December 3, 2009 —Mapex will be unveiling its new series of Black Panther Snare Drums at the Winter NAMM Convention in Anaheim, CA. The redesigned collection consists of fourteen all new models, each with it’s own distinct voice and identity. The new Black Panther snare drums feature newly designed finishes and appointments including new lugs, hoops, throw-offs and snare strainers.

All of the new Black Panther models feature one of two classically designed lugs. One is a beautifully sculpted shield-style split lug, while the other is an elegantly forged tube-style lug. Both are strikingly attractive and give the Black Panther series a stunning new look. To complete the transformation, each drum features a distinguished new die cast chrome plated Black Panther badge.

The new Black Panthers feature an incredibly smooth piston-style throw-off that requires minimal effort to operate. The adjustment dial employs “micro-lock” technology that provides a silent, yet tactile “click” as it’s turned, allowing precise tension control.

The drums’ newly designed hardware contributes significantly to the presentation and the performance of the instruments. Mapex’s new “Sonic Saver” hoops bridge the gap between flanged and die cast hoops. The unique shaping process creates a rounded profile at the top of the hoop that reduces wear and tear to both sticks, hands and wrists, while dramatically enhancing the feel and response of every rimshot.

Each of the fourteen new drums in the series has been designated a nickname to emphasize its sound and character. For instance, the “Sledgehammer” is a heavy duty 14” x 6.5” hammered brass drum with a big, loud sound that can “bludgeon its way through the din with extreme volume and a distinct rounded tone.”

The “Phantom” has a 12” x 5” birch and walnut composite shell that gives the drum incredible sensitivity and a “ghostly” quality. All fourteen drums can be seen and heard at blackpanthersnares.com in January 2010.

#######################################################################

MAPEX INTRODUCES HORIZON SERIES DRUM SETS

Mapex USA announced the introduction of Horizon, an entirely new drum series for 2010. The all basswood drums feature newly designed appointments, including lugs, mounts, badges and bass drum claws. All Horizon drum sets include a full set of all new Mapex 500 Series Hardware, a padded throne, and a set-up and instructional DVD.

The Horizon features 7.2mm, basswood shells with newly designed, low mass lugs. These small profile lugs are mounted to the shell using only a single point of contact, minimizing the holes drilled into the shell and thereby enhancing resonance. Horizon Series drums also Remo® drumheads, including a self-muffling bass drum batter head.

The Horizon’s bass drum claws are newly designed to be low in profile and include cushioned gaskets to protect the bass drum hoops. The bass drum’s tom mount features new styling and a recessed adapter to accommodate an optional cymbal arm.

Horizon Series drums use the Mapex-exclusive Isolated Tom Mounting System (ITS). The lightweight and compact system employs Mapex’s unique combination of off-the-shell mounting hardware that allows the drum to resonate more freely, improving projection and sustain. The Horizon’s ITS features a interlocking tom bracket that ensures secure positioning as well as quick and easy set up and tear down.

All Horizon drum sets feature newly designed Mapex 500 Series Hardware. The 500 Series includes many features that were introduced with the 700 series hardware including newly styled memory locks and Multi-Sustain Cymbal Felts, that allow players to use any combination of plastic or felt on their cymbal stands for more precise cymbal sustain. All sets include a T250A padded throne, and a Mapex 500 Series Boom Stand (with a hideaway boom arm), a straight cymbal stand, snare stand, hi-hat stand and a bass drum pedal.

Mapex Horizon drum sets also include an instructional set-up DVD, hosted by Drumming’s Global Ambassador and Mapex Artist, Dom Famularo.

Horizon is available in seven durable high gloss covered finishes and four 5-piece configurations: Standard/HX5255T (22x18 bass drum, 12x9 and 13x10 tom toms, 16x16 floor tom, 14x5.5 snare drum), Fusionease/HX5245T (22x18 bass drum, 10x8 and 12x9 tom toms, 14x14 floor tom, 14x5.5 snare drum), SRO/HX5295T (22x18 bass drum, 10x8 and 12x9 tom toms, 16x16 floor tom, 14x5.5 snare drum) and Jazz/HX5045T (20x18 bass drum, 10x8 and 12x9 tom toms, 14x14 floor tom, 14x5.5 snare drum). MSRP for five-piece Horizon drum sets starts at $929.00.

An optional Mapex cymbal pack is also available with the Horizon. The pack includes a set of 14-inch hi-hats, a 16-inch crash and a 20-inch ride.

The Horizon Series replaces the QR Series product line, which has been discontinued.

#######################################################################################

MAPEX INTRODUCES VOYAGER SERIES DRUM SETS

Mapex USA announced the introduction of the Voyager Drum Set Series, an entirely new entry-level product line for 2010. All Voyager drum sets are packaged to be “ready to go” and include a full set of all new Mapex 330 Series Hardware, a padded throne, an optional set of Mapex Cymbals and a set-up and instructional DVD. The all basswood drums feature newly designed appointments, including lugs, mounts, badges and bass drum claws.

