAR the best sounding Swingstar kit I've heard.
@johnnyripple8972
2 жыл бұрын
I had a swingstar with this same finish. I got it in high school. It held up well. Recorded a couple of albums with it and did a couple of regional tours.
@Twotontessie
Жыл бұрын
I’m a Yamaha guy but Tama was on fire in the late 70s into the 80s. I think those two probably made each other better.
@thetoxicnarcissist2466
Жыл бұрын
Chrome kits will always be number 1 in my heart.
@eddiemook84
2 жыл бұрын
The swing star was hands down the best sounding kit for the money at the entry level. I bought mine in 1978 9pc jet black. I played clubs for years with that kit very road worthy also. Thanks for sharing this video, that’s a great looking and sounding kit. Peace and God Bless
@johngreen1683
4 жыл бұрын
I had a five piece Black Swingstar that was purchased sometime around 1980... and later sold it to a drummer friend who said the set sounded better in the recording studio than some of his other more expensive sets.
@jamesrichardsutton
4 жыл бұрын
I am not surprised to hear that, John. These vintage Tama kits consitently sound great, regardless of price point.
@albitcapinigro1107
3 ай бұрын
Amazing sound and great playing. Proving ONCE AGAIN you don't need expensive drums to sound great.
@JohanV66
3 жыл бұрын
Just discovered this and subbed instantly. This is the ultimate tribute to the Tama brand. Their drums of the eighties sounded so much more transparant and open, and you managed to capture that particular sound perfectly. Keep up the great work. Cheers!
@darrinthorpe9292
3 жыл бұрын
His kit sounds amazing. I do own a new set of walnut birch tama star classics. They are truly incredible sounding, but then again, the sound of your own kit is the only thing that matters! :)
@draggedout
Жыл бұрын
I own a Swingstar and a rockstar DX both made in Japan and they are phenomenal drums the 80’s and 90’s Tama kits were on another level Even the stock snares are great with the right tuning
@1thess523
6 ай бұрын
I have a 1995 Japanese Tama Rockstar 👍
@SmallSoldier
2 жыл бұрын
I have my original Tama Swingstars “made in Japan” still, bought them in 1984. Just recently pulled them out of storage and will be treating them to a good cleaning and new heads soon. Will hopefully get a video up with how they sound soon. Thanks for the trip down memory lane. Great sounding drums!
@mrshiney2
2 жыл бұрын
Please do , really looking forward to your video. We all love old Tama gear
@sammybulin
5 ай бұрын
My god I love the sound of power Tom’s!!!!! So much better than all these shallow Tom’s today! Thank you for the video.
@spongebobsquarepants2878
6 ай бұрын
Great drumming, great kit, and great information! Thanks!
@flocore
4 жыл бұрын
Great job on head choice, tuning, recording/ mixing and, of course, playing! The tubs sound really good.
@seanwalton4687
4 жыл бұрын
They sound great man. And I like the RIMS mounts. They really open them up a bit. Great work.
@jamesrichardsutton
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Sean! Yeah, they make a considerable difference. It makes sense that most drums come stock with a similar system nowadays.
@Quietus5
11 ай бұрын
Love this. I still have that same kit except it’s the wine red color. Very nice to see this.
@jamesrichardsutton
11 ай бұрын
Nice. I was just searching through the US and Japanese catalog archive and saw the red color offerings for the Swingstar back in '86-'88. I saw they had a "dark red" and a "fire red". Is yours a black badge or white badge kit?
@Quietus5
11 ай бұрын
@@jamesrichardsutton, unsure. I bought in 1988 and it’s likely the dark red.
@jamesadams7131
3 жыл бұрын
I had a Swing Star kit in Burgundy finish back in the 80's. I played that kit for almost ten years... loved it!
@stavros3438
2 жыл бұрын
god those toms sound so good. 80s tama drums were made with black magic
@rustybuckets07
3 жыл бұрын
That is one beautiful set of drums. I bought (and still have ) a 7 piece Royal Star that I bought of a guy, but getting spare parts for them was never easy pre-internet ,as TAMA didn't really bother with the UK market. I'm so glad I kept them as I now still have a 1980's era ,original kit of Japanese TAMA.I think if you want Japanese made these days ,it's only the top end kits that are still made there and are beyond the reach ($$$) of most mortals.
