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14" Shells

14" Shells

14" Shells

14" Shells

14 x 10 Billy Cobham Custom Build

14 x 10 Billy Cobham Custom Build

Unique

Unique
This is a proper rarity if ever there was one! Built specifically for Billy Cobham in the early 1990s, it was used by the master himself on tour with Peter Gabriel in 1994, and on the "Spaces Revisited" album with Larry Coryell (all confirmed by Billy himself).  Doug Fuller, the current own...
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14 x 3.5 Aluminium

14 x 3.5 Aluminium

AL4351

Uncommon

Uncommon
Mid range at any tuning is the predominant voice. The drum leans toward the similar darkness of brass but with a more subdued tonality. The mid and the low are virtually one. Exclusive to aluminum shells, the anodized black process creates a very deep sealant for shell protection, sound enhancem...
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14 x 3.5 American Vintage Series Piccolo Japan Only (Vintage Sunny Green)

14 x 3.5 American Vintage Series Piccolo Japan Only (Vintage Sunny Green)

BSJ8-1435P

Spring Has Come! Another in the American Vintage series, this time in Sunny Green, with a natural maple sports car stripe to channel the American paint colour of the 1960s. 
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14 x 3.5 American Vintage Series Piccolo Snare Japan Only

14 x 3.5 American Vintage Series Piccolo Snare Japan Only

BSJ8-1435

One of the American Vintage Series, whose aesthetic channeled American muscle cars - this time in piccolo format. The finish is semi-gloss piano black, with the sports car stripe in natural maple, and coated in nitrocellulose lacquer. 
Full Details
14 x 3.5 Asato Tachibana Custom Piccolo Japan Only

14 x 3.5 Asato Tachibana Custom Piccolo Japan Only

Unique

Unique
Beautiful one-off custom build for Asato Tachibana (立花朝人) from the Mapex / Beyond Shimano collaboration.  Tachibana San sets his snare with the snare throw-off towards him rather than to the side, so the badge on this drum has been deliberately positioned in the segment immediately to ...
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14 x 3.5 Asymmetric Lug Racing Stripes Maple Piccolo

14 x 3.5 Asymmetric Lug Racing Stripes Maple Piccolo

BSJ1435PMSD

One of Shimano San's first productions in 2019. This has a 7mm all-maple shell, with a dark stained oil and wax finish and his signature natural racing stripes.  As with another of his piccolos (linked below) this one has the lugs drilled asymetrically: the snare lugs are 5mm closer to cen...
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14 x 3.5 Asymmetric Lug Vintage White Oil Piccolo Snare Japan Only

14 x 3.5 Asymmetric Lug Vintage White Oil Piccolo Snare Japan Only

BSJ1435PVW

A second maple piccolo snare finished in vintage white oil, with wine red and black racing stripes from the Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano Collaboration Series.  The lugs have been drilled about 3mm above centre to account for the snare head stretching over time. 
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14 x 3.5 Bird's Eye Maple Japan Only Limited Edition

14 x 3.5 Bird's Eye Maple Japan Only Limited Edition

BSBI435

A stunningly beautiful limited edition piccolo snare from the Mapex/Beyond Shimano collaboration. AAA Ranked Bird's eye Maple Exterior + 6ply Maple Shell Only 10 units ever made and available in Japan only. Another triumph by Shimano Lefty and Yoshinori Sugihara  - すごいね！
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14 x 3.5 Bird's Eye Piccolo Snare Burned Charcoal Burst Japan Only

14 x 3.5 Bird's Eye Piccolo Snare Burned Charcoal Burst Japan Only

BI4350PB

Yet another drop-dead gorgeous piccolo from Beyond Shimano, this time in what he called Burned Charcoal Burst. The finish is created with a gas burner and then coated in several applications of oil.  The bearing edge is described as "very sharp" and whole thing is complimented with a 4...
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14 x 3.5 Bird's Eye Piccolo Snare Japan Only

14 x 3.5 Bird's Eye Piccolo Snare Japan Only

BSBI435

Maple piccolo snare with a Bird's Eye Maple Exterior.from the Mapex/Beyond Shimano collaboration. 
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14 x 3.5 Bird's Eye Vintage Oil Natural Brown Piccolo Snare Japan Only

14 x 3.5 Bird's Eye Vintage Oil Natural Brown Piccolo Snare Japan Only

BSJ1435D

Another beautiful piccolo from the Mapex / Beyond Shimano collaboration. This one is finished in waxed Vintage Oil Natural Brown with racing stripes in natural maple. Honestly, just when you think Shimano San can't get any better...along comes proof that he always can. Both bearing edges are rou...
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14 x 3.5 Birds Eye Maple Racing Stripe Piccolo (2019) Japan Only

14 x 3.5 Birds Eye Maple Racing Stripe Piccolo (2019) Japan Only

BSJ1435P BMG (shell note says BSJ1435BITB)

One of two piccolo snares that produced by Shimano San's in late January 2019 (the other being a similar shell with all black hardware) This one is a super-hard all-maple shell, with a dark stained oil and wax finished birds eye maple exterior ply, his signature natural racing stripes and gold l...
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14 x 3.5 Birds Eye Maple Racing Stripe Piccolo Japan Only

14 x 3.5 Birds Eye Maple Racing Stripe Piccolo Japan Only

No details on this Japan only piccolo snare from the Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano collaboration. The original post just says "Final creation of the year (2018) is (this) Birds Eye Maple piccolo. Judging from it's stablemates, it's finished in nitrocellulose lacquer and has the racing stripe of t...
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14 x 3.5 Birdseye Maple

14 x 3.5 Birdseye Maple

BE4350DFB (BE4350D in older catalogues)

Common

Common
Like its traditional maple counterpart, the Black Panther Birdseye Maple gives you a warm, rich tone and the versatility of a finely crafted thin maple shell. The birdseye maple outer ply is produced in a sleek flat black finish.
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14 x 3.5 Birdseye Maple (8mm Shell, Chrome Hardware)

14 x 3.5 Birdseye Maple (8mm Shell, Chrome Hardware)

BE4358D

Uncommon

Uncommon
These 8mm Maple, chrome die-cast hoop snares only seem to be listed in the 1997 Black Panther Catalogue, at a time where Mapex seemed to be making a drum out of every material going and in every size imaginable - there's over 40 snares listed!  They're badged as "Bird's Eye Maple".
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14 x 3.5 Black and Dark Piccolo Japan Only

14 x 3.5 Black and Dark Piccolo Japan Only

This model was a custom build for the (very lucky) customer who also ordered the 14"x5.5" Natural maple (linked below).  The theme for this piccolo snare was "Black and Dark" and although the sound is naturally bright, the customer also wanted to be able to tune it low for brush work. Shima...
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14 x 3.5 Brass "Imperfect" Piccolo Snare Japan Only

14 x 3.5 Brass "Imperfect" Piccolo Snare Japan Only

BPBR1435

Special "imperfect" snare (2nd in a series) made from an half-finished brass shelled drum. The shell was rejected as there were marks on it. There is a "Steel" badge on this as there were no "Brass" badges available.  From the Mapex/Beyond Shimano collaboration. 
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14 x 3.5 Brass - Limited Edition 500

14 x 3.5 Brass - Limited Edition 500

Rare

Rare
Ok - since this is an early model, you could argue about whether it is technically a Black Panther until you go blue in the face. However...look at it! It's got all the hallmarks of the Black Panther line, right down to the correct piccolo lugs. I've seen a few Brass 500 Limited Editions in othe...
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14 x 3.5 Brass / Brass Master

14 x 3.5 Brass / Brass Master

BR4351D

Uncommon

Uncommon
The deep, dark, rich tone of the Black Panther Brass Series produces distinct and crisp overtones at a high tuning while maintaining a dry and controlled response at the mid-range. At a low tuning, the Black Panther Brass Snare delivers the deep and driving punch that you feel as clearly as you h...
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14 x 3.5 Deep Forest Vavona Burlwood

14 x 3.5 Deep Forest Vavona Burlwood

Unicorn

Unicorn
The Vavona Burlwood Snare drum is being heralded as Black Panther's latest achievement in exotic beauty and sonic perfection. There were only a handful of these piccolo versions ever made, so they're even rarer than the 200 14" versions; rumours suggest around 25 units. Another "unicorn" drum.&nb...
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14 x 3.5 Hammered Stainless Steel

14 x 3.5 Hammered Stainless Steel

BPST435H

Uncommon

Uncommon
Black Panther Steel Snares are famous for a razor sharp cut and explosive overtones. The hand hammered shell adds additional brightness and versatility to a shell that features incredible range. This particular size seems quite rare; certainly it took a long time to track down any photos of...
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14 x 3.5 Maple Classic - Limited Edition 200

14 x 3.5 Maple Classic - Limited Edition 200

Rare

Rare
It's amazing what you find on the Internet when you're looking for something else! Spotted this in February 2023 while trying to track down more information about the Power Steel Limited 200 model that Zack Cruz had found.  It was sold Yahoo Auctions Japan in early 2022 and went for a ...
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14 x 3.5 Natural Birds Eye Maple Piccolo Japan Only

14 x 3.5 Natural Birds Eye Maple Piccolo Japan Only

BSJBM1435L

Limited to just 10 units, this all maple Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano collaboration piccolo snare has an exterior ply of bird's eye maple in a natural finish. It was original supplied with an Aquarian Focus X batter head and an American Vintage snare head to suit heavy hitters. 
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14 x 3.5 Natural Maple Piccolo Japan Only

14 x 3.5 Natural Maple Piccolo Japan Only

Still tracking down more information on this Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano custom piccolo, as there's not a lot of detail about the snare itself in the original post; it's primarily about the sound. Watch this space... PS I'm aware this is badged as "Mapex Orion" rather than "Black Panther", but ...
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14 x 3.5 Phosphor Bronze

14 x 3.5 Phosphor Bronze

BPPB4351 (PB4353 in early catalogues)

