Mapex News

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.

In an effort to continually provide useful free resources for band directors, KHS America has been working diligently to build upon their Virtual Education Series that was launched last spring. This new season of the series will focus on relevant topics and offer stimulating interaction with top experts. Free and easy access will allow band directors around the world convenient ways to participate, including the opportunity to receive a Professional Development Certificate for each session they attend live.

Mapex Armory series keeps getting better and better with the addition of 2 new stunning finishes to the existing lineup. The Birch/Maple/Birch Hybrid shells are appointed with a beautiful outer veneer of Olivewood setting the stage perfectly for bursting lacquer finishes evoking celestial, haunting tones of the Night Sky and the lush multicolor panorama of the Rainforest.

Saturn Series drums have been a cornerstone Mapex series for more than 25 years and the new Saturn Evolution Series presents the best of what Saturn has represented over its extremely successful history.

Drum roll, please… Congratulations to Eden Prairie High School of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, for winning the Academic Alliance Quantum Mark II Sweepstakes. Over 600 Academic Alliance member schools participated in the sweepstakes that ran from June 2019 to May 2020. As the winner, Eden Prairie High School, an Academic Alliance member since 2019, will be the recipient of 5 snares, 3 tenors, and 5 bass drums to be sized, configured, and finished to their requests.

KHS America has entered into a strategic partnership with Lesson Squad to digitally empower affiliated artists across all of its musical instrument brands, including Mapex Drums, Jupiter & XO Winds, Hohner Harmonicas and Accordions, Hercules Stands and more.

With the cancellation of WGI, DCI and the fall marching band season in question, our community of passionate fans, participants and sponsors are feeling the void by being unable to witness and participate in these amazing performances. This can create barriers for players at all skill levels from having access to playing on marching instruments. We at Mapex are excited to expand the Stay at Home, Learn at Home, Play at Home campaign to marching percussionists.

In this rapidly changing, extremely challenging time in our market and society, Mapex Drums and Majestic Percussion are responding to drummers and percussionists who are now spending the bulk of their time at home. Touring players off the road, students home from school, weekend warriors without gigs, or hobbyists who just want to drum. We have something for all drummers regardless of skill level, professional status, or budget to fill your drumming needs and desires right in your own home.

Jupiter Winds, Mapex Drums, and Majestic Percussion are pleased to announce The Virtual Education Series for students and music teachers throughout the world, presented in partnership with the International Music Education Summit. As measures are taken to control the COVID-19 outbreak, many teachers are being asked to provide content virtually to their students, often without additional training and resources.  KHS America (Jupiter Winds, Mapex Drums & Majestic Percussion) wants to help music teachers provide weekly content to their students, direct from highly regarded professionals.

In partnership with the International Music Education Summit, Jupiter, Mapex and Majestic are proud to announce the 2020 Virtual Band Festival, allowing middle and high school bands throughout the United States to submit a video or audio recording to a panel of judges to receive quality feedback and a rating score.  Adjudicators include freelance recording artist and clinician Patrick Sheridan, Director of Bands Emeritus at Tennessee Tech University Dr. Joseph Hermann and Senior Band Conductor and Director of Wind Ensembles at Vanderbilt University Dr. Thomas Verrier. 

Dr. Richard Ripani founded the Nashville Jazz Youth Ensemble to expand the opportunities available to students in Middle Tennessee. He says, “I wanted to offer a community-wide jazz band for students who do not have a program in their school or whose current program is not very challenging as well as to bring jazz performances to the community.” The 27-member jazz band is made up of select high school students from the Middle Tennessee area, rehearsing weekly at Trevecca University. The ensemble recently performed for FiftyForward’s swing dance event and the Greater Nashville Association of Realtors Awards Gala. Ripani has his sights set on having the group perform at the Jazz Education Network Conference, Jazz on the Cumberland, and with the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra.

Want to be featured on Mapex's social pages?

Download the play-along track from the Armory Series "Inspiration" video featuring Steven "Maestro Leville" Robinson.

Share your performance of you playing playing along to this track (on your Mapex kit of course!) to Facebook or Instagram. Then tag us @mapexdrums and use #armoryplayalong for a chance to be featured on our social media!

The new year is starting off on a high note for two music industry collaborators. Mapex Drums has announced an innovative new partnership with Boston-based drummer and creator Jimmy Pemberton. Pemberton will play Mapex drums exclusively and collaborate with Mapex on future ventures. 

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

Greg Hutchinson 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. 

KHS America, home of Jupiter Winds, Mapex Drums, and Majestic Percussion in the U.S. is proud to announce the extension and expansion of their partnership with River City Rhythm Drum & Bugle Corps and Indoor Drumline of Anoka, Minnesota.

Each year KHS America awards a college scholarship to a member of the United States Army All American Marching Band (USAAAMB). There were 17 applicants this year and the winner was announced during the band’s banquet in San Antonio, TX on Saturday, January 6th.  The 2018 winner was Elissa Travis from Hamilton High School in Chandler, AZ.

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 teamed up with three of their legendary artists to create new  Black Panther snare drums that reflect each artists unique personality and signature sound. 

