Mapex Saturn

[UpandIn]

I don't have the luxury of having a dealer close by with one of these kits for me to play. Any input would be appreciated on the quality of these drums. I'm trying to decide between the following:

Ludwig Classic Maple
Tama Starclassic B/B
or
Mapex Saturn

I read a good review on the Pearl forum but would like to hear from someone that plays them. Thanks!!!

[metal overlord]

I've never played a Saturn in full, but it sounded pretty good out of the two toms I played.

But the B/B is killer. Punch and attack of birch, tone and richness of bubinga. One of the best kits I've ever played. Sounds better than a normal birch or bubinga (IMO)! A clasic maple is nice, but if your spending that much, why not look into Gretsch Renown/New Classic,or Pearl Masters?

I'de take the B/B over any of those kits any day though.

Oh and the Tama is built like a tank, the hardware will last forever. The colors are pretty sweet, too.

[pasta]

http://www.drummerworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=35471


Turns out the drums I heard were the Tama SCP in birch/bubinga. They really did sound great. What kind of music do you play, generally?

[tracer]

I have had no experience with Ludwig since 1972,other than the Black Beauty. (Buy one of those if you get the chance).

The Mapex Saturn has a unique sound ,in my opinion,that has an almost stereotypical studio drum vibe to it,sort of like the classic coliseum resonance and pitch bend found on some of the worst 1980's rock.The Starclassic also has a distinctive tone,and is easily adapted to a variety of styles based on head selection and tuning.I believe the Tama BB is better made,(no flame intended as I own the Mapex),but personally for me doesn't warrant the cost difference between the two (used that is.) If I had unlimited funds incidentally,it still primarily comes to these two choices for me,as I can't envision needing anything that sounds better than the Saturn or B/B.

The walnut in the Saturn however,really does make them sound great. I can't sign off without weighing in on one more great sounding drum kit: RMV. Too bad for their problems.
tracer

[UpandIn]

Thanks for the responses thus far. I'm leaning toward the Starclassics overall but am intrigued by Mapex and the reviews I've read. I won't buy it if I can't play it first so I'm predicting that I won't be getting a Mapex since nobody has them around here. Well, they don't have the pro level end kits at least.