TAMA Stagestar -- Best Price; Great Review

Only recently have some entry-level drumsets been able to shake free from a sticky reputation. A reputation as just satisfactory, merely a stepping stone to a better kit that's needed sooner rather than later. Fact is, up until now most of them haven't warranted any consideration beyond that.

Today all that has changed. There are a number of "beginner" kits that could just as easily serve as a back-up, practice or "whatever" set for an established player. The components are of somewhat comparable quality to more pricey intermediate kits. The hardware is more than you'd expect as well.

One such line is TAMA's Stagestar drum set. In particular, it's popular for a pair of reasons. It can serve as a great beginner's kit or a decent one for a player who doesn't have a lot of space to work with. Stagestar drums are manufactured in smaller sizes than those of your average drum set. A 14 x 18" bass drum and 12 x 14" floor tom join a pair of equally-minimized tom toms at 10 and 12 inches each. The shells themselves are Phillipine Mahogany, which will not bring the same tonal quality as a maple or higher-end shell. However, they'll do for most recreational situations. These TAMA Stagestar drums are transport-friendly and will fit in the back of a small vehicle with ease.

These kits are typically sold as a full package including hardware and cymbals. The Stagestar hardware is the same you will find on the level-up Swingstar and Rockstar lines. It is of sufficient quality providing your kit is not be toured with, or set-up and torn down frequently. The cymbals are not as up-to-scratch and do not match the resonant quality of the drums themselves. It also comes with a very entry-level throne (seat) that features pre-set height adjustments and a vinyl padded cushion.

For a newbie or an exclusively recreational player who's just playing at home, TAMA Stagestar drums will make the grade nicely. It's definitely not the toy kit some other beginner kits are. Also, as mentioned, it can be a decent sounding kit for an established player that has space concerns. The shells aren't the greatest but they'll do if tuned properly and maintained with good heads. Overall, the Stagestar is good value for the money.