The Voyager features 7.2mm, basswood shells with newly designed, low mass lugs. These small profile lugs are mounted to the shell using only a single point of contact, minimizing the holes drilled into the shell and thereby enhancing resonance. Voyager Series drums also Remo® drumheads, including a self-muffling bass drum batter head.

The Voyager’s bass drum claws are newly designed to be low in profile and include cushioned gaskets to protect the bass drum hoops. The bass drum’s tom mount features new styling and a recessed adapter to accommodate an optional cymbal arm.

All Voyager drum sets feature newly designed Mapex 330 Series Hardware. The 330 Series Cymbal Stand features Multi-Sustain Cymbal Felts, that allow players to use any combination of plastic or felt on their cymbal stands for more precise cymbal sustain. All sets include a T250A padded throne, and a Mapex 330 Series straight cymbal stand, snare stand, hi-hat stand and a bass drum pedal.

Mapex Voyager drum sets also include an instructional set-up DVD, hosted by Drumming’s Global Ambassador and Mapex Artist, Dom Famularo.

Voyager is available in Black, Burgundy or Snow White covered finishes and three 5-piece configurations: Standard/VR5255TCZ (22x18 bass drum, 12x9 and 13x10 tom toms, 16x16 floor tom, 14x5.5 snare drum), Fusionease/ VR5245TCZ (22x18 bass drum, 10x8 and 12x9 tom toms, 14x14 floor tom, 14x5.5 snare drum) and Jazz/VR5045TCZ (20x18 bass drum, 10x8 and 12x9 tom toms, 14x14 floor tom, 14x5.5 snare drum). MSRP for Voyager sets start at $729.00.

An optional Mapex cymbal pack is also available with Voyager kits. The pack includes a set of 14-inch hi-hats and an 18-inch crash/ride.

The Voyager Series replaces the Q Series product line, which has been discontinued.

######################################################################

MAPEX INTRODUCES FALCON BASS DRUM PEDALS

Mapex has announced the release of its all-new Falcon Bass Drum Pedals. The Falcon Single Pedal (P1000) and the (P1000TW) are completely new designs from Mapex and both models are designed to be the smoothest-playing pedals ever made.

The Falcon’s exclusive hollow inox steel drive shaft offers the utmost in strength without adding unwanted drag or excess weight. This increases the smooth operation of the pedal and gives Falcon a sensationally smooth feel. By allowing the torque-free spring mechanism to move independently the Falcon’s stroke and recoil motions are exceptionally smooth and feel more natural to the foot.

“Every feature and adjustment has been engineered to make Falcon feel as if it’s an extension of your foot,” said Joe Hibbs, R&D Manager at Mapex USA. “Every artist that has tested this pedal has been able to fine tune it to their liking within minutes — right out of the box. Falcon is a pedal for the people. This is a pedal that can satisfy virtually every drummer.”

Because the Falcon’s footprint is more compact than other bass drum pedals, it’s easy to comfortably position between the hi-hat and snare stands. The Falcon’s easy-to-reach, resistance-free Talon™ clamp adjustment can be tightened with one hand from a seated position, making set-up quick and easy, even in the tightest spaces.

The Falcon’s patented Talon™ bass drum hoop clamp features locking claws that move independently from the pedal frame. Even if the bass drum is pitched at a severe angle, the pedal remains flat to the floor and securely clamped to the drum for the utmost comfort and security.

The Falcon is equipped with interchangeable cams to suit each player’s individual style. The “Glide” cam offers an equal amount of inertia from the beginning to the end of the stroke, while the “Pursuit” cam is recommended for increased power and maximum impact. The reversible beater head comes with interchangeable 10 gram and 20 gram inserts. By choosing one of these weights (or playing without any additional weight at all) the player can choose the desired degree of centrifugal force.

The Falcon’s footboard design provides the feel of a longer board without the additional weight and mass. A lighter footboard provides greater control with less fatigue and its uniquely sculpted profile allows the players to position his foot at any angle and operate the pedal with minimal expended energy, making even the most intricate patterns seem effortless.

The footboard angle and beater angle are independently adjustable, enabling the player to fine-tune the ideal combination of playing comfort and force of stroke. The footboard and heel plate are hinged using an exclusive sealed bearing mechanism that offers zero resistance and secure operation with no
lateral movement.

The MSRP for the Falcon Single Pedal is $329.00 The Falcon Double Pedal carries an MSRP of $649.00. Both will be introduced to dealers at the 2010 Winter NAMM show and will be available by January 31, 2010.

#############################END FIVE PRESS RELEASES##########################################