7 Reasons Why Mapex Is the Best Choice for Touring Drummers
Looking for gear you can count on while touring? Here are seven reasons why Mapex drums are the ultimate choice for touring drummers looking for reliability and performance on stage.
I think the word BEST is ambiguous at best! I have toured professionally for over 25 years. I've performed in stadiums with rock stars to club gigs and theatres. I have used all different drum brands because on tour you will most likely deal with the backline. (rental equipment).
During my time touring with other bands, I took note of what companies had the most reliable hardware, strongest pedals, and drums that stayed in tune regardless of temperature.
In my opinion, Mapex was clearly the winner as the best drum brand to take on tour. (It is important to note that I am not sponsored by Mapex!)
Here’s why…..
1. Super durable hardware
If you are playing rock music you are most likely hitting the drums with a lot of force. Having weak cymbal stands is a recipe for disaster. Double-braced hardware is great but incredibly heavy. I only recommend using it if a roadie is setting up your drums!
I have played gigs using entry-level single-braced Mapex hardware that didn’t move during a 2-hour show!
Mapex HP2005 Tornado Hardware Pack
Mapex also makes some cool clamps that let you set up your cymbals super close.
2. Strong and simple-to-use pedals
I noticed a lot of other brands' pedals come with bells and whistles like interchangeable cams. I’ve even used a brand that claimed their technology was used by NASA! This pedal didn’t use a spring.
These features may sound great in a magazine advert but will become a living nightmare if they break on the gig. I always found Mapex pedals can take a beating regardless of whether they are double or single chain. They are also easy to fix if they break down during a gig.
3. Drums that stay in tune
When you tour, your equipment will be in transit a lot of the time. The temperature in a van or an airplane will be a factor in how your drums sound on the gig.
I toured in a van during a brutally hot Australian summer and the Mapex drums sounded exactly like they did on the previous show.
4. Versatility
I’ve always said that it’s easier to make a small drum sound big as opposed to making a big drum sound small. I’ve done tours where I showed up to soundcheck to be unpleasantly surprised by the hire gear.
If you are doing a rock show you would expect at least a 22-inch bass drum for the excessive low end. I have done shows where they supplied ‘fusion’ sizes for a rock concert.
The Mapex drumkits I used were able to be tuned to get the best out of the kit to suit the music. This wasn’t always the case with other brands.
5. Lasting tone
Sometimes I’ll go to a concert and notice the drummer's snare drum sounds like a cardboard box. This is because they have tuned it so tight to the point where it chokes. You still get a good ‘crack’ sound, but you are left with ZERO tone.
The Mapex drumkit I used on tour always sounded great. It didn’t matter if it was in a stadium, medium-sized theatre, or small bar.
The other thing to consider is what the walls of the venue are made of. Glass is way boomier than wood. Some drumkits change sounds dramatically from venue to venue. I didn’t feel this was the case with Mapex kits.
From mid-level kits like the fusion kit:
Mapex Mars Maple Fusion Shell Set KD
to the top-of-the-range kits like the Mapex Saturn Evo. Exotic Maple -PO
6. Portability
If you are playing a lot of shows you want a drumkit you can set up and tear down quickly! Mapex is super simple to set up and doesn’t have overly complicated hardware.
Also, all the hardware can be changed with a stock standard drum key. Some companies make custom drum lugs and cymbal stands that only work if you buy their company's drum keys. I always thought this was a really silly idea.
7. Weight
Even the Mapex hardware that is double-braced is light. Always think about the hardware you bring on tour because if it is being loaded onto a plane, weight is a crucial factor. Simple because it is related to how much money it will cost to ship. I even found Mapex bass drums quite light.
I remember playing a club and being able to easily pick up the bass drum with one hand.
In conclusion, remember that a great brand of drum kit can really lower your stress level when you go on tour. I recommend Mapex because I feel it is roadworthy!
By that I mean, it’s strong, easy to fix if something does break, and won’t break your budget.
Make sure you check out Mapex drums!
About Magesh Magesh
Magesh is a musician and producer who has worked with Rihanna, Lionel Richie, Ricky Martin, Chris Brown, The Pussy Cat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.
He released an instructional drumming DVD called "Unique Beats" where he mixed the drum kit with electronics and Indian hand percussion. He recently moved from Australia to the UK to explore new musical opportunities.
Website: mageshdrumteacher.co.uk
Contact Magesh Magesh at magesh.magesh7@gmail.com
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