Common

Common
Black Panther Phosphor Bronze Snares produce a unique sound that possesses the clarity and brightness that you would expect from a metal shell, but with a warmth and depth of a wood snare drum. Like all the Black Panther piccolo snares that were in both the pre and post 2004 ranges, the throw of...
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14 x 3.5 Plain Wine Red Piccolo - Japan Only

14 x 3.5 Plain Wine Red Piccolo - Japan Only

BSJ1435

Shimano San's first release of March 2023 (and as far as I can tell the first release of 2023), and publicised at the same time as the 14"x5.5" Choclate Brown model. According to Shimano San, this one has a "plain" finish, in what I'm calling Wine Red - primarily because there are other models in...
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14 x 3.5 Polished Brass with Gold Hardware - 'The Golden Rod'

14 x 3.5 Polished Brass with Gold Hardware - 'The Golden Rod'

BR4352

The larger piccolo in the "Golden Rod"* family of Japan-only Polished Brass Black Panthers. Like the 12"x5.5", this one didn't come to light until April 2023 when Julio from NekoMusic in Japan managed to get his hands on the 1999 Japan catalogue that featured the whole family. It turns out that ...
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14 x 3.5 Steel / Steel Deluxe (Die Cast Hoops)

14 x 3.5 Steel / Steel Deluxe (Die Cast Hoops)

ST4351D

Common

Common
The Black Panther Steel is our loudest metal shell, yet it yields a wide dynamic range for soft articulation. The magnificent brightness embedded in the tonal bands makes the Black Panther Steel Snare an incredibly versatile, high-performance instrument. This is the original version of the Steel...
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14 x 3.5 Traditional Maple Deluxe (8mm Shell, Chrome Hardware)

14 x 3.5 Traditional Maple Deluxe (8mm Shell, Chrome Hardware)

ML4358D

Uncommon

Uncommon
These 8mm Maple, chrome die-cast hoop snares only seem to be listed in the 1997 Black Panther Catalogue, at a time where Mapex seemed to be making a drum out of every material going and in every size imaginable - there's over 40 snares listed!  They're badged as "Maple Deluxe" but of course...
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14 x 3.5 Vintage Oil Birds Eye Maple Piccolo Japan Only

14 x 3.5 Vintage Oil Birds Eye Maple Piccolo Japan Only

BSBE435PB

Only two of these vintage oiled Birds Eye Maple models (along with two of the Natural Maple version linked below) were created in early 2015 as part of the Mapex / Beyond Shimano Collaboration Series. The shells are Shimano San's unique super-dry extra-hard maple ply which produces a sharp and c...
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14 x 3.5 Vintage Oil Natural Maple Piccolo Japan Only

14 x 3.5 Vintage Oil Natural Maple Piccolo Japan Only

BSNL435PB

Only two of these vintage oiled Natural Maple models (along with two of the Birds Eye version linked below) were created in early 2015 as part of the Mapex / Beyond Shimano Collaboration Series. The shells are Shimano San's unique super-dry extra-hard maple ply which produces a sharp and crisp t...
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14 x 3.5 Vintage White Oil Piccolo Snare Japan Only

14 x 3.5 Vintage White Oil Piccolo Snare Japan Only

BSJ1435P

Maple piccolo snare finished in vintage white oil, with wine red and black racing stripes from the Beyond Shimano custom shop.  The lugs have been drilled about 2mm above centre to account for the snare head stretching over time.  Production limited to 3 units. 
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14 x 4 Hinoki Wood Black Hardware Piccolo Japan Only

14 x 4 Hinoki Wood Black Hardware Piccolo Japan Only

BSJ1404HW

The second of two 14"x4" all Hinoki Wood (Japanese Cypress) Piccolo snares, this time in all black hardware, with natural stripes on a black base. The shell is ultra-thin at just 5mm, with 5mm reinforcement hoops, and is a little deeper than a standard piccolo at 4". This gives it more ...
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14 x 4 Hinoki Wood Vintage Wine Piccolo Japan Only

14 x 4 Hinoki Wood Vintage Wine Piccolo Japan Only

BSJ1404HW-VTWN

The first of two 14"x4" all Hinoki Wood (Japanese Cypress) Piccolo snares, this one in a mixture of chrome and black hardware and natural/vintage wine stripes. The shell is ultra-thin at just 5mm, with 5mm reinforcement hoops, and is a little deeper than a standard piccolo at 4". This g...
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14 x 4¾ Satoru Tatai Signature Snare Japan Only

14 x 4¾ Satoru Tatai Signature Snare Japan Only

BSM1475BP

Super Unicorn

Super Unicorn
At first blush you might think, as I did, that this is a Russ Miller Versatus. But it's not. It predates the Versatus and is actually the signature snare of Japanese drummer Satoru Tatai (田々井悟). Tatai San asked for a special depth of drum; something like the 4" deep Sonor Lite one used by h...
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14 x 4⅝ Design Lab Artist Russ Miller Versatus

14 x 4⅝ Design Lab Artist Russ Miller Versatus

BPDLMH4460LPW

Designed by Russ Miller, the "Versatus" Maple/Mahogany Hybrid shell, offers a "Naturally Pre-Processed" sound with just the right amount of Low-End, articulation and punch. A single SAS Ring on the batter side only, a unique bearing edge combination and the ideal depth/size proportion, all contri...
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14 x 4⅝ Russ Miller Versatus (2015)

14 x 4⅝ Russ Miller Versatus (2015)

BPMH445LRCY

Rare

Rare
The 14” x 4 5/8” hybrid Mahogany/Maple delivers a sound that is warm, open, and explosive. Using a unique combination of bearing edges, with reinforcement on the batter side and a rounded non-reinforced 35° bearing edge on the snare side the Versatus possesses versatility, articulation, and cont...
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14 x 5 Design Lab Equinox

14 x 5 Design Lab Equinox

BPML4500CFB

The Equinox 14" Snare features a North American Maple shell, reinforcement rings and the classic styling of single-flanged hoops which evoke musical traditions and modern execution. This drum possesses the controlled articulation needed to hear the most subtle ghost notes coupled with a bright an...
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14 x 5 Razor

14 x 5 Razor

BPNML4500CGD

The Razor produces a sharp, articulate, edgy snap at all dynamic levels gleaming with high end brilliance. Never dull, this all maple drum slices through anything in the mix.
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14 x 5 Stainless Steel (Precious Metal)

14 x 5 Stainless Steel (Precious Metal)

ST4503D

Uncommon

Uncommon
Technically this is a Precious Metal series snare rather than badged Black Panther. But that series was rebranded as Black Panther Precious Metal a couple of years after this was shown in the 2002 catalogue, so we're giving it the benefit of the doubt.  If it looks like a Black Panther and ...
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14 x 5 The Black Widow

14 x 5 The Black Widow

BPML4500LNTB

Common

Common
This full-bodied, versatile drum features extreme sensitivity and a dark, dry tone.
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14 x 5 The Panther

14 x 5 The Panther

BPST450SLN

Uncommon

Uncommon
6KG of unadulterated honk. This thing is RARE. Discontinued soon after its release (due to being expensive and heavy) it only appears in the catalogues between 2010-2012. The ultimate Black Panther Snare Drum features a sensitive feel, big volume and a warmer sound than you would ever expect fro...
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14 x 5 Titanium

14 x 5 Titanium

BPTI4500BN

Unicorn

Unicorn
Ok - if tracking down the "Bronzed Hammered Brass" is like trying to find a unicorn, this is more like trying to find a Japanese unicorn playing cards with Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster.  Seriously - whilst there are one-of-a-kind custom drums, this is the most limited edition snare I'v...
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14 x 5.5 Aluminium

14 x 5.5 Aluminium

AL4551

Uncommon

Uncommon
Mid range at any tuning is the predominant voice. The drum leans toward the similar darkness of brass but with a more subdued tonality. The mid and the low are virtually one. Exclusive to aluminum shells, the anodized black process creates a very deep sealant for shell protection, sound enha...
Full Details
14 x 5.5 American Vintage Japan Only (Aged Natural Lacquer)

14 x 5.5 American Vintage Japan Only (Aged Natural Lacquer)

BSJMP8-1455FM

One more snare in the Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano American Vintage series, this is a "brother from another mother" to the Bonnie Pink version that was produced at roughly the same time. The flamed maple exterior of this all-maple shell has been finished in a natural lacquer, deliberately design...
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14 x 5.5 American Vintage Japan Only (Chestnut Lacquer)

14 x 5.5 American Vintage Japan Only (Chestnut Lacquer)

BSJ8-1455P

The third snare in the American Vintage Series / Mapex Beyond Shimano Collaboration. Custom built 8ply 8mm shell with AAAA rank quilted maple exterior, created by the great Shimano Lefty of Beyond Shimano, Japan.
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14 x 5.5 American Vintage Japan Only (Persimmon)

14 x 5.5 American Vintage Japan Only (Persimmon)

BSJ8-1455

The first snare in the American Vintage Series / Mapex Beyond Shimano Collaboration. Custom built 8ply 9mm shell, created by the great Shimano Lefty of Beyond Shimano, Japan. The theme for this snare is a 70s muscle car. The shell is an all-maple 8-ply, 9 mm shell finished in Japanese Persimmon...
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14 x 5.5 American Vintage Japan Only (Vintage Bonnie Pink Lacquer)

14 x 5.5 American Vintage Japan Only (Vintage Bonnie Pink Lacquer)

BSJ145PG (also listed as BSJ8-1455FMV)

Custom built by the great Shimano Lefty of Beyond Shimano, Japan, on the theme of a 70s muscle car. This is a 7ply, 8mm all-maple shell with a flamed maple exterior finished in oil stained Vintage Bonnie Pink and wax coated. Five of these were produced.   They were shown in two of Shim...
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14 x 5.5 American Vintage Japan Only (Wine Red)

14 x 5.5 American Vintage Japan Only (Wine Red)

