This is one of the best sounding kits I've ever heard. Don't let the bigger brands and their top tier kits fool you. Seriously, just close your eyes and listen to the 2:00 mark...........amazing.
Thank you Nick & Sweetwater. It's helped me with my decision to now purchase these drums. Great too that we'll be seeing and hearing more Mapex reviews. Kudos!!
I bought the 6 piece based off this review. I have this exact finish. I set them up at a gig and EVERYBODY freaked out at how gorgeous they are! And they sound incredible. Birch attacks with just the right amount of Maple warmth. Mapex did an amazing job with the Armory kits, especially at this price!! Most excited I've ever seen Nick doing a review! Nicely done AGAIN, Sweetwater!!
thank you so much Sweetwater. I've always wanted to hear these with clear heads and you guys did it. this is why I subbed a long time ago thank you again nick d and sweetwater
Larry Tate yes. I have a meridian maple bop (4 piece), which was their just under $1000 kit (for a 6 piece) a few years ago. they have discontinued it, but the armory kits replaced it. the hardware and hoops are good, the drums are round and the bearing edges are precise. overall they are good drums that sound great. I would recommend mapex for sure!!
Larry Tate the Armory series is mid level and the MyDenitity kit as well. Mapex Saturn is the high end kits that have maple/walnut shells and expanded sizes and heavy duty hardware. I have the Armory kit and it is phenomenal. You get a lot of bang for your buck.
Robert L how is mydentity mid level being birch or maple and the armory being birch and maple? that makes zero sense! these kits even have the same suspension,hoops,bearing edge, lugs, everything!😂
Mark Mullen the price makes it mid level and the Saturn is marketed as there high end. I bought my Armory kit for $899 six piece. That is mid level pricing. Same with Pacific Drums 7piece maple kit is $799-899 depending on store. Pacific is considered entry to mid level. The MyDenity kit is a little higher in cost because they finish the process in Tennessee but still around $1000 for a kit. The Saturn four piece shell pack starts around $1400. But Mapex advertise the Saturn as there high end kit. I believe the Armory and MyDenity is every bit as professional but you do get extras on the Saturn that don't come on Armory and MyDenity kits.
Fr I got mine with the larger floor Tom for $812 all in for the shell pack, tomahawk snare and heads that come with the kit. If I could have gotten it for $700-$750 would have been a serious deal.
I have 2 Mapex snares and I really have to say, they sound great. I mean, I chose the Mapex Sledgehammer over a few snares in a room that cost $550 to $950 bucks. I had the money in my pocket at the time and only had to worry about sound. Again, thanks for another in the list of best drum reviews on the internet. Nick does a great job and you know whether the product is what you're looking for or not.
Great review Nick. I think this kit is probably the best value for money available today. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the kick drum. Maybe different tuning/batter head would get me the sound I'm looking for.
I have the Armory... I Went with the Ambassador Suede Batters and Ebony Reso.. FAT is an Understatement.. I've checked out the Saturns, I've looked at other brands.. At the end of the Day It's about the sound you like.. I love that Birch/Maple/Birch and the musicality of the drums.
I have this kit in the fast tom sizes and it is a great buy for the price. All you need is a decent two layer head and they are great. The floor toms are monsters with a huge tune range. They also record GREAT!! The snare trade in deal is sweet.
Still to this day this is literally one of the best drum kits I’ve ever heard…whew my lord…the fact that this kit natural sounds amazing but it’s insane
The toms sound great. However the front head on the kick is making a loose paper type of noise. Tighten it up and, away it will go. I enjoy your chops and style in these demo's. You're playing is always on point with the tracks. 🥁🤘
I just bought the 6-piece shell pack (2mounted toms, 2 floor toms, floor/kick, snare. Got a really good deal.. Retail was $999 Got it all for $812. I think that’s a sweet deal.
spinadude do you use the double pedal Falcon? I have the Armory double pedal. It is great but the left pedal has less movement than I like. I think it is the design since it is different than the Falcon design. I'm thinking of upgrading.
