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Mapex Drums expands the sonic pallet of the Black Panther lineup to appeal to drummers across multiple genres with the all-new Scorpion and Goblin snare drums. The Black Panther Series has now grown to include 16 different wood and metal options in deep, standard, and small diameter models offering a range of bright, dark, dry, or vintage tones through the meticulous Concept Hybrid approach to drum design.

Mapex is starting the new year strong with the exciting launch of the updated and upgraded MPX Snare Drum Series perfect for any drummer from beginner to seasoned pro. Expanding to an impressive 18 models, the snares include new high-quality features designed to improve the sound and function while preserving the built-in value for which Mapex is known.

Mapex is excited to introduce a “Pocket-Friendly Sonic Classic” for those seeking the timeless, warm, and smooth sound of a classic 100% Maple shell and invites you to “Be The Spark” with exciting new finishes for those who prefer the tonal balance and controlled punch of 100% birch shells.

June 6, 2022 marked the 40th Anniversary of one of the most infamous, notorious, controversial Heavy Metal Bands in the World…W.A.S.P.

Mapex artist Aquiles Priester will be performing with W.A.S.P. as part of their 40th Anniversary 2022 World Tour. Catch them in the U.S. between October 29 through December 11, 2022. 

The all-new Mapex Venus Series complete drum kit presents an all-inclusive setup for the first-time player ready to start the “Drummer for Life” adventure. As a global drum company with a 30 plus year reputation for manufacturing excellence and a dedication to the entry-level product space, the development and re-launch of the Venus series is a commitment to producing exactly what drummers need to succeed. The kit includes a 5-piece shell pack complete with matching snare drum outfitted with a complete set of stands and pedals, cymbals, a drummer’s throne and even a first pair of drumsticks.

Mapex is proud to support grooves everywhere with the introduction of the all-new 800 series thrones. Six new models for 2022 bring solid no-nonsense features for true reliability and unquestionable support.

Saturn is also known for its visual appeal, which is taken to another level in 2022 with the introduction of two new stunning lacquer fade finishes. The Aqua Blue Fade features a clear natural finish transitioning to a watery aqua blue evoking relaxing visions of the intersection of ocean waves and near white sand on a tropical beach. The striking Sulphur Fade features a warm golden glow emerging triumphantly from dark earthtone black.

Mapex Celebrates Ralph Peterson as the longest running artist endorser in the history of the  Mapex brand loyally playing Mapex Drums for 30 of his esteemed 35-year career. The “ONYX” is set to be released world-wide in November 2021 in limited quantities.

The drumming community has lost a titan, the Jazz community has lost a fearless warrior and Mapex has lost the longest running artist endorser in the history of the brand. For more than 35 years, Ralph Peterson Jr. has been one of the most distinctive and recognizable drummers in in modern jazz drumming performing as a Mapex artist for almost 30 of those 35 years. He possessed an incomparable talent behind the drum kit, which led to collaborations with the likes of Terence Blanchard, Branford Marsalis, David Murray, Roy Hargrove, Michael Brecker, Regina Belle, Betty Carter, Ron Carter, and The Roots – not to mention being hand-picked by Art Blakey as the second drummer in the legendary bandleader’s Jazz Messenger Big Band until Blakey’s 1990 passing.

Mapex is pleased to present two new color upgrades in the Armory drum series. Using beautiful Olive Exotic veneers, Mapex is releasing the colors Emerald Burst and Redwood Burst. These new finishes are being applied to the best-selling Armory Series Hybrid shell which is constructed of Birch/Maple/Birch, in a 6-ply, 7.2MM thickness. The finishes are stunningly beautiful

Showcasing the highest level of MAPEX design and manufacturing capabilities, the Black Panther Design Lab series leverages 30 years of drum making experience and extensive knowledge of the science of sound to bring new sonic concepts to life. Through the Sound First methodology of the Concept Hybrid approach, these drums provide an unparalleled opportunity to create uniquely tailored instrument systems with additional innovative options allowing the artist to
further adapt the sound to their personal style.

Kirk Covington Chooses Black Panther Design Lab

Jeff Hamilton Chooses Black Panther Design Lab

Mapex Marching Percussion is proud to announce a new partnership with the one and only “Pride of the Buckeyes” Ohio State Marching Band also famously known as the “Best Damn Band in the Land!” With well over one hundred years of rich history, the Ohio State Marching band is regarded as one of the best and most esteemed ensembles of its kind in the world. 

Mapex is pleased to present two new color upgrades in the Armory drum series.

Using beautiful Olive Exotic veneers, Mapex is releasing the colors Desert Dune and Black Dawn. These new finishes are being applied to the best selling Armory Series Hybrid shell which is constructed of Birch/Maple/Birch, in a 6-ply, 7.2MM thickness. 

As a result of the continuing growth and expansion of KHS Musical Instruments, President and CEO Karl Leong has announced that KHS America President Tabor Stamper has been appointed President Emeritus and KHS Global Advisor, supporting KHS’s global development efforts.