BSJ8-1455P

A one-off from the second American Vintage Series / Mapex Beyond Shimano Collaboration. Custom built 8ply 8mm maple shell with AAAA rank quilted maple exterior, created by the great Shimano Lefty of Beyond Shimano, Japan. For this one, Shimano San left off the racing stripes seen on the first&n...
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14 x 5.5 American Vintage Japan Only One-Off (Pear Lacquer)

14 x 5.5 American Vintage Japan Only One-Off (Pear Lacquer)

BSJ8-1455P

The second snare in the American Vintage Series / Mapex Beyond Shimano Collaboration. One-off custom built 8ply 8mm shell with AAAA rank quilted maple exterior, created by the great Shimano Lefty of Beyond Shimano, Japan. "I created this color through trial and error and it would be difficult t...
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14 x 5.5 American Vintage Natural Stripes Japan Only

14 x 5.5 American Vintage Natural Stripes Japan Only

Spotted this on my regular crawl through Shimano San's Facebook feed (yes he knows - I asked his permission!) There weren't any details on the late 2018 post, apart from that it's maple with a flame maple exterior. I'm guessing that it's part of the American Vintage series since there are severa...
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14 x 5.5 American Vintage Series Japan Only (Vintage Amber Lacquer)

14 x 5.5 American Vintage Series Japan Only (Vintage Amber Lacquer)

BSJ8-1455FMB

Another snare in the American Vintage Series, this time in Vintage Amber nitrocellulose lacquer. The shell is 7ply, 8mm maple with a AAA flamed maple outer ply, and has two of the series' distinctive thin sports stripes in black. 
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14 x 5.5 American Vintage Series Japan Only (Vintage Transparent White Lacquer)

14 x 5.5 American Vintage Series Japan Only (Vintage Transparent White Lacquer)

BSJ8-1455QMWH

One more in the American Vintage series, this time elegantly finished in Vintage Transparent White Lacquer. As ever with the snares in this series, it harks back to American muscle cars, with the distinctive sports stripes running round the shell.  The shell itself is a 7ply maple affair, w...
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14 x 5.5 Ash Burl Coffee Burst Maple Special Edition

14 x 5.5 Ash Burl Coffee Burst Maple Special Edition

BPML4550SUCTO

Rare

Rare
Available in three depths, this 14"x5.5" is the baby of the special edition trio, which were on the market in the early 2010s. The maple shell features a particularly handsome "Ash Burl Coffee Burst" finish and a Saturn standard strainer, not uncommon in such special editions. This model was bro...
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14 x 5.5 Babylonian Stainless Steel

14 x 5.5 Babylonian Stainless Steel

Rare

Rare
Stainless steel shell, etched with Babylonian graphics Produced in 2005 and limited to 500 worldwide, with around 50 being brought in to the UK. (Anecdotal production numbers from sellers only - Mapex citation needed)
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14 x 5.5 Birch Deluxe

14 x 5.5 Birch Deluxe

BH4558

Uncommon

Uncommon
This material could be viewed as the natural equivalent to aluminum. It is fat and meaty at all tunings. The mid range is obvious but not dominant and can be heard dissolving into the low end. The shell is attack and bottom oriented. Different than aluminum, birch's dry characteristics have les...
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14 x 5.5 Bird's Eye Maple Bonny Pink "Golden Week" Snare Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Bird's Eye Maple Bonny Pink "Golden Week" Snare Japan Only

BI4550DC-BP

One of the six different one-off "Golden Week" snares produced by Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano lab during Golden Week in 2014.  This one has a bird's eye maple exterior in Bonny Pink and coated in nitrocellulose laquer.  These snares were made to blend the sound of a 1960-70s snare (a...
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14 x 5.5 Bird's Eye Maple Green "Golden Week" Snare Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Bird's Eye Maple Green "Golden Week" Snare Japan Only

BI4550DC-GR

One of the six different one-off "Golden Week" snares produced by Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano lab during Golden Week in 2014.  This one has a bird's eye maple exterior in green and coated in nitrocellulose laquer.  These snares were made to blend the sound of a 1960-70s snare (as fav...
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14 x 5.5 Bird's Eye Maple Tobacco Burst "Golden Week" Snare Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Bird's Eye Maple Tobacco Burst "Golden Week" Snare Japan Only

BI4550DC-TB3

One of the six different one-off "Golden Week" snares produced by Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano lab during Golden Week in 2014.  This one has a bird's eye maple exterior in tobacco burst and coated in nitrocellulose laquer.  These snares were made to blend the sound of a 1960-70s snare...
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14 x 5.5 Bird's Eye Snare Burned Charcoal Burst Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Bird's Eye Snare Burned Charcoal Burst Japan Only

BI4550 / BI4550DG

The big brother to the drop-dead gorgeous piccolo from Beyond Shimano, this time in 5.5" depth and an even sharper 1:9 bearing edge. The finish is Burned Charcoal Burst, with the finish being created using a gas burner and then coated in several applications of oil.  Only three units ever m...
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14 x 5.5 Birdseye Maple

14 x 5.5 Birdseye Maple

BPBE4550FB (BE4550D, BPBE4550 or BE4550DFB in older catalogues)

Common

Common
Like its traditional maple counterpart, the Black Panther Birdseye Maple gives you a warm, rich tone and the versatility of a finely crafted thin maple shell. The birdseye maple outer ply is produced in a sleek flat black finish. Along with its 6.5" deep brother, this is one of the longest-...
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14 x 5.5 Birdseye Maple (8mm Shell, Chrome Hardware)

14 x 5.5 Birdseye Maple (8mm Shell, Chrome Hardware)

BE4558D

Uncommon

Uncommon
These 8mm Maple, chrome die-cast hoop snares only seem to be listed in the 1997 Black Panther Catalogue, at a time where Mapex seemed to be making a drum out of every material going and in every size imaginable - there's over 40 snares listed!  They're badged as "Bird's Eye Maple".
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14 x 5.5 Birdseye Maple Antique Ivory

14 x 5.5 Birdseye Maple Antique Ivory

Rare

Rare
There's not a lot of information on this one, as it was spotted in a Facebook Marketplace listing in December 2021. The kit it was being sold with was the classic Antique Ivory Orion Classic with gold lugs/chrome hoops. Mapex did do some of these matching Black Panther snares that weren't part of...
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14 x 5.5 Black Lacquered Maple / Traditional Maple

14 x 5.5 Black Lacquered Maple / Traditional Maple

BPML4550BTB

Uncommon

Uncommon
The all-maple shell produces a distinctive woody sound embraced by drummers for generations. No matter what size you prefer, the maple shell will offer equal tones at any tuning. Called "Black Lacquered Maple" in the 2007-2008 Catalogues, but "Traditional Maple" in the 2009 UK Catalogue. 
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14 x 5.5 Black-Chrome-Gold Steel Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Black-Chrome-Gold Steel Japan Only

One-off steel snare with new shell and refurbished hardware. Rather than throw away these used lugs (which would have incurred a cost), Shimano San polished them up and paired them with a brand new steel shell, black die-cast hoops and 24K gold plated lug nuts.  The result is a awesome look...
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14 x 5.5 Black-Gold Steel Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Black-Gold Steel Japan Only

BSJ1455STGB

Shimano San created at least 11 of these Mapex/Beyond Shimano steel shelled units - the photos are of #11. He describes them as being "For drummers who like powerful rock" (if I've translated that correctly) and the sound as "Piercing" which I can't disagree given its looks.  The badge has...
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14 x 5.5 Bonnie Pink Flamed Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Bonnie Pink Flamed Maple Japan Only

One more for the wish-list! Produced sometime in 2014 (at least as far as I can tell from stalking Shimano San's FB profile!) as part of the Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano collaboration. This is a 7ply all-maple shell with an exterior ply of flamed maple coated in "Bonnie Pink" nitrocellulose lacq...
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14 x 5.5 Brass / Brass Master

14 x 5.5 Brass / Brass Master

BR4551D

Uncommon

Uncommon
The deep, dark, rich tone of the Black Panther Brass Series produces distinct and crisp overtones at a high tuning while maintaining a dry and controlled response at the mid-range. At a low tuning, the Black Panther Brass Snare delivers the deep and driving punch that you feel as clearly as you h...
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14 x 5.5 Brown Quilted Maple Japan only

14 x 5.5 Brown Quilted Maple Japan only

QM4550DC (Also listed as QM4550DB)

Once again, Shimano Lefty produces a stonkingly beautiful finish, this time in brown nicrocellulose lacquer over quilted maple. According to Shimano San it produces a modern sound, with pleasant mid-low tones and a great "live" sound. I'm not arguing! Part of the collaboration between Mapex ...
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14 x 5.5 Carmine Appice Signature Snare

14 x 5.5 Carmine Appice Signature Snare

Rare

Rare
This rare model doesn't appear in any catalogue or advert I can find but I found some information in an old issue of Modern Drummer from 1996. There's a piece about the Winter NAMM show that year, and it includes Mapex's release of this snare. It's not exactly a high-resolution scan (see below) b...
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14 x 5.5 Champagne Sparkle Steel Chrome Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Champagne Sparkle Steel Chrome Japan Only

BPST455DC

A variation on the champagne sparkle, this time with chrome rather than 24K gold hardware, created by the Mapex/Beyond Shimano collaboration. According to Shimano San, the reason for the change was the lack of gold hardware.  Different look - still a proper head-turner. 
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14 x 5.5 Champagne Sparkle Steel Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Champagne Sparkle Steel Japan Only

BPST455DG CG

A truly stunning looking snare wrapped in champagne sparkle, created by the Mapex/Beyond Shimano collaboration. According to Shimano San, the wrap gives a moderate cut in the high-end sustain of the steel shell, allowing an open and dynamic sound with no need for additional muting. "It turns it ...
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14 x 5.5 Charcoal Grey and Black Stripes Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Charcoal Grey and Black Stripes Japan Only

