Mapex Drums Best to Worst

Mapex Drums Brand Story

MAPEX Drums: A Legacy of Music and Percussion Excellence

MAPEX, an acronym for Music And Percussion EXcellence, represents the perfect balance between musicianship and craftsmanship. Our mission is to create drums that not only honor tradition but also push the boundaries of innovation.

With a deep respect for the heritage of drum-building, we combine time-tested techniques with modern science to enhance sound quality and playability. At MAPEX, we don’t just make drums—we craft instruments that empower drummers to elevate their performance. Experience the fusion of tradition and innovation with MAPEX, where great musicians meet exceptional sound.

Mapex WHAT MAKES Them DIFFERENT?

MAPEX Drums: Built for Drummers, by Drummers

At MAPEX, we’re more than just drum makers—we’re musicians, just like you. Many of us are drummers, and all of us share a deep love for music. We know that playing isn’t just about the gear—it’s about expression, passion, and the pure joy of drumming.

Sure, we’d love for everyone to play MAPEX, but more than anything, we want drummers to love playing—no matter the brand. That’s why we’re committed to crafting high-quality drums at great prices while constantly improving through your honest feedback.

Drumming is an experience, and we’re here to make it even better. Let’s create something amazing together.

All About Mapex

Great drums start with great materials. At MAPEX, we hand-select premium hardwoods like maple, walnut, birch, and basswood from the finest global sources. Skilled experts carefully match each piece to ensure every drum delivers the signature tone and resonance that defines the MAPEX sound.

Looks matter too. Our high-gloss lacquer finishes feature an eight-coat, hand-rubbed process for a stunning, durable appearance that’s easy to maintain.

It’s all in the details. Our isolated tom mounting system ensures pure tone, while precision-cut bearing edges and ergonomic bass drum claws provide seamless playability. Every drum—regardless of price—is built to exact specifications because we want you to start with MAPEX and stay with MAPEX.

Built for drummers, by drummers, our instruments are designed to perform—on stage, in the studio, and everywhere in between. Play with confidence. Play MAPEX.

Mapex Saturn Evolution Series Drum Set

Saturn Evolution Maple-Walnut

The Mapex Saturn Evolution Series Drum Set is a premium offering from Mapex, designed to provide a versatile and high-quality drumming experience. Here's a breakdown of its key features:  

Key Features:

Hybrid Shell Construction:
The Saturn Evolution series utilizes a hybrid shell construction, combining maple and walnut. This combination is known for producing a balanced tone with warmth, resonance, and punch.  
Typically, it will be Maple outer plies, and Walnut inner plies.
SONIClear Bearing Edges:
Mapex's SONIClear bearing edges are a key feature. They are designed to optimize the contact between the drumhead and the shell, resulting in:
Increased resonance.
Improved tuning stability.
Easier tuning.
 
SONIClear Tom Suspension:
The SONIClear tom suspension system allows the toms to resonate freely, enhancing their sustain and tone.
Sound Characteristics:
The maple/walnut combination provides a versatile sound that is suitable for a wide range of musical genres.
Expect a warm, full-bodied tone with a strong low-end punch and clear attack.
Finish Options:
Mapex offers a variety of attractive finish options for the Saturn Evolution series, showcasing the natural beauty of the wood grain.  
Hardware:
Quality Mapex hardware is used throughout the kit.
Why They're Notable:

Versatile Sound:
The hybrid shells make them suitable for a wide range of musical genres.  
Innovative Features:
The SONIClear bearing edges and tom suspension system enhance the drum's performance.  
High-Quality Construction:
Mapex is known for its quality craftsmanship.
Who They're For:

Professional and semi-professional drummers.
Gigging musicians.
Studio drummers.
Drummers seeking a high-quality, versatile drum set.
In essence, the Mapex Saturn Evolution Series Drum Set is a premium offering that combines innovative features with high-quality construction and a versatile sound.
  

Buy This Drum Kit at the Links Listed Below.

