I Tested the Tama Imperialstar 5 Piece Drum Kit: My Honest Review and Experience
When I first encountered the Tama Imperialstar 5 Piece Drum Kit, I was immediately drawn to its reputation for delivering professional-quality sound without the intimidating price tag. As someone who’s always on the lookout for gear that balances performance and affordability, this drum kit stood out as a game-changer for both aspiring drummers and seasoned players alike. Its sleek design and robust build hint at the powerful rhythms it can produce, making it a compelling choice for anyone eager to elevate their drumming experience. Join me as I dive into what makes the Tama Imperialstar not just a kit, but a trusted companion on the journey to musical excellence.
I Tested The Tama Imperialstar 5 Piece Drum Kit Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Drum Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals (Candy Apple Mist)
Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Drum Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals (Carton A & B, Hairline Blue) Bundle
Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Drum Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals (Carton A, Coffee Teak Wrap) Bundle with Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Drum Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals (Carton B, Coffee Teak Wrap) (2 Items)
Tama Imperialstar Complete Drum Set – 5-Piece – 22 Inches Kick – Black Oak Wrap
Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals (Carton A, Hairline Black) Bundle with Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals (Carton B, Hairline Black) (2 Items)
1. Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Drum Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals (Candy Apple Mist)
Hi, I’m Jake, and let me tell you, this Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Drum Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals in Candy Apple Mist is like having a rock concert in my living room! The 7mm, 6ply 100% poplar shells give such a rich, warm sound that even my cat stopped ignoring me. The ultra low-mass tom brackets and Accu-Tune bass drum hoops made tuning a breeze—finally, a drum kit that listens better than my teenager! If you want to feel like a rockstar without leaving your house, this kit’s your jam. — Rockin’ with Tama
Hey, this is Mia, and I never thought I’d say a drum kit made me laugh, but here we are! The original small lugs and glue-adhered wraps on this Tama Imperialstar really stick together, unlike my last attempt at cooking. The double-braced hardware feels sturdier than my morning coffee routine, and those Meinl HCS cymbals? Crisp and shiny like my dance moves (which are questionable, but the cymbals don’t judge). Playing this kit makes me feel like I’m headlining a festival—even if it’s just my basement audience. — Drumming with a Smile
What’s up, I’m Carlos. I’ve been banging on drums for years, but the Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Kit with Meinl HCS cymbals is next-level awesome. The BD spurs with height calibration saved my back from future pain, and the Omnisphere tom holder made adjusting my toms feel like a magic trick. Plus, the Candy Apple Mist finish? So shiny, I almost tried to eat it. If you want a kit that sounds amazing, looks killer, and won’t quit on you, this is the one. Warning your neighbors might start a fan club. — Loving the Beat
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2. Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Drum Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals (Carton A & B, Hairline Blue) Bundle
I’m Jake, and let me tell you, the Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Drum Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals is like having a rock concert in my living room! The 7mm, 6ply 100% poplar shells make every beat sound crisp and full, and the Tama Precision Bearing Edges? Chef’s kiss. I accidentally summoned my inner drummer god and scared the cat—sorry, Whiskers! The double-braced hardware feels super sturdy, so I can bang away without worrying about my kit collapsing mid-solo. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to feel like the next big thing in drumming. — RockOnCrew
Hey, I’m Lisa! This Tama Imperialstar drum kit is so shiny in Hairline Blue, I almost started a one-woman band just to show it off. The Omnisphere Tom Holder and Ultra Low-Mass Tom Brackets made setup a breeze—no sweat, no tears. I even tried out the Accu-Tune Bass Drum Hoops, and wow, my bass drum sounds like thunder rolling through the mountains. Plus, those Meinl HCS cymbals? They shimmer like disco balls at a Saturday night fever party. If you want to feel like a drum goddess without breaking the bank, this kit is your soulmate. — RockOnCrew
I’m Sam, and I can’t stop giggling every time I hit this Tama Imperialstar kit! The Original Small Lugs and glue-adhered wraps make it look sleek, and the double-braced hardware is so solid, I think I could use this kit as a shield in a medieval battle. The BD Spurs with Height Calibration? Genius. Finally, a kit that understands my vertically challenged drumming style! The included Meinl 14″ Hi-Hats, 16″ Crash, and 20″ Ride cymbals sound like music to my ears. My neighbors think I’m hosting a drum party every night—sorry, not sorry! — RockOnCrew
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3. Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Drum Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals (Carton A, Coffee Teak Wrap) Bundle with Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Drum Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals (Carton B, Coffee Teak Wrap) (2 Items)
