Drum sets are a crucial component of any band or musical performance. They provide the rhythmic foundation for the rest of the instruments to build upon. Maypex is a well-known brand in the world of drum sets, producing high-quality and reliable products for both beginners and professionals.
When it comes to purchasing a Maypex drum set, there are a few critical factors to consider.
The first is the size of the drum set, which can range from compact kits suitable for small venues to larger sets designed for larger performances.
Another important factor to consider is the type of wood used in the drum set's construction, as different types of wood produce different sounds.
After conducting extensive research and testing, we have compiled a list of the 10 best Maypex drum sets on the market.
Each of these sets has been carefully selected based on their quality, reliability, and overall performance. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned professional, our list has something for everyone.
Buying Guide
When choosing a Maypex drum set, there are a few key features to consider to ensure you get the best product for your needs. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Size
Consider the size of the drum set you want to purchase. Think about the space you have available and how many pieces you need.
A smaller kit may be more suitable if you have limited space, while a larger kit may be necessary if you want a more complete sound.
Material
The material of the drum set can affect the sound and durability of the product. Look for high-quality materials that will produce a clear and consistent sound.
Common materials include wood, metal, and acrylic.
Hardware
The hardware of the drum set, such as the pedals, stands, and mounts, can also impact the sound and playability of the drums. Look for sturdy and reliable hardware that will hold up well over time.
Brand Reputation
Consider the reputation of the brand you are considering. Look for a brand that is known for producing high-quality drum sets and has a good reputation among musicians.
Price
Finally, consider your budget when choosing a Maypex drum set. While it's important to invest in a high-quality product, you don't want to overspend. Look for a drum set that offers good value for its price.
Best Maypex Drum Sets
We have compiled a list of the top 10 Maypex drum sets to help you find the perfect one for your musical needs. Our team of experts has extensively researched and tested each of these sets to ensure that they meet the highest standards of quality and performance. Whether you're a beginner or a professional drummer, we are confident that you will find a Maypex drum set that suits your style and budget. So without further ado, here are our top picks for the best Maypex drum sets.
Mapex Venus 5-piece Fusion Complete Drum Set - Black Galaxy Sparkle
If you're a beginner looking for a complete drum set that's easy to play and sounds great, the Mapex Venus 5-piece Fusion Complete Drum Set is a solid choice.
Pros
- Smooth and soft treble/midrange with solid low-end thump
- SONIClear bearing edge technology for ripe tones
- Comes with all necessary kit components including brass cymbals, stands, pedals, drumheads, throne, and drumsticks
Cons
- Not suitable for advanced drummers
- May require additional tuning out of the box
- Cymbals may need to be upgraded for better sound quality
We were impressed with the smooth and soft treble/midrange of the Venus shell technology, which makes it easy for beginners to adapt to their instrument. The SONIClear bearing edge technology further enhances the tonal quality of this kit, providing a comfortable and manageable sound for drummers of all skill levels.
The Venus set comes with all necessary kit components, including brass cymbals, stands, pedals, drumheads, throne, and drumsticks, making it a convenient and affordable option for beginners. However, advanced drummers may find the set lacking in certain areas and may need to upgrade certain components for better sound quality.
Mapex Armory 6-Piece Studioease Fast Tom Shell Pack - Desert Dune
If you are looking for a high-quality drum set that delivers exceptional sound, then the Mapex Armory 6-Piece Studioease Fast Tom Shell Pack is a great choice.
Pros
- The 6-piece shell pack includes a 22" bass drum, 14" snare drum, 10" and 12" toms, and 14" and 16" floor toms, providing a full range of sound.
- The Birch/Maple/Birch shells deliver a warm, balanced sound with excellent projection and sustain.
- The Desert Dune finish is eye-catching and adds a touch of style to any performance.
Cons
- The drum set may be heavy and difficult to transport, especially for gigs or performances.
- The price point may be higher than some other drum sets on the market.
- The drum heads may require frequent tuning and maintenance to maintain optimal sound quality.
Overall, we highly recommend the Mapex Armory 6-Piece Studioease Fast Tom Shell Pack for drummers who demand exceptional sound quality and a full range of sound. The Birch/Maple/Birch shells provide a warm and balanced sound that is perfect for a variety of musical styles, and the Desert Dune finish adds a touch of style to any performance. While the drum set may be heavy and require frequent tuning, the exceptional sound quality and range make it a worthwhile investment for serious drummers.
Mapex Venus 5-piece Fusion Complete Drum Set - Aqua Blue Sparkle
If you're a beginner drummer looking for a complete drum set that has everything you need to start playing right away, the Mapex Venus 5-piece Fusion Complete Drum Set is a great option to consider.