@mannygrossman
Жыл бұрын
All I really remember about my Swingstars (bought new in 87) were that they were loud as hell and didn't need miked in my High School auditorium.
@SuperNick090
4 жыл бұрын
Wow that Tama kit is Beautiful !!! I love vintage Tama , I have early an 80s Tama Imperialstar in midnight blue , same specs as Stewart Copeland , I had a hard time finding it, but I've always been a fan of vintage Tama. Anyway... Awesome playing and drumkit !!!👍👍
@jamesrichardsutton
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you! Yeah, Tama has always made good stuff. I have a 2018 Superstar Classic and I love it as well. I hope you’re getting to play that old Imperialstar!
@jonathancant2031
2 жыл бұрын
Same kit as yours mate expect jet black finish love it
@hifinphoto
Жыл бұрын
Great playing, and great drums (that sound just as powerful as $20K Sonor Designers) !
@troyhixson9511
4 жыл бұрын
I’m a big collector of 80s Tama drums. I have 2 of these drum kits in my collection! Love em . Great drums! Great playing !
@jamesrichardsutton
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Troy. I believe that the eighties were a special time for Tama. They had a lot of fresh ideas and unmatched quality during that time.
@bobbyjones2112
6 ай бұрын
Those sound fantastic and so do you!
@Gretsch0997
Жыл бұрын
My high-school teacher , in Sudbury Ontario (Confederation High) bought a set of these. This was in 1986. They sounded very open and pure. Great memories. This video brought some of that back :) That teachers name was Norm Macintosh. He was our band Leader. I am a teacher today because of his passion.
@jamesrichardsutton
Жыл бұрын
I'm happy to hear that, Brian. Thank you for your comment.
@Powerhauze
10 ай бұрын
"It's not the car, it's the Driver"....That goes for drums as well. This guy obviously masters the art of Tuning and Mixing besides playing. The balance on this kit is second to one. As a Drum Tech I can promise you that I have heard setups of $8000,00 plus kits that did not sound even close to this. And yes, you can make any regular drum sound awesome thanks to advanced drum head manufacturing technology nowadays. Most drumheads have perfect tone right out the box (check your heads for tone when you buy them in stores) and the shell just becomes a volume enhancer. The secret remains in tuning and mixing (when miced up). Excellent job and awesome kit. I am a Tama lover as well and will never forget being at a Tama Distributor in Europe for the New Artstar drums introduction and the amazing Tama Artist that came in to demonstrate the drums as a joke sat down behind a Swingstar kit (that was also setup in the room with a Royalstar, Imperialstar and Superstar) to warm up before getting on the new Artstar kit. I never forget the sound he got from these Swingstar drums! This video reminded me of that day👍🏻👍🏻
@jamesrichardsutton
10 ай бұрын
Thanks so much, Marcus. As a Gen X kid getting my start with drums in the 80s, I was taught to tune by ear and with patience. It's taken me close to 40 years to get to where I am now with it and I really appreciate your kind comments about my tuning ability. You're so right about quality drum heads and the difference they make. I mentioned in the video that round shells and clean bearing edges are "all that matters", but I would add that heads are extremely important as well. As for mixing this recording, the combination of these drums and the Audix mics worked really well together and made the mixing process fairly easy. Also, not having to deal with mixing cymbals in this case really helped. Thanks again!
@intertubicular
2 жыл бұрын
My second drum kit was a 5 piece TAMA SWINGSTAR. The color was SILVER DOLPHIN Very similar to your kits color. I bought it brand new in 1985 from Liberty Music in Framingham MA. which sadly is no longer in business. On a bright note, I sold the kit about 22 years ago to a friend that still has it today!
@skibuff88
2 жыл бұрын
Nice playing and thanks for the cool video! 80's MIJ Swingstars are Hands down the best kit "for the money ever made" I still have mine also in Misty Chrome but the early 80's with the "T" badge. To my original 5 piece I've added 8"and 10" toms and an 18" floor that I just found recently.
@jpzirngibl
3 жыл бұрын
I still have that same set from the 80s when I bought it, same color too! Love it!
