What is included in the Mapex Venus 5pc kit?

The kit includes a 20" x 16" bass drum, 10" x 7" and 12" x 8" rack toms, a 14" x 12" floor tom, and a 14" x 5" snare drum. It also comes with a set of 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash, and a 20" ride cymbal.

What material are the drum shells made from?

The shells are constructed from all-poplar wood, which is chosen for its warm resonance and versatility across different musical genres.

What is the benefit of the SONIClear bearing edge?

The SONIClear bearing edge allows the drum head to sit flatter on the shell. This results in easier tuning, increased resonance, and a fuller overall tone by improving contact between the head and the wood.

What type of cymbals come with this kit?

The kit includes Mapex-designed hammered brass cymbals. These are designed to be more durable and harmonically rich than standard beginner brass cymbals.

Is the Black Galaxy Sparkle finish a wrap or paint?

The Black Galaxy Sparkle is a durable wrap finish applied to the poplar shells, providing a high-gloss aesthetic suitable for stage use.

Is this kit suitable for a beginner?

Yes, it is specifically designed for developing drummers. Because it includes the drums, cymbals, and hardware, it provides everything needed to start playing immediately.

How does the 20-inch bass drum compare to a standard 22-inch drum?

The 20-inch bass drum is slightly more compact, offering a punchier sound with a quicker decay. It also allows for the rack toms to be mounted lower, which is beneficial for younger or shorter players.

Can this kit be used for professional gigging?

While marketed for developing drummers, the professional-grade bearing edges and solid poplar construction make it capable of handling small to mid-sized gigs, especially for players who prefer a fusion-sized setup.

What is a 'Fusion' sized kit?

Fusion sizing generally refers to smaller drum diameters, such as the 20" bass drum and 10"/12"/14" toms found here. This configuration is often preferred for its articulate sound and easier transport compared to larger 'Rock' sizes.

Do the drums come pre-tuned?

No, like most acoustic kits, the drums will require tuning upon assembly. However, the SONIClear edges are specifically designed to make this process easier for those less experienced in drum tuning.

What cymbals are included in the box?

The box contains 14-inch hi-hats, a 16-inch crash cymbal, and a 20-inch ride cymbal, all made from hammered brass.

Does this kit include hardware like stands and pedals?

Based on the manufacturer description of a 'complete' kit at this price point, it typically includes the necessary hardware to mount the toms and support the included cymbals, though specific stand models may vary by retailer.

Gear article

Mapex Venus 20 5pc Drum Kit

The Mapex Venus 20" 5pc Drum Kit is a complete fusion-sized acoustic drum set designed for developing musicians. It features a five-piece poplar shell configuration and a set of hammered brass cymbals, providing a professional-entry platform for various musical genres.

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Overview

The Mapex Venus series serves as a transition point for drummers moving from basic beginner sets to more professional-quality instruments. The kit is built around a 20 x 16" bass drum, a 14 x 5" snare, and a trio of toms measuring 10 x 7", 12 x 8", and 14 x 12". This fusion-sized layout provides a smaller footprint than traditional rock kits, making it suitable for a wide range of player sizes and practice spaces.

Included with the shells is a complete set of Mapex-designed cymbals. This includes 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash, and a 20" ride. The cymbals are crafted from hammered brass, intended to offer a durable and harmonically rich performance for learners and intermediate players.

Construction and Technology

The primary material used for the Venus kit is poplar. Poplar is known in drum manufacturing for producing warm, resonant tones with a soft high end and a boosted low-mid response. A defining feature of this kit is the implementation of Mapex’s proprietary SONIClear bearing edge technology.

By adjusting the shape of the bearing edge, the drum head sits flatter against the shell. This design is intended to achieve several results: * Enhanced resonance: Minimising vibration loss between the head and shell. * Ease of tuning: Reducing the effort required to reach a clear fundamental pitch. * Fuller sound: Increasing the drum head-to-shell contact area for a more robust tone.

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Sound Character

The combination of poplar shells and SONIClear edges gives the Mapex Venus a balanced and warm sonic profile. The 20-inch bass drum offers a punchy, controlled low end that is versatile enough for jazz, pop, and rock. The hammered brass cymbals complement the shells by providing a bright, articulate response with sufficient harmonic depth to handle different musical styles without sounding overly abrasive.

Target User

This kit is specifically tailored for developing drummers. While it is comprehensive enough for a beginner, its build quality and tonal features are designed to support a player's growth into intermediate and semi-professional levels. Its compact fusion dimensions also make it a viable option for gigging adults who require a more portable setup without sacrificing a standard five-piece configuration.

Market Comparison

Within the £599 price bracket, the Mapex Venus competes with other established manufacturers. Compared to the Yamaha Rydeen 20" kit, the Venus offers the distinct SONIClear edge technology. While shell packs like the Ludwig Neusonic or Tama Superstar Classic may offer different wood types (such as maple or birch blends), the Venus distinguishes itself by being a complete 'ready-to-play' package including both hardware and cymbals, whereas higher-end shell packs often require these components to be purchased separately.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Mapex Venus 5pc kit?: The kit includes a 20" x 16" bass drum, 10" x 7" and 12" x 8" rack toms, a 14" x 12" floor tom, and a 14" x 5" snare drum. It also comes with a set of 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash, and a 20" ride cymbal.
What material are the drum shells made from?: The shells are constructed from all-poplar wood, which is chosen for its warm resonance and versatility across different musical genres.
What is the benefit of the SONIClear bearing edge?: The SONIClear bearing edge allows the drum head to sit flatter on the shell. This results in easier tuning, increased resonance, and a fuller overall tone by improving contact between the head and the wood.
What type of cymbals come with this kit?: The kit includes Mapex-designed hammered brass cymbals. These are designed to be more durable and harmonically rich than standard beginner brass cymbals.
Is the Black Galaxy Sparkle finish a wrap or paint?: The Black Galaxy Sparkle is a durable wrap finish applied to the poplar shells, providing a high-gloss aesthetic suitable for stage use.
Is this kit suitable for a beginner?: Yes, it is specifically designed for developing drummers. Because it includes the drums, cymbals, and hardware, it provides everything needed to start playing immediately.
How does the 20-inch bass drum compare to a standard 22-inch drum?: The 20-inch bass drum is slightly more compact, offering a punchier sound with a quicker decay. It also allows for the rack toms to be mounted lower, which is beneficial for younger or shorter players.
Can this kit be used for professional gigging?: While marketed for developing drummers, the professional-grade bearing edges and solid poplar construction make it capable of handling small to mid-sized gigs, especially for players who prefer a fusion-sized setup.
What is a 'Fusion' sized kit?: Fusion sizing generally refers to smaller drum diameters, such as the 20" bass drum and 10"/12"/14" toms found here. This configuration is often preferred for its articulate sound and easier transport compared to larger 'Rock' sizes.
Do the drums come pre-tuned?: No, like most acoustic kits, the drums will require tuning upon assembly. However, the SONIClear edges are specifically designed to make this process easier for those less experienced in drum tuning.
What cymbals are included in the box?: The box contains 14-inch hi-hats, a 16-inch crash cymbal, and a 20-inch ride cymbal, all made from hammered brass.
Does this kit include hardware like stands and pedals?: Based on the manufacturer description of a 'complete' kit at this price point, it typically includes the necessary hardware to mount the toms and support the included cymbals, though specific stand models may vary by retailer.