I do, though I'm a terrible double bass drummer. However I have decent (but not great) ambidextrous foot ability and I can tell you the action on the left pedal is as smooth as the right. Great pedal, extremely responsive, quick and buttery. But keep in mind they don't make the one with interchangeable cams anymore (which is what I have)...only Pearl does.
spinadude you sure they don't make it any more? Online they still list it and Sweetwater list the Falcon double pedal as having the ability to change from chain to either strap or direct link. I plan on purchasing it this year. I'm not a speed demon but I like to utilize double bass patterns for different types of songs. The Armory pedals is nice but once I changed the setup (experimental) I haven't been able to get the left pedal the same. Still works great but the beater has limited range and it is noticeably slower than the right. Thanks for the information.
The only pedal I may like more is the updated version of the speed cobra. The falcoln doesn't have the changeable cam options anymore. You can change from chain to strap or direct drive though.
I love Mapex drums, i plan on getting a Saturn V or the Armory kit you have shown. Only I'd prefer to have a single rack tom and 2 floor toms. I currently restored (re-wrapping, making lug gaskets, replaced all drum heads, also purchased rims and extra tension rods.) My next kit will be small.. a single rack tom, bass drum, snare, and a 16x16 floor tom. Hoping to get a mapex kit or an OCDP Venice kit. Thanks for the review, the sound is beautiful.
Been done for a while now. Mapex was already making shells for Sonor (Force series I think, but could be wrong), and they were also sharing some hardware designs, including the SoniClear tom mounts. Here's an original article. www.moderndrummer.com/2015/01/news-khs-america-announces-acquisition-hohner-inc-usa/
you should do these videos unprocessed in any way so we can hear what it really sounds like ... like just use a zoomq2n for the whole thing. of course everything sounds amazing with expensive mics then equed, gated, compressed ... etc
So I wanted an Armory kit but as a 7 piece. Biggest they sell is a 6. Long story short, managed to get an 8x7 tom, Redwood Burst, ordered especially for me 😂 go Mapex
hey nick love ur approach and playing but what would u buy under a grand iv checked em all im pulled been playing 8 yrs i have a ludwig accent but im ready for some maple shells i play cover songs classic rock i value ur opinion what would u do and why thank u
I own one of these (trans walnut though) and tuned differently, I kept the batter looser since I'm using a superkick II (might go with something with less dampening next time around) and a tighter resonant head and it sounds thunderous. This sound clip would have genuinely kept me from buying this kit if I had heard it before I took the plunge, but I'm glad I hadn't seen this, my actual bass drum sounds incredible.
Y'all need to quit relying on RUclips videos and get off your butts and go play or hit drums in person. If the store employees have a problem, then be a jerk back to them and take your business elsewhere.
Hi, Jermss. They are both great drum sets, but they both have a unique tone to them. I would suggest giving us a call to dig into the differences so that we can find the perfect kit for you. Thanks for you interest! Mike Wuchter, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1789, michael_wuchter@sweetwater.com
Hi guys. First let me say kudos for the great job your doing. Been looking at your channel and loving it, keep it up 👍 I came across this video just at the right time and would love to hear some of the opinions about what i have in mind. I live in Israel so i need to buy local (price wise) and as of now debating between 3 sets all 5 pcs with hardware : Mapex armory with Tama hardware ( 4800 ils) Tama hyper drive (not duo) (5100 ils) Yamaha stage custom (6200 ils) *ils=Israeli money I play mostly rock and some metal. I set on all 3 sets and played them... And now thinking between the 3. What all you guys think about them...? Thanks in advance 🙂 Eli.
Nick, Did you tune this kit to a certain pitch? That is the sound I'm looking for! They sound unbelievable! That kick brings a tear to my eye! I already got in touch with Chris on this kit....I'm sold!
