Gear article

Mapex TH800 Tom Mount

The Mapex TH800 is a professional-grade tom holder designed to offer maximum adjustability and resonance for rack toms and free-floating snare drums. Originally developed as the standard attachment for the Saturn V series, it features a spring-hinged clamp and an omni-ball arm to facilitate precise positioning.

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Background and Design

The Mapex TH800 was introduced to provide a high-stability mounting solution that prioritises shell resonance. While it is the factory-standard mount for Saturn V rack toms, its universal design allows it to be integrated into various kit configurations. The hardware is finished in chrome and is engineered to balance durability with a low-mass profile.

Key Features and Operation

The mount utilizes a spring-hinged adjustable clamp, allowing it to be secured to any existing stand—such as cymbal, hi-hat, or tom stands—with a diameter between 5/8" and 1.25". The primary adjustment mechanism is an omni-ball arm, which provides 360-degree rotation. This allows the drum to be positioned at specific angles or even inverted to facilitate the tuning of the resonant head without removing the drum from the stand.

Resonance and Sound Quality

A critical aspect of the TH800's design is the low-mass bridge. By minimizing the weight of the mounting hardware attached to the drum, the holder aims to keep vibrations within the head and shell rather than absorbing them into the stand. This results in enhanced resonance and improved tonal clarity, making it suitable for high-end studio and live performance applications.

Applications and Versatility

Beyond its primary use for rack toms, the TH800 is marketed as a solution for mounting free-floating snare drums. Its robust clamp and flexible arm make it an ideal choice for drummers looking to expand their setup with additional percussion or secondary snare drums without requiring a dedicated floor stand.

Market Comparison

Compared to other mounting solutions like the Tama Roadpro Single Tom Stand or the Sonor 6000 series hardware, the TH800 offers a compact, clamp-based alternative that saves floor space. While products like the Pearl Mini Closed Hi-Hat Holder serve specific auxiliary purposes, the TH800 is a more generalized heavy-duty utility mount for primary drum shells.

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Frequently asked questions

What drum series is the TH800 specifically designed for?
The TH800 is the standard tom holder for the Mapex Saturn V series rack toms. However, its universal clamp allows it to be used with a wide variety of other drum brands and models.
What size stands will the TH800 clamp fit?
The spring-hinged clamp is adjustable and can fit any stand with a diameter ranging from 5/8" to 1.25". This includes most standard cymbal and hi-hat stands.
How does the omni-ball arm improve drum positioning?
The omni-ball mechanism allows for fluid, multi-axis rotation of the drum. This means you can set the tom at any angle or height within the arm's reach, including completely inverting the drum.
Can I use the TH800 to tune my resonant heads?
Yes, the omni-ball arm allows the drum to be inverted while still mounted. This provides easy access to the bottom head for tuning purposes without needing to take the drum off the holder.
How does this mount affect the sound of the drum?
The TH800 features a low-mass bridge designed to enhance resonance. By reducing the physical mass of the hardware, it ensures more vibration stays in the shell, resulting in better tonal clarity.
Is the TH800 suitable for mounting snare drums?
It is highly effective for mounting free-floating snare drums. The secure clamp and sturdy arm provide the stability required for the heavier striking force often applied to a snare.
What is the typical price for a Mapex TH800?
The Mapex TH800 tom holder typically retails for approximately £35. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
Is the clamp easy to attach to existing hardware?
Yes, the clamp features a spring-hinged design. This allows for quick one-handed attachment and removal from various stands, streamlining the kit setup and teardown process.
Does the TH800 come in different finishes?
The standard version of the TH800 is finished in high-quality chrome. This ensures it matches the aesthetic of most professional drum hardware from Mapex and other manufacturers.
Can this mount be used for expanding a drum kit?
The TH800 is considered a perfect solution for expansion. It allows drummers to add extra toms to their setup by clamping onto existing cymbal stands, avoiding the need for extra tripod legs on the floor.
How does the TH800 compare to a full tom stand?
While a dedicated stand like the Tama HTS88W provides its own base, the TH800 is a space-saving alternative. It offers similar stability and positioning flexibility but utilizes your existing stands as a foundation.
Is the TH800 a heavy piece of hardware?
While it is built to be durable for professional use, it specifically employs a low-mass bridge design. This focus on reduced weight helps maintain the natural resonance of the drum shell.