BSFM4550CGY

One of two charcoal grey snares, this one with black sports car stripes. The shell in finished in oil and wax. 
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14 x 5.5 Charcoal Grey and Natural Stripes Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Charcoal Grey and Natural Stripes Japan Only

BSFM4550CGY

One of two charcoal grey snares, this one with natural sports car stripes. The shell in finished in oil and wax. 
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14 x 5.5 Charred Brown Quilted Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Charred Brown Quilted Maple Japan Only

QM4550DBB

Another utterly mouth-watering creation from the great Shimano Lefty of Beyond Shimano in Japan. Only two ever made! Apparently (if I'm reading the Japanese correctly), the finish is initially created using a camping burner, and is then oiled. The trick is in not burning the wood, so i...
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14 x 5.5 Chrome Steel (Die-Cast Hoops) Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Chrome Steel (Die-Cast Hoops) Japan Only

Made in 2014, this all-chrome snare is the older brother of the one Shimano San made in 2017, but with die-cast instead of triple flange hoops. Came fitted with an Aquarian TC14 coated batter head.
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14 x 5.5 Chrome Steel Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Chrome Steel Japan Only

Steel sheel, all chrome finish from the Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano collaboration 2017. Just shows you that sometimes simple is best. 
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14 x 5.5 Cinnamon Fade Special Edition

14 x 5.5 Cinnamon Fade Special Edition

Another special edition with very little details unfortunately.  Originally I listed this as a 6ply shell, but as Tony Holt pointed out, looking at the shell detail shot from his example it's obviously 7ply, with 2 x double walnut plies sandwiched between the maple plies. Duly noted and upd...
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14 x 5.5 Dark Gold Quilted Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Dark Gold Quilted Maple Japan Only

QM4550DG

Unfortunately I don't have a lot of details about this particularly gorgeous example of Shimano San's work. Unlike most of the Mapex/Beyond Shimano collaboration snares, where I got all the information from the man himself by stalking his Facebook posts (with permission I might add!), I spotted t...
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14 x 5.5 Deep Forest Cherry / Cherry (Gloss Natural)

14 x 5.5 Deep Forest Cherry / Cherry (Gloss Natural)

BPCW4550NL

Uncommon

Uncommon
With tone that’s slightly sweeter and more full-bodied than maple, the Black Panther Cherry Series is distinctive in both its sound and its looks. The high-gloss natural finished drums are appointed with 24K Gold lugs and hoops for an extra touch of luxury. Despite this model being listed in the...
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14 x 5.5 Deep Forest Cherry / Cherry (Wax Natural)

14 x 5.5 Deep Forest Cherry / Cherry (Wax Natural)

BPCW4550WN (BPCW4550 in earlier catalogues)

Common

Common
Perfect for both live and studio use, Black Panther Cherry Snares feature a luxurious handrubbed finish. With tone that’s slightly sweeter and more full-bodied than maple, the series is distinctive in both its sound and its look. Over time, the color as well as the tone of the drum will grow swee...
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14 x 5.5 Deep Forest Vavona Burlwood

14 x 5.5 Deep Forest Vavona Burlwood

BPBV455L

Rare

Rare
The Vavona Burlwood Snare drum is being heralded as Black Panther's latest achievement in exotic beauty and sonic perfection. There were only 200 made of the 14" shells made worldwide so they are pretty rare.  Because the Vavona Burlwood comes from a source exclusive to Mapex, the company w...
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14 x 5.5 Deep Forest Walnut

14 x 5.5 Deep Forest Walnut

BPWT4550WN

Common

Common
The natural beauty of the Black Panther Deep Forest Walnut Series is only surpassed by the instrument’s deep, rich voice. The drum’s unique tone is dark and saturating, providing sonic qualities unmatched by any other snare drum. Unlike its deeper sibling, this model wasn't part of the original ...
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14 x 5.5 Derico Watson Red Sparkle Burst

14 x 5.5 Derico Watson Red Sparkle Burst

Unique

Unique
Here's one I spotted in the wild a while back but I was waiting for permission to show it. It's a red sparkle Black Panther (owned by Derico Watson) and it showed up on an old Facebook post. Derico kindly gave me permission in October 2022 to add it to the site, I'm afraid to say I pushed my luc...
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14 x 5.5 Design Lab Artist Craig Blundell Machine

14 x 5.5 Design Lab Artist Craig Blundell Machine

BPDLMW4550LNW

Designed by Craig Blundell, the Black Panther Design Lab "Machine" snare, is crafted with a Maple/Walnut shell delivering a warm and modern sound. Special "gated" Equalizer Puresound snares create a unique clarity and the staggered lugs provide a wide tuning range with powerful projection. The M...
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14 x 5.5 Early Taiwanese White and Gold Maple

14 x 5.5 Early Taiwanese White and Gold Maple

Ok - here we go again. Another snare listed on eBay in Japan, with no details and no backstory from Shimano San or anyone else...yet.  Spotted by Tim O'Neal in February 2022 (thanks Tim!) who wondered if I'd seen it before. Nope - new one on me!  I have sent a message to the sel...
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14 x 5.5 Ebony Burst

14 x 5.5 Ebony Burst

Bit of a rare one this; certainly they don't come up very often. Judging from the badge, production is likely to have been between 2010 and 2012, it's not shown in any catalogue. I'm not 100% sure of the construction, but looking at the shots of Dan Kindness' example, it's more than likely to be ...
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14 x 5.5 Flamed Maple Chocolate Brown "Golden Week" Snare Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Flamed Maple Chocolate Brown "Golden Week" Snare Japan Only

FM4550DC-CB1

One of the six different one-off "Golden Week" snares produced by Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano lab during Golden Week in 2014.  This one has a flamed maple maple exterior in what I'm calling chocolate brown (for want of a definitive descriptino) and coated in nitrocellulose laquer.  T...
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14 x 5.5 Flamed Maple Chocolate Brown (Powerhoops) - Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Flamed Maple Chocolate Brown (Powerhoops) - Japan Only

BPMLJ4550P TBK

Early March 2023 saw two new models released from Shimano San's stable - this relative of the 2014 Golden Week Chocolate Brown Flamed Maple and a piccolo (linked below). It's finished in the same Nitrocellulose Lacquer and looks phenomenal as always.  According to Shimano San this one is a ...
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14 x 5.5 Flamed Maple Green "Golden Week" Snare Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Flamed Maple Green "Golden Week" Snare Japan Only

FM4550DC-GR

One of the six different one-off "Golden Week" snares produced by Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano lab during Golden Week in 2014.  This one has a flamed maple exterior in green and coated in nitrocellulose laquer.  These snares were made to blend the sound of a 1960-70s snare (as favoure...
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14 x 5.5 Flamed Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Flamed Maple Japan Only

FM4550DC

Another jaw-dropping creation snare from the Mapex/Beyond Shimano collaboration, with a AAA ranked Flamed Maple Exterior.
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14 x 5.5 Flamed Maple Vintage Oil Finish Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Flamed Maple Vintage Oil Finish Japan Only

BSJ1455FM-GP

Mapex Beyond Shimano Collaboration seris. AAA rank flamed maple exterior, vintage oil and wax finish with racing stripes, created by the great Shimano Lefty of Beyond Shimano, Japan.
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14 x 5.5 Flat Black Maple (Black Hardware)

14 x 5.5 Flat Black Maple (Black Hardware)

BPML4550FB

Super Rare

Super Rare
There's not a vast amount of information about this model but there is a bit of a tale behind it. Oh, and before we start, I'm not naming the company here as it'll sound like I'm disparaging them, and I'm really not. Anyway...   In February 2022, I spotted it in a Reverb listing by Com...
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14 x 5.5 Fluorescent Green Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Fluorescent Green Japan Only

BSJ2055PFGR

Another shining example of a custom finish - Beyond Shimano's 2019 Fluorescent Color Series, this time in green.
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14 x 5.5 Fluorescent Yellow Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Fluorescent Yellow Japan Only

BSJ2055PFYL

A shining example of a custom finish - Beyond Shimano's Fluorescent Color Series.
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14 x 5.5 Gold Fade Maple

14 x 5.5 Gold Fade Maple

Rare

Rare
Produced in the early 2000s, this maple shell in Gold Fade with gold hardware would very probably have been made to match an Orion kit in the same finish. Like all the kits with gold lugs featured in the 2000 Mapex catalogue, the snare has all gold hardware, whereas the kit has gold lug...
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14 x 5.5 Gold Fade Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Gold Fade Maple Japan Only

NM4550DC

I was knocked out by the looks of this all Maple snare in 2015 when I spotted it on Facebook, and I still am. Looking at my conversation with Shimano San at the time (all in English - I'd only just started learning Japanese - I'm still not great!) I asked him what "stunning" was in Japanese. It's...
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14 x 5.5 Gold Lacquer Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Gold Lacquer Japan Only

NM4550DG

One of the first Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano collaboration shells I ever set eyes on in 2015. I did ask about buying one, but money was a bit tight and I wasn't sure how to pay for it in Yen at the time, so I didn't get one in the end. I regret that now. The finish is a lot like the Mapex Bench...
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14 x 5.5 Grand Funk Railroad Custom (One-Off)

14 x 5.5 Grand Funk Railroad Custom (One-Off)

Unique

Unique
Custom one-off made for the 60th birthday of Shimano Lefty's friend Rock Sugimoto. Steel shell wrapped in custom made Grand Funk Railroad inspired graphics. Note the unusual placement of the air vent behind the snare throw off.
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14 x 5.5 Grey & Gold Flamed Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Grey & Gold Flamed Maple Japan Only

One of four snares produced by Shimano San as part of the Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano collaboration in late 2013. All have 24K gold die-cast hoops and his special extra-hard maple ply construction, with differing outer plys and finishes. This one has a flamed maple exterior ply, finished in wha...
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14 x 5.5 Hammered Brass