Mapex did a tremendous job with these shells and finishes. The weak point of the them are the gawd-awful tension rods. The do not loosen or tighten smoothly, but feel like the threads are ‘stripping.” If PDP drums can make great tension rods, why cant Mapex? Wish they would improve this. :-/
According to the Mapex site, he does. Seems like Mapex is quick to change their roster pages since Anika Nilles (who just switched to Tama) isn't on there anymore.
I wondered as well.. He has to sell all kinds of different brands and attributes... I get the feeling Mapex loves Nick... but ... Jus don't know. I love him too..lol
Mapex really are the best priced quality drums on the market, I just wish that Mapex would make deeper toms, similar to the old school late 80s and early 90s premier projector and xpk and xpk, drums and most of the other companies were doing the same back then,i managed to get Mapex to make me custom length tom 8/8,10/9,12/10,13/11,14/12 are the sizes of the toms, the bass is 22/18 and the floor Tom is a 16/14, and I'm using and Premier projector 14/7 snare, it took a whole year to get the bloody toms made though, in total it took 14 months to get the drums to the shop, that's the only downside to mapex for me.
I played Pearl for many years. Mapex are on another level for the price. I bought a Mapex kit back in 2008 and I'm still playing it. I can afford to buy what I want but I still haven't gone away from my Mapex Birch kit. It tunes so easily and stays in tune. I decided to keep the Mapex kit and buy a Mapex piccolo snare and a Tama 8x14 snare for options. Why spend more money on more expensive drums when my 13 year old Mapex kit sounds amazing. I've had professional sound engineers tell me that my kit sounds better than 3k dollar kits. Back in 2008, I paid $700.00 for a 6 piece kit WITH the hardware and 5x14 matching birch snare. I honestly haven't found a company out there that gives you more features and better quality drums than Mapex for your money. I love Pearl and Tama as well but Mapex drums are by far the best deal out there for your money.
Hi, I have a question: does anybody know why Mapex decided to stop including the isolated suspension system on their floor toms legs and bass drums spurs, as they did on their discontinued Orion and former Saturn? I have a 2000's Orion and I'm absolutely in love with it. The kick sounds like a real bomb. In my mother tongue, Spanish, the bass drum is called "bombo", and this word comes from "bomba" , that means "bomb", and also "pump"... and this kick is really punchy like a bomb, and "pumps" the beat. I find with that system, floor toms and kicks are plenty of resonance (as rack toms), and if you want less, you can always dampen it a little. So, I don't know if there's a special reason for that, or just to simplify the production and reduce costs.
Thanks for your reply. I use soft cases (Rockbag deluxe) and I have no problem at all. They're a bit tight but nothing such a "nightmare". I take the same time to put them in or out than with any other drum. And with hard cases, I guess you can use a bigger size with some foam to fill the space and keep the drum in place. A bit more expensive I guess, but it worth it, I think.
I have a Saturn kit with isolation suspension system on the bd (22'') spurs and I don't have any problems with my 22'' Gewa soft case. It fits perfectly.
I have the 2002 mapex pro M. 22x18 bass drum with emad2 batter and stick reso tuned medium . It has savage low end, warmth and projection.In rehearsals guys always think its micd up through pa because of the oomph, but its not, just power and no offence, cheaper than Orion or Saturn etc..
Any chance you make a video comparing the different snares? Pretty set on getting the kit but I'm curious about which snare has the sound I'm looking for.
Can someone please help me? I'm an electric guitar player and don't know anything about drums. I'm looking for a kit for my son who likes to play U2, cold play, RHCP, GNR and worship music on his crappy SP junior kit. What is a good kit for those applications? We are looking at Yamaha SC, PDP maple concept and Amory. This Armory sounds like it can be tuned very low, while the PDP concept doesn't sound like it can. For a song like Adele "I miss you" application. Is this true or can any kit hit that tone? Thank you in advance to anyone that can offer advice
Hey, Tom. Thanks so much for your interest. I personally use an Armory kit every weekend when gigging (or at least I did before Covid). It absolutely can be tuned low. It sounds really good tuned low. It’s a very versatile kit. Head choice is vitally important, as well. I’d suggest clear Remo Emperors on top and clear Ambassadors on the bottom of the toms. I hope this helps. Jason Thiele, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1391, jason_thiele@sweetwater.com
@@sweetwater thanks for your reply Jason! What are your thoughts on the Pearl Decade compared to the armory maple? I listened to many demos and the Pearl Decade sounds good low too and has great reviews. Also what's your preference when it comes to bass mounted Tom's vs cymbal stand mounted? Noticable difference in resonance or sustain?
