What is the shell material of the Mapex Mars Birch kit?

The shells are constructed from 6-ply, 100 percent birch. This material is chosen for its focused attack and quick response.

What is included in this shell pack?

This is a 5-piece shell pack including the bass drum, rack toms, floor tom, and matching snare. Hardware such as stands, pedals, and cymbals are not included.

What is the SONIClear bearing edge?

It is a specific edge design that allows the drumhead to sit flatter on the shell. This results in easier tuning and improved shell resonance.

How does the SONIClear tom suspension system work?

It isolates the vibration of the drum from the mounting hardware. This helps to boost sustain and prevents the hardware from dampening the drum's natural tone.

What is the benefit of the 20-inch bass drum?

The 20-inch kick provides a more compact footprint and a punchier, tighter sound compared to traditional 22-inch drums. It is ideal for fusion and smaller venue performances.

What finish does this specific model come in?

This specific model features the Twilight Sparkle finish. It provides a reflective, professional aesthetic that is consistent across all five shells.

Are the bass drum claws special in any way?

Yes, they are rubber-insulated. This design prevents the claws from rattling during play and protects the wooden bass drum hoops from damage.

Does this kit come with a matching snare?

Yes, a matching birch snare is included in the 5-piece pack. This ensures a consistent tone and visual appearance across the entire kit.

Is this kit suitable for beginners?

While it is a high-quality kit, its ease of tuning via the SONIClear edges makes it very accessible for beginners. However, it is primarily marketed as a professional-grade intermediate kit.

How does birch compare to maple for drum shells?

Birch generally offers a more focused attack and less sustain than maple. It is often described as having a 'naturally equalised' sound with crisp highs and punchy lows.

What does 'Fusion' refer to in the kit description?

Fusion typically refers to the drum sizes, which are slightly smaller than 'Standard' or 'Rock' sizes. This usually includes a 20-inch kick and smaller rack toms for a faster, tighter response.

Do I need to buy cymbals separately?

Yes, as this is a shell pack, cymbals are not included. You will also need to provide your own cymbal stands and bass drum pedal.

Gear article

Mapex Mars Birch 20 5pc Fusion Shell Pack

The Mapex Mars Birch 20 5pc Fusion Shell Pack is a compact acoustic drum kit designed for drummers seeking clear tone and ease of tuning. Constructed from 100 percent birch 6-ply shells, the kit features the proprietary SONIClear bearing edge technology to enhance shell resonance and tuning stability.

See live prices

Overview

The Mapex Mars Birch series is positioned as a high-performance shell pack that prioritises clarity and ease of use. This specific 5-piece fusion configuration is built around a 20-inch bass drum, providing a smaller footprint suitable for tight stage environments or studio work. The 'Twilight Sparkle' finish offers a professional aesthetic, complemented by a matching wood snare drum to ensure visual and sonic consistency across the entire setup.

Construction and Key Features

The core of the kit lies in its 6-ply birch construction. Birch is renowned in drum manufacturing for its focused attack and quick response. A defining technical feature of the Mars Birch series is the SONIClear bearing edge. This design allows the drumhead to sit flatter on the shell, facilitating a more direct connection. This results in easier tuning, a stronger fundamental pitch, and a wider tuning range.

Hardware innovations include: * SONIClear Tom Suspension: This system increases sustain by isolating vibration from the mounting hardware. * Insulated Bass Drum Claws: Rubber-insulated claws prevent direct metal-to-wood contact, reducing unwanted rattling and protecting the hoop finish. * Matching Snare: The inclusion of a birch snare ensures the 'snap' and character of the kit remains uniform.

Sound Character

The birch shells produce a naturally 'pre-EQ'd' sound, characterised by boosted high frequencies and a punchy low end. Because birch has a shorter sustain compared to maple, the rack toms and kick drum deliver a highly focused attack. This makes the kit particularly effective in genres where precision and clarity are required, as the drums do not bleed into one another excessively.

Target Audience

This kit is designed for drummers who require a compact, reliable instrument for gigging and recording. The 20-inch fusion setup is ideal for players who find standard 22-inch kits too bulky or boomy. It particularly suits intermediate players who want a kit that is easy to tune, thanks to the bearing edge technology, allowing for professional results without extensive maintenance time.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to alternatives like the Tama Superstar Classic or the Sonor AQ2 20, the Mapex Mars Birch distinguishes itself through its specific use of 100% birch shells and the proprietary SONIClear system. While the Ludwig Neusonic series offers a hybrid shell approach, the Mars Birch remains focused on the traditional birch 'cut'. For those seeking an even smaller footprint, the Sonor AQ2 Safari is an option, though the Mars Birch 20-inch kick provides significantly more projection and body for standard fusion and rock applications.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the shell material of the Mapex Mars Birch kit?: The shells are constructed from 6-ply, 100 percent birch. This material is chosen for its focused attack and quick response.
What is included in this shell pack?: This is a 5-piece shell pack including the bass drum, rack toms, floor tom, and matching snare. Hardware such as stands, pedals, and cymbals are not included.
What is the SONIClear bearing edge?: It is a specific edge design that allows the drumhead to sit flatter on the shell. This results in easier tuning and improved shell resonance.
How does the SONIClear tom suspension system work?: It isolates the vibration of the drum from the mounting hardware. This helps to boost sustain and prevents the hardware from dampening the drum's natural tone.
What is the benefit of the 20-inch bass drum?: The 20-inch kick provides a more compact footprint and a punchier, tighter sound compared to traditional 22-inch drums. It is ideal for fusion and smaller venue performances.
What finish does this specific model come in?: This specific model features the Twilight Sparkle finish. It provides a reflective, professional aesthetic that is consistent across all five shells.
Are the bass drum claws special in any way?: Yes, they are rubber-insulated. This design prevents the claws from rattling during play and protects the wooden bass drum hoops from damage.
Does this kit come with a matching snare?: Yes, a matching birch snare is included in the 5-piece pack. This ensures a consistent tone and visual appearance across the entire kit.
Is this kit suitable for beginners?: While it is a high-quality kit, its ease of tuning via the SONIClear edges makes it very accessible for beginners. However, it is primarily marketed as a professional-grade intermediate kit.
How does birch compare to maple for drum shells?: Birch generally offers a more focused attack and less sustain than maple. It is often described as having a 'naturally equalised' sound with crisp highs and punchy lows.
What does 'Fusion' refer to in the kit description?: Fusion typically refers to the drum sizes, which are slightly smaller than 'Standard' or 'Rock' sizes. This usually includes a 20-inch kick and smaller rack toms for a faster, tighter response.
Do I need to buy cymbals separately?: Yes, as this is a shell pack, cymbals are not included. You will also need to provide your own cymbal stands and bass drum pedal.