TAMA [TAMA 50th Anniversary Limited] AW-455 [Mastercraft Snare Drum, Artwood Birch, 14" x 5"] [Limited Edition] [In-Store Special Price]

*This is a guitar that has been released for trial play in-store, so there may be signs of use such as dents, dirt, and fingerprints. Thank you for your understanding.

The long-awaited limited edition Artwood Birch model from the Mastercraft series, originally released in 1980, is being reissued.

The Artwood Birch features the birch shell acclaimed in the Superstar, boasting a powerful mid-low range and excellent sound projection thanks to its 9mm thick shell. The snare wire is a full-contact type, a common feature at the time, and the strainer used to operate it is a perfect reproduction of the Roller Action Strainer, originally designed and developed by TAMA. It delivers the smooth operation and retro look that were popular at the time, while also producing the sensitive response and voluminous buzz characteristic of a full-contact strainer. Another notable feature is its beautiful design. It reproduces the wood inlays used in earlier models. The contrast with the unadorned, natural wood grain creates an antique atmosphere reminiscent of antique art.


[9mm 6ply All Birch Shell with Center Wood Inlay]
The 9mm 6-ply birch wood, which was highly praised in the Superstar, is characterized by its thick mid-low range and excellent sound projection thanks to its 9mm thick shell. The wood inlays used in earlier models are also reproduced. The contrast with the unadorned, natural wood grain creates an antique atmosphere reminiscent of antique art.


18 strands of Carbon Steel Long Snare Wires (full-surface snare wire)
The 18-strand carbon steel snare wire and filament tape are faithfully reproduced to the original specifications. Compared to the internal contact method, only the snare wire comes into contact with the back of the head, resulting in a more sensitive response.


[Roller Action Strainer]
This revolutionary strainer delivers the subtle tonal expression and voluminous buzz of full-surface snare wire contact, while improving operability with a simple design. The key features are the guide roller, which moves up and down over a 3mm range, and a small spring that assists its movement. This allows for a greater drop in the snare wire, while the spring's repulsive force ensures that the guide roller is securely separated from the head. This makes it easy to switch the strainer on and off, and its simple design has attracted a great deal of attention. This strainer, once discontinued, has been faithfully reproduced in this model, allowing you to experience its unique tone and operability once again.


[6302N Strainer]
This strainer switch butt is a faithful reproduction of the original. Even the "OWARIASAHI/AICHI JAPAN" engraving on the strainer switch, referring to the city of Owariasahi, Aichi Prefecture, where TAMA drums were manufactured at the time, has been faithfully reproduced. Furthermore, the diameter of the square-head bolt that secures the filament tape retainer plate has been increased from 4mm to 5mm, improving durability.


[Die-Cast Hoop (10 holes)]
The 10-tension Die Cast Hoop was not common in the early '80s, but it was adopted for all Mastercraft series drums to achieve a clear attack and a sound with good sound projection. The snare side hoop has been redesigned with a windowed design that prevents the snare wire from touching the floor.


[One Touch Tone Control]
This inside muffler was developed for the original Mastercraft snare drum. At the time of the Mastercraft's release, recording technology was not yet advanced, and controlling the sound of the drum itself was important, so it was adopted by many drums. The One Touch Tone Control, in particular, was highly praised as a groundbreaking idea, allowing for subtle mute adjustments and one-touch on/off switching. This mechanism, which allows for instant sound changes even while playing, opens up new sonic possibilities, even in today's world of advanced recording technology.


[Original Superstar Badge & Superstar Lug]
The original T-shaped Superstar emblem has been reproduced, and the original Superstar lugs have been recreated to match not only the appearance but also the weight of the original.


[REMO AMBASSADOR Coated TAMA 50th Anniversary version]
It features the REMO AMBASSADOR Coated Batter/Snare Side, which features a reproduction of the original logo mark print.



Size: 14×5
Shell: 9mm 6ply birch with center wood inlay
Parts Finish: Chrome Lug/Tension Bolt: Original Superstar Lug (6371N)/MS648SHP
Head: REMO AMBASSADOR Coated Batter/Snare Side
Strainer/bat: Roller Action (6302N/6303N + 6338N)
Snare: 18 strands of Carbon Steel Long Snare Wires (6035N/with filament tape) / Full-surface Hoop: Die-Cast Hoop (10 holes) MDH14-10 (hitting surface) MDH14S10L (back surface)
Built-in mute: One Touch Tone Control (6552N)



Soft bag (PBS1465) x 1pcs
50th Anniversary Drumsticks (H214B 50TH) x 1pr (Not for sale)
50th Anniversary Drum Tuning Key (TDK10GR) x 1pc (Not for sale)
50th Anniversary Postcard Set (5 cards/set) x 1pc (Not for sale)