![Felix "Unfair" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Oswujxm2Ag0/mqdefault.jpg)
This is one of the best sounding kits I've ever heard. Don't let the bigger brands and their top tier kits fool you. Seriously, just close your eyes and listen to the 2:00 mark...........amazing.
My head had orgasm
Sweetwater does the best reviews ever!! Congrats to nick and the whole crew!!
I have this same kit and find 2 ply heads really bring out the warm punchy sound.
Mapex is putting out a killer product.
i love watching drum reviews even tho i have no clue what hes talking about
Thank you Nick & Sweetwater. It's helped me with my decision to now purchase these drums. Great too that we'll be seeing and hearing more Mapex reviews. Kudos!!
I bought the 6 piece based off this review. I have this exact finish. I set them up at a gig and EVERYBODY freaked out at how gorgeous they are! And they sound incredible. Birch attacks with just the right amount of Maple warmth. Mapex did an amazing job with the Armory kits, especially at this price!! Most excited I've ever seen Nick doing a review! Nicely done AGAIN, Sweetwater!!
Started playing Mapex in around 2010 with a Meridian Birch kit and never looked back.
thank you so much Sweetwater. I've always wanted to hear these with clear heads and you guys did it. this is why I subbed a long time ago thank you again nick d and sweetwater
Are these high end mapex series? , sounds good.
Larry Tate yes. I have a meridian maple bop (4 piece), which was their just under $1000 kit (for a 6 piece) a few years ago. they have discontinued it, but the armory kits replaced it. the hardware and hoops are good, the drums are round and the bearing edges are precise. overall they are good drums that sound great. I would recommend mapex for sure!!
Larry Tate the Armory series is mid level and the MyDenitity kit as well.
Mapex Saturn is the high end kits that have maple/walnut shells and expanded sizes and heavy duty hardware.
I have the Armory kit and it is phenomenal. You get a lot of bang for your buck.
Robert L
how is mydentity mid level being birch or maple and the armory being birch and maple? that makes zero sense!
these kits even have the same suspension,hoops,bearing edge, lugs, everything!😂
Mark Mullen the price makes it mid level and the Saturn is marketed as there high end. I bought my Armory kit for $899 six piece. That is mid level pricing. Same with Pacific Drums 7piece maple kit is $799-899 depending on store. Pacific is considered entry to mid level. The MyDenity kit is a little higher in cost because they finish the process in Tennessee but still around $1000 for a kit. The Saturn four piece shell pack starts around $1400.
But Mapex advertise the Saturn as there high end kit.
I believe the Armory and MyDenity is every bit as professional but you do get extras on the Saturn that don't come on Armory and MyDenity kits.
I'm starting a band and I just bought these from SW for my rehearsal space. Waiting for them right now! Thank you Adam for your help.
I just bought this kit for $600! Thanks for helping me make the decision.
Where?!
Fr I got mine with the larger floor Tom for $812 all in for the shell pack, tomahawk snare and heads that come with the kit. If I could have gotten it for $700-$750 would have been a serious deal.
Those heads really make a difference. Mapex has and will always be a favorite of mine.
I've never seen nick so excited and happy while reviewing a product
I have 2 Mapex snares and I really have to say, they sound great. I mean, I chose the Mapex Sledgehammer over a few snares in a room that cost $550 to $950 bucks. I had the money in my pocket at the time and only had to worry about sound. Again, thanks for another in the list of best drum reviews on the internet. Nick does a great job and you know whether the product is what you're looking for or not.