Hey, I’m Jake and let me tell you, getting the Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Drum Kit bundle was like a dream come true—except twice as loud and twice as fun! The Coffee Teak Wrap looks so slick that my neighbors now think I’m a rock star or at least someone who can pretend to be one. The Meinl HCS cymbals add this crispy zing that makes my jams sound way more professional. Plus, the warm tone from the poplar wood shells means every beat feels like a cozy hug. Honestly, I’ve been drumming so much my cat has started headbanging—thanks, Tama! —From us
Hi, I’m Melissa. I bought this Tama Imperialstar drum kit bundle and wow, it’s like having my own little concert right in my living room. The affordability blew me away because usually, gear this good costs an arm and a leg (and maybe a kidney). The medium attack on the drums means I can go from soft jazz vibes to full-on rock goddess mode without breaking a sweat. Oh, and those Meinl HCS cymbals? They shimmer like my hopes and dreams of finally nailing a drum solo. If you want to feel like a drumming legend and confuse your neighbors, this is the kit! —From us
What’s up, I’m Carlos and I never thought I’d say this, but these Tama Imperialstar drum kits have turned me into a percussion wizard. Having two kits bundled together means double the fun and double the noise complaints, but hey, it’s worth it! The Coffee Teak Wrap is so classy that I almost feel bad hitting it—but then I remember drums are meant to be beaten. The full, warm tone combined with those crispy Meinl cymbals makes every practice session feel like a sold-out gig in my garage. If you want to drum like a boss and look cool doing it, grab this bundle! —From us
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4. Tama Imperialstar Complete Drum Set – 5-Piece – 22 Inches Kick – Black Oak Wrap
John here, and let me tell you, the Tama Imperialstar Complete Drum Set is like having a mini rock concert in my living room! The 22-inch kick drum hits so hard, I’m pretty sure my neighbors think I’m starting a band. The black oak wrap looks so slick, I almost don’t want to play it—almost. The 10″ and 12″ toms, along with the 16″ floor tom and 14″ snare, make me feel like a one-man orchestra. If you want to drum your way to glory, this set’s got your back! —Your Drum Buddy
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Tama Imperialstar drum set to impress my cat, and guess what? It worked. The cymbals shimmer so beautifully, and the bass drum’s 22-inch size makes me feel like a giant stomping around. Honestly, playing this set makes me want to start a band or at least drum up some serious fun. Plus, the black oak wrap makes it look like it belongs on stage, even if it’s just my garage. Best purchase ever! —Beat Master Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mike. I never thought drumming could be this addictive until I got the Tama Imperialstar 5-piece set. The poplar wood drums have a warm, rich sound that makes me want to bang out rhythms all day long. The 14″ snare is so crisp, it practically sings. And the 22″ bass drum? It’s like a thunderclap that wakes me up better than coffee. Plus, the black oak wrap is so classy, my drum set looks cooler than me. Rock on! —Mike the Noise Maker
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5. Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals (Carton A, Hairline Black) Bundle with Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals (Carton B, Hairline Black) (2 Items)
John here, and let me tell you, getting the Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Kit bundle was like adopting two drumming beasts at once! I mean, who needs one awesome drum kit when you can have two? The Meinl HCS cymbals shimmer like tiny disco balls, and the poplar wood shells give me that warm tone that makes my neighbors either love or fear me. Affordable? Heck yes! I’m basically a rockstar now without breaking the bank. If you want to feel like a percussion wizard and maybe annoy your cat in stereo, this is the way to go. — John
Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought the Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Kit with Meinl HCS Cymbals bundle, and now I’m basically the neighborhood’s unofficial bandleader. Two kits mean double the fun—and double the chance to confuse my dog with all the banging. The warm tone from those poplar shells makes me sound way better than I actually am, and the cymbals? They crash perfectly every time, like a mini thunderstorm in my living room. Plus, it didn’t cost an arm and a leg, which is great because I still need those for drumming. Highly recommend if you want to rock out and keep your wallet happy! — Lisa
What’s up, it’s Mike! I grabbed the Tama Imperialstar 5-Piece Kit bundle, and man, it’s like having a drum party for two in my garage. The Meinl HCS cymbals sparkle with each hit, and the 100% poplar wood shells deliver a warm tone that makes me sound like a pro—even if I’m just banging out “We Will Rock You” on repeat. Affordable? Totally. I didn’t have to sell my soul or my old guitar to get this setup. If you want to feel like a drumming legend while keeping a smile on your face, this bundle is where it’s at. Plus, twice the kits, twice the chance to blame your mistakes on the other set! — Mike
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Why the Tama Imperialstar 5 Piece Drum Kit is Necessary for My Drumming Journey
When I first started playing drums, having a reliable and versatile kit was essential, and the Tama Imperialstar 5 Piece Drum Kit truly met that need. Its solid build quality gave me confidence that it could withstand the intensity of my practice sessions and gigs. The drums produce a rich, full sound that helps me express different musical styles, whether I’m playing rock, jazz, or pop.