14 x 5.5 Hammered Brass

BPBR455HB

Uncommon

Uncommon
Black Panther Brass Snares are built using 1.2mm pure brass for a tone that’s slightly more delicate than steel. High end tones are faithfully produced with precise sensitivity and plenty of power when you need it most. This is essentially the same drum as the earlier version but with black hard...
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14 x 5.5 Hammered Brass (Gold Hardware)

14 x 5.5 Hammered Brass (Gold Hardware)

BPBR455H

Uncommon

Uncommon
Black Panther Brass Snares are built using 1.2mm pure brass for a tone that’s slightly more delicate than steel. High end tones are faithfully produced with precise sensitivity and plenty of power when you need it most. This is essentially the same drum as the later version but with gold hardwar...
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14 x 5.5 Hammered Stainless Steel

14 x 5.5 Hammered Stainless Steel

BPST455H

Common

Common
Black Panther Steel Snares are famous for a razor sharp cut and explosive overtones. The hand hammered shell adds additional brightness and versatility to a shell that features incredible range. Cold_air from Singapore summed up this snare really well... This monster can cut through any ...
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14 x 5.5 Heavily Aged Prototype Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Heavily Aged Prototype Japan Only

Made by Shimano Lefty sometime around 2007-2008, only two units of this prototype were ever produced. Although they are intentionally made to look old, they were both made from new shells. The shine of the lugs, hoops and strainer has been deliberately dulled, and the shell finish itself has als...
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14 x 5.5 Heritage Limited Edition

14 x 5.5 Heritage Limited Edition

BPML4550CSEWT

Rare

Rare
The Mapex Black Panther Heritage Limited Edition has a maple shell and a figured burl finish. This is from 2013 and is a totally different drum from the much later 2020 Heritage model. Images courtesy of Antonio Rodriguez and Graham Russell Drums
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14 x 5.5 Kung Fu Stainless Steel

14 x 5.5 Kung Fu Stainless Steel

BPST455KFU

Rare

Rare
Black plated stainless steel shell, etched with graphics representing the arsenal of Kung Fu weaponry: spear, hammer, knife, sword and bow. Included special edition drum head and heavy duty padded carrying case. Produced in 2007. Note: If you look at the single "catalogue shot" (on the whi...
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14 x 5.5 Lemon Yellow Restoration Project Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Lemon Yellow Restoration Project Japan Only

Part of a restoration project, this 10+ year old snare (owned by a Mr Tomada)  was brought back to life by Shimano San in late 2018. Apparently it's the snare to a  matching Saturn kit, of which unfortunately there aren't any photos since it had already been sold.  The o...
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14 x 5.5 Limited Edition Bronzed Hammered Brass

14 x 5.5 Limited Edition Bronzed Hammered Brass

BPBZ455HL

Super Rare

Super Rare
Another "unicorn" snare that I've genuinely never seen come up for sale on the UK second-hand market, and only a handful on any marketplace anywhere. They'd last about five seconds before someone snapped them up if they did though - I mean, just look at it!  According to Mapex themselves, t...
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14 x 5.5 Limited Edition Bronzed Hammered Brass - Prototype

14 x 5.5 Limited Edition Bronzed Hammered Brass - Prototype

BPBZ455HLB

Unique

Unique
What's even harder to track down than the Limited Edition Bronzed Hammered Brass? How about this unique prototype, owned by Sami Kizilbash! Sami was the Mapex/Black Panther Product Manager and Artist Relations Director in Canada from 2005 to 2009 and I'll let him tell the story... The one I th...
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14 x 5.5 Mapex/Beyond Shimano Steel Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Mapex/Beyond Shimano Steel Japan Only

BBSB1450PB

Japan only limited edition steel snare from the collaboration between Mapex and Beyond Shimano.  Deliberately understated looks with an unadorned shell and plain black hardware.  Only 10 units produced.
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14 x 5.5 Maple Classic - Limited Edition 200

14 x 5.5 Maple Classic - Limited Edition 200

Rare

Rare
Spotted this in February 2023 while trying to track down more information about the other two Limited 200 models (links below).  Like its siblingsm there is almost no information on it, and in this case unfortunately, only one low-res photo that I can find. I can't even access the auction p...
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14 x 5.5 Maple Deluxe - Birdseye Maple

14 x 5.5 Maple Deluxe - Birdseye Maple

Yet another conundrum, this snare. It belongs to Lieven Vandeurzen in Belgium and he added it to the Mapex Drums Fan Page on Facebook in January 2022 looking for more information. Lots of responses followed but nothing concrete and it's not in any catalogue I've found...yet.  I has the...
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14 x 5.5 Maple Deluxe - Flat Black (Black Hardware)

14 x 5.5 Maple Deluxe - Flat Black (Black Hardware)

Uncommon

Uncommon
This is clearly the shallower sibling of the 14" x 6.5" Maple Deluxe - Flat Black (Black Hardware) and just like that model I'm assuming it was produced to match an Orion kit. Alternatively, maybe it was an option on the standard range, and I just simply haven't found any details of it ...
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14 x 5.5 Maple Imperial Burst

14 x 5.5 Maple Imperial Burst

Rare

Rare
A very close sibling of Lilac Burst, Imperial Burst was more popular and therefore available for far longer in the Mapex range. There's not a huge amount in it, especially in low light, but in brighter conditions you can see that Imperial Burst fades to red rather than the purple of Lilac Bu...
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14 x 5.5 Maple Lilac Burst

14 x 5.5 Maple Lilac Burst

Uncommon

Uncommon
A very close sibling of Imperial Burst, Lilac Burst was the less popular option and therefore available for only a short time in the Mapex range. There's not a huge amount in it, especially in low light, but in brighter conditions you can see that Imperial Burst fades to red rather than...
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14 x 5.5 Maple Limited Edition Rosewood Veneer

14 x 5.5 Maple Limited Edition Rosewood Veneer

Rare

Rare
Like its big brothers, there's not a huge amount of information on this Limited Edition snare, but piecing together information from videos from the Drum Center of Portsmouth and a few random sales listings, it appears to have been made in late 2013. According to Shane at DCP, Mapex made thr...
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14 x 5.5 Masquerade Rock Maple Limited Edition

14 x 5.5 Masquerade Rock Maple Limited Edition

BPML455MLB

Super Rare

Super Rare
What is it with Japan? How come they get so many of these custom snares?  Well, to be honest, part of the answer, if not all of it is down to the amazing Shimano Lefty (ドラム神様) and the collaborations between Mapex and his company "Beyond Shimano".  This one was produced to celebrate th...
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14 x 5.5 Masquerade Steel Prototype

14 x 5.5 Masquerade Steel Prototype

Prototype

Super Unicorn

Super Unicorn
What do you do when you've collected 6 impossible snares before breakfast? How about tracking down this rejected prototype for the Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano 20th Anniversary Masquerade snare! Ignore the 10/50 serial as I doubt 50 were ever made Both the design and the shell were rejected for ...
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14 x 5.5 Mayan/Aztec

14 x 5.5 Mayan/Aztec

BPST455MA

Rare

Rare
This beautifully crafted Black Panther snare drum captures the bold spirit of the ancient Mayan civilization.This 14x5.5, 1.0mm steel shell is embossed with traditional Mayan eagle/human mask art. The shell’s bearing edge is rounded on the batter side for greater head to shell contact. The result...
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14 x 5.5 Mayan/Aztec Black Version Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Mayan/Aztec Black Version Japan Only

Super Unicorn

Super Unicorn
Another "unicorn" this one as only two of these "Black" versions of the Mayan were produced in 2014* as a part of the Mapex/Beyond Shimano collaboration. It's a "standard" Mayan shell with Shimano San changing the hardware to black chrome and 2.3mm Powerhoops rather than brushed bronze and die-ca...
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14 x 5.5 Memphis

14 x 5.5 Memphis

Rare

Rare
Maple and Walnut shell. UK only limited edition. Made to replicate the American Soul sound, hence the name, the snare has a 7.88mm shell: 2-ply of Maple and 4-plys of Walnut to give a loud 'crack' with a lovely warm tone. It has a lacquered Burl Maple outer ply and comes with chrom...
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14 x 5.5 Metallion

14 x 5.5 Metallion

BPNBR4551CN

The Metallion is the standard. The warm and centered characteristics of brass focus the sound with just the right amount of sensitive bite.
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14 x 5.5 Natural Bird's Eye Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Natural Bird's Eye Maple Japan Only

BSBE4550PC

Another classic from 2015. All-maple shell with a natural nitrocellulose lacquer exterior. No further details yet, but how nice is this?
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14 x 5.5 Natural Flamed Maple Custom Build Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Natural Flamed Maple Custom Build Japan Only

Made in September 2018 for a customer who wanted it for Jazz and Latin Fusion, this 7ply, 9mm all-maple snare was designed to produce an open sound with few overtones. As ever, Shimano San used his unique hard plywood construction which gives the drum a wide dynamic range, with rich mid-lows and ...
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14 x 5.5 Natural Flamed Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Natural Flamed Maple Japan Only

BSMF2055NT

This snare was made in 2019, has an all-maple shell with a AAA flamed maple exterior ply and a natural maple finish. Two black sports car stripes compliment the simple and elegant appearance of this drum.  No further details available unfortunately. 
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14 x 5.5 Natural Flamed Maple One-Off Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Natural Flamed Maple One-Off Japan Only

One of two one-off models from the Mapex Japan / Beyond Simano collaboration series, made in July 2018.  The shell is coated in an as-thin-as-possible oil finish, complemented by black chrome hoops and 24k gold lugs and strainer.  The batter side bearing edge is cut to a rounded ...
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14 x 5.5 Natural Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Natural Maple Japan Only

Just two of these plain maple models were made to order by Shimano San in late 2018. A customer who ordered a piccolo snare (linked below) from him also wanted a deeper model. The "plain" look of is primarily down to budget constraints, although Shimano San does say that he liked the soft feel an...
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14 x 5.5 Natural Quilted Maple One-Off Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Natural Quilted Maple One-Off Japan Only