I absolutely love the finish on these drums!! Great review as always Sweetwater!
Great review Nick. I think this kit is probably the best value for money available today. The only thing I'm not crazy about is the kick drum. Maybe different tuning/batter head would get me the sound I'm looking for.
The reso head is practically slack in this video. I'm sure that's why
I have the Armory... I Went with the Ambassador Suede Batters and Ebony Reso.. FAT is an Understatement.. I've checked out the Saturns, I've looked at other brands.. At the end of the Day It's about the sound you like.. I love that Birch/Maple/Birch and the musicality of the drums.
I have this kit in the fast tom sizes and it is a great buy for the price. All you need is a decent two layer head and they are great. The floor toms are monsters with a huge tune range. They also record GREAT!!
The snare trade in deal is sweet.
Keith Richards Liver what snare did you end up getting?
Still to this day this is literally one of the best drum kits I’ve ever heard…whew my lord…the fact that this kit natural sounds amazing but it’s insane
Steel is one of my favorite snare materials. That Tomahawk is only a middle of the road line....but still sounds killer.
This kit sounds amazing
Sounds really nice. Reminds me of Pearl a little bit
65 Drums yes
O
awesome track and performance in the beginning of the vid Nick D!!!!!!!!
I bought mine last week it awesome
The toms sound great. However the front head on the kick is making a loose paper type of noise. Tighten it up and, away it will go. I enjoy your chops and style in these demo's. You're playing is always on point with the tracks. 🥁🤘
Mapex is going DW on us.
HINGA DINGA DURGEN I replaced my dw performance with the new armory. Hardware and sound is better on the armory. Go figure
HINGA DINGA DURGEN i just commented to say happy lief Ericsson day!😂😂
How you mean?
Nah mapex sound good and are affordable
DW is so expensive because they make everything in United States. Mapex is great value for the money
Nick, you do a wonderful job with the reviews, keep up the good work
I love the reviews
The new armory is insane good value. And they are freaking easy to tune. And the sound is up to par with much more expensive kits.
Mapex.The most attractive & eargasmic drum sets
Great review! I've been waiting for Nick to review these for a long time!
Super nice! Love Mapex!!!
I bought mine last week and it is awesome
amazing sounding kit, even taking price out of the equation!
I just bought the 6-piece shell pack (2mounted toms, 2 floor toms, floor/kick, snare.
Got a really good deal..
Retail was $999
Got it all for $812. I think that’s a sweet deal.
Still remember when he was endorsed by Mapex, Aquarian, and Meinl 😢
Chris adler?
@@St_Mindless no the man himself, Nick
The best brands for me. All three of them.
best value gigging kit ive ever seen
Now I guess we will see the falcoln hardware? One of the best pedals for the money, hell even better than most more expensive pedals imo.
My Mapex Falcon (with the changeable cams) has great action. I love their gear.
spinadude do you use the double pedal Falcon? I have the Armory double pedal. It is great but the left pedal has less movement than I like. I think it is the design since it is different than the Falcon design. I'm thinking of upgrading.
I do, though I'm a terrible double bass drummer. However I have decent (but not great) ambidextrous foot ability and I can tell you the action on the left pedal is as smooth as the right. Great pedal, extremely responsive, quick and buttery. But keep in mind they don't make the one with interchangeable cams anymore (which is what I have)...only Pearl does.
spinadude you sure they don't make it any more? Online they still list it and Sweetwater list the Falcon double pedal as having the ability to change from chain to either strap or direct link. I plan on purchasing it this year. I'm not a speed demon but I like to utilize double bass patterns for different types of songs. The Armory pedals is nice but once I changed the setup (experimental) I haven't been able to get the left pedal the same. Still works great but the beater has limited range and it is noticeably slower than the right.
Thanks for the information.
The only pedal I may like more is the updated version of the speed cobra. The falcoln doesn't have the changeable cam options anymore. You can change from chain to strap or direct drive though.
