There are also some new videos on youtube of Tom Float and Roger Carter demoing the features of the snares, basses, tenors and carriers.

snares - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1B7dj8oqIJk
tenors - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT0j4pr1R-g
basses - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhF_L8Z9LcQ
carriers - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9JOol6Eblw

I think Tama has come up with a nice list of interesting features. I like the tenor feet, but agree some of them will get lost. The high throw off is nice in theory, but I'm not sure how useful it will be in reality. I'm curious how often the tenor position adjustment screws will come loose - or how hard one could bump into the drums before the position is changed. I'm also curious if the tenor drums will stay flat (like Dynasty) or allow some different angles drum to drum (like Pearl/Yamaha). I like the carrier back adjustment and the j-bar clips - particularly on the basses. I wonder about price, timing and durability of all the little bells and whistles, but realize that is info we'll get over time.

There are still lots of questions, but at this point I'm liking what I am seeing.

with the locks on the jbars you would not be able to use it with another brand. I assume that was part of the intention. Maybe if you swap jbars to another brand it would work. but not many groups would do that

Be honest this catalog looks rushed.. its missing some things.. like available sizes.. only ones I saw were bass drums and snares.. no tenor configs.. no stands which are specific to Tama, and its a pet peeve but the one group in the pictures are using Randal May carriers. (page 7) No accessories, like covers backbars ect.. It looks rushed, I don't understand the timing. A hand full of scholastic groups have the drums but no indy groups or corps as of yet. I do like we have some information. But for the blitz that was on at the beginning of this month to now I figure a lot more info would be out.

Hello, just a short update. I have been quite busy so sorry for a delay in info. This hopefully will cover many of your post questions.
1. Catalogue: yes, the catalogue is a temporary catalogue to hand out at TMEA and at a few shows. Obviously the real catalogue will follow.
2. Stands: Tama has two versions of stands. Both versions are stellar on form, function, and innovation. It is a lawyer world, Tama must have all things patented before any release of info.
3. Tenor legs: the tenor legs have many purposes. They allow drums to be set on a flat surface for rehearsal. They allow drums to be set on the ground for casual rehearsal or tuning. Drums sound like actual pitch with legs on. With legs off in traditional sitting position, drums have a distorted pitch. Not with Tama tenors.
4. Tenor angle adjustments: Tama tenor drums 100% lock into position with 4 adjustment bolts after setting the preferred angle. No movement, no sagging, no nothing.
5. Flat surface tenors?: Tama tenors have double connectors from drum to drum. This means there is no possibility of twisting of drums which creates drums at different angles. I always hated seeing tenors sagging on the ends or not sitting flat. Not on the Tama drums.
6. Clips on "J" bars: The pieces on the "J" bars on all carriers lock the drum to the carrier. They are very necessary and are one of Tama's many safety features.
7. Tama has beautiful covers, stick holders, and other accessories for the drums not shown in the catalogue yet.
7. Tama is not selling drums to the general public for at least 6 months. Tama is still perfecting their product and perfection is the goal. Will it be perfect......NO. Will it be an incredible improvement over all marching drums in existence?...............Yes. check out the drums at WGI, seeing, hearing, and experiencing will answer all of your questions.

Tama Marching Drums: "Where Percussion Meets Perfection".........not just a slogan, stay tuned, it will change how you think about marching percussion.

Tom Float

Well that makes sense.

Can you tell us if any corps this season will be marching them?

how about tenor configurations? as per big block small block. 6/8 combos

What about shell depth one size or will there be a deep version?

Hello. Tama tenors will be:
6,10,12, 13, 14
6, 6, 10, 12, 13, 14
6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14
The 6" drums are 5 1/2 and 7 1/2 inches deep.
A 6, 8, 10, 12, 13 version will be offered but not a priority at this time.
No DCI corps will be using Tama for the
2011 season by Tama's choice.
Thanks for your questions, Tom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT0j4pr1R-g

In the Tenor video, at 1:34 in. "Will also prevent uniform damaged buy drum" I think you mean by there

After watching the video linked to above, I would be more than willing to try that tenor stand...if one can remove the "adapter" pieces.

It looks like a sturdier version of the Pearl MTS-2000 stand with the ability to adjust lower. If the price point is $100+/- I'll surely buy one.

Oops, Pearl has replaced the venerable MTS-2000 with the MTS-3000 (http://www.steveweissmusic.com/product/pearl-mts3000-marching-tenor-stand/marching-drum-stands). Basically a new "stadium" stand.