Pros
- The poplar shells provide a comfortable and manageable sound for beginners.
- The SONIClear bearing edge technology enhances the tonal range of the kit.
- The kit comes with brass cymbals, accompanying stands, pedals, drumheads, and a throne.
Cons
- The kit may not be suitable for more advanced drummers who require a wider range of tonal options.
- The included drumsticks may not be of the highest quality and may need to be replaced.
- The aqua blue sparkle finish may not be to everyone's taste.
We were impressed with the smooth and soft treble/midrange of the poplar shells on the Mapex Venus kit, which makes it easy for beginners to adapt to their instrument. The SONIClear bearing edge technology further enhances the tonal range of the kit, providing a solid low-end thump that's perfect for laying down instant grooves.
One of the standout features of the Mapex Venus kit is that it comes with everything you need to get started, including brass cymbals, accompanying stands, pedals, drumheads, and a throne. This means you can start playing right away without having to worry about purchasing additional components.
While the Mapex Venus kit is a great option for beginners, more advanced drummers may find that it lacks the tonal options they require. Additionally, the included drumsticks may not be of the highest quality and may need to be replaced. Finally, the aqua blue sparkle finish may not be to everyone's taste, although we found it to be quite visually striking.
Mapex Armory Series 6-Piece Studioease Shell Pack - Ultramarine
If you're looking for a mid-tier drum set that offers high-end sound quality and build, the Mapex Armory Series is a great choice. With features borrowed from the flagship Saturn series, the Armory shell pack is built for performance, with virtually no hindrances to your playing. The SONIClear Bearing Edge enhances tone and projection, and all Armory shells come with this premium feature as standard.
Pros
- The SONIClear Bearing Edge improves contact with the shell to create a deeper vibration that gives a more solid response, and your tuning will be far more level and consistent.
- The Tomahawk snare drum included with all Mapex Armory shell packs has a strong high-end presence that could cut through even the most frantic of mixes.
- The Armory shell pack includes a Bass Drum, Rack Tom 1 and 2, Floor Tom 1 and 2, and a Snare.
Cons
- The Armory series is a mid-tier drum range in terms of price, so it may not be suitable for those on a tight budget.
- The 9 Ply Birch / Maple / Birch construction may not be as durable as some more expensive drum sets.
- The drum set may require some tuning before use.
The Mapex Armory Series 6-Piece Studioease Shell Pack is a great choice for drummers who want a high-end sound without the high-end price tag. The SONIClear Bearing Edge, Tom Suspension, and Floor Tom Legs all contribute to a focused, tonal, and responsive sound. The Tomahawk snare drum is a standout feature, with its 1mm thick steel shell and articulate playing.
In terms of build quality, the Armory series is solid, but may not be as durable as some more expensive drum sets. However, with proper care and maintenance, this drum set should last for many years. It's also important to note that the drum set may require some tuning before use, so be prepared to spend some time getting it just right.
Mapex Armory 6-Piece Studioease Fast Tom Shell Pack - Emerald Burst
If you're looking for a drum set that delivers great sound and looks stunning, then the Mapex Armory 6-Piece Studioease Fast Tom Shell Pack in Emerald Burst is a great choice.
Pros
- The blend of birch and maple shells delivers a rich and balanced sound.
- The Emerald Burst veneer finish is beautiful and eye-catching.
- The soniclear bearing edges allow for better head-to-shell contact and improved sound.
Cons
- The price point may be too high for some drummers.
- Some users reported issues with the quality of the hardware.
- The set does not come with cymbals or hardware.
We were impressed with the sound and look of the Mapex Armory 6-Piece Studioease Fast Tom Shell Pack. The birch and maple shells deliver a rich and balanced sound that is perfect for a variety of genres.
The Emerald Burst veneer finish is stunning and adds a touch of class to any performance.
The soniclear bearing edges are a nice touch, allowing for better head-to-shell contact and improved sound. The set is also easy to tune, making it a great choice for both experienced and novice drummers.
However, the price point may be too high for some drummers, and some users reported issues with the quality of the hardware. Additionally, the set does not come with cymbals or hardware, so you'll need to purchase those separately.
Mapex Venus 5-piece Rock Complete Drum Set - Aqua Blue Sparkle
If you're looking for a drum set that can handle rock music, the Mapex Venus 5-piece Rock Complete Drum Set is a great option.
Pros
- The poplar shells produce a warm and balanced sound that is perfect for rock music.
- The Aqua Blue Sparkle finish looks stunning and will definitely stand out on stage.
- The set includes a 14" snare drum, which is a great addition for rock drumming.
