Mapex, which started its drum kit manufacturing business in 1989, was originally an American brand, but was later acquired by Taiwan's Gongxuesha Group and became its own brand. Mapex's drum kits have always been known for their cost-effectiveness, with a small product line, but they cover drummers of all levels. In the 2015 hit drum kit movie "Burst Drummer", the protagonist in the SOLO scene at the end uses Mapex's Saturn series.
As the price of raw materials has risen in recent years, the price of Mapex products has also risen, reducing its advantage in the mid-range drum market. However, even if the price factor is aside, with the relatively complete supply and marketing network of Gongxue Society in Chinese mainland, Mapex is still one of the most accessible international brands for domestic drummers, so its products can maintain a high popularity in China. It is worth noting that Mapex sells different drum kits in different countries, and it is recommended that Chinese consumers first check the official website of Gongxue Society.
Black Panther is a series that is not currently available for sale in Chinese mainland, but its flagship status within the brand makes it a series that cannot be bypassed when introducing Mapex. The entire Black Panther line uses Mapex's famous Sonic Clear and Sonic Saver designs. The former reduces the contact point between the drum lug and the drum cavity, which can reduce the influence of the drum frame on vibration, so that the vibration between the drum skin and the drum cavity is more durable and the resonance effect is better. The latter is a specially designed side ring by Mapex, which has various characteristics between the flanged side ring and the die-cast side ring, which makes the side hitting sound more concentrated and more responsive, and more convenient when playing rock, metal and other styles. The Black Panther is available in Blaster, Velvetone, and Black Widow versions, corresponding to three materials: maple/walnut, maple/walnut/maple, and pure maple, each with its own different sound characteristics. The Black Panther is a 5-piece set priced at around 28,000 RMB.
For domestic drummers, Saturn will be the more familiar Mapex drum kit than Black Panther. Since its launch at the turn of the millennium, the Saturn IV was the first to feature the Sonic Clear system, while the latest version of the Saturn V in 2015 has been further enhanced. The Saturn V's bass is more penetrating by the increased weight of the drum piece compared to its predecessor and the use of a tessellation design on the drum stand that helps the drum cavity resonate rather than absorb its energy. The Saturn IV's preset Remo drum headers are made in Taiwan, China, while the Saturn V is made in the United States. However, whether it is the fourth or fifth generation, the Saturn, which costs more than 10,000 yuan, has become an ideal choice for intermediate drummers with excellent applicability.
Storm, Armony, and Mars are Mapex's current mainstay entry-level kits, with increasing prices, and of course, you get what you pay for in terms of workmanship and sound quality. Although the lowest-end Storm uses a cheap poplar drum cavity and has flaws in parts such as side rings, the price of less than 4,500 yuan includes a cymbal set, which is worth recommending for beginners who are short of money.
Gongxueshe's distributors are located in cities all over Chinese mainland, and direct stores have been opened in Beijing, Tianjin and Guangzhou, ensuring the quality of purchasing and after-sales services.
