Here's our review of a quartet of Mapex Black Panther Design Lab Snare Drums. Filmed at Middle Farm Studios, January 2018. For full specs, more reviews and the latest drum news, head to: www.drummersreview.com
Great review, gentleman! I own the Equinox and it's a fantastic, versatile drum. It's got a wide, easy tuning range and is super sensitive and articulate. IMO, its cross stick or side stick sound is one of the best I've heard, along with the detail & articulation of ghost notes. And as you mentioned, rimshots are fantastic as well. Aesthetically, I would have preferred simple, non-staggered vintage-style tube lugs for more of a clean, classic look. I was also interested in the 14" Cherry Bomb snare, but after seeing & hearing your review, not so much, so thanks for that!
+Drummer's Review To add to my previous comment...I'd really like to see you demo the Side Stick/Cross Stick on EVERY snare drum in this review, and in ALL of your other snare drum reviews as well. I really wouldn't mind hearing a bit of Brushes on each as well (Equinox is fantastic for this!), but I realize that not all snare drums are geared towards playing with brushes. Still, as a professional drummer seeking a versatile, all-around snare drum for a gig or recording, this might be an important aspect. Cheers for your great reviews!
+bandity2k +Drummer's Review Agreed! He always has great control, consistency, time, and versatility, with very precise/clean playing. ON POINT and one of the best found on RU-vid! 👍
@DrummersReview Hello friends. This is the best drum review I've ever seen. So complete and transparently detailed. I'd like to say after I watched it I decided tp buy an Equinox snare drum. However, after not a lot of use, one of the claw-hooks started to fall off it's place when I tighten it up, making the drum impossible to tune evenly. I think it doesn't bear the pressure, maybe because of the materials, maybe because a factory problem in that specific snare I bought, but anyhow it is extremely disappointing. Now I think all of those snares are overpriced and I agree when you say you'd like to see Mapex perhaps up in their quality control to ensure these drums to operate and tune up as well as they deserve to. Please, if you can help me find a replacement claw-hook for that snare I'd be thankful.
Are you sure the tuning issue is not due to the head problem? Have you tried Evans G1/UV1 heads for the sake of solving the problem? It seems unlikely that the drums themselves have those issues you're describing if the bearing edge is perfectly made. Tuning is a matter of personal preference as well as skill. But after playing Mapex snares since 2005 I must say your opinion might be biased a bit...lovely video btw. Greetings from Croatia 👏🏼👊🏻
Most of the times it's hard to handle mahogany snares cause you have to find his appropriate tuning that gives you both impact and his beautiful dark-warm tone.
I like Mapex. It's a shame about the tuning and strainer issues....hopefully Mapex can take care of that. Unfortunately I would stay away from these drums. I have an early Black Panther 6x13 Maple snare I got used...and its totally brilliant....love that drum. I will keep on the lookout for more Mapex snare releases though.
I too have an early snare .. and Maple Deluxe snare (says black panther on the inside) .. all black with gold hardware and die cast hoops ... and its totally brilliant!
