Project Description

I’m not a gear reviewer, there are gazillions of them on the net anyway, but if I see something which I think is great for vintage drums I’ll give you my opinion on it.

I bought these Tama Classic cymbal stands from Absolute Music here in Poole from Austin Lane, who if you don’t know him is one of our local legends really. He and his team at Absolute have always treated me very well so it’s only fair to give them a bit of a plug when looking at new gear.

These stands I think are just great if you are a vintage drum nut. OK they are not like DW or Gibraltar (and now Pearl’s) flush braced options which are packed full of features but they are just bang on the money. Here’s why:

  1. Price – £55 is a reasonable price for some chromed steel
  2. Weight – under 1.5 kg for a stand is helpful
  3. Wing nuts – yes you heard me right! They have decent solid hardware which is nicely balanced
  4. Size, small and compact footprint and easily go in a bag
  5. Feel. They move a little when you hit the cymbals – just like my old Premier stands! and I like it
  6. Surprisingly stable – I had a 20″ K ride plonked on one and it was fine
  7. Ratcheted cymbal tilter – this works, no gimmick just like the old premiers but with a WING NUT not some silly slotted tension bolt.
  8. They look cool – say no more

So, if you are looking to replace your tired Olympic stands or you want to gig with that vintage look these will really do the job. Plus if you are feeling flush Absolute will do a set of 2 x cymbal stands, snare and a hi-hat with tension adjustment for around the £240 mark, plus you get a bag for them all!

Here’s what Mr Erskine has to say on behalf of Tama…