It seems Mapex is offering both a birch/walnut and a maple/walnut shell layup with the Saturn Evo line. Buyers choice I guess. Also some new finishes and a N&C inspired tom mount. Badge is the same. No more Alpi finishes, looks like satin colors. Hard to tell on the series page. Take a look. I like Mapex and hope it works for them. They're not afraid to take chances and innovate.
Mapex Saturn Evolution.... new twist!
- Thread starter Darth Vater
- Start date
someguy01
Platinum Member
I was looking at these as well, very intriguing. What I couldn't find anywhere is how they layout the plies, like is it a maple or birch core ply with walnut outers or is it the other way around? I assume it's like the Tama offering where the walnut is the outer plies.
I like the ridiculous yellow finish and the green is quite lovely.
I like the ridiculous yellow finish and the green is quite lovely.
someguy01
Platinum Member
I can understand that, I'd just remove the badge anyway. Never been a fan of how "in ya face" the Mapex badge tends to be.
TK-421
Senior Member
Agreed. In fact, I posted this back in 2018, and I still feel the same way about it. So here it is again:
"... it looks like Homer Simpson making a fist while wearing one of those weird multi-finger rings"
I think you're entering "beat a dead horse" territory with the badge thing.
GetAgrippa
Diamond Member
If they didn't stick some gum between the layers then it isn't an innovation and just the same old formula. Pearl did it-so innovative, stealing from Gretsch who has done it forever. I'm a bit disappointed. No gum. I'd do the teaberry shuffle if they did add some gum, and make it affordable-why adding a cheaper wood makes it more expensive should have a thread. Maybe a thread on the Herb Alpert teaberry shuffle (for the younger audience it isn't a drum lick-unless you like gum).
Winston_Wolf
Platinum Member
I wish Mapex could find a middle ground on re-inventing brand identity. I'm not suggesting they never change or update things but the way they constantly tinker with every design aspect of their brand and the drums themselves really cuts into their ability to create a lasting image.
That might sound pretty good. Their maple/walnut Saturn Exotic kick have always sounded killer. Especially with a SuperKick II and Aquarian regulator reso. That said, I'm not sure if they've "messed" with the shell construction recipe.The hybrid shell series is interesting - " Hybrid-Shelled System - The combination of a maple/walnut bass drum and birch/walnut toms is our bold interpretation of today's modern drum sound. "
On paper, maple/walnut bass drum and birch/walnut toms makes perfect sense to me. I'd like to try them out sometime.
Home - mapex
mapexdrums.com
Drumolator
Platinum Member
I like what they have done, but it really does not matter because I am very happy with the drums I have. Peace and goodwill.
Fritz Frigursson
Senior Member
Wow, this is exactly what most people including me have to say about every new kit that hits the market. True words.
Andy
Honorary Member
Agreed on the profile - it's an improved look.
As for dates, we developed the mount Q3 2010, & certainly before we were aware of N&C's design. Our design differs significantly too, as the lugs simply rest in the rubber grommets of any RIMS style mount, as opposed to being affixed to the ring lugs.
Nevertheless, my only reason for posting was not to make any timeline claims on N&C (great company - great drums), but to highlight the all too frequent "borrowing" of independent maker's ideas by larger companies, then promoting those ideas as something "revolutionary" developed in house. For me, it only serves to reinforce the development value of independent drum makers to progression of the instrument.
petrez
Senior Member
I'm slightly interested in these myself if I were to get a new kit in the near future. Not way too pricey, good sounding, my ideal sizes (22x18" bassdrum and standard depth toms, opposed to what most other brands are doing, shallower sizes) and with a killer looking gun metal finish that just screams to be a double bass kit... Hmm. Not that bothered about the mount, not a good look on the badges but I think I would see past them if I were to get a kit.
Shouldn't you patent those kind of things?
Andy
Honorary Member
A patent is only as good as your ability to defend it, & the ability of others to circumvent the unique features listed in order of importance. It's not the panacea many believe it to be. They're expensive to set up in multiple markets, and defending them is often a money thing.
That would definitely suck to be first to design something and watch others profit from it.
Mapex always comes up with these gimmicks and overly-emphasized features year after year. They make great drums, but they are constantly modifying features on there drums and glorifying the shit out of them to the point where it's nearly impossible to get a matching drum for any line they produce since they change every 6 months. It becomes exhausting. And this is coming from someone who owns a Mapex kit.
petrez
Senior Member
I agree, it would help their brand image to stick with a line, like the Saturns for example, have enough quality finishes and just slow down on the constant upgrades. But I guess they cater more to the younger audience that prefers constant change over longevity/simplicity. Maybe a slight exaggeration but you might get my point. It was better with the Saturn 3 some years ago, in my opinion. On the other hand, I like a company that experiment with more finish options, as long as they keep what they already make, long enough. I feel both Mapex and Tama are good in adding new finishes, even though I happen to dislike most of Tama's finishes at the moment (except for the Star series, but those are way out my price range). But that is for another thread. I like the concept about the Saturn Evolutions though, and they hit a home run on the finishes for my taste, at least.