Mydentity Mapex drums

[markthechuck]

I saw this in the Mapex Drum thread and thought it deserved it's own thread, Mapex are bringing out a totally custom kit with over 5 Million variations, Maple or birch, and not high end prices.

[inthpktplayer]

Wish they'd give a bit more information on shell and bearing edge. They tell you all about colors, finishes etc. This is why I think this is more about marketing than it is about drums. They will sell alot of drums this way. Some of the sizing choices are a bit strange.

[marko138]

Originally Posted by inthpktplayer

Wish they'd give a bit more information on shell and bearing edge. They tell you all about colors, finishes etc. This is why I think this is more about marketing than it is about drums. They will sell alot of drums this way. Some of the sizing choices are a bit strange.

I wish they did too. I'd want to know what range of shell I'm buying. But it's something I'd be interested in if I knew they were upper end shells....like Saturns.

[inthpktplayer]

Based on the price point, I don't think they are Saturnesque.

[marko138]

Originally Posted by inthpktplayer

Based on the price point, I don't think they are Saturnesque.

Probably not. I'm guessing they are more mid-range stuff as the target audience is probably younger folks.

[pastor_bob]

Mapex has had a good reputation for offering a good number of finishes. This just seems like they are expanding on that reputation. Right now, I would be more impressed with higher quality at a decent price, than I would a kit with specific color options. Of course, I still get blown away if the eye candy is just right, too.

[itchie]

the Saturn shells are nothing like birch or maple ....

if anything its going to be closer the meridian shells which are actually reasonably good

[jazzkat]

I would bet they are the same shells as the M/Pro M/Meridian series.

[jazzkat]

they tried this a few years ago with the pro m line

[kay-gee]

Just wondering. Do Mapex make their own shells?

all the best...

[Geo Rose]

Originally Posted by kay-gee

Just wondering. Do Mapex make their own shells?

all the best...

Yes

[weezy]

Originally Posted by jazzkat

I would bet they are the same shells as the M/Pro M/Meridian series.

I suspect that you're correct. They are probably Meridian birch and Meridian maple shells.

[vkirkpat]

Also, these are all wrap finishes. They really need a lacquer option there. Wonder how many plys are on the shells too?

[ShaneRoney]

I went through the motions today and built a 10/12/15/22 4 piece shell kit with their online tool. The MSRP was just over $1500, which probably puts the street price just under $1000. If I had the extra cash, I could see doing this for a gigging out kit that I wouldn't be terrified of scratching up a little. I've been looking for a way to get a 15" floor tom for a while for a 12/15/22 rock kit, and this would be an acceptable solution in my book.

[Russ]

Have been, and always will be the best deal on drums out there. This kit configurator puts them near DW's level adding a bit of a new feel to it(soundwise probably not, unless the customer requests something similar to be done). Sounds like they are trying to get into doing what custom companies have been for years, and at these prices they are going to hold that market down once they offer better finishes.

[ShaneRoney]

I can also see these being way easier to resell than even really well done boutique shop keller shell kits. A big company reputation can mean a lot to a buyer.

[vkirkpat]

So has anyone here from DrumChat ordered a set of these puppies? All too interested in pics & sound reviews when we start getting some deliveries. Can't get an official word if these are really Meridian shells or something new altogether in-between Meridian & Saturn.

[05WideGuy]

If I were a betting man, I would say that they are the same shells as the Meridian line, the bearing edge is probably a standard 45 degree just like the Meridians. The only difference would be that you can custom order with all those colors and hardware.

[vkirkpat]

If I were a betting man, and I'm not, I'd say you're right.

Specs are:
Shell Materials – Option of 100% Maple or 100% Birch
Shell Thicknesses – 7.2mm on bass drums, 5.8mm on mounted toms, floor toms, & snare drums
Bearing Edge Cut – 1:9 with a 45 degree back-cut
Finishes – Quality Coverings
Hoops – 2.3mm Power Hoops
Mounts – ITS Mounts

[Russ]

Meridians can't compare to Saturns though. Saturns use two types of wood, whereas Meridians are a single-wood kit. It would be informative to know what type of maple or birch they use. My hypothesis is that at the particular price point specified, it's unlikely they are using any type of Keller shells. It's possible to keep costs down if the rest of the drum parts are relatively inexpensive to make. Heck i've seen Keller maple snares being put together for $160-$200, it's just a question of what the design of the drum is. If it's through a mainstream company though, it falls all on how they price everything. Mapex has a reputation for not jacking up the prices on anything they make, so if the line does improve in time with more types of finishes it might still remain affordable.

[truckerdrummer]

can somebody tell me why i am all of a sudden seriously thinking about getting one of these now??? haha

[inthpktplayer]

Personally, I really can't imagine why.

[Kazaamski]

Originally Posted by Russ

Mapex has a reputation for not jacking up the prices on anything they make, so if the line does improve in time with more types of finishes it might still remain affordable.

Nice. Not many companies can say that coughcoughyamahaoakcustomscoughcough.

[MetallicPearl]

I love the look of the Mydentity kits - shame they're not available in the UK, but never mind.

I got the impression they were the same shells as the Meridian series, too. Some of the finishes they promote on their Facebook pages are quite garish!

[Russ]

They really need to bring in some more woodgrains, sparkles, and lacquer options to compete with other companies using multiple finish types to set themselves apart. If they don't, they can't really stand against the other custom giants.