What is the shell material of the Mapex Venus kit?

The shells are constructed entirely from poplar, which is selected for its warm, resonant tonal properties.

Does this kit include cymbals?

Yes, it includes a set of Mapex-designed hammered brass cymbals, featuring 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash, and a 20" ride.

What is the benefit of the SONIClear bearing edge?

The SONIClear edge allows the drum head to sit flatter against the shell, increasing contact and making the drums significantly easier to tune.

What are the dimensions of the bass drum?

The bass drum measures 22 inches in diameter by 16 inches in depth, providing a standard size for rock and pop music.

How many pieces are included in the shell pack?

This is a 5-piece kit consisting of a bass drum, two rack toms, one floor tom, and a matching snare drum.

Is the Mapex Venus suitable for professional recording?

While designed for beginners and intermediate players, its warm poplar shells and SONIClear edges provide a quality tone that can be used for home recording and demos.

What finish does this specific model come in?

This specific model is finished in an Aqua Blue Sparkle wrap.

Are the cymbals made of bronze or brass?

The included cymbals are made of hammered brass, which is designed for durability and a versatile harmonic range.

Does it come with a snare drum?

Yes, the kit includes a matching 14" x 5" snare drum that complements the rest of the shells.

What sizes are the rack toms?

The rack toms are 10" x 7" and 12" x 8", offering a standard modern configuration for versatile tuning ranges.

Is the Mapex Venus 22 a complete kit?

Yes, it is described as a comprehensive setup, providing the shells, cymbals, and hardware needed to start playing immediately.

How does the sound of poplar compare to birch or maple?

Poplar generally offers a warmer and softer tone compared to the brighter, more aggressive attack of birch or the balanced sustain of maple.

Gear article

Mapex Venus 22 5pc Drum Kit

The Mapex Venus 22" 5pc Drum Kit is an all-in-one acoustic drum set designed for beginner and intermediate players seeking a complete, high-quality configuration. It features all-poplar shells and proprietary SONIClear bearing edge technology, providing a resonant and versatile sound suitable for various musical genres.

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Overview and Design

The Mapex Venus 22" 5pc Drum Kit is positioned as a comprehensive solution for drummers who require a full setup out of the box. The kit is constructed from poplar, a wood known for its warmth and consistent resonance. The specific Aqua Blue Sparkle finish provides a professional aesthetic, while the 5-piece configuration follows a standard rock and pop layout.

Key to this model's design is the inclusion of Mapex's SONIClear bearing edge technology. This feature is engineered to increase the contact between the drum head and the shell, which simplifies the tuning process for beginners and ensures the drum head sits flat. This results in a fuller, more focused tone with improved resonance compared to traditional bearing edges.

Hardware and Components

This package is notable for including not just the shells, but also a full set of cymbals and necessary hardware. The configuration includes:

22" x 16" Bass Drum
14" x 5" Snare Drum
10" x 7" and 12" x 8" Rack Toms
16" x 14" Floor Tom

The kit is paired with a set of Mapex-designed hammered brass cymbals. This selection includes 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash, and a 20" ride. The use of hammered brass provides a durable alternative to entry-level sheet brass, offering a more harmonically rich tone that suits diverse playing styles.

Ludwig Neusonic 20" Downbeat 3pc Shell Pack Blue Super Sparkle

Tonal Characteristics

The choice of poplar for the shells results in a warm, soft frequency response with a smooth attack. Because poplar is less dense than maple or birch, it offers a rounded sound that is forgiving in different acoustic environments. The SONIClear edges further enhance this by allowing the shells to vibrate more freely, reducing unwanted overtones and making it easier for the player to achieve a clear, resonant pitch across all five drums.

Target Audience

The Mapex Venus series is specifically curated for 'budding drummers'—those who are starting their musical journey or upgrading from a basic practice set. Because it includes the cymbals and a full array of drum sizes, it eliminates the need for separate purchases. The 22-inch bass drum provides enough volume and low-end presence for live performances and rehearsals, making it a viable long-term instrument for students.

Market Comparison

Within the £599 price bracket, the Mapex Venus competes with other established starter and intermediate kits. While the Yamaha Rydeen 20" offers a smaller footprint, the Venus 22" provides a larger bass drum for more traditional rock applications. In contrast, higher-tier products like the DW Performance Series or Tama Superstar Classic are typically sold as shell packs (without cymbals or hardware), making the Mapex Venus a more cost-effective choice for those who do not already own a hardware foundation.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell material of the Mapex Venus kit?: The shells are constructed entirely from poplar, which is selected for its warm, resonant tonal properties.
Does this kit include cymbals?: Yes, it includes a set of Mapex-designed hammered brass cymbals, featuring 14" hi-hats, a 16" crash, and a 20" ride.
What is the benefit of the SONIClear bearing edge?: The SONIClear edge allows the drum head to sit flatter against the shell, increasing contact and making the drums significantly easier to tune.
What are the dimensions of the bass drum?: The bass drum measures 22 inches in diameter by 16 inches in depth, providing a standard size for rock and pop music.
How many pieces are included in the shell pack?: This is a 5-piece kit consisting of a bass drum, two rack toms, one floor tom, and a matching snare drum.
Is the Mapex Venus suitable for professional recording?: While designed for beginners and intermediate players, its warm poplar shells and SONIClear edges provide a quality tone that can be used for home recording and demos.
What finish does this specific model come in?: This specific model is finished in an Aqua Blue Sparkle wrap.
Are the cymbals made of bronze or brass?: The included cymbals are made of hammered brass, which is designed for durability and a versatile harmonic range.
Does it come with a snare drum?: Yes, the kit includes a matching 14" x 5" snare drum that complements the rest of the shells.
What sizes are the rack toms?: The rack toms are 10" x 7" and 12" x 8", offering a standard modern configuration for versatile tuning ranges.
Is the Mapex Venus 22 a complete kit?: Yes, it is described as a comprehensive setup, providing the shells, cymbals, and hardware needed to start playing immediately.
How does the sound of poplar compare to birch or maple?: Poplar generally offers a warmer and softer tone compared to the brighter, more aggressive attack of birch or the balanced sustain of maple.