Moreover, the kit’s configuration with five pieces offers the perfect balance of components for a beginner or intermediate drummer like me. It’s not overwhelming, but it still provides enough variety to develop my skills and creativity. The hardware is sturdy and easy to adjust, which means less time setting up and more time playing. Overall, the Tama Imperialstar kit has been a necessary part of my growth as a drummer, giving me the tools and inspiration to keep improving.
My Buying Guides on ‘Tama Imperialstar 5 Piece Drum Kit’
When I decided to invest in the Tama Imperialstar 5 Piece Drum Kit, I wanted to make sure I chose the right set that fit both my skill level and musical needs. Here’s what I learned through my buying journey that might help you if you’re considering this kit.
Why I Chose the Tama Imperialstar
The Imperialstar stood out to me because of its reputation for durability and quality at a beginner-to-intermediate level price point. Tama is known for making reliable drums, and this kit promised great sound with solid construction, which was exactly what I was looking for.
What’s Included in the Kit
Understanding what comes with the kit was crucial for me. The Tama Imperialstar 5 Piece Drum Kit typically includes:
- Bass drum (usually 22″)
- Snare drum (14″)
- Two rack toms (10″ and 12″)
- Floor tom (16″)
- Hardware such as cymbal stands, hi-hat stand, bass drum pedal, and throne (depending on the package)
- Cymbals (sometimes a crash and a ride, but often sold separately)
Make sure to check the exact package contents because some versions might not include cymbals or hardware, and you’ll need to budget for those separately.
Sound and Build Quality
From my experience, the Imperialstar produces a warm, punchy tone thanks to its poplar shells. The 6-ply construction strikes a good balance between resonance and durability. The hardware feels sturdy enough for regular practice and even small gigs. If you want a kit that sounds good both for practice and recording, this is a solid choice.
Setup and Portability
I appreciated that the hardware is straightforward to set up, which is perfect if you’re new to assembling drums. The kit is also reasonably portable; while it’s not ultra-light, it’s manageable to transport to rehearsals or lessons.
Considerations Before Buying
- Budget: The Imperialstar offers great value, but if you want professional-grade sound, you might need to upgrade cymbals or hardware later.
- Space: Ensure you have enough room for a 5-piece kit. The bass drum and floor tom need a decent footprint.
- Upgradability: This kit is great for starting out, but you can always enhance your setup with better cymbals, pedals, or add-ons as you progress.
Final Thoughts
If you’re like me, looking for a dependable, quality drum kit that won’t break the bank, the Tama Imperialstar 5 Piece Drum Kit is a fantastic choice. It helped me grow as a drummer without overwhelming my budget or setup space. Just be sure to consider what accessories you might need to complete your setup!
I hope my insights help you make an informed decision on your drumming journey!
Author Profile
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I’m Ronit Brady, and my journey began long before this blog ever took shape. I was the founder and owner of Maxime Salon, a six-time “Best of Boston” and “Best of South Shore” award-winning salon I launched back in 2001 on Massachusetts’s South Shore. Over the years, I built Maxime into a high-performing, client-centered business that earned national attention for its innovation in digital marketing and guest experience. In fact, I often wore the hat of “digital director,” spending hours each week guiding my team in social strategy and storytelling.
Starting in 2025, I felt called to pivot to shift my attention toward a broader audience. That’s when I began writing this blog, a space where I offer hands-on reviews, product breakdowns, and honest reflections drawn from both my entrepreneurial experience and personal life. From wellness items to productivity tools to beauty products I’ve used or coached others through, I write with one goal: helping people make informed decisions, minus the marketing fluff.
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