Inspired By Lars: TAMA Imperialstar 7-Piece Double Bass Drum Set With Black Nickel Hardware Electric Yellow

[Jules]

On Facebook, I have seen people fussing that the sizes weren't correct, poplar shells, price is too high etc. There are only 150 of them in the US. I find this a little odd. They are a limited edition, but not exactly a Signature drum set. Lars' name isn't even part of the model number.

This is a complete kit, not just a shell set.

From the Guitar Center website:

Description

Big sound. Bold look. Pure stage energy. The TAMA Imperialstar 7-piece double bass drum set with black nickel hardware captures the spirit of Metallica's Lars Ulrich 72 Seasons tour kit, offering a bold aesthetic and reliable performance at an accessible price point. This set features a vibrant yellow finish and black nickel shell hardware, delivering a striking visual presence inspired by one of rock's most iconic drummers. Built on TAMA's trusted Imperialstar platform, the kit includes double bass drums and seven pieces for expansive rhythmic possibilities. With a focus on durability, tonal clarity and modern design, this kit is perfect for drummers who demand performance-ready gear with a touch of heavy-metal flair. It's another tour-tested innovation from TAMA—the brand that's backed legends on stage for decades.
TAMA Double Bass Drums for Dynamic Power

This kit doesn't hold back—and neither should you. At the heart of the TAMA Imperialstar are two 22" bass drums, delivering thunderous low-end power and punch. Ideal for drummers who want an expansive setup, the double bass configuration supports intricate footwork and high-energy performance. The poplar shells add warmth and resonance, while pre-muffled heads keep your sound tight and focused. Whether you're driving massive grooves or hammering out rapid fills, these bass drums hit with clarity and control.
Imperialstar Poplar Shells for Balanced Tone and Projection

Warm tone meets workhorse reliability. The Imperialstar shells are built from poplar, a tonewood known for smooth attack and round, balanced character. TAMA's cross-laminated construction increases strength and projection, while 45-degree bearing edges improve resonance and tuning consistency. From the studio to the stage, these shells hold their own and then some—just like TAMA's legacy of innovation in pro-level kits.
Black Nickel Hardware for Bold Visual Impact

This kit looks as fierce as it sounds. With sleek black nickel hardware throughout, the Imperialstar grabs attention under the lights and keeps your setup rock-solid throughout the show. Rugged lugs, hoops and tom mounts are built to last, and the reinforced mounting system keeps every drum locked in place. It's a bold visual signature that pairs perfectly with the bright yellow shells—and a nod to the detail TAMA puts into every kit.
7-Piece Setup With Pro Hardware and Creative Range

More drums. More possibilities. This 7-piece configuration features two bass drums, three rack toms, a floor tom and a snare, giving you endless tonal combinations. A complete set of double-braced hardware—including stands and a chain-drive pedal—is also included, making this a true stage-ready package. Whether you're blasting through metal or building dynamic grooves across genres, this kit gives you the tools to play without limits.
The TAMA Imperialstar Look and Sound With Ulrich-Inspired Attitude

Designed to impress and built to perform, the TAMA Imperialstar 7-piece double bass drum set channels the power and swagger of Lars Ulrich's 72 Seasons tour rig. With its commanding tone, striking finishes and stage-tested build quality, it's the perfect mix of performance and inspiration. Add it to your arsenal and let your kit make just as much noise as you do.

Features

TAMA Imperialstar shells ensure reliable durability and crisp, powerful tone
Striking yellow finish with black nickel hardware offers stage-ready aesthetics
Double bass drum setup provides versatility for intricate heavy metal grooves
Trusted Imperialstar construction delivers consistent sound for beginner and pro drummers
Inspired by Lars Ulrich's 72 Seasons tour kit for Metallica fans
Affordable option for players seeking professional-grade style and performance
High-quality drumheads enhance attack and sustain for dynamic playing
Seven-piece configuration supports a wide range of genres and techniques
Easy setup and portability make it ideal for gigs or home practice
Limited-edition design celebrates the legacy of Lars Ulrich and TAMA
Specs

Shell
Material: Poplar
Construction: 6-ply
Shell finish: Yellow

Hardware finish: Black nickel
Hardware
Bass drums: 18" x 22" (x2)
Rack toms: 7" x 8", 8" x 10"
Floor toms: 14" x 16", 16" x 18"
Snare drum: 5" x 14"
Cymbal stands: Double-braced
Hi-hat stand: Double-braced
Bass drum pedals: 2

Design
Series: Imperialstar
Configuration: 7-piece with double bass
Cymbals included: 14" hi-hats, 16"/18" crashes, 20" ride
Cymbal material: Brass
Warranty

Wood hoops - 30 day warranty.
All hardware (metal hoops) and shell finish - One year warranty.
Shells - 5 year warranty.
[END]

Side note: 30 day warranty on wood hoops? Strange.

[Joe´s Drumgear]

There was the real limited kit earlier this year, but people complained about the price. Now they make a affordable version with the shells they got and people complain about other stuff. You can‘t make it right for everyone. Also this version has some upgrades compared to the normal Imperialstar.

When Pearl made the Joey Jordison Kit, Paiste the Joey Jordison Cymbals or even Sonor the Danny Carey Drum none of them were even close to what the actual artist played. That has been a thing for years.

At least Tama sold the sizes Lars plays every now and then when he gets a new live kit. Compared to the normale Starclassic Maple they even are not to pricey when you consider the limited amount and color.

[tcbetka]

What was the Tama line back then that was basically compressed wood? Wasn't that the Imperialstar? I know that Steward Copeland played those compressed wood Tama drums for a while. I saw and played some of those drums in person at a semi-local drum shop, about an hour from my hometown. I'm pretty sure they were the Imperialstar drums, but the description posted above doesn't ring a bell. This would have been about 40 or so years ago by now though, so my memory on that might be a little sketchy. I was a "Tama guy" back then, with a huge Superstar Mega kit--two 24" kicks, and 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18 toms. I used to gig those drums back then too--when I was young, stupid, and had a strong back.

[tcbetka]

Yeah, a little research this morning shows me that's what he used to play. Really thick shells with that "compressed wood"-looking coating on them. Big thick reinforcing rings as well.

[Jules]

Remo released Acousticon shells in 1982. I played a rented set and they weren't bad. Their popularity waned for whatever reason. Not aware of any quality or durability issues, though.

[tcbetka]

I think that's the line that Clyde Stubblefield played, back in the day when I knew him in Madison WI. In fact, it was Clyde that (indirectly) got me my first gig in Madison, from which I worked my way around to playing with a few different bands. But he had a 5-pc set of those drums, in like 14/15/16ft/22, as I recall. But he tuned the (mounted) 14/15 toms up to the pitch of a 12/13 pair, which always made me scratch my head. A bunch of us used to give him crap about it all the time, but he'd always say "I just like how the sizes are right in a row...14, 15, 16". For anyone else that would play that kit, it sounded like crap. Well, the snare and kick were fine--but the toms were choked and just sounded terrible. But when Clyde played them, they sounded like...Clyde.

Very nice dude and I was lucky to call him a friend of sorts. We didn't hang out at all, except at gigs. But he would come out to see other bands play, and of course we'd all go down to hear Clyde play whenever possible. And every once in awhile you'd run into him at the local drum shop and get him to tell some stories. Great times.