Vintage Tama Starclassic Performer 5.5x14 Snare — 1st Gen 1994-96 MIJ, Pearl White, 8-Ply Philippine Mahogany/Birch, Die-Cast Hoops (Video Demo)

First-generation Made-in-Japan Tama Starclassic Performer, 5.5x14, in Pearl White. Badge #028785.

8-ply Philippine mahogany shell with an inner birch ply — the original Starclassic Performer recipe, per Tama’s own 1996 general catalog. In 1997 the line moved to basswood and painted finishes only, and the Pearl White wrap was discontinued. That makes this a legit 1994–96 drum, and the finish is what dates it. Tama’s catalog archive is public if you want to verify.

Tama Star-Cast die-cast zinc hoops. Focused, controlled, real crack on a rimshot.

*Honest Note: Four lugs were cracked when I bought this drum. All four have been replaced with genuine Tama MSL-SCT lugs sourced direct from Japan — correct factory parts, not generic substitutes, which is why this sat for weeks instead of going out with some knock-off parts.
While it was apart I also replaced every lug gasket; the originals were torn and dried out. Everything else is original: hoops, strainer, butt plate, and the original Starclassic-branded wires.

Fresh Evans both sides — UV1 coated batter, Snare Side 300 reso. Ready to play out of the box.

Condition: Wrap is clean and intact with a nicely aged cream tone. One small darkened area (pictured). Light chrome spotting on hoops and a few lug bases. Shell interior is very clean — no cracks, no repairs, no extra holes.

I fully disassembled, cleaned, rebuilt, and tuned before listing.

Teardown photos at the end — the shell was fully apart for the lug work, so you can see the interior condition yourself.

Beautiful drum.

**Free-Shipping included!! Packed to survive the trip — insured and tracked. The price you see is the price you pay.

**Note - my shop policy on buyer commitments: if payment is not received within 24 hours of committing to purchase, the sale will be cancelled & item relisted.