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Mapex Meridian Maple Drums<br />
Exquisite Mid-Level Kit<br />
Meridian Maple drums from Mapex combine great sound, quality and attention<br />
to detail at a mid-level price range. High-end features abound on these<br />
kits, including thick 2.3mm triple-flanged powerhoops, redesigned tom-isolation<br />
mounts, spring-loaded feet on the floor-tom legs for extra resonance,<br />
cushioned and recessed bass-drum claws, and an all-maple seven-ply shell.<br />
The hand-sanded, eight-coat, high-gloss maple lacquer finish is exquisite.<br />
Each Meridian drum set is equipped with Mapex 700 series hardware.<br />
My four-piece review kit included an 18- by 14-inch bass drum, 12-<br />
by 8-inch tom, 14- by 14-inch floor tom and a 5.5- by 14-inch snare drum.<br />
Factory heads seemed a bit out of character for a bebop-size kit, but Remo<br />
Coated Ambassador heads were the solution, and they absolutely sang.<br />
Tuning was a breeze, with the drums displaying a wide range for the small<br />
sizes. The bass drum has surprising low end, yet when tuned higher it has<br />
great tone. Toms were tuned to a medium-high “bop” range, and they<br />
sounded beautiful without choking. The snare drum was powerful yet<br />
crisp and sensitive. Cross-sticking and rimshots sounded excellent. My<br />
70 DOWNBEAT NOVEMBER 2010<br />
only gripe: The snare drum strainer was difficult to disengage, making<br />
quick on/off snare changes a hassle.<br />
On gigs, the visually striking Mapex Meridian Maple drums demonstrated<br />
a widely versatile range, suitable for whatever the music called for. Whether<br />
playing softly and delicately or whipped up into a roar, they were right<br />
there with me. Higher-volume Latin jazz was no problem, as the drums have<br />
plenty of punch and projection when called upon. Soloing was a joy on these<br />
drums. The sound was uniform, providing a great base for expressing my<br />
musical ideas.<br />
Mapex Meridian Maple drums have a lot going for them. Extra features<br />
and attention to detail make them a standout in the ultra-competitive mid-level<br />
market. There are many sizes and configurations available, so these drums<br />
are going to be able to handle any musical situation you can throw at them.<br />
The Meridians prove that you can have a high-quality set of drums with highend<br />
features for not a lot of money. —Ryan Bennett<br />
ordering info: mapexdrums.com
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