Aronoff: Two things: First, it was the size of the drums because I thought they might be really cool to use in the studio as a special drum kit for different sounds. And then, when I saw the mesh pads/heads, I thought that it would be fantastic for practicing in my L.A. apartment. I wouldn't make a lot of noise and I wouldn't be playing on pads.
TAMA: In what capacity do you use the Stagestar set?
Aronoff: Right now I'm using it for both purposes -- practicing and in the studio a little bit.
TAMA: What did you use as a practice set prior to the Stagestar, and how does it compare?
Aronoff: I was using the D-drum pads. Although, I have to admit, I usually don't have to use pads. Usually I can play on real drums in my studio at my house in Indiana. But when I have had to practice on pads or backstage, or when I'm in my L.A. apartment, I was using my D-drum pads. But they are not mesh pads and they just make too much noise.
TAMA: How is the response of the practice heads?
Aronoff: I like it. They're really responsive. You have a lot of tuning options. They can be springy and you can make them more responsive by tuning them tighter. Then you can just tune the heads looser for less response.
TAMA: How do you like the sound of the 8ply/9mm Philippine mahogany shells?
Aronoff: It's just a different sound. I use it mostly for loop-type stuff, like a pop kit, and record with it kind of like an effects kit. With what I've used it for so far, I've ended up putting filters on it and making the sound a little more unique, not like a regular drum set.
TAMA: How would you compare the sound of the Stagestar to your Starclassic?
Aronoff: Oh, there's no comparison. The Starclassic is a first-rate, top-rate, phenomenal, fantastic drum set. This is a smaller kit and it doesn't get the same big sound, but you'd be amazed with what you can do with a little kit like that. Tuning and mic-ing the drums just right, you can definitely record a basic track with that kit. With the right song you can use it to record a master quality record.
TAMA: How does the hardware hold up to the demand of your playing?
Aronoff: I mean, with my aggressive playing, I could never take that hardware on tour. There's no question. But in the studio and for practicing, it's fine.
TAMA: Do you feel the Stagestar would be a good kit for a club drummer on the go?
Aronoff: As long as he wasn't playing really hard on the drums, like no Led Zeppelin tunes. It'd be great for a club where they want the dynamics a little lower and where microphones are doing a lot of the work. As far as convenience though, it's great. Fantastic. Overall, I like the fact that it's just another element of the TAMA drum set line. It's small and convenient. I can practice on it so I don't need pads, and I can use it for special recording situations. I would even get another bass drum and have a little double bass drum kit.
For further information for Stagestar Drums, click here .
