What is included in the Mapex Venus 20 5pc Drum Kit?

The kit includes a 20" x 16" bass drum, 14" x 5" snare, 10" x 7" and 12" x 8" rack toms, and a 14" x 12" floor tom. It also comes with a set of hammered brass cymbals (14" hats, 16" crash, 20" ride) and necessary hardware.

What material are the shells made from?

The shells are made from 100% poplar wood. This choice of material is known for delivering warm, resonant tones suitable for various musical styles.

What is the benefit of the SONIClear bearing edge?

The SONIClear bearing edge allows the drumhead to sit flatter, increasing head-to-shell contact. This results in easier tuning, a stronger fundamental pitch, and enhanced shell resonance.

Is this kit suitable for professional use?

While designed for developing drummers, the kit incorporates professional-quality features like the SONIClear edge and hammered brass cymbals, making it capable of professional-sounding results in practice and live settings.

What are the cymbal sizes included with this kit?

The kit is supplied with Mapex-designed hammered brass cymbals, consisting of 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash cymbal, and a 20" ride cymbal.

How does the 20-inch bass drum affect the sound?

A 20-inch bass drum typically offers a punchy, controlled sound with a slightly faster response than a larger 22-inch drum. It is versatile and well-suited for fusion and contemporary pop styles.

What finish is available for this specific model?

This specific model features a Steel Blue Metallic finish, providing a modern and durable aesthetic.

Does the kit include hardware like stands and pedals?

Yes, as a complete 5-piece kit designed for developing players, it includes the necessary Mapex hardware to set up the drums and cymbals.

How does the Mapex Venus compare to the Yamaha Rydeen?

Both are comprehensive kits including hardware and 20-inch bass drums. The Mapex Venus distinguishes itself with its specific SONIClear bearing edge technology and hammered brass cymbals.

What musical genres is this kit best for?

Due to the warm resonance of the poplar shells and the versatility of the fusion sizing, it is adaptable to almost any genre, including rock, pop, jazz, and fusion.

What is the typical price range for this drum kit?

The typical retail price for the Mapex Venus 20" 5pc Drum Kit in Steel Blue Metallic is approximately £658.

Are the cymbals made of bronze or brass?

The cymbals included with this specific Mapex Venus configuration are made of hammered brass, which offers a durable and harmonic tone suitable for various styles.

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. Built with all-poplar shells and finished in Steel Blue Metallic, the kit includes a full suite of hardware and hammered brass cymbals to provide a professional-standard transition for intermediate drummers.

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Overview and Configuration

The Mapex Venus 20" 5pc Drum Kit is positioned as a comprehensive solution for drummers moving beyond entry-level equipment. The kit features a fusion-sized configuration, which offers a balance between the power of larger rock kits and the articulation of smaller jazz setups. The package includes a 20" x 16" bass drum, a 14" x 5" snare drum, and three toms in 10" x 7", 12" x 8", and 14" x 12" dimensions.

Unlike many professional shell packs that require separate hardware and cymbal purchases, the Venus kit is supplied with a set of Mapex-designed hammered brass cymbals. This includes 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash, and a 20" ride, alongside the necessary stands and mounting hardware.

Shell Construction and SONIClear Technology

The shells are constructed entirely from poplar, a wood known for its soft, light grain that produces warm, resonant tones with a smooth high-end and mid-range emphasis. A defining technical feature of the kit is the inclusion of Mapex’s proprietary SONIClear bearing edges.

This technology is designed to allow the drumhead to sit flatter on the shell, improving the contact between the two components. The result is a more efficient transfer of energy into the shell, which enhances resonance and simplifies the tuning process for the user. It effectively widens the tuning range of each drum, allowing for a fuller sound even at lower tensions.

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Sound Profile and Versatility

The tonal character of the Venus 20" kit is defined by its resonance and warmth. The poplar shells provide a balanced sound that is adaptable to a wide variety of musical genres, from pop and rock to jazz and fusion. The hammered brass cymbals complement the shells by offering a durable and richly harmonic tone that adds depth to the overall sound palette of the kit.

Target Audience

This kit is specifically tailored for 'developing drummers'—players who have outgrown their first beginner kit and require a more professional-sounding instrument without the prohibitive cost of flagship series. Its complete nature makes it an attractive option for those who want a matching set of drums, hardware, and cymbals in a single, cohesive package.

Market Comparison

When compared to alternatives in the mid-range market, the Mapex Venus sits alongside the Yamaha Rydeen 20" kit, which also offers hardware and a similar price point. It differs from shell-only options like the Sonor AQ2 or the Ludwig Neusonic series, which typically focus on premium shell materials (such as maple or hybrid blends) but require the user to purchase cymbals and hardware separately. While the DW Performance Series or Tama Superstar Classic offer different tonal characteristics and larger bass drum sizes (22"), the Venus provides a more compact 20" bass drum that is easier to transport and position.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Mapex Venus 20 5pc Drum Kit?: The kit includes a 20" x 16" bass drum, 14" x 5" snare, 10" x 7" and 12" x 8" rack toms, and a 14" x 12" floor tom. It also comes with a set of hammered brass cymbals (14" hats, 16" crash, 20" ride) and necessary hardware.
What material are the shells made from?: The shells are made from 100% poplar wood. This choice of material is known for delivering warm, resonant tones suitable for various musical styles.
What is the benefit of the SONIClear bearing edge?: The SONIClear bearing edge allows the drumhead to sit flatter, increasing head-to-shell contact. This results in easier tuning, a stronger fundamental pitch, and enhanced shell resonance.
Is this kit suitable for professional use?: While designed for developing drummers, the kit incorporates professional-quality features like the SONIClear edge and hammered brass cymbals, making it capable of professional-sounding results in practice and live settings.
What are the cymbal sizes included with this kit?: The kit is supplied with Mapex-designed hammered brass cymbals, consisting of 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash cymbal, and a 20" ride cymbal.
How does the 20-inch bass drum affect the sound?: A 20-inch bass drum typically offers a punchy, controlled sound with a slightly faster response than a larger 22-inch drum. It is versatile and well-suited for fusion and contemporary pop styles.
What finish is available for this specific model?: This specific model features a Steel Blue Metallic finish, providing a modern and durable aesthetic.
Does the kit include hardware like stands and pedals?: Yes, as a complete 5-piece kit designed for developing players, it includes the necessary Mapex hardware to set up the drums and cymbals.
How does the Mapex Venus compare to the Yamaha Rydeen?: Both are comprehensive kits including hardware and 20-inch bass drums. The Mapex Venus distinguishes itself with its specific SONIClear bearing edge technology and hammered brass cymbals.
What musical genres is this kit best for?: Due to the warm resonance of the poplar shells and the versatility of the fusion sizing, it is adaptable to almost any genre, including rock, pop, jazz, and fusion.
What is the typical price range for this drum kit?: The typical retail price for the Mapex Venus 20" 5pc Drum Kit in Steel Blue Metallic is approximately £658.
Are the cymbals made of bronze or brass?: The cymbals included with this specific Mapex Venus configuration are made of hammered brass, which offers a durable and harmonic tone suitable for various styles.