Mapex
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Mapex Drums, Snare Drums and Hardware
Mapex has produced acoustic drums and hardware since the brand was launched by KHS in 1989. Its range now covers complete beginner drum kits, intermediate and professional shell packs, Black Panther snare drums, pedals, stands and replacement hardware.
At Graham Russell Drums, you can shop Mapex equipment for every stage of playing, from a first complete setup to a professional touring or recording kit. The range is particularly strong for drummers who want practical specifications, dependable hardware and a clear upgrade path without paying for features they do not need.
Shop the Mapex Range
- Mapex drum kits, including Comet, Venus, Mars, Armory, Saturn and Black Panther Design Lab models
- Mapex Black Panther snare drums in a wide choice of shell materials, sizes and intended voices
- Mapex drum hardware, from affordable 250 and 400 Series equipment to 600, 800 and Falcon Series stands
- Mapex bass drum pedals, including straightforward beginner models and adjustable Falcon single and double pedals
- Mapex tom holders, clamps and accessories for expanding or maintaining your setup
Which Mapex Drum Kit Is Right for You?
The most useful way to compare Mapex drum kits is to look at the complete package, not only the shell material or headline price. Some models include the stands, pedal, throne and starter cymbals required to begin playing, while others are shell packs that allow you to choose those parts separately.
Mapex Comet
The Mapex Comet is the lowest-cost complete starting point in the range. It includes the drums, essential hardware, a throne, sticks and starter hi-hats and crash cymbal. It is a sensible choice for a new player who wants a complete acoustic setup while keeping the initial investment manageable.
Mapex Venus
The Mapex Venus is the more complete all-in-one beginner option. Its package includes a ride cymbal as well as hi-hats and a crash, plus two boom stands, a bass drum pedal and a throne. For many beginners and parents, it is the easiest Mapex kit to buy because no major playing essential is missing.
Mapex Mars
Mapex Mars is a shell-pack option for a committed beginner or developing drummer who wants to put more of the budget into the drums themselves. The birch shells provide a focused response and clear attack, but stands, cymbals, a pedal and a throne need to be selected separately.
Mapex Armory
Mapex Armory combines maple and birch in a hybrid shell and includes a Tomahawk steel snare. It is suitable for a serious first kit, rehearsals, recording and regular live work. In our Mapex buyer's guide, Alex explains that he owned and gigged an Armory for almost ten years before feeling the need to upgrade, which is a good indication of the range's long-term potential.
Mapex Saturn
The Mapex Saturn VI moves into professional territory with maple and walnut hybrid shells. It is designed for drummers who want a warm, full shell voice with clear low-end weight for studio and live use. The wider Saturn range includes different configurations and finishes, so compare the exact sizes before choosing.
Mapex Black Panther Design Lab
Mapex Black Panther Design Lab drum kits sit at the top of the range. These professional kits use individual shell concepts, specifications and configurations to create a more specialised playing and recording response.
Mapex Black Panther Snare Drums
Mapex Black Panther snare drums cover a particularly broad range of sounds. The collection includes maple, birch, walnut and hybrid wood shells alongside steel, brass, copper and aluminium models, with conventional main-snare sizes and smaller specialist effects snares.
Rather than treating one Black Panther model as the automatic best choice, compare the shell material, diameter, depth, hoops and intended tuning range. If you are deciding between wood and metal shells, our Drum Shell Woods Guide explains the usual characteristics of maple, birch, walnut and hybrid constructions. The complete drum specification and your preferred tuning will still matter as much as the material name.
Mapex Hardware and Bass Drum Pedals
Mapex hardware covers several price and weight levels, making it easier to match the stands to the rest of your setup.
- Mapex 250 Series Hardware Pack: an affordable complete hardware option for students and first setups
- Mapex 600 Series Hardware Pack: a stronger general-purpose choice for advancing and gigging drummers
- Mapex 800 Series Hardware Pack: heavy-duty hardware suited to an Armory or other long-term setup
- Mapex Falcon Hardware Pack: professional stands designed for detailed adjustment and regular studio or touring use
- Mapex Falcon Single Pedal and Falcon Double Pedal: adjustable professional pedals with interchangeable drive options available separately
Try Mapex Drums at Graham Russell Drums
Selected Mapex drum kits, snare drums, pedals and hardware are available to view and compare at our Fareham showroom. Our team works with acoustic kits every day and can help you compare a complete package with a shell pack, choose an appropriate bass drum size and calculate the real cost of the hardware, cymbals and throne still required.
Stock may be held either in store or at our warehouse. If you are travelling to see a particular Mapex product, please check the location shown on its product page or contact us before making a special journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mapex drum kits suitable for beginners?
Yes. Comet and Venus are complete beginner packages, while Mars and Armory are stronger shell-pack options for a committed beginner who is happy to choose hardware and cymbals separately. Spending more does not make a kit harder to learn on; it mainly changes the specification and how long the setup is likely to meet the player's needs.
What is the difference between Mapex Comet and Venus?
Both are complete acoustic drum kit packages. Comet keeps the initial cost lower but does not include a ride cymbal. Venus provides a fuller hardware and cymbal setup, including two boom stands and a ride, making it the more complete option straight from the box.
Do Mapex Mars and Armory include hardware and cymbals?
No. Mars and Armory are shell packs. They include the drums, snare and tom mounting hardware, but general stands, cymbals, a bass drum pedal and a throne need to be purchased separately.
Is Mapex Armory suitable for gigging and recording?
Yes. Armory is designed as a serious long-term kit and is capable of supporting rehearsals, recording and regular live use. Its maple and birch hybrid shells offer a balance of body, attack and projection, while the included Tomahawk steel snare gives the package a practical main-snare option.
Can I try Mapex drums before buying?
Selected Mapex products can be viewed and compared at Graham Russell Drums in Fareham. Check the location on the individual product page or contact us first if you want to try a particular kit, snare or piece of hardware.