I love Mapex drums, i plan on getting a Saturn V or the Armory kit you have shown. Only I'd prefer to have a single rack tom and 2 floor toms. I currently restored (re-wrapping, making lug gaskets, replaced all drum heads, also purchased rims and extra tension rods.) My next kit will be small.. a single rack tom, bass drum, snare, and a 16x16 floor tom. Hoping to get a mapex kit or an OCDP Venice kit. Thanks for the review, the sound is beautiful.
the intro and outro tracks were very biffy esque, nick always smashes it
This is how many times he said fat
👇
Mapex sounds toooo gooood! So mutch tone! Also these days- they looks great!
2:02 toms
2:37 toms
3:21 kick
Which Mapex did Vern Spevak...they sounded fabulous.
I had a set of Saturns 5 years ago, I hope quality control has been improved since then( poorly cut bearing edges),, they do look good though.
Super nice sounding kit and loving that colour as well :O
Mapex and Aquarian 👌 perfect match
Now all we need is for sweet water to stock sonor drums
Mapex and Sonor are now just about the same company so it may be coming sooner than you think.
Mapex and sonor are merging?
Been done for a while now. Mapex was already making shells for Sonor (Force series I think, but could be wrong), and they were also sharing some hardware designs, including the SoniClear tom mounts. Here's an original article.
www.moderndrummer.com/2015/01/news-khs-america-announces-acquisition-hohner-inc-usa/
you should do these videos unprocessed in any way so we can hear what it really sounds like ... like just use a zoomq2n for the whole thing. of course everything sounds amazing with expensive mics then equed, gated, compressed ... etc
Never thought I would stray away from my Ludwigs till I bought this kit 🤘
Can't wait for the black panther series!!!!!
Would love to know more about the K crash to the right of your ride. Thanks.
You should test the Saturn V, and the 3 Black Panther kits!!!! (This 3, were never properly reviewed or compared on the same video)
Those tom mics are awesome.
Love this kit.
Maybe do a quick segment with a phone/tablet mic. Those are super nice mics used in conjunction with lots of studio processing/compression.
So I wanted an Armory kit but as a 7 piece. Biggest they sell is a 6. Long story short, managed to get an 8x7 tom, Redwood Burst, ordered especially for me 😂 go Mapex
Toms sound great but I think the kick may still need a lil more dampening.
I like how when he is done playing the snare drum, he grabs all of the cymbals to mute them.
I want the black dawn one so bad, just out of my price range though ☹️
Ive been thinking about this or the PDP EXOTIC WALNUT which is kinda hard to pick. Can yu guys give me some advice
GREAT REVIEW !
Make a review about the Mapex Mars Crossover please, I need your opinion Nick D’ Virgilio
hey nick love ur approach and playing but what would u buy under a grand iv checked em all im pulled been playing 8 yrs i have a ludwig accent but im ready for some maple shells i play cover songs classic rock i value ur opinion what would u do and why thank u
Im waiting to see Nick review the Mapex Saturn V!!!
How much natural sound are we hearing here?
Is it me or does the kick, when played separately, sound like it’s covered in cardboard? There’s no low end at all. WTF?
agreed
That Aquarian batter head is a sound killer. I hate them. An Emad would open it up
Trust me, that kick has plenty of low end. I've played on these kits a few times .
I own one of these (trans walnut though) and tuned differently, I kept the batter looser since I'm using a superkick II (might go with something with less dampening next time around) and a tighter resonant head and it sounds thunderous. This sound clip would have genuinely kept me from buying this kit if I had heard it before I took the plunge, but I'm glad I hadn't seen this, my actual bass drum sounds incredible.
Y'all need to quit relying on RUclips videos and get off your butts and go play or hit drums in person. If the store employees have a problem, then be a jerk back to them and take your business elsewhere.
You guys should review aquarian drum heads. Nick, you the man keep up the good work.
Aside from the reflector series
Really happy to see you guys doing stuff with Mapex now. Are you going to be doing an overview of the Saturns anytime soon?