The Warbird this is a 12” x 5 1/2” 6 Ply Maple / Walnut Shell with Black Plated hardware, custom engraved and has a MSRP of 649.00. The Wraith is a 14” x 6” 1.2mm Brass Shell, Chrome hardware, satin black finish and has an MSRP of 789.00. The Versatus is a 14” x 4 5/8” hybrid Mahogany / Maple Shell with Black Plated hardware and a Transparent Cherry over figured maple wood. All three drums come with a personally signed Artist picture booklet.

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 has created a new series of drums and hardware specifically designed for aspiring players ready to replace their beginner kits or for younger players in search of a no-nonsense, mid-priced drum set that is a breeze to tune and maintain.

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.

The Mapex Drum Company continues to move forward with their innovative product designs and creative ways for players to customize their rigs. The new Armory Series has a lot to offer in both categories.

The Mapex Drum Company has introduced "The Armory" series of snare drums. The five specially crafted snare drums include pro-level features, such as 2.3mm Powerhoops, unique tube lugs, piston-action strainers, and Black Panther snare wires with brass end-plates and stainless steel music wire coils. Additionally, the three wood-shell models include Mapex's new SONIClear™ Bearing Edge, enabling easier tuning, a powerful and focused tone, and enhanced shell-vibration.

A panel of MI Retail experts gathered during the "Best in Show" discussion hosted by Music Inc. Magazine during the Summer NAMM show. Mapex was awarded with the "Company to Watch" award for providing trendsetting products and services. "Once again, Mapex is very proud to be the recipient of the NAMM Best in Show - Companies to Watch award." states Mike Robinson.

Fork's Drum Closet & Mapex Drums teamed up to support the Musician's Corner Music Festival in Nashville, Tn. Since 2010 this Festival has created a global music landmark and community gathering space in Centennial Park where musical performers can illustrate the diversity, passion, and fellowship associated with Music City.

Mapex hosted their own stage at SxSW 2013!Mapex hosted their own stage at SxSW 2013!Mapex hosted their own stage at SxSW 2013!

The Mapex Drum Company announced two new additions to their flagship Black Panther series. The Black Panther Nomad Snare, and the Black Panther - Black Widow Kit. Black Panther Nomad Snare Drum: Drummers worldwide know the quality and tone of the Mapex Black Panther series of snare drums and drum kits, and the Nomad is aimed to satisfy the appetite of players and collectors around the globe. The Nomad snare was developed by the Mapex team in conjunction with legendary artist Will Calhoun.

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.

The Mapex Drum Company has announced their updated Falcon series hardware by introducing several new models that are due to land in stores in April of 2013. All Falcon models offer players extreme adjustability, supreme playability and touring level durability that players can depend on night after night.

"The MyDentity program represents the kind of player-focused thinking that will become the signature for the Mapex brand" said Michael Robinson, Director of Marketing for Mapex. "While all drum companies love drums, at Mapex we love drummers and want to give them the type of sound, size, and finish options THEY want, not what we think they should want. The t-shirts are a small token of our appreciation to our earliest adopters. Thanks for sharing in our vision of what Mapex will become."

Mapex MyDentity Custom Drums is excited to announce the September 2012 clinic tour with Modern Drummer Readers Poll winner Matt Halpern. Matt will be highlighting his unique playing style, discussing his approach to playing complex rhythms while maintaining a solid groove, the importance of drum instruction, and how to coexist with band-mates on the road.

A Baltimore native, Matt started playing the drums at the age of 3. With private lessons, Matt acquired a deep knowledge of drumming and a love for playing all genres of music. At a young age Matt was performing throughout the Northeast weekly.

Mapex Drums is pleased to announce the upcoming Chris Adler clinic tour, "A Throne with a View" which will take him through the country this winter, beginning February 28th and ending on March 16th, 2011. Adler appeared at the prestigious Modern Drummer Festival in 2005 and performed a "Battle" clinic tour with his brother Willie Adler across Europe in 2008. "A Throne with a View" will be his first and only U.S. clinic tour in 2011.

Mapex Drums is proud to be the returning sponsor for the 2010 edition of The Big Beat on Sunday, November 7th, 2010. Known as the world?s largest multi-city drum set event, this year?s Big Beat will feature fifteen Five Star Drum Shops participating to raise money for worthwhile causes. The 2009 event brought in over 1200 drummers and 3500 spectators, with the final tally for charity reaching over $62,000.

Mapex is proud to announce the addition of four new outstanding drummers to the Mapex Drums Artist roster. These up-and-comers are burning up the music scene in the Rock, Jazz, R&B and Metal genres.

Without further ado, we introduce to you Matt Halpern, Lee Pearson, Matt Johnson and Damien Schmitt.

We recently caught up with UK drummer and percussionist Terl Bryant who was out in New Mexico recording at Albuquerque’s Studio150. Terl was tracking for producer Ken Riley which included work on a piece with hip hop legends Public Enemy that is short-listed for use in a new Hollywood movie blockbuster. Riley liked the Mapex sound enough to order his own Saturn series kit at Terl’s spec for ongoing use at the studio.