One of two one-off models from the Mapex Japan / Beyond Simano collaboration series, made in July 2018.  The shell is coated in an as-thin-as-possible oil finish, complemented by black chrome hardware.  The batter side bearing edge is cut to a rounded 7:3 ratio (65 degrees), whilst th...
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14 x 5.5 Nucleus

14 x 5.5 Nucleus

BPNMW4550CPB

The Nucleus represents the center, when you need to drive the groove right down the middle. The middlemost plies are walnut providing a slightly organic character between the inner and outer layer of classic maple.
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14 x 5.5 Oil Coated Quilted Maple One-Off Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Oil Coated Quilted Maple One-Off Japan Only

The third in a series of oil coated snares made by Shimano San in late 2018, this quilted maple shell has had 4 coats of oil to produce the final dark colour. Despite being "in love" with nitrocellulose lacquer for over 25 years, he says he'd got rather stuck in a rut, and so used multiple coats ...
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14 x 5.5 Oil Vintage Wine Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Oil Vintage Wine Japan Only

BSMP1450PFM

Beautiful maple snare from the Mapex/Beyond Shimano collaboration. AAA ranked Flamed Maple Exterior finished in Vintage Oil Wine with natural maple sports car stripe.
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14 x 5.5 Oriental Dragon Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Oriental Dragon Japan Only

ST755PH

I distinctly remember seeing this snare come up on a late-night web searching session almost a decade ago and thinking "what the (heck) is that!" I thought I knew all the Mapex snares, but this was something new. Several hours down the Google rabbithole later and I was sold on the work of Shimano...
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14 x 5.5 Pegasus

14 x 5.5 Pegasus

BPNMW4550LXN

The Pegasus is legendary and mysterious featuring a thinner shell construction producing a slightly darker character from the famed maple/walnut blended shell. Like it’s mythological namesake, this drum is grounded but can take flight at a moment’s notice.
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14 x 5.5 Phosphor Bronze

14 x 5.5 Phosphor Bronze

BPPB4551 (PB4553 in early catalogues)

Common

Common
Black Panther Phosphor Bronze Snares produce a unique sound that possesses the clarity and brightness that you would expect from a metal shell, but with a warmth and depth of a wood snare drum. My personal example has a Russ Miller Groove Wedge fitted, signed by Russ at a drum clinic at Sound At...
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14 x 5.5 Phosphor Bronze Hammered

14 x 5.5 Phosphor Bronze Hammered

BPPB455H

Common

Common
Black Panther Phosphor Bronze Snares produce a unique sound that possesses the clarity and brightness that you would expect from a metal shell, but with a warmth and depth of a wood snare drum. The hand hammered versions create an even more distinctive, drier sound.
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14 x 5.5 Piano Black Cracked Finish Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Piano Black Cracked Finish Japan Only

Another creation from the Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano collaboration. Just shows you what a nice looking drum you can produce if you stick to one colour - understated and absolutely beautiful.  All maple shell, finished in thin piano-black nitrocellulose lacquer, with what Shimano San ...
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14 x 5.5 Plain Fluorescent Green Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Plain Fluorescent Green Japan Only

BSJ2055P

One of two colours, and 10 shells, produced in 2019 for those who" want to stand out". You're not joking. This and its yellow sibling would make sure you could be seen from space. In the dark. Certainly makes a statement. 
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14 x 5.5 Plain Fluorescent Yellow Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Plain Fluorescent Yellow Japan Only

BSJ2055P

One of two colours, and 10 shells, produced in 2019 for those who" want to stand out". You're not joking. This and its green sibling would make sure you could be seen from space. In the dark. Certainly makes a statement. 
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14 x 5.5 Polished Brass with Gold Hardware - 'The Golden Rod'

14 x 5.5 Polished Brass with Gold Hardware - 'The Golden Rod'

BR4552

The slightly slimmer of the 14" models in the "Golden Rod"* family of Japan-only Polished Brass Black Panthers. Like several of the models in the range, this one didn't come to light until April 2023 when Julio from NekoMusic in Japan managed to get his hands on the 1999 Japan catalogue that feat...
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14 x 5.5 Polished Brass with Gold Hardware - 'The Golden Rod' (Twin Cam)

14 x 5.5 Polished Brass with Gold Hardware - 'The Golden Rod' (Twin Cam)

A little bit a curve-ball this one. It's got the individual low-mass oval lugs and the Gold "Flourish" Badge of the 1997+ original Black Panther series, but with a twin-cam throw-off which doesn't match the Orion throw-off on the Brass Master of that series. The main, very comprehensive, set of ...
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14 x 5.5 Power Steel - Limited Edition 200

14 x 5.5 Power Steel - Limited Edition 200

Rare

Rare
First spotted by long-time contributer Zack Cruz in February 2023, there's very little information available (so far) on this rare Taiwan produced Japan-only model. Zack saw it up for sale on eBay by a Japanese seller and, after a bit of sleuthing, found it on the archived Mapex Japan website. Th...
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14 x 5.5 Premium Brass

14 x 5.5 Premium Brass

BPBR4551A

Uncommon

Uncommon
Black Panther Brass Snares are built using 1.2mm pure brass for a tone that’s slightly more delicate than steel. High end tones are faithfully produced with precise sensitivity and plenty of power when you need it most. These are sometimes very difficult to distinguish from the very similar Phos...
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14 x 5.5 Premium Brass (Black Chrome)

14 x 5.5 Premium Brass (Black Chrome)

BPBR4551

Uncommon

Uncommon
The deep, dark, rich tone of the Black Panther Brass Series produces distinct and crisp overtones at a high tuning while maintaining a dry and controlled response at the mid-range. At a low tuning, the Black Panther Brass Snare delivers the deep and driving punch that you feel as clearly as you h...
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14 x 5.5 Premium Walnut / Deep Forest Walnut

14 x 5.5 Premium Walnut / Deep Forest Walnut

BPWT4550TBW (BPWT4550TBW-B in 2009 UK Catalogue)

Uncommon

Uncommon
With its new high-gloss “Brown Sugar Burst” finish, the Black Panther Walnut Series is more beautiful than ever — and it still enjoys the same rich and saturating sonic advantages that it has always had.  This is the later Deep Forest Walnut series, with a thicker shell (8.5mm vs 5.mm), Die...
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14 x 5.5 Quilted Maple Bonny Pink "Golden Week" Snare Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Quilted Maple Bonny Pink "Golden Week" Snare Japan Only

QM4550DC-BP

One of the six different one-off "Golden Week" snares produced by Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano lab during Golden Week in 2014.  This one has a quilted maple exterior in Bonny Pink and coated in nitrocellulose laquer.  These snares were made to blend the sound of a 1960-70s snare (as f...
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14 x 5.5 Quilted Maple Burst Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Quilted Maple Burst Japan Only

No details on this one, apart from it was made in 2016 as part of the Mapex Japan /Beyond Shimano collaboration and it's obviously a 14"x5.5" quilted maple shell in a red/yellow burst finish. Extraordinarily pretty though eh?
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14 x 5.5 Quilted Maple Emerald Green Snare Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Quilted Maple Emerald Green Snare Japan Only

QM4550DC

Produced in late 2019 as part of the Mapex / Beyond Shimano collaboration. 6ply, 7mm all maple shell, with an emerald green quilted maple exterior finished in very thin nitrocellulose lacquer. The lacquer is thin in order to bring out the tone of the underlying maple. 
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14 x 5.5 Quilted Maple Japan Only Limited Edition (White)

14 x 5.5 Quilted Maple Japan Only Limited Edition (White)

BSM145QMB

One of two versions of a very limited edition snare from the Mapex/Beyond Shimano collaboration. AAA Ranked Quilted Maple Exterior + 6ply Maple Shell Only 5 units ever made of this colour and available in Japan only. Yet another drop dead gorgeous snare by ドラム神様 ,Shimano Lefty and his team at ...
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14 x 5.5 Quilted Maple Japan Only Limited Edition (Wine)

14 x 5.5 Quilted Maple Japan Only Limited Edition (Wine)

BSM145QMW

One of two versions of a very limited edition snare from the Mapex/Beyond Shimano collaboration. AAA Ranked Quilted Maple Exterior + 6ply Maple Shell Only 5 units ever made of this colour and available in Japan only. Yet another drop dead gorgeous snare by ドラム神様 ,Shimano Lefty and his team at ...
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14 x 5.5 Quilted Maple Tobacco Burst Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Quilted Maple Tobacco Burst Japan Only

How beautiful is this? No, seriously - look at it!! Maple shell with a quilted maple exterior ply in tobacco burst. Part of the Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano collaboration series from 2017. 
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14 x 5.5 Quilted Maple Vintage Oil Finish Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Quilted Maple Vintage Oil Finish Japan Only

BSJ-MP1450P

Mapex Beyond Shimano Collaboration series. AAAA rank quilted maple exterior, vintage oil and wax finish with racing stripes, created by the great Shimano Lefty of Beyond Shimano, Japan.
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14 x 5.5 Racing Stripe Brown Quilted Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Racing Stripe Brown Quilted Maple Japan Only

BSMP1450PQM

An updated version of the American Vintage Muscle Car themed snares, this time with the later sculpted shield lug cases. The tasteful brown quilted maple exterior ply has its sports car stripe in natural maple, and the whole thing is finished in natural oil. Gorgeous!
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14 x 5.5 Red & Gold Flamed Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Red & Gold Flamed Maple Japan Only

One of four snares produced by Shimano San as part of the Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano collaboration in late 2013. All have 24K gold die-cast hoops and his special extra-hard maple ply construction, with differing outer plys and finishes. This one has a flamed maple exterior ply, finished in wha...
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14 x 5.5 Red Lacquer Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Red Lacquer Maple Japan Only

Details are a little thin on the ground for this head-turning bright red Maple snare, made as part of the Mapex Japan /Beyond Shimano collaboration in 2014. It's a 7ply all-maple affair coated in Shimano San's favourite nitrocellolose lacquer. 
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14 x 5.5 Rose Pink & Gold Flamed Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Rose Pink & Gold Flamed Maple Japan Only

