What is included in the Mapex Mars Birch 5pc Shell Pack?

The pack includes a 22x18 bass drum, 10x7 and 12x8 rack toms, a 16x14 floor tom, and a matching 14x6.5 snare drum. It also comes with the TH676 tom holder for mounting the rack toms.

What material are the shells made from?

The shells are constructed from 6-ply, 100% birch wood. This material is chosen for its bright, punchy tone and clear projection.

What is the benefit of the SONIClear bearing edge?

The SONIClear bearing edge allows the drumhead to sit flatter on the shell. This improves the relationship between the head and shell, making tuning easier and increasing the shell's natural resonance.

Does this kit include cymbals or stands?

No, this is a shell pack. It includes the drums and the tom holder, but hardware such as cymbal stands, hi-hat stands, kick pedals, and cymbals must be purchased separately.

How does birch compare to maple in drum construction?

Birch typically offers a boosted high-frequency response and a punchier low end compared to maple. It is often described as having a 'naturally equalised' sound that is very effective in recording studios.

What is the finish on this specific model?

This model features a Blood Orange Sparkle finish. It is a vibrant, textured wrap designed to stand out under stage lighting.

Is a snare drum included with the Mapex Mars Birch shell pack?

Yes, a matching 14" x 6.5" birch snare drum is included. Many shell packs at this price point exclude the snare, making this a comprehensive option.

What kind of tom mount is provided?

The kit includes the TH676 Tom Holder. This is a double tom holder that fits into the bass drum mount, allowing for secure and adjustable positioning of the 10" and 12" toms.

What genres is the Mapex Mars Birch best suited for?

Due to its punchy attack and clear response, it is highly versatile. It excels in rock, pop, and fusion, where drum clarity and volume are necessary to cut through a mix.

What are the dimensions of the floor tom?

The floor tom measures 16 inches in diameter and 14 inches in depth. This 'square' or slightly shallow depth helps provide a quick response while maintaining low-end warmth.

How does the SONIClear suspension system work?

The suspension system attaches to the tom lugs rather than drilling through the shell. This minimizes vibration loss and allows the birch shell to resonate more freely.

Is the bass drum drilled for a tom mount?

Yes, the 22x18 bass drum in this shell pack includes a mount to accommodate the TH676 tom holder, facilitating easy setup for the two rack toms.

Gear article

Mapex Mars Birch 22 5pc Shell Pack

The Mapex Mars Birch 22 5pc Shell Pack is a mid-tier acoustic drum kit featuring 100% birch shells and a Blood Orange Sparkle finish. Designed for versatility and projection, it utilizes proprietary SONIClear technology to enhance tonal clarity and ease of tuning.

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Background and Construction

The Mapex Mars Birch series is positioned as a high-performance solution for drummers seeking professional features at a mid-range price point. The shells are constructed from 6-ply, 100% birch, a wood known for its density and consistent grain. This specific 5-piece configuration is finished in a distinctive Blood Orange Sparkle, providing a bold aesthetic suitable for live performance. The kit is sold as a shell pack, meaning it includes the drums and mounting hardware, but excludes cymbals and floor stands.

Key Features and Hardware

A defining characteristic of this kit is the implementation of Mapex's SONIClear technology. The SONIClear bearing edges allow the drumhead to sit flatter, making contact with the shell more efficiently. This results in a stronger fundamental pitch and a significantly wider tuning range. The package also includes the SONIClear tom suspension system and the TH676 double tom holder, which are designed to support the rack toms without dampening shell vibration, thereby preserving resonance.

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Technical Specifications

The 5-piece shell pack consists of the following dimensions:

Bass Drum: 22" x 18"
Rack Tom 1: 10" x 7"
Rack Tom 2: 12" x 8"
Floor Tom: 16" x 14"
Snare Drum: 14" x 6.5" (Matching finish)

The inclusion of a 14" x 6.5" matching birch snare provides a deep, versatile backbeat that complements the larger 22" kick drum.

Sound Character

Birch is prized in drum manufacturing for its naturally 'pre-EQ'd' sound. The Mars Birch shells deliver a quick, clear response with a focus on high-end attack and punchy low frequencies. The 22" bass drum projects a bright, articulate tone, while the shallow-depth rack toms provide a fast decay that is ideal for complex patterns and recording environments where clarity is paramount.

Target Audience and Comparisons

This kit is designed for drummers who require a versatile instrument capable of handling various genres, from rock to fusion. In the market, it competes with other birch or hybrid kits such as the Yamaha Rydeen or the Tama Superstar Classic. While the Sonor AQ2 series offers maple alternatives, the Mapex Mars Birch distinguishes itself through its specific shell thickness and the inclusion of a deep-format snare drum.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Mapex Mars Birch 5pc Shell Pack?: The pack includes a 22x18 bass drum, 10x7 and 12x8 rack toms, a 16x14 floor tom, and a matching 14x6.5 snare drum. It also comes with the TH676 tom holder for mounting the rack toms.
What material are the shells made from?: The shells are constructed from 6-ply, 100% birch wood. This material is chosen for its bright, punchy tone and clear projection.
What is the benefit of the SONIClear bearing edge?: The SONIClear bearing edge allows the drumhead to sit flatter on the shell. This improves the relationship between the head and shell, making tuning easier and increasing the shell's natural resonance.
Does this kit include cymbals or stands?: No, this is a shell pack. It includes the drums and the tom holder, but hardware such as cymbal stands, hi-hat stands, kick pedals, and cymbals must be purchased separately.
How does birch compare to maple in drum construction?: Birch typically offers a boosted high-frequency response and a punchier low end compared to maple. It is often described as having a 'naturally equalised' sound that is very effective in recording studios.
What is the finish on this specific model?: This model features a Blood Orange Sparkle finish. It is a vibrant, textured wrap designed to stand out under stage lighting.
Is a snare drum included with the Mapex Mars Birch shell pack?: Yes, a matching 14" x 6.5" birch snare drum is included. Many shell packs at this price point exclude the snare, making this a comprehensive option.
What kind of tom mount is provided?: The kit includes the TH676 Tom Holder. This is a double tom holder that fits into the bass drum mount, allowing for secure and adjustable positioning of the 10" and 12" toms.
What genres is the Mapex Mars Birch best suited for?: Due to its punchy attack and clear response, it is highly versatile. It excels in rock, pop, and fusion, where drum clarity and volume are necessary to cut through a mix.
What are the dimensions of the floor tom?: The floor tom measures 16 inches in diameter and 14 inches in depth. This 'square' or slightly shallow depth helps provide a quick response while maintaining low-end warmth.
How does the SONIClear suspension system work?: The suspension system attaches to the tom lugs rather than drilling through the shell. This minimizes vibration loss and allows the birch shell to resonate more freely.
Is the bass drum drilled for a tom mount?: Yes, the 22x18 bass drum in this shell pack includes a mount to accommodate the TH676 tom holder, facilitating easy setup for the two rack toms.