Mapex Saturn Series Drum Set

The Mapex Saturn Series Drum Set is a well-regarded line of drums known for its hybrid shell construction and versatile sound. Here's a breakdown of its key features:  

Key Features:

Hybrid Shells:
A defining characteristic of the Saturn series is its hybrid shell construction, typically combining maple and walnut.  
This blend is designed to offer the warmth and resonance of maple with the punch and focus of walnut.
This combination is very popular, as it gives a very versatile tone.
SONIClear Bearing Edges:
Mapex's SONIClear bearing edges are designed to optimize the contact between the drumhead and the shell.  
This results in improved tuning stability, increased resonance, and easier tuning.  
SONIClear Tom Suspension:
The SONIClear tom suspension system allows the toms to resonate freely, enhancing their sustain and tone.
Sound Characteristics:
The maple/walnut combination produces a versatile sound that is suitable for a wide range of musical genres.  
Expect a warm, full-bodied tone with a strong low-end punch and clear attack.
Finish Options:
Mapex offers a variety of attractive finish options for the Saturn series, showcasing the natural beauty of the wood grain.  
Hardware:
Quality Mapex hardware is used throughout the kit.
Why They're Popular:

Versatile Sound:
The hybrid shells make them suitable for a wide range of musical genres.  
Innovative Features:
The SONIClear bearing edges and tom suspension system enhance the drum's performance.  
Quality Construction:
Mapex is known for its quality craftsmanship.
Good Value:
The Saturn series is often seen as a great value for the quality of drums that are provided.
Who They're For:

Professional and semi-professional drummers.
Gigging musicians.
Studio drummers.
Drummers seeking a high-quality, versatile drum set.
In essence, the Mapex Saturn Series Drum Set is a popular choice for drummers who want a versatile and high-quality kit with innovative features.

Buy This Drum Kit at the Links Listed Below.

Mapex Armory Series Drum Set

Armory Shell Pack

The Mapex Armory Series Drum Set is a popular mid-range offering from Mapex, designed to provide a versatile and high-quality drumming experience at a more accessible price point. Here's a breakdown of its key features:  

Key Features:

Hybrid Shells:
The Armory Series features hybrid shells, typically combining maple and birch.  
This combination aims to deliver a balanced tone with warmth, punch, and clarity.  
SONIClear Bearing Edges:
Mapex's SONIClear bearing edges are a standard feature, designed to optimize the contact between the drumhead and the shell.  
This results in improved tuning stability, increased resonance, and easier tuning.  
SONIClear Tom Suspension:
The SONIClear tom suspension system allows the toms to resonate freely, enhancing their sustain and tone.  
Sound Characteristics:
The maple/birch combination produces a versatile sound that is suitable for a wide range of musical genres.
Expect a balanced tone with good attack, sustain, and clarity.
Finish Options:
Mapex offers a variety of attractive finish options for the Armory Series, including lacquer and wrapped finishes.  
Hardware:
The Armory Series includes quality Mapex hardware, designed for durability and reliability.  
Configurations:
The Armory series comes in a large variety of configurations, meaning that many drummers will be able to find a kit that fits their exact needs.  
Why They're Popular:

Versatile Sound:
The hybrid shells make them suitable for a wide range of musical genres.
Innovative Features:
The SONIClear bearing edges and tom suspension system enhance the drum's performance.  
Quality Construction:
Mapex is known for its quality craftsmanship.
Value:
They are known for providing very good value for the cost.
Who They're For:

Intermediate to advanced drummers.
Gigging musicians.
Studio drummers.
Drummers seeking a versatile and high-quality drum set at a mid-range price.
In essence, the Mapex Armory Series Drum Set is a great option for drummers who want a versatile and high-quality kit with innovative features at a more accessible price point.

Buy This Drum Kit at the Links Listed Below.

Mapex Mars Maple Shell Pack

Mars Maple Shell Pack

The Mapex Mars Maple Shell Pack is designed to deliver a warm, classic maple tone in a versatile and affordable package. Here's a breakdown of its key features:  

Key Features:

Maple Shells:
The core of this kit is its 100% maple shells. This provides a warm, resonant, and versatile sound suitable for various musical genres.  
They are 7-ply European maple shells.  
SONIClear Bearing Edges:
Mapex's SONIClear bearing edges are incorporated, which optimize the contact between the drumhead and the shell. This results in:
Improved tuning stability.
Increased resonance.  
Easier tuning.
 
