MusicRadar

The matt lacquer finish is unique, but classy, and the unstained bass drum hoops are a perfect counterpoint

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• Review
• Manufacturer's Description

You’ve probably never heard of Tamburo drums – not unless you’ve done your fair share of music fairs in Frankfurt, anyway. Based in Sant’Omero, Italy, the company was started in 1984 by Tullio Granatello, who sought to create drums that were comparable to fine, stringed instruments.

Tullio experimented with a variety of different woods and construction methods, and eventually settled on building drums with staved shells (like a coopered barrel). While this concept is not without its contemporary advocates – such as Brady with its block snare drums – Tamburo is unique in that it makes entire kits using this method.

Ash on delivery

Of the five Tamburo ranges, only the top two – Opera and Formula – are built entirely in Italy. The remaining three – XD, Studio, and the subject of this review, the entry-level Ash Series – are all made in the Far East, but assembled in Italy. As the name suggests, the Ash Series drums are constructed purely from – you’ve guessed it – ash.

Although a far more popular choice among custom drum makers for snare drums, this is still a fairly uncommon choice for drum construction, which is strange, as it’s actually ideal. Not only does it possess excellent tonal properties, but it’s exceptionally strong, easy to work and inexpensive.

The Ash range is limited to two kit set-ups; a difference in bass drum sizes (20"x16" or 22"x16") is all that separates the blueprints. The range is also available in a choice of two matt lacquer finishes, either Transparent Amber or Transparent Black. Both bass drums are partnered by a 14"x5½" snare drum and 10"x9", 12"x10" and 14"x12" toms.

Each kit is supplied with a trio of ball and socket holders (two mounted on the bass drum, the third with its own clamp), and a modest hardware pack that includes a hi-hat stand, snare stand, upright cymbal stand and a bass drum pedal.

A touch of class

Our review kit is the 22" bass drum model finished in Transparent Black. First impressions count, so let’s deal with those first. The Matt finish is novel but is far from looking gimmicky. In fact, a more prolonged study reveals an understated and deeply attractive, winning look. In normal lighting the grain is only just visible beneath the black lacquer. However, stage lights reveal the grain flowing through it.

While it’s not a kit that screams for attention, its subtle features suggest an inherent classiness. The lugs are a perfect illustration of this elegance and careful attention to detail. They’re beautifully proportioned, round examples made from a combination of metal and ABS plastic. Based on Tullio’s original design, the hybrid of materials is intended to absorb and eliminate internal lug vibrations.