Mapex pro M or Yamaha Stage Custom Nouveau??

[Apatia]

Hi to everyone from Caracas Venezuela!!!

I'm buying a new drum this week, but i cant decide between the Pro M or Stage Custom Nouveau.. Here in Venezuela the price is very similar.. Any comments would be very appreciated!!!


The only thing that make me doubt about yamaha, is the "Nouveau plastic lugs"

[Mcbrain]

My suggestion would be MAPEX Pro M.....It's an amazing set and you will not upset with that choice.......An absolutely fantastic set....................good luck on your choice and CHEERS

[harryconway]

Either kit, for the money, is a great kit. The Yamaha lug in question, "Yamaha Absolute Nouveau Series — The offspring of the original Maple and Birch Custom Absolute series, the Nouveau designation signals a change in lug design, which for the Nouveau line does not require the removal of the tension rods in order to separate the head from the shell. Although first introduced in the Absolute Nouveau series, Yamaha has incorporated the design into its semi-professional offerings, creating the Stage Custom Nouveau. Yamaha offers the new lug design on all of its professional Absolute series, which are denoted ** Yamaha Maple Custom Absolute Nouveau, ** Yamaha Birch Custom Absolute Nouveau, and ** Yamaha Beech Custom Absolute Nouveau." This lug has been used for several years now, and although people "mention" concern about it being plastic, I've never heard of anyone having one break. I have, however seen a lot of metal and potmetal lugs break, over the years. RMV also uses a plastic lug. Never heard of one of those breaking, either. But if both kits are a dead tie, sound wise, options, finish, hardware, maybe the plastic lug is the tie breaker.

[dharma bum]

I like my Pro Ms for the $$ (Or whatever your currency is there in Venezuela) - having checked out the Yamahas you are comparing to, I think the Pro Ms are significantly better - I have a problem with those plastic Yamaha lugs.

[mind_drummer]

For me the PRO M is my choice without a doubt.

[Guillermo]

No way!... ha, ha, ha... no seriously Pro M is a cool set... it has better finishes in my opinion and sounds very good.

But the sound quality of the Stage Custom is far superior IN MY OPINION...

It has a broader tuning range
Also, I find more consistency in the quaility of manufacturing, better bearing edges, a more consistent sound from drum to drum, both in TONE as in VOLUME.
Also the hardware... I find Mapex hardware, even if it looks more bulky and shiny, to be of much inferior quality to that of Yamaha hardware... toms holders, stands, pedals, etc. from Yamaha are simply better designed, more durable and sturdy... YET lighter.

I've played on my fair share of BOTH kits... in the studio, gigs, house kits and rehearsal rooms and base this opinion on that... not on personal preference... if it was for looks, MAPEX hands down, has more interesting finishes IMO, but STs are just a better instrument.... mi pana.

[Vintagedrummer]

Having played both kits, I bought the Yamaha. The tuning range, hardware quality were better than the Mapex's. In my opinion, Yamaha's tom system (YESS) allows more room for tom placement than Mapex's. In the end, both kits are great it just boils down to money (as usual). Good luck! Be sure to send pictures after you buy!

[Apatia]

Hi!! thanks to all for the advices and coments!! a finally get the Pro M..

Tomorrow I will post some pics on "your gear" threat!