Cons
- The set doesn't include cymbals, so you'll need to purchase those separately.
- The drum heads that come with the set are decent, but you may want to upgrade them for better sound.
- The set is on the heavier side, so it may not be the best option if you need to transport it frequently.
We recently had the chance to try out the Mapex Venus 5-piece Rock Complete Drum Set and were impressed with its sound and appearance. The poplar shells give the drums a warm and balanced sound that is perfect for rock music.
The Aqua Blue Sparkle finish is eye-catching and will definitely make a statement on stage.
One thing to keep in mind is that the set doesn't include cymbals, so you'll need to purchase those separately. The drum heads that come with the set are decent, but you may want to upgrade them for better sound. Additionally, the set is on the heavier side, so it may not be the best option if you need to transport it frequently.
Overall, we would recommend the Mapex Venus 5-piece Rock Complete Drum Set to anyone looking for a great sounding and great looking drum set for rock music. Just be prepared to purchase cymbals separately and potentially upgrade the drum heads for optimal sound.
Mapex Venus 5-piece Rock Complete Drum Set - Crimson Red Sparkle
If you're a beginner drummer looking for a complete drum set, the Mapex Venus 5-piece Rock Complete Drum Set is a great option.
Pros
- The 9-ply poplar shells provide smooth playability and a sizable tonal range.
- The SONIClear bearing edge technology unveils the ripe tones of this kit.
- The set includes everything you need to get started, including brass cymbals, accompanying stands, pedals, drumheads, and a throne.
Cons
- The drumsticks included in the set may not be the best quality.
- The bass drum pedal may need some adjustments to suit your playing style.
- The brass cymbals included in the set may not be the best quality.
This drum set is perfect for beginning drummers who want a comfortable and manageable sound. The 9-ply poplar shells provide smooth and soft treble/midrange while still driving that solid low-end thump.
The SONIClear bearing edge technology further enhances the sound quality of the kit, making it a delight to play.
The set includes a 5-piece poplar shell pack with 10" and 12" toms, a 14" snare in Crimson Red Sparkle, a 22" bass drum, and a 16" flo tom. The set also comes with brass cymbals, accompanying stands, pedals, drumheads, and a throne, so you have everything you need to start playing right away.
One downside of this drum set is that the drumsticks included in the set may not be the best quality. You may want to consider purchasing a separate pair of drumsticks for a better playing experience. Additionally, the bass drum pedal may need some adjustments to suit your playing style. Lastly, the brass cymbals included in the set may not be the best quality, so you may want to upgrade them in the future.
Overall, the Mapex Venus 5-piece Rock Complete Drum Set is a great option for beginner drummers who want a complete set to get started with. It provides a comfortable and manageable sound, and includes everything you need to start playing right away.
Mapex Armory 5-Piece Shell Pack - Ultramarine Gloss
If you're looking for a drum set that delivers the ultimate tonal expression, then the Mapex Armory 5-Piece Shell Pack in Ultramarine Gloss is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The fusion of birch and maple delivers an exceptional tonal expression.
- The soniclear bearing edge allows the drumhead to sit flat, optimizing the relationship between head and shell.
- The exotic Ultramarine Gloss finish looks amazing on stage.
Cons
- The set only includes five drums, not six as shown in the picture.
- The set is relatively expensive compared to other drum sets on the market.
- The set does not come with cymbals, so you will need to purchase those separately.
We've had the pleasure of using the Mapex Armory 5-Piece Shell Pack in Ultramarine Gloss in several live performances, and we were blown away by the tonal expression and overall sound quality. The fusion of birch and maple really makes a difference, delivering a rich and complex sound that is perfect for a wide range of musical genres.
The soniclear bearing edge is another standout feature of this drum set, allowing the drumhead to sit flat and optimize the relationship between head and shell. This results in a more focused sound with better projection, making it easier to cut through the mix and be heard on stage.
The exotic Ultramarine Gloss finish is also a great feature, making this drum set look amazing on stage. It's definitely a head-turner and is sure to get you noticed.
However, it's worth noting that the set only includes five drums, not six as shown in the picture. Additionally, this drum set is relatively expensive compared to other drum sets on the market, so it may not be the best option for those on a tight budget. Finally, the set does not come with cymbals, so you will need to purchase those separately, which can add to the overall cost.
Mapex Armory 6-piece Studioease Fast Tom Shell Pack - Night Sky Burst
If you're looking for a drum set that offers clean, focused attack at an affordable price, the Mapex Armory 6-piece Studioease Fast Tom Shell Pack in Night Sky Burst is a great option.
