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.
On the strength of the NEW Mapex Black Panther Design Lab drums, drumming luminaries Jeff Hamilton, Greg Hutchinson, Chris Adler, Craig Blundell, Claus Hessler, Alex Landenburg, Lee Pearson, Russ Miller, Rashid Williams and Kirk Covington have unanimously adopted the Black Panther Design Lab drums as the primary vehicle for their artistry.
The official unveiling of these amazing instruments in the U.S. will take place at 9:00 AM EST on Thursday, November 15th at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention and will be broadcast live via the Mapex USA Facebook page. Additional live streams which can be viewed on the new mapexdesignlab.com website will take place throughout the day on Friday, November 16th, featuring booth walk-throughs, and interviews with artists, attendees and Mapex personnel. On Saturday, November 17th, Russ Miller will host dedicated Black Panther Design Lab drums product demonstrations at 10:00am and 2:00pm Eastern Standard Time. These events will also be viewable live on facebook and mapexdesignlab.com. Finally, on Sunday November 18th, Mapex will release footage featuring highlights of the Jeff Hamilton Trio PASIC performance from the previous day, allowing viewers to see and hear the Black Panther Design Lab drums in a full performance setting.
“We are very excited to bring these exciting new drums to market with a full extended weekend of activities at PASIC,” states Mapex Drum Brand Manager, Gary Ingraffia. “Years of research and extensive input from artists such as Russ Miller have allowed us to create something truly unique and groundbreaking. We look forward to giving everyone the opportunity to experience these instruments and the innovations that they offer.”