Replacing Stamper as President of KHS America is industry veteran Jerry Goldenson. Goldenson has been with KHS America since August, 2016.

New Black Panther Design Lab snare drums developed with the performance needs of top players in mind and engineered to blend sound and performance with modern design.

The Saturn V Tour Edition…honoring the past while pushing forward.

Mapex Offers Upgraded Storm Bundle Including Hardware and Zildjian Cymbals

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joe Hibbs, Mapex and SONOR Artist Relations Manager.  Joe passed away in Los Angeles on Monday February 8th.

The Mapex Drum Company continues to give younger players in search of a no-nonsense approach to tuning and playing a new ready to play drum set; The Storm series. This new upper entry set not only simplifies the process of getting a great sound but it adds an entirely new style of drum finishes and hardware options.

Mapex hits the Road with the 2015 Vans Warped Tour for the 2nd year in a row.The tour starts in Anchorage, AK on June 17^th and ends up in Auburn, WA on August 8^th.    For all dates visit: http://vanswarpedtour.com/dates

The Mapex Drum Company has taken the next step in the evolution of professional drum sets, Saturn V. The award winning SONIClear™ bearing edge and the new SONIClear™ tom holder are standard features on every Saturn V set.   
 
Mapex introduced the SONIClear™ bearing edge last year on their highly acclaimed Armory and Mars kits.  The positive response to the bearing edge was overwhelming and prompted countless questions from Mapex fans of: “When will Saturn be available with SONIClear™ bearing edges?” The wait is over.  

Mapex and Drumline 2: A New Beat Premiers on VH-1 Monday Night October, 27th 9/8C

KHS-America, and specifically Mapex Marching Drums and Jupiter Brass instruments, were a key partner in the production of the new movie, providing a full complement of marching drums and brass instruments to outfit the fictional Atlanta A&T and their rival university band.

MAPEX Drums will be featured in the highly anticipated film starring pop rock band Anthem Lights’ front man Alan Powell, Ali Faulkner (TWILIGHT: BREAKING DAWN) and Caitlin Nicol-Thomas (“Nashville”). Presented by Samuel Goldwyn Films and City on a Hill Studio, THE SONG shines a spotlight on American Roots music by featuring 11 original songs.  Already garnering attention from fans and critics alike, the music-driven drama THE SONG is partnering with MAPEX Drums in preparation for the film’s theatrical wide-release on September 26.

Mapex Artists and staff members will be hitting the road stopping in 15 cities across the USA for the Mapex SONIClear™ “Over the Edge Tour”.  The tour is the perfect opportunity for players to experience first-hand the award winning SONIClear™ bearing edge and the sound of Armory and Mars sets and Armory snare drums. Russ Miller (L.A. session artist) will be the host in 7 of the events while Rashid Williams (John Legend) will be hosting the tour in 8 of the locations.  In addition, a Mapex Armory Tomahawk snare drum will be given away to a lucky winner at each stop of the tour.

Starting on July 1^st, 2014, MyDentity Custom drums will be available with the award-winning SONIClear™ bearing edge, designed to help drummers tune less and play more.  To kick off this exciting design change, Mapex will run a MyDentity promotion from July 1^st through August 31^st during which time Mapex will be upgrading the heads to Remo USA-made drumheads.

Mapex has teamed up with BANDHAPPY for the 2014 Vans Warped Tour. Mapex Armory Drums and Falcon hardware will be the drum and hardware of choice for all BANDHAPPY lessons for the 43 city tour.

Mapex Drum Artist Darrell Robinson is touring with Grammy Award winner: Pharrell Williams. “For this huge tour Pharrell wanted something crazy so I knew my boys at Mapex could put it together”, says Darrell Robinson. " I am playing a Saturn kit now, but Mapex is making me a custom Mydentity kit with the new SONIClear bearing edges and Mapex hardware. When you see it you'll be Pink with envy!"

During the Winter NAMM show in January, representatives from the Music and Sound Retailer magazine presented the Mapex team with 2 of their coveted awards. Music retailers voted in a nation-wide poll and Mapex came out on top for Best Drum Set of 2013 (Saturn IV Series) and Best Percussion Accessory Of 2013 (Falcon Hardware Series). 

The Mapex Drum Company set out to solve one of the biggest headaches of being a drummer; the frustrations of tuning your drums. Mapex wants drummers to spend less time tuning and be able to play more. The result of that mission is the latest innovation from Mapex: The SONIClear™ bearing edge.

Russ Miller is internationally known as one of the top drummers of today. As a Multi-Platinum recording artist, he has played on multiple Grammy award winning recordings with combined sales of over 26 million copies. His musical versatility has led him to work with an incredible list of over 50 international artists from legends like Ray Charles, The Fifth Dimension, Natalie Cole, Tina Turner & Bobby Caldwell through modern stars, Nelly Furtado, The Psychedelic Furs, Hilary Duff, Steve Perry, Andrea Bocelli, Daniel Bedingfield and Meredith Brooks.