Pros
- Hand-selected maple core for a familiar bite and sensitivity
- Birch inner and outer plies focus attack for a tight, modern sound
- SONIClear bearing edges provide a wide tuning range and pure, deep fundamentals
Cons
- Heavy weight at 49.25 pounds
- No cymbals or hardware included
- Night Sky Burst color may not be to everyone's taste
We recently got our hands on the Mapex Armory drum set and were impressed by its sound and build quality. The hand-selected maple core of each shell provides a familiar bite and sensitivity that drummers of all backgrounds will enjoy. The birch inner and outer plies focus attack for a tight, modern, close-miked sound that cuts through today's music.
The SONIClear bearing edges are a standout feature, seating drumheads flat on the shell and providing a wide tuning range and pure, deep fundamentals. We found that this allowed us to achieve a range of tones and sounds with ease.
The drum set comes with a 6-piece Birch/Maple/Birch Shell Pack, including 10" and 12" toms, 14" snare drum, 14" and 16" flo toms, and a 22" bass drum. However, it's worth noting that cymbals and hardware are not included, so you'll need to purchase those separately.
The Night Sky Burst color is a unique and eye-catching feature, but may not be to everyone's taste. Additionally, the drum set is quite heavy at 49.25 pounds, which may be a consideration if you plan on transporting it frequently.
Mapex Armory Series 6-Piece Studioease Shell Pack - Black Dawn
If you're looking for a high-quality drum set that delivers great tone and responsiveness, the Mapex Armory Series 6-Piece Studioease Shell Pack in Black Dawn is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The SONIClear Edge, Tom Suspension, and Floor Tom Legs help to improve the sustain and resonance of the drums, resulting in a more focused and tonal sound.
- With its 8 Ply Birch / Maple / Birch construction, this drum set delivers a rich and warm overall sound that's perfect for a wide range of musical styles.
- The included Bass Drum, Rack Tom 1, Rack Tom 2, Floor Tom 1, Floor Tom 2, and Snare provide everything you need to create a full and dynamic drum kit.
Cons
- The drum set is relatively heavy, which may make it less portable than some other options.
- While the included hardware is solid and well-made, some users may prefer to upgrade to higher-end components for an even better playing experience.
- The Black Dawn finish is stylish and eye-catching, but may not be to everyone's taste.
The SONIClear Edge, Tom Suspension, and Floor Tom Legs are particularly noteworthy features that help to improve the sustain and resonance of the drums, resulting in a more focused and tonal sound. Additionally, the 8 Ply Birch / Maple / Birch construction delivers a rich and warm overall sound that's perfect for a wide range of musical styles.
While the drum set is relatively heavy, this is a small price to pay for the high-quality sound and construction that you get with the Mapex Armory Series. Some users may prefer to upgrade the hardware for an even better playing experience, but the included components are solid and well-made.
If you're looking for a drum set that delivers great tone, responsiveness, and versatility, the Mapex Armory Series 6-Piece Studioease Shell Pack in Black Dawn is definitely worth checking out.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-rated Mapex drum sets for professional musicians?
We have found that the Mapex Saturn series is highly regarded among professional drummers for its exceptional sound quality and versatile design. The Mapex Saturn V MH Exotic 4-piece shell pack and Mapex Saturn V Tour Edition 4-piece shell pack are both popular choices among professionals.
How do Mapex Saturn series drum sets compare to other Mapex lines?
The Mapex Saturn series is known for its high-quality construction and sound, making it a top choice for professional drummers. Compared to other Mapex lines, such as the Armory or Mars series, the Saturn series offers a more advanced level of features and sound quality.
What is the average price range for high-quality Mapex drum kits?
The price of a high-quality Mapex drum kit can vary depending on the specific model and features. Generally, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $3000 for a Mapex drum kit. However, investing in a higher-quality drum set can greatly enhance your playing experience.
Which Mapex drum sets are considered the best for beginners?
For beginners, we recommend the Mapex Rebel series or the Mapex Tornado series. These drum sets are designed with beginner drummers in mind, offering a balance of affordability and quality. The Mapex Rebel series, in particular, features a compact design and easy-to-use hardware, making it a great choice for new drummers.
How does the Mapex Black Panther series stand out among other drum sets?
The Mapex Black Panther series is known for its unique and innovative design, featuring high-quality materials and exceptional sound. The Black Panther series offers a range of options, from the versatile Black Panther Design Lab series to the powerful Black Panther Warbird snare drum.
What features make the Mapex Rebel drum set a good choice for new drummers?
The Mapex Rebel drum set is designed with new drummers in mind. It offers a compact and easy-to-use design.
The Rebel drum set features a durable construction, adjustable hardware, and a responsive playing experience. These qualities make it a great choice for beginners looking to develop their skills.