Tama drums and hardware

Tama is a world-renowned brand of drums and hardware that emerged in its modern form in 1974. The brand's history is deeply rooted in the Japanese musical instrument industry, specifically within the company Hoshino Gakki. Before the Tama name was officially adopted, the company manufactured drums under the 'Star Drums' brand starting in 1965. The name 'Tama' was chosen in honor of the wife of the company's owner, which also means 'jewel' in Japanese.

Tama gained significant global acclaim in the 1970s and 80s by introducing heavy-duty hardware that catered to the loud and aggressive styles of rock and metal drummers. Innovations such as the Iron Cobra bass drum pedal and the use of exotic hardwoods like Bubinga have solidified its reputation for quality and durability. Today, Tama remains a favorite among professional drummers and is widely distributed across international markets.

Manufacturing for Tama is split between two primary locations. High-end, professional-grade drum lines (such as the Star series) and intensive research and development are conducted at the company's headquarters in Seto, Japan. However, the majority of the brand's mid-range and entry-level kits, along with much of its hardware, are manufactured in their dedicated facility in Guangzhou, China, to maintain global competitiveness and affordability.