@billnipp2309
2 жыл бұрын
Played all major brands except DW. Tama has been the best. IMO. ty
@nesaragesara9855
Жыл бұрын
Now I have to time travel to buy these drum sets!
@thebunn
4 жыл бұрын
Oh man! I had a single kick version of this kit. Huge regret selling. Had NO idea how good it was until it was gone.
@Bowhunt_276
Жыл бұрын
This kit sounds incredible!! You were killing it man 🔥🔥
@justincase8533
3 жыл бұрын
Had the same set up in black back in the late 80's. Great sounding kit! Thanks for the demonstration, brought back memories.
@bntonelli
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome! Thanks for sharing! I started with a set of these. The old Swingstars and Imperialstars are indestructible, a great value, and sound good.
@mrshiney2
2 жыл бұрын
Hey man, thanks for this great video. So great to hear those old babies sing again.
@LDdrums20
4 ай бұрын
Excellent drums and excellent drummer!
@scotty6346
2 жыл бұрын
I've got an old 80's Swingstar 4 piece with a Slingerland snare drum somewhere, I'm going to dig it out!
@hooper4165
4 жыл бұрын
Sounds great I remember my first ever drum set was a TAMA Swingstar 5 piece it was a great kit
@Hreodrich
Жыл бұрын
I come back to this video often just to hear how butter smooth and sonorous these drums can sound. I’ve also pieced together a large swingstar kit and their tone plus this video constantly remind me that I DO NOT need to any longer obsess over “upgrading” to some higher end kit or exotic tone wood. These things sing as warmly as any 10k plus kit I’ve heard. I genuinely mean that, I think we’ve just let marketing convince our ears that we can’t believe it. I’ve heard lower end kits that sound crappy for sure. I’ve also heard some much more expensive kits that don’t sound nearly as good as these. I love mine to death and can’t believe the sound that comes out of some old instrument that is THAT affordable. I don’t know what sort of processing you did in editing but if I close my eyes I genuinely cannot imagine what a superior sound to these would sound like.
@jamesrichardsutton
Жыл бұрын
Quality heads and proper tuning is most of it. In this case, I will say that the RIMS mounts definitely help with sustain. When these toms are mounted directly from the shell as they came from the factory, they don't sound the same. As for processing, it's very minimal. I have slight EQ and compression applied just to smooth everything out, but the sound you're hearing really is the drums and of course the mics add their color.
@aboutthemetal8783
3 жыл бұрын
These and the art star series from the similar time are my favorite style drums by far, POWER TOMS are the best.
@drumdotpizza
10 ай бұрын
Beautiful!! Stayed with you all the way to the end (even packing up!). Great sounding drums and great playing. Cheers!!
@jamesrichardsutton
10 ай бұрын
Thanks so much, Joel. Means a ton coming from you.
@OlliVimpari
3 жыл бұрын
You have a great sense of how to set up and tune drums. And your playing is spectacular! These drums sound so good🌌
@tortillasarenotbiceps7622
2 жыл бұрын
I had a Tama Rock Star with the same setup -4 mounted toms, double bass, two floor toms, snare and heaps of Zildjian cymbals, red in color. I miss playing.
@onegrainofsand
3 жыл бұрын
best vintage tama demo I've seen on the 'tube. thanks man, sick kit!
@DonaldSturgeAnthonyMcKenzieII
Жыл бұрын
Real drummer. No cymbals. Love it
@kanenomoja
6 ай бұрын
Looks and sounds amazing. You did a great job with it and obviously play it well. Enjoy!! Thanks for the video!! 🤟🏻🤟🏻
@nesaragesara9855
3 ай бұрын
Beautiful sound. Beautifully tuned. No need to say much.
@papapoodo6685
3 жыл бұрын
Sound great even without the suspension mounts! Nice playing too....I have an 80s Superstar kit... Best kit I've ever had
@jimmybndcksnts
4 жыл бұрын
After the setup it LOOKED like how one FEELS when they mount a bike they used to ride everyday for years but haven't in a while. Once oriented it seems effortless! VERY NICE! Thanks for the description also. Although most of it was lost on me, being an old gear-head, I loved your attention to the details!
@jamesrichardsutton
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you, Jimmy! Yeah, it's a pretty comfortable kit to sit behind.