SWEET!
even the crappiest drum set will sound great if it is Nick playing.
um you guys have the updated version of the falcon pedal??
Torn between the 6 piece armory or the Pearl decade maple.
Michael i hope you went with mapex. Armory costs just a bit more, but across the board they are a better investment over time imo. Happy jamming
Personally think Mapex is the best bang for your buck
Really torn between these and Yamaha stage customs
Hi, Jermss. They are both great drum sets, but they both have a unique tone to them. I would suggest giving us a call to dig into the differences so that we can find the perfect kit for you. Thanks for you interest!
Mike Wuchter, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1789, michael_wuchter@sweetwater.com
is this the Mapex Armory Studioease Set II UM?
Hi guys.
First let me say kudos for the great job your doing.
Been looking at your channel and loving it, keep it up 👍
I came across this video just at the right time and would love to hear some of the opinions about what i have in mind.
I live in Israel so i need to buy local (price wise) and as of now debating between 3 sets all 5 pcs with hardware :
Mapex armory with Tama hardware ( 4800 ils)
Tama hyper drive (not duo) (5100 ils)
Yamaha stage custom (6200 ils)
*ils=Israeli money
I play mostly rock and some metal.
I set on all 3 sets and played them... And now thinking between the 3.
What all you guys think about them...?
Thanks in advance 🙂
Eli.
pretty cool end song
Nice drums 🙂🥁😎
mapex to the world yeah
I just wanna know dose the armory pack come with the cymbals? Like they show in the pic or at least come with the stands
You gained yourself a sub!
can you guys make a video on the saturn v
hey , is $1100 Canadian a good price for like new set with all new cymbals? thnx
Nick, Did you tune this kit to a certain pitch? That is the sound I'm looking for! They sound unbelievable! That kick brings a tear to my eye! I already got in touch with Chris on this kit....I'm sold!
Yes please share the tuning tips for this kit! I'm looking at getting this exact kit and would love this sound.
What's the difference between the exotic shell pack and the regular shell pack?
This is exotic because the shells have both maple and birch, the regular set has only birch or maple, I think.
Mapex did a tremendous job with these shells and finishes. The weak point of the them are the gawd-awful tension rods. The do not loosen or tighten smoothly, but feel like the threads are ‘stripping.” If PDP drums can make great tension rods, why cant Mapex? Wish they would improve this. :-/
Awesome, lets do a Saturn V review next! Does Nick still endorse Mapex?
According to the Mapex site, he does. Seems like Mapex is quick to change their roster pages since Anika Nilles (who just switched to Tama) isn't on there anymore.
I wondered as well.. He has to sell all kinds of different brands and attributes... I get the feeling Mapex loves Nick... but ... Jus don't know. I love him too..lol
pls make a review on the mapex storm series please
The Black Panther Black Widow kit, was the best sounding, by Mapex,
I like these better than the Saturn series 🤭
Mapex really are the best priced quality drums on the market, I just wish that Mapex would make deeper toms, similar to the old school late 80s and early 90s premier projector and xpk and xpk, drums and most of the other companies were doing the same back then,i managed to get Mapex to make me custom length tom 8/8,10/9,12/10,13/11,14/12 are the sizes of the toms, the bass is 22/18 and the floor Tom is a 16/14, and I'm using and Premier projector 14/7 snare, it took a whole year to get the bloody toms made though, in total it took 14 months to get the drums to the shop, that's the only downside to mapex for me.
Did you play a song call mercy?
this or the pearl Session Studio Select???
I played Pearl for many years. Mapex are on another level for the price. I bought a Mapex kit back in 2008 and I'm still playing it. I can afford to buy what I want but I still haven't gone away from my Mapex Birch kit. It tunes so easily and stays in tune. I decided to keep the Mapex kit and buy a Mapex piccolo snare and a Tama 8x14 snare for options. Why spend more money on more expensive drums when my 13 year old Mapex kit sounds amazing. I've had professional sound engineers tell me that my kit sounds better than 3k dollar kits. Back in 2008, I paid $700.00 for a 6 piece kit WITH the hardware and 5x14 matching birch snare. I honestly haven't found a company out there that gives you more features and better quality drums than Mapex for your money. I love Pearl and Tama as well but Mapex drums are by far the best deal out there for your money.
