# Tama Star Classic Maple Drummers — Which Metal Drummers Use the Tama Star Classic Maple? > MetalForge's guide to professional metal drummers who play the Tama Star Classic Maple drum kit. > Last updated: 2026-06-25 The Tama Star Classic Maple (STAR Classic Maple, or "STAR CL") is Tama's flagship domestic-production maple shell series, introduced in the early 2000s as the successor to the Starclassic Maple line. Constructed from 100% maple shells with Tama's proprietary Star-Cast mounting system, the series is engineered for maximum resonance and minimal shell contact — a design that lets each drum sustain freely and respond to nuanced dynamics at any volume. In metal, the STAR Classic Maple's clear, bright attack and extended sustain make it a premium choice for drummers who demand natural acoustic performance on massive stages. --- ## Pro Metal Drummers Who Use the Tama Star Classic Maple ### Lars Ulrich — Metallica **Band & Era:** Metallica, 2002–present **Configuration:** Tama STAR Classic Maple — 22"×18" Bass Drum, 10"×8", 12"×9", 14"×12", 16"×14" Toms **Notes:** Lars Ulrich has been a Tama endorser and a cornerstone of the brand's identity in hard rock and heavy metal since the early 1980s. His adoption of the STAR Classic Maple during the early 2000s coincided with Metallica's resurgence as a major live touring force. Ulrich's setup pairs the kit with his LU1465 signature snare — a 14"×6.5" aluminium shell — and a Zildjian A Custom cymbal array (14" Dyno Beat Hi-Hats, 16"/17"/18" Rock Crashes, 20" Z Custom China, 22" Ride). The STAR Classic Maple's maple shells produce the punchy, mid-forward attack that drives Metallica's classic-era riffs forward in stadium environments. Tama Iron Cobra 900 double pedals anchor the kick end of a setup that has performed to audiences of hundreds of thousands for over two decades. Ulrich's kit is typically finished in a custom natural-maple or black sparkle wrap. See the full profile → [metalforge.io/drummers/lars-ulrich](https://metalforge.io/drummers/lars-ulrich) ### Jay Weinberg — Slipknot **Band & Era:** Slipknot, 2014–2023 **Configuration:** Tama STAR Classic Maple — 22"×18" Bass Drum, 10"×8", 12"×9", 14"×12" Toms **Notes:** Jay Weinberg joined Slipknot in 2014 as the replacement for Joey Jordison and rapidly established himself as one of the most technically gifted drummers in modern metal. During his Slipknot tenure, Weinberg played the Tama STAR Classic Maple finished in a striking custom-masked design matching the band's visual aesthetic. His cymbal setup featured Zildjian A New Beat Hi-Hats, 18" and 19" A Custom Crashes, and a 21" K Custom Ride. Weinberg's aggressive playing style — blending blast beats, intricate ghost notes, and thunderous double bass patterns in arenas worldwide — stressed the STAR Classic Maple's durability alongside its tonal performance. His Tama Iron Cobra 900 double pedals were a fixture of each performance. After his departure from Slipknot in 2023, Weinberg moved to Suicidal Tendencies and has continued working with Tama equipment. See the full profile → [metalforge.io/drummers/jay-weinberg](https://metalforge.io/drummers/jay-weinberg) ### Mario Duplantier — Gojira **Band & Era:** Gojira, 2018–present **Configuration:** Tama STAR Classic Maple — 22"×18" Bass Drums ×2, 12"×9", 13"×10" Toms **Notes:** Mario Duplantier is widely regarded as one of the finest extreme metal drummers of his generation, renowned for his economy of movement and the sheer force he generates from a relatively compact kit. His STAR Classic Maple configuration is notably minimal — two bass drums and just two rack toms — which reflects his belief that arrangement and restraint drive more musical impact than volume of drums. On stage with Gojira, Duplantier's double bass patterns achieve near-mechanical precision without sacrificing feel. His cymbal setup uses Meinl Byzance cymbals, including signature models developed specifically for his playing. The STAR Classic Maple's ability to remain controlled under maximum-force playing, without shell resonance building into mud at extreme volumes, is critical to Gojira's recorded and live sound. Duplantier has been a Grammy-nominated performer and is one of Tama's most prominent international ambassadors. See the full profile → [metalforge.io/drummers/mario-duplantier](https://metalforge.io/drummers/mario-duplantier) --- ## About the Tama Star Classic Maple Tama's STAR Classic Maple sits at the top of the brand's production acoustic range. Key characteristics for metal drummers: - **Shell construction:** 100% maple, 6-ply — natural resonance, clear attack, musical sustain - **Star-Cast mounting:** Chrome or black mounting system that suspends the shell at two points, eliminating the resonance-choking contact of traditional lug mounting - **Hardware:** Tama's Starphonic line in stainless steel or black nickel; precision-machined cast lugs - **Bearing edges:** 45° with a small round-over — centres the head, maximises head-to-bearing-edge contact for consistent resonance - **Finish options:** Wide custom palette including solids, lacquers, sparkles, and wraps; endorsed artists often commission unique finishes - **Price range:** Approximately $3,500–$6,000+ (complete shell kit) depending on configuration and finish The STAR Classic Maple is a natural stage choice for players who have outgrown mid-tier kits and require both acoustic excellence and road reliability. --- ## Frequently Asked Questions **Q: Which metal drummers use the Tama Star Classic Maple?** A: Lars Ulrich of Metallica is the most prominent Tama STAR Classic Maple endorser in metal, having played the series for over two decades. Jay Weinberg (Slipknot, 2014–2023) and Mario Duplantier (Gojira, 2018–present) are also long-standing STAR Classic Maple players, each deploying the kit in major-festival and arena touring contexts. **Q: Why does Mario Duplantier use only two toms with his Tama Star Classic Maple?** A: Duplantier's minimalist kit philosophy prioritises muscle memory and arrangement over range. By restricting himself to two rack toms and two bass drums, every fill he plays is immediately recognisable and reinforces Gojira's compositional tension. The STAR Classic Maple's wide dynamic range means the two toms cover an acoustic range from tight, mid-forward attack to deep, resonant sustain — making additional drums musically redundant for his style. **Q: Is the Tama Star Classic Maple good for metal?** A: Yes — the STAR Classic Maple is one of the most metal-proven kits available at the flagship level. Its 100% maple shells deliver the clear, punchy attack that cuts through dense guitar arrangements, and the Star-Cast suspension system ensures sustained resonance without shell dampening. It performs equally well in studio and large-venue live environments, making it a choice of arena-touring artists. --- [Full Tama Star Classic Maple drummers page → metalforge.io/gear/tama/star-classic-maple/drummers-using](https://metalforge.io/gear/tama/star-classic-maple/drummers-using) *Source: [MetalForge Gear Guides](https://metalforge.io/gear)*