One of four snares produced by Shimano San as part of the Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano collaboration in late 2013. All have 24K gold die-cast hoops and his special extra-hard maple ply construction, with differing outer plys and finishes. This one has a flamed maple exterior ply, finished in wha...
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14 x 5.5 Rose Pink & Gold Quilted Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Rose Pink & Gold Quilted Maple Japan Only

One of four snares produced by Shimano San as part of the Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano collaboration in late 2013. All have 24K gold die-cast hoops and his special extra-hard maple ply construction, with differing outer plys and finishes. This one has a AAA quilted maple exterior ply, finished i...
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14 x 5.5 Scorpion

14 x 5.5 Scorpion

BPNMH4550CNX

The Scorpion strikes with ultraprecision. This uniquely wrapped standard-sized mahogany shell delivers a stark dry tone, with a scorching sting.
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14 x 5.5 Seamless Solid Steel

14 x 5.5 Seamless Solid Steel

BPST455SLBR

Rare

Rare
This one is an absolute monster! Basically, Mapex cut a steel pipe into sections then routed the sound rings into it. Having personally used this on loads of gigs over the years, it does live up to it's reputation as a beast that has the power to cut through literally any music you can throw at i...
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14 x 5.5 Solid Bronze

14 x 5.5 Solid Bronze

SB4553D

Rare

Rare
This was released in 2002 as part of the Precious Metal series. Although that series was initially marketed separately to the Black Panther series, it was rolled up into the Black Panther range in 2004, annoyingly without the Solid Bronze models A bit of a Unicorn this; they don't come up for sa...
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14 x 5.5 Special Edition Elm

14 x 5.5 Special Edition Elm

BPLM4550BXN

Super Rare

Super Rare
This gorgeous instrument features a classic Black Panther maple shell with built-in walnut sound rings and a magnificently grained, hand selected elm exterior ply for exquisite beauty. The beautiful hand selected elm wood grain is emphasized by the high gloss clear coat lacquer finish. The ...
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14 x 5.5 Special Edition Exotic DCP Exclusive

14 x 5.5 Special Edition Exotic DCP Exclusive

BPML4550CNNLCNL

Super Rare

Super Rare
Exclusive to the Drum Center of Portsmouth in New Hampshire in the USA, and limited to approx 60 units. In mid-2020, Shane Kinney the owner of the DCP was offered these ash burl maple veneered maple shells, that (for some reason) Mapex hadn't made available to the general market. He grabbed the ...
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14 x 5.5 Stainless Steel

14 x 5.5 Stainless Steel

BPST4551A

Uncommon

Uncommon
Black Panther Steel Snares are famous for a razor sharp cut and explosive overtones. Mapex 2.3mm Powerhoops provide superior sensitivity and remarkable articulation. In 2007, this and its deeper 6.5" brother replaced the venerable steel "banded" shells that had been in the Black Panther range in ...
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14 x 5.5 Steel

14 x 5.5 Steel

BPST4551

Uncommon

Uncommon
The Black Panther Steel is our loudest metal shell, yet it yields a wide dynamic range for soft articulation. The magnificent brightness embedded in the tonal bands makes the Black Panther Steel Snare an incredibly versatile, high-performance instrument. Surprisingly difficult to track down thes...
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14 x 5.5 Steel / Steel Deluxe (Die Cast Hoops)

14 x 5.5 Steel / Steel Deluxe (Die Cast Hoops)

ST4551D

Common

Common
The Black Panther Steel is our loudest metal shell, yet it yields a wide dynamic range for soft articulation. The magnificent brightness embedded in the tonal bands makes the Black Panther Steel Snare an incredibly versatile, high-performance instrument. This is the original version of the Steel...
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14 x 5.5 Steel Limited Edition Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Steel Limited Edition Japan Only

BPST4550SSH

This Japan only, steel shelled limited edition first appeared in the 2012 Mapex Japan price list, and was still showing as part of the range as late as 2017. I don't have any catalogues after that, but checking the Mapex Japan website on the WayBack Machine, it's not listed by 2018. Shimano...
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14 x 5.5 Sunburst Flamed Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Sunburst Flamed Maple Japan Only

FM4550PC

Made in in 2016 as part of the Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano collaboration. The 14"x5.5", all-American maple shell has a flamed maple exterior in triple-tone sunburst finish. The bearing edge is 45˚, the inside is coated in vintage oil, and the exterior is finished in nitrocellulose lacquer.&...
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14 x 5.5 Terry Bozzio Signature Snare

14 x 5.5 Terry Bozzio Signature Snare

ALT155

Super Rare

Super Rare
Only 100 of these signature snares were ever made, during the relatively brief era when Terry Bozzio was a Mapex endorsee, after he left Remo and before he joined DW in 1995.  Technically it's pre-Black Panther but let's face it, all Mapex signature snares are honorary Black Panthers regard...
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14 x 5.5 The Blade

14 x 5.5 The Blade

BPST4551LN

Common

Common
A visually sleek and alluring instrument with razor-sharp tone that carves deeply into any groove.
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14 x 5.5 The Brass Cat

14 x 5.5 The Brass Cat

BPBR4551ZN

Common

Common
Slightly softer than a steel snare. This drum produces an aggressive sound that’s incredibly smooth. You don't see too many of these popping up on the second hand market these days and it's not surprising. I mean, would you let one go? 
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14 x 5.5 The Retrosonic

14 x 5.5 The Retrosonic

BPWB4550CNEN

Common

Common
9 Ply, 8.1mm Walnut shell. Satin finish. Sonic saver hoops. The cylinder-drive strainer and butt-end adjuster uses a self-lubricating bearing to ensure smooth operation. The adjustment dial employs "micro-lock" technology, providing precise control. The 14"x5.5" Retrosonic is a real looker, perh...
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14 x 5.5 The Velvetone

14 x 5.5 The Velvetone

BPMW4550CNUB

Common

Common
Don’t be deceived by its beautifully seductive exterior, this drum is wickedly dark with a high degree of sensitivity. Main image courtesy of Warren Armstrong. Catalogue shots courtesy of Mapex Japan
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14 x 5.5 Thomann Amber Special Edition

14 x 5.5 Thomann Amber Special Edition

Another visually impressive Thomann Special Edition, this time in Amber Ash.  According to the in-depth review on Bonedo.de it's a great sounding snare for the money, with their only real issue being the throw-off not being as solid as they'd have liked and the heads could have done wi...
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14 x 5.5 Thomann Aztec

14 x 5.5 Thomann Aztec

Rare

Rare
This is the 10th Anniversary Thomann Special Edition of the Mayan/Aztec.  Exact details are a tad hard to track down but according to a German viewer the shell spec is the same as the standard Mayan (if you can call such a rare and expensive drum "standard"!) but with a different finish. 
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14 x 5.5 Thomann Aztec (Black/Chrome)

14 x 5.5 Thomann Aztec (Black/Chrome)

Just when you think you've tracked down all the Mayan/Aztec versions, this shows up in a dark corner of the Pearl Dummers' forum. According to the forum post, it's another Thomann Special Edition of the Mayan/Aztec, but there's no other details. Even the original poster isn't sure about it. Thom...
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14 x 5.5 Thomann Brown Special Edition

14 x 5.5 Thomann Brown Special Edition

A very pretty 2013 Thomann exclusive, known rather underwhelmingly as the "Brown" special edition. According to the review below, the finish is Mapa Burl which is usually only found in much more expensive snares - indeed this does seem to be one of the higher-end Thomann specials. There a great ...
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14 x 5.5 Thomann Exotic Special Edition

14 x 5.5 Thomann Exotic Special Edition

This snare is a beast. Manufactured in 2011. 10 lugs, die cast hoops. (Text by Warren Armstrong)
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14 x 5.5 Thomann Maple Special Edition

14 x 5.5 Thomann Maple Special Edition

Another Thomann exclusive, with a standard 5.1mm Black Panther Maple shell but with a Saturn throw-off. If you have one and the Thomann badge is annoying you, apparently you can removed the vent cover and take it off. Not sure I'd bother, but your milage may vary.  It was originally sold fo...
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14 x 5.5 Thomann Maple Special Edition (Powerhoops)

14 x 5.5 Thomann Maple Special Edition (Powerhoops)

One more Thomann exclusive, with a standard 5.1mm Black Panther Maple shell but with a Saturn throw-off. Like all the Thomann specials, if the Thomann badge is annoying you, you can removed the vent cover and take it off.  It appeared on the Thomann site in 2011 (although the photo isn't ar...
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14 x 5.5 Thomann Natural Maple Burl Limited Edition

14 x 5.5 Thomann Natural Maple Burl Limited Edition

536019

Rare

Rare
One of two models released in November 2022 to surprisingly little fanfare, but spotted by Alex Wicheard (nice one - cheers Alex!). Both feature a shell that I haven't seen before in a Black Panther: a Maple-Birch-Walnut construction, including a burl finish. Moreover, unlike a few of the Thoman...
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14 x 5.5 Thomann Zebrawood

14 x 5.5 Thomann Zebrawood

Maple shell with outer layer of Zebrawood. Special edition available only from Thomann.
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14 x 5.5 Traditional Maple (High Gloss Black)

14 x 5.5 Traditional Maple (High Gloss Black)

BPML4550TB

Uncommon

Uncommon
The ultra-thin shell of the Black Panther Traditional Maple Snare series produces a reliable, earthy response that’s been embraced by players for generations. No matter what size you prefer, the Black Panther Traditional Maple Snare delivers equal tone at any tuning.
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14 x 5.5 Traditional Maple / Maple Deluxe (Flat Black)

14 x 5.5 Traditional Maple / Maple Deluxe (Flat Black)

BPML4550FB (ML4550D / ML4550DFB in earlier catalogues)