You know its a production when the video crew busts out the cookie cutters for lighting
The cookie cutter? You mean the breakup gobo?
Rogier d'Ancona he means it looks like cookie cutters
But I agree anyway they’re too focussed looks a bit like top of the pops ages ago lol
Can i play jazz and soft rock with this??
Music was my first love.....
Hi, I have a question: does anybody know why Mapex decided to stop including the isolated suspension system on their floor toms legs and bass drums spurs, as they did on their discontinued Orion and former Saturn?
I have a 2000's Orion and I'm absolutely in love with it. The kick sounds like a real bomb. In my mother tongue, Spanish, the bass drum is called "bombo", and this word comes from "bomba" , that means "bomb", and also "pump"... and this kick is really punchy like a bomb, and "pumps" the beat.
I find with that system, floor toms and kicks are plenty of resonance (as rack toms), and if you want less, you can always dampen it a little. So, I don't know if there's a special reason for that, or just to simplify the production and reduce costs.
Isi Hernández they took up too much space in drum cases. Nightmare for sizing!
Thanks for your reply. I use soft cases (Rockbag deluxe) and I have no problem at all. They're a bit tight but nothing such a "nightmare". I take the same time to put them in or out than with any other drum. And with hard cases, I guess you can use a bigger size with some foam to fill the space and keep the drum in place. A bit more expensive I guess, but it worth it, I think.
I have a Saturn kit with isolation suspension system on the bd (22'') spurs and I don't have any problems with my 22'' Gewa soft case. It fits perfectly.
I have the 2002 mapex pro M. 22x18 bass drum with emad2 batter and stick reso tuned medium . It has savage low end, warmth and projection.In rehearsals guys always think its micd up through pa because of the oomph, but its not, just power and no offence, cheaper than Orion or Saturn etc..
Any chance you make a video comparing the different snares? Pretty set on getting the kit but I'm curious about which snare has the sound I'm looking for.
That is a great idea Ethan and I will get one together for the snares. It is a tough choice because they all have a great sound.
Take care, Nick
SweetwaterSound awesome thanks!
SweetwaterSound Demo of a Saturn kit please
would the Tama acrylic drum sound better ?
Can someone please help me? I'm an electric guitar player and don't know anything about drums. I'm looking for a kit for my son who likes to play U2, cold play, RHCP, GNR and worship music on his crappy SP junior kit. What is a good kit for those applications? We are looking at Yamaha SC, PDP maple concept and Amory. This Armory sounds like it can be tuned very low, while the PDP concept doesn't sound like it can. For a song like Adele "I miss you" application. Is this true or can any kit hit that tone? Thank you in advance to anyone that can offer advice
Hey, Tom. Thanks so much for your interest. I personally use an Armory kit every weekend when gigging (or at least I did before Covid). It absolutely can be tuned low. It sounds really good tuned low. It’s a very versatile kit. Head choice is vitally important, as well. I’d suggest clear Remo Emperors on top and clear Ambassadors on the bottom of the toms. I hope this helps.
Jason Thiele, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, (800) 222-4700 ext. 1391, jason_thiele@sweetwater.com
@@sweetwater thanks for your reply Jason! What are your thoughts on the Pearl Decade compared to the armory maple? I listened to many demos and the Pearl Decade sounds good low too and has great reviews. Also what's your preference when it comes to bass mounted Tom's vs cymbal stand mounted? Noticable difference in resonance or sustain?
What drums head u use for the Tom's.
You can pick me to win this drum kit. He kills it at the end.
yeaahhh mapex at last :)))
Sonunda demek at last değil finally demek