What is included in the Mapex Armory 20 Fusion shell pack?

The pack includes a 5-piece drum shell set consisting of a bass drum, two rack toms, a floor tom, and a Tomahawk snare drum. It also includes the TH676 tom holder and floor tom feet, but does not include cymbals or hardware stands.

What materials are used in the drum shells?

The shells are constructed using a 6-ply hybrid of birch and maple. This combination is intended to provide a balance of sharp attack and warm sustain.

What are SONIClear bearing edges?

SONIClear bearing edges are a proprietary Mapex design that allows the drumhead to sit flatter on the shell. This improves the contact between the head and shell, making the drums easier to tune and enhancing the overall tone.

Is a snare drum included with this kit?

Yes, the kit includes a Mapex Tomahawk snare drum. This is a steel-shell snare known for its volume and sharp projection.

What type of drumheads come standard with the Armory 20 Fusion?

The kit is supplied with upgraded Remo double-ply batter heads. These are designed for durability and a punchy, controlled sound.

What is the purpose of the TH676 tom holder?

The TH676 tom holder is designed for mounting the rack toms. it features a memory lock system that ensures consistent positioning and fast setup times.

Who is the Mapex Armory 20 Fusion intended for?

It is designed for intermediate to advanced drummers. Its features make it a versatile choice for both studio recording and live performances.

Does the kit include cymbals?

No, cymbals are not included with this shell pack. They must be purchased separately.

What is the benefit of the SONIClear tom suspension system?

The suspension mounts are designed to hold the toms without dampening the shell's vibrations. This maximises the natural resonance and sustain of the birch/maple hybrid shells.

How does the Blue Wave Burst finish look?

The Blue Wave Burst is a premium aesthetic finish that features a gradient effect. It provides a professional and distinctive look suitable for the stage.

Are hardware stands like cymbal stands or a hi-hat stand included?

No, this is a shell pack only. You will need to provide your own cymbal stands, hi-hat stand, snare stand, and bass drum pedal.

How does this kit compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?

While both are aimed at similar skill levels, the Mapex Armory uses a birch/maple hybrid shell and comes with a steel snare, whereas the Superstar Classic typically uses all-maple shells.

Gear article

Mapex Armory 20 Fusion 5pc Shell Pack

The Mapex Armory 20 Fusion is an intermediate to advanced acoustic drum kit featuring hybrid birch and maple shells designed for professional studio and live performance. It utilises proprietary SONIClear technology to enhance resonance and simplify tuning, offering a versatile sound profile in a distinctive Blue Wave Burst finish.

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Background and Construction

The Mapex Armory series occupies a strategic position in the Mapex catalogue, bridging the gap between entry-level kits and high-end professional lines. The series is defined by its use of hybrid shell construction, specifically a 6-ply blend of birch and maple. This combination is engineered to provide the high-frequency 'cut' associated with birch alongside the warm, resonant low-end characteristics of maple.

The Blue Wave Burst aesthetic provides a premium visual appeal, while the structural hardware is focused on durability and ease of use. The kit is supplied as a shell pack, meaning it includes the drums and specific mounting hardware, but excludes cymbals and floor stands.

Technical Features and SONIClear Technology

A central feature of the Armory 20 Fusion is the SONIClear bearing edge. By allowing the drumhead to sit flatter against the shell, the design ensures better contact, resulting in a stronger fundamental pitch and a broader tuning range. This is particularly beneficial for drummers who frequently change heads or require consistent performance in varying environments.

Resonance is further managed through the SONIClear suspension mounts for the toms and specifically designed floor tom feet. These components are intended to decouple the shell from its supports, preventing energy loss and allowing the hybrid shells to vibrate freely. The kit also features the TH676 tom holder, which employs a memory lock system for rapid, repeatable positioning during setup.

Sound Character and Versatility

The Armory 20 Fusion is characterised by a punchy attack and smooth sustain. Because of the hybrid 6-ply construction, the drums respond well to various tuning tensions, making them suitable for a wide range of genres from jazz-fusion to heavier rock. The inclusion of the Mapex Tomahawk snare—a steel-shell drum—adds a sharp, penetrating crack to the overall sound, contrasting with the warmth of the birch/maple toms and kick drum.

To ensure immediate playability at a high standard, the shells are equipped with upgraded Remo double-ply batter heads. these heads are chosen for their ability to withstand heavy use while maintaining a clear, controlled tone.

User Suitability and Comparison

This shell pack is primarily aimed at intermediate players upgrading from a starter kit and advanced drummers requiring a reliable 'workhorse' for gigging. Its 20-inch fusion configuration offers a slightly more compact footprint than standard 22-inch kits, without sacrificing significant volume.

When compared to alternatives like the Ludwig Neusonic or the Tama Superstar Classic, the Armory stands out for its specific hybrid shell composition and the inclusion of a high-quality steel snare. While the Sonor AQ2 series offers maple construction and the Yamaha Rydeen provides an entry-level all-in-one solution with hardware, the Armory focuses on professional-grade shell hardware and tuning stability.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Mapex Armory 20 Fusion shell pack?: The pack includes a 5-piece drum shell set consisting of a bass drum, two rack toms, a floor tom, and a Tomahawk snare drum. It also includes the TH676 tom holder and floor tom feet, but does not include cymbals or hardware stands.
What materials are used in the drum shells?: The shells are constructed using a 6-ply hybrid of birch and maple. This combination is intended to provide a balance of sharp attack and warm sustain.
What are SONIClear bearing edges?: SONIClear bearing edges are a proprietary Mapex design that allows the drumhead to sit flatter on the shell. This improves the contact between the head and shell, making the drums easier to tune and enhancing the overall tone.
Is a snare drum included with this kit?: Yes, the kit includes a Mapex Tomahawk snare drum. This is a steel-shell snare known for its volume and sharp projection.
What type of drumheads come standard with the Armory 20 Fusion?: The kit is supplied with upgraded Remo double-ply batter heads. These are designed for durability and a punchy, controlled sound.
What is the purpose of the TH676 tom holder?: The TH676 tom holder is designed for mounting the rack toms. it features a memory lock system that ensures consistent positioning and fast setup times.
Who is the Mapex Armory 20 Fusion intended for?: It is designed for intermediate to advanced drummers. Its features make it a versatile choice for both studio recording and live performances.
Does the kit include cymbals?: No, cymbals are not included with this shell pack. They must be purchased separately.
What is the benefit of the SONIClear tom suspension system?: The suspension mounts are designed to hold the toms without dampening the shell's vibrations. This maximises the natural resonance and sustain of the birch/maple hybrid shells.
How does the Blue Wave Burst finish look?: The Blue Wave Burst is a premium aesthetic finish that features a gradient effect. It provides a professional and distinctive look suitable for the stage.
Are hardware stands like cymbal stands or a hi-hat stand included?: No, this is a shell pack only. You will need to provide your own cymbal stands, hi-hat stand, snare stand, and bass drum pedal.
How does this kit compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?: While both are aimed at similar skill levels, the Mapex Armory uses a birch/maple hybrid shell and comes with a steel snare, whereas the Superstar Classic typically uses all-maple shells.