@Prop_2112
3 жыл бұрын
TAMA yes. They sound Great as well as your playing. I have the 82 Imperialstar kit. Always have used coated heads and will be trying clear heads soon on my toms according to what you are using for the batters. Great work James !!!!!!!
@dsncrlcarlo
8 ай бұрын
Love Tama !!!!......Perfect exhibition
@centaurus5676
3 жыл бұрын
First kit was a Swing star, 5 piece, then a Royal Star 7 piece [single headed toms] then i went onto maple Ludwigs! That Swingstar kit is beautiful and sounds better than a DW. Great playing also.
@erikkroll2154
3 жыл бұрын
My friend had one of those kits in the 80's. Amazing sound. Nice kit you got there. Sounds perfect!
@steelpeart
Жыл бұрын
I had the piano black finish 1987 Swingstar kit with deep toms - likely this very kit with only 5 pcs. But that thing did a lot of great gigs and live shows!
@gregoryrogalsky6937
3 жыл бұрын
Drums sound great. Nice playing .. Cool.
@monkeyspank6444
3 жыл бұрын
This was my 1st drumkit and with the same color( Misty Chrome) learned how to play SLAYER and Dark Angel, etc. on these drums, great memories 🖖
@TonyDiaz.
Жыл бұрын
I may get my hands on one of these. Same color. White badge. What I like about it is the bass drum size. I think 16x22 is a really good size. Hope I can get my hands on it.
@jamesrichardsutton
Жыл бұрын
I'm with you. 16" is a great depth for a 22" kick drum. Good luck on your search!
@bripro68
2 жыл бұрын
Gorgeous set. I’m on a similar era Imperialstar with much of the original Titan hardware. Love it.
@iloveNgany
6 ай бұрын
Top tier playing. So clean
@DrumsTillDeath
3 жыл бұрын
I have all my Tama kits. SwingStar in Misty Chrome SuperStars in Candy Apple Red StarClassic BB in Black Gloss Stain. My band buddies always compliment the finish of the SwingStars. Tama and Paiste all the way.
@infernozy
2 жыл бұрын
WoW, great sound .....with great playing
@tallnotdeaf
3 жыл бұрын
I just stumbled upon this and you talking about your kit gave me tingles I hear so much love and admiration for drums and this kit. Also they sound fantastic and your playing was very tasty.
@davidsimmsdrummer367
4 жыл бұрын
Gorgeous drums and they're wonderful. Great demo of the drums without cymbals! Brilliant!
@jamesrichardsutton
4 жыл бұрын
David Simms Drummer Thank you, David! It turned out to be somewhat of a challenge to improvise without cymbals. I highly recommend trying it!
@paulfitterer5576
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Nice playing! Great sound!
@analogkid4557
Жыл бұрын
Really awesome kit! You have them tuned perfect! Nice playing, too!
@terrintinovalentine8567
Жыл бұрын
God that is the same exact set I had back in the late 8o des they sounded so good but they are twins I miss those day . My is Terry valentine . Thank for the memories .i was dam good to if I don't say so myself . Loved life now iam waiting to move see what the next life has in store thank you
@arturosaenz9120
2 жыл бұрын
Great sounding kit,great tuning
@ArchieBC
3 жыл бұрын
Kit looks great and sounds amazing! Thanks for the show n tell!
@rolandedrummer9723
4 жыл бұрын
I have a similar set ,but an 85 recovered in silver sparkle and they sound great just like these. I'll never sell them. Bought them new in 85.
@zildjiandrum1
3 жыл бұрын
nice bought the same Tama Swingstar Misty Chrome Drumkit today on eBay with 22", 12", 13" and 16" Toms for 130€ and I also bought a matching Tama Swingstar Steel Snare in 14"x5" for 100€. greetings from germany
@dgn4369
Жыл бұрын
My very first set was a red Swingstar that I bought in 1984. Same 9 piece double bass as here. Got it with a set of red Paiste Colorsound cymbals, first year they were available. Such a great kit for the price. Sold it 1987 and got Yamaha Turbo Tour kit, still have that one.
@ChristopherT1
3 жыл бұрын
Holy shit that was my first kit! Yours sounds WAY better!