Variety of Configurations:
The Mars Maple series offers various configurations, catering to different playing styles. You'll find options like:
"Studioease" configurations with shorter depth toms.  
"Fusion" configurations with smaller sizes.  
"Bop" configurations.  
"Rock" configurations.  
This makes it easy to find a set that matches your needs.
Finish Options:
Mapex provides a range of attractive finishes, allowing drummers to personalize their kit's appearance.  
Value:
The Mars Maple series is known for providing excellent value for the price.
Sound Characteristics:

Expect a warm, classic maple tone with good resonance and versatility.  
The SONIClear bearing edges contribute to a focused and articulate sound.
Why They're Popular:

Maple Tone:
They offer the sought-after sound of maple shells at an accessible price.
Versatility:
The various configurations make them suitable for a wide range of musical genres.  
SONIClear Technology:
The bearing edges enhance the drum's performance.  
Value:
They are known for a good price point.
Who They're For:

Intermediate to advanced drummers.
Gigging musicians.
Studio drummers.
Drummers seeking a versatile and affordable maple kit.
In essence, the Mapex Mars Maple Shell Pack is a great choice for drummers who want a high-quality maple kit with innovative features at a reasonable price.

Buy This Drum Kit at the Links Listed Below.

Mapex Mars Birch Series Drum Set

Mars Birch Shell Pack

The Mapex Mars Birch Series Drum Set is designed to provide a bright, focused, and punchy sound, characteristic of birch shells, in an affordable package. Here's a breakdown of its key features:  

Key Features:

Birch Shells:
The core of this kit is its 100% birch shells. Birch is known for its bright, articulate, and punchy tone, making it well-suited for various musical genres.  
They are 6-ply birch shells.  
SONIClear Bearing Edges:
Mapex's SONIClear bearing edges are incorporated, optimizing the contact between the drumhead and the shell. This results in:
Improved tuning stability.
Increased resonance.  
Easier tuning.
 
Configurations:
The Mars Birch series offers different configurations to cater to various playing styles and preferences.
Finish Options:
Mapex provides a range of attractive finishes, allowing drummers to personalize their kit's appearance.
Affordability:
The Mars Birch series is designed to be an accessible option for drummers looking for a quality birch kit.
Sound Characteristics:

Expect a bright, focused, and punchy tone with good attack and clarity.
Birch shells are known for their strong projection and articulate sound.
The SONIClear bearing edges enhance the drum's resonance and tuning stability.  
Why They're Popular:

Birch Tone:
They offer the distinct sound of birch shells at an affordable price.
SONIClear Technology:
The bearing edges enhance the drum's performance.  
Value:
They provide a good balance of quality and affordability.
Who They're For:

Intermediate to advanced drummers.
Gigging musicians.
Drummers who prefer a bright and articulate sound.
Drummers looking for a quality birch kit on a budget.
In essence, the Mapex Mars Birch Series Drum Set is a great choice for drummers who want the bright and punchy sound of birch shells in an affordable and well-designed package.

Buy This Drum Kit at the Links Listed Below.

Mapex Venus Series Drum Set

Mapex Venus Drum Kits

The Mapex Venus Series Drum Set is designed to be an entry-level kit, aimed at beginners and those seeking an affordable, complete drum set. Here's a breakdown of its key features:  

Key Features:

Beginner-Friendly:
The Venus series is specifically designed for those new to drumming. It provides a complete setup to get started.  
Complete Package:
These sets typically come with everything a beginner needs, including:
Drums (bass drum, snare drum, toms, floor tom)  
Hardware (stands, pedals, throne)  
Cymbals  
Affordability:
A primary focus of the Venus series is to provide an affordable option for beginners.  
Poplar Shells:
These kits utilize poplar shells, which are common in entry-level drum sets. They provide a functional and acceptable sound for practice and beginner-level playing.  
Hardware:
The included hardware is designed to be functional and get the beginner drummer started.  
Sound Characteristics:

The sound is designed to be functional and suitable for practice and beginner-level performances.
Why They're Popular:

Complete Setup:
The included hardware and cymbals make them a convenient option for beginners.  
Affordability:
They offer a budget-friendly way to get started with drumming.  
Mapex Brand:
They are backed by the Mapex name.
Who They're For:

Beginner drummers.
Students.
Those on a budget.
People needing a complete, ready-to-play drum set.
Important Notes:

As with many beginner kits, upgrading the cymbals is often recommended for a better sound.
This kit is designed for the person who is just starting to play the drums.

Buy This Drum Kit at the Links Listed Below.