May 2006
MAPEX INTRODUCES STAINLESS STEEL ETCHED BLACK PANTHER SNARE
(May 19, 2006) Mapex has introduced the Black Panther Dynamic Steel Collectors Edition Stainless Steel Etched Snare Drum. This unique snare is limited to only 100 units in the United States and is only being sold through authorized Five-Star Drum Shops. The drum’s stainless steel shell is reverse etched with a tribal tattoo pattern and is finished with a classic rounded bearing edge for rich warm tone.
The 14 x 5.5 Dynamic Snare is equipped with Mapex 2.3mm Chrome Powerhoops and Remo drumheads. The batter drumhead is silk-screened with a tribal pattern to match the drum. Each unit comes in its own hard shell, padded carrying case. The limited edition drums come with serialized stickers on the inside of the shell and a corresponding certificate of authenticity.
“We’re very proud to introduce such a unique snare drum to the market,” said Joseph Vasko, Vice President and General Manager for Mapex USA. “The Five-Star Group of Drum Shops has been very supportive of Mapex and we’d like to thank them by making this special instrument exclusive to their stores.”
Suggested list price for the Black Panther Dynamic Steel Collectors Edition Stainless Steel Etched Snare Drum is $599.99. Mapex is accepting advance dealer orders on the product, which will ship in mid-June 2006. Exclusive P.O.P. counter cards and bonus website promotion will be used to introduce the product to market.
MAPEX INTRODUCES “GO LARGE” BASS DRUM AND FLOOR TOM ADD-ON PACK FOR M BIRCH SERIES
(May 22, 2006) In an effort to capitalize on the tremendous success of the M Birch series of drums, Mapex has introduced a bass drum and floor tom add-on pack that radically expands basic six and seven-piece configurations.
The M Birch “Go Large” Pack includes an additional 22 x 18 Bass Drum and an 18 x 16 Floor Tom with legs, plus a TH650 tom holder, B550A Boom Stand and P550A Bass Drum Pedal.
Since its introduction in January 2005, the M Birch has enjoyed enormous success, due, in part, to the value added by Mapex’s ‘6 for 5’ and ‘7 for 6’ promotions that reward purchasers with a free tom and mounting hardware. The “Go Large” pack converts standard M Birch configurations into 8 or 9-piece drum sets. Consumers can either purchase the pack with an original M Birch purchase or add on later as an upgrade.
“Our M Birch customers have expressed an interest in larger configurations. With the M Birch ‘Go Large’ pack, players can expand their set-up to a very impressive double-bass kit,” said Joe Vasko, Vice President and General Manager for Mapex USA. “This pack, combined with our 6 for 5 and 7 for 6 M Birch promotions, allows consumers to get into a gigantic drum set for a very reasonable price.”
The M Birch “Go Large” Pack carries an MSRP of $858.92 in the two recently introduced fade finishes, Black Forest Cherry and Black Forest Green. Transparent lacquer finishes (Transparent Cherry, Transparent Emerald Green, Transparent Honey Amber, Transparent Purple and Transparent Sapphire) list for $781.62.
The M Birch “Go Large” pack will be promoted heavily on the Mapex Website and is currently in stock and shipping to authorized dealers.
MAPEX ADDS FINISHES TO VX, QR AND Q-SERIES DRUMS
(May 19, 2006) Mapex has introduced new finishes into each of the company’s three entry-level drum set lines.
Polished Black lacquer will be added to the six existing finishes in the VX Series. The VX Series features off-the-shell ITS mounts on basswood shells and double braced hardware. Three five-piece VX configurations are available and are priced at $999.
The vibrant and exciting new Crimson Swirl wrap finish will be available on the QR Series. Crimson Swirl joins Angel Wing and Onyx Sparkle as the latest unique covering to grace the value-packed QR Series. The QR features basswood shells, off-the-shell ITS mounts, double braced hardware, including a throne and cymbals. List price for five-piece configurations is $726.
The Q-Series adds a third covering, Gray Steel. Q-Series drum sets are sold in five-piece configurations including hardware, a throne and cymbals for $699 MSRP.
All three series come with a free instructional DVD hosted by Mapex Clinician Dom Famularo. Famularo, voted “Clinician of the Year” by both the readers of Modern Drummer and DRUM!. On the DVD, Famularo leads consumers step-by-step through the assembly and set-up of the drum set. The DVD also includes an introductory lesson to help new players get started the same day.
Mapex anticipates success with the new colors. “Everybody likes more choices,” said Vice President and General Manager Joe Vasko, “With the introduction of the popular new finishes, Mapex dealers should gain extra momentum in these entry level categories. This is especially important as we come into the holiday season.”
The company has stock in each of these new finishes in all configurations and is shipping to order for authorized Mapex dealers.