@tomtendam
4 жыл бұрын
The sound is great, but also are the skills, well done!!
@jamesrichardsutton
4 жыл бұрын
Thanks very much, Tom.
@SajoDetro
2 жыл бұрын
Nice sound!
@flip7081
3 жыл бұрын
Great no nonsense video. Just drums, because that’s why I’m here. My first kit was half of a double bass set up Imperialstar in the grey finish, big Tama T badge (black) in all of its concert tom glory. In looking to buy a new kit now, I just don’t dig the sounds, so I’ve decided to piece together an 80’s Imperialstar. Yes I could get the Granstar, or the maple, etc. but I’m buying into my memories. Have a 24 & 22 bass, 8, 10, 12, 14 mounted, 16, 18, & 20 floor (that 20 was a hard find, and not cheap). I decided screw it, and got some Rototoms as well. All pieces are in the black, in varying levels of condition. Not sure if I should re-wrap in a new snazzy sparkle, or keep the OG black going. Either way they sound freaking awesome and I love them! Anyway, great video, and cheers!
@emilfeuerstein8580
3 жыл бұрын
This kit sounds better than the same kit in my school
@gualtercouto
10 ай бұрын
These drums sound killer dude, congratulations!
@christrudell7966
3 жыл бұрын
They sound killer. Nice playing brother 👍🇨🇦
@christskingdom8950
3 жыл бұрын
I love Tama (My 1st kit). Not sure why I never bought another one. Sounds great!!!
@TomMSTie1138
2 жыл бұрын
They sound AMAZING!!!
@dennisdorsey5749
3 жыл бұрын
Very clean drum kit and damn good playing.
@trapsmasher
2 жыл бұрын
Love the kit, and you have great feel brother.
@warrenranstrom4462
Жыл бұрын
You sound great man, love your technique and control. How Lars is sponsored by Tama I’ll never know. He couldn’t play what you just did in a million years. Nice job and nice kit
@jedi_417
2 жыл бұрын
Wow this kit sounds incredible.
@derickm4097
3 жыл бұрын
That snare sounds great,
@Manassasjunction
3 жыл бұрын
They were better than many higher prized drums. Just like the pearl Export. I Used Rims Conquerer on top and diplomat on the bottom. Some work finishing the inside (sanding, wax-polishing) and the bearing edges. Additionally I dampend the lugs with foam. Good Mikes, some care and they worked perfectly on stage as in the studio.
@blvckno_1
4 жыл бұрын
I LOVE MY 87' TAMA SWINGSTAR! glad to see someone else that appreciates em as much as i do. I have the same set up currently in black, with the exception of the 10 and 8 in toms. I've had THE WORST luck finding a 10 in, good on you for finding an 8 in! I had no idea those even existed!
@jamesrichardsutton
4 жыл бұрын
I hope your luck changes in finding that elusive 10"!
@iconsciousone5639
3 жыл бұрын
Great vid. I have 8's 10's... 12 13 14 and 16. All 1985 Swingstars or earlier. They are mohogany shells. Not sure if that was mentioned the vid.
@law35penn
3 жыл бұрын
I still have my older kits and I love it. Damn that sounds amazing. I need that. I think that's the same as my kit. I have the Roger dynasonic snare. 👏👏👍👍
@law35penn
3 жыл бұрын
I want my drums to sound like that.
@jamesnewman6032
4 жыл бұрын
This is the same kit I have, same year and color too!
@jamesrichardsutton
4 жыл бұрын
Very cool! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine.
@grummer88
4 жыл бұрын
Great sound, and great drumming. I'm a huge fan of vintage Tama. I own early 80's Superstar :)
@jamesrichardsutton
4 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I'd love to own an vintage Superstar. A Cherry Rose Granstar is on my list as well.
@henrikglass
3 жыл бұрын
very nice sound and kit
@christianeasley767
2 жыл бұрын
HOLY SHIT!!!!! AWESOME!!!!!!!! WHOA!!!!!
@559043
8 ай бұрын
i bought a brand new Swingstar 4pc jet black shell pack in 85, no snare. I think I paid $485 for them. Used them in a lot of bands and some recordings in the early 90's. Mine had the black Tama T badge, mij
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