Common

Common
The ultra-thin shell of the Black Panther Traditional Maple Snare series produces a reliable, earthy response that’s been embraced by players for generations. No matter what size you prefer, the Black Panther Traditional Maple Snare delivers equal tone at any tuning. This model was part of the o...
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14 x 5.5 Traditional Maple Deluxe (8mm Shell, Chrome Hardware)

14 x 5.5 Traditional Maple Deluxe (8mm Shell, Chrome Hardware)

ML4558D

Uncommon

Uncommon
These 8mm Maple, chrome die-cast hoop snares only seem to be listed in the 1997 Black Panther Catalogue, at a time where Mapex seemed to be making a drum out of every material going and in every size imaginable - there's over 40 snares listed!  Like all the Maple Black Panthers at the time,...
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14 x 5.5 Transparent Black Maple Special Edition

14 x 5.5 Transparent Black Maple Special Edition

BPML4550CTB

Released in Spring 2022, this is a European Special Edition exclusive to Musik Meyer, available for an SRP of €349. It's supplied with a Remo USA Ambassador Coated batter head & Remo UT resonance head and includes a Black Panther bag.
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14 x 5.5 Transparent Emerald Green Birdseye Maple

14 x 5.5 Transparent Emerald Green Birdseye Maple

Rare

Rare
This 14''x5.5'' Birdseye Maple model is another snare that dates from around 2000-2004, during the period when Mapex were making Black Panthers to match Orion kits. The example in the main shot and similar from Julio of Neko Music in Japan is from May 2001. Julio's example is in showroom conditio...
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14 x 5.5 Transparent Red Birdseye Maple

14 x 5.5 Transparent Red Birdseye Maple

Rare

Rare
I spotted this in early March 2022, during a late night dive down the Google Images rabbit hole, on a Polish selling site called Olx. The seller, Osse, was kind enough to respond to my hastily Google Translated (what did we do before this?!) query and let me share his photos. I don't h...
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14 x 5.5 Transparent Violet Birds Eye Maple

14 x 5.5 Transparent Violet Birds Eye Maple

Rare

Rare
You don't see too many of these around, especially with the Black Panther badge - definitely a relative of the 14 X 6.5 Transparent Violet Maple Deluxe. This one belongs to Levi Lateralus who kindly let me have these shots for the site. 
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14 x 5.5 Transparent Violet Maple

14 x 5.5 Transparent Violet Maple

Rare

Rare
This 14'' x 5.5'' Maple snare drum dates from 2003, during the period when Mapex were making Black Panthers to match Orion kits. Judging by the catalogues, this practice ran from about 1996-2003, so this model would have been produced right at the end of the era and is in surprisingly good condit...
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14 x 5.5 Tribal Stainless Steel

14 x 5.5 Tribal Stainless Steel

BPST4551EC / ST4551EC

Rare

Rare
Limited edition stainless steel shell, acid etched with Tribal graphics. Produced in 2006 and only 100 were available in the USA. You can see evidence of this on the internal sticker in Andy De-adman's pristine example: 1 of 100!   The drum features an unrivaled stainless steel shell w...
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14 x 5.5 True Burnt Brown Charred Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 True Burnt Brown Charred Maple Japan Only

One more "charred finish" maple creation from Shimano Lefty's lab - this time in what is described as the "true burned (brown) colour". Apparently this is the third charred snare he created after the first two sold out in about 10 days! Not surprised really - it's an amazing, unique technique.
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14 x 5.5 Venom

14 x 5.5 Venom

BPNML4550COW

The Venom produces a poisonous slice that cuts through with a vicious bite. Nothing can hide from this infective instrument.
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14 x 5.5 Vintage Bordeaux Wine Flame Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Vintage Bordeaux Wine Flame Maple Japan Only

Once more the Mapex Japan / Beyond Shimano collaboration produces a jaw-droppingly gorgeous snare. This time, the all-maple 14"x5.5" shell has a flame maple exterior ply, finished in what Shimano San calls a vintage oil "Bordeaux Wine" colour. The black hoops and gold lugs/strainer complement the...
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14 x 5.5 Vintage Brown / Wine Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Vintage Brown / Wine Maple Japan Only

BSJ1450QMSP

Part of the Mapex / Beyond Shimano Collaboration Series, 4 units were produced in this finish, with the brown (upper) and wine (lower) sections complimented with three natural sports car stripes. The whole thing is coated in 8 coats of oil, and then waxed in order to cure the finish. As mos...
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14 x 5.5 Vintage Natural Flamed Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Vintage Natural Flamed Maple Japan Only

FM4550DB

One of Shimano San's classics from 2015. All-maple shell with a flamed maple exterior, finished in vintage natural nitrocellulose lacquer.  I don't have any further details, but the looks of this snare do all the talking here.
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14 x 5.5 Vintage Oil Finish Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Vintage Oil Finish Japan Only

BSJ1455QM-GP

Mapex Beyond Shimano Collaboration series. AAAA rank quilted maple exterior, vintage oil and wax finish with racing stripes, created by the great Shimano Lefty of Beyond Shimano, Japan.
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14 x 5.5 Vintage Oil Natural Brown Quilted Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 Vintage Oil Natural Brown Quilted Maple Japan Only

BSJMP1450PQM

A one-off creation from the Mapex/Beyond Shimano collaboration, with a AAAA ranked quilted Maple Exterior. The oil coating was applied 7 to 8 times to create the color, and then finished with a wax coating.
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14 x 5.5 Walnut Hybrid Japan Only Limited Edition (Antique Ivory)

14 x 5.5 Walnut Hybrid Japan Only Limited Edition (Antique Ivory)

BPWA455SLI

Another awesome Japan only snare, with a hybrid shell of 4ply maple and 2ply walnut.  Produces a crisp, snappy sound and boasts a wide tuning range.
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14 x 5.5 Walnut Hybrid Japan Only Limited Edition (Natural)

14 x 5.5 Walnut Hybrid Japan Only Limited Edition (Natural)

BPWA455SNL

Another awesome Japan only snare, with a hybrid shell of 4ply maple and 2ply walnut.  Produces a crisp, snappy sound and boasts a wide tuning range.
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14 x 5.5 Wax Cherry Red Birdseye Maple

14 x 5.5 Wax Cherry Red Birdseye Maple

Rare

Rare
As with many of these models from outside the standard range I don't have a huge amount of background on it. From the colour, the badge and the fact that it was made in Taiwan however, it will have been made somewhere in the later period between 1996 and 2003 when Mapex were making matching snare...
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14 x 5.5 White Angel Tribal Stainless Steel

14 x 5.5 White Angel Tribal Stainless Steel

Unique

Unique
Belonging to Tom Holder (yes I checked; yes really; actually Thomas Holder - awesome bit of nominative determinism!), this is believed to be a one-of-a-kind "White Angel" Tribal Stainless Steel Black Panther that he won in a Mapex competition in 2006.  Spec wise, it's the same as the "stand...
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14 x 5.5 White Oil Birds Eye Maple Japan Only

14 x 5.5 White Oil Birds Eye Maple Japan Only

This white oiled Birds Eye maple shell, finished with Shimano San's signature racing stripes, was produced in May 2019. His post states that "yesterday, three units were completed and one was half finished" so I'm not 100% sure if he means that 4 of this exact model were made, or that 4 units of ...
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14 x 5.5 Yellow Zebrawood

14 x 5.5 Yellow Zebrawood

ML4550ZBSE

Uncommon

Uncommon
Although this one looks like a variation on the Thomann special edition Zebrawood, this is a "standard" Mapex snare; it appears in the 2008 Mapex Brazil Catalogue.  In any event, nice looking snare and quite rare in this finish. 
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14 x 6 Custom Restoration Project Japan Only

14 x 6 Custom Restoration Project Japan Only

BS965R

How to breathe new life into a drum that's paid its dues!  This is a restored "loaner" drum from the Mapex/ Beyond Shimano project, originally made in 1998. The shell is 7ply maple, 8mm thick, with 8mm reinforcing rings and coated in nitrocellulose lacquer. It might have been ...
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14 x 6 Cyrus

14 x 6 Cyrus

BPNST4601CN

The Cyrus conquers the groove with the strength of steel. The fundamental crack is deep and dry and projects with mighty energy. Photos © Mapex and Mapex Italia
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14 x 6 Design Lab Artist Jeff Hamilton Maximus

14 x 6 Design Lab Artist Jeff Hamilton Maximus

BPDLMH4600LPB

Designed by Jeff Hamilton with a nod to the traditions of the Jazz greats, the "Maximus" has the sound and feel of a vintage drum, built with modern precision and articulation. Made from a 6" deep, 100% Mahogany shell, it is outfitted with a special snare bed for the execution of the most dynami...
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14 x 6 Design Lab Cherry Bomb

14 x 6 Design Lab Cherry Bomb

BPCW4600CNW

The Cherry Bomb Snares are a re-imagined and optimized version of the original Cherry Bomb snare. The Design Lab Cherry Bomb is crafted with a medium-thick Cherrywood shell. The soft density of Cherry absorbs higher overtones, delivering a warm, focused tone and a punchy backbeat. It sounds and f...
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14 x 6 Design Lab Heartbreaker

14 x 6 Design Lab Heartbreaker

BPMH460LNW

The Heartbreaker 14" Snare is constructed of an all-mahogany shell and reinforcement rings which blend historic snare drum tone with modern snare design. It combines the dark, rustic and throaty sounds of rock classics, but easily fits with today's more organic alternative styles. The softer M...
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14 x 6 Heritage

14 x 6 Heritage

BPNML4600CWD

The Heritage brings a sense of history and tradition featuring a classic thin maple shell transcending musical styles from all ages. The walnut sonic rings add a touch of darkness to the enduring sound profile.
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14 x 6 Predator

14 x 6 Predator

BPNCO4601CN

The Predator brings a dark and powerful sense to any musical situation. The copper shell produces a profound and weighty fundamental roaring with mid-low range tone.
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14 x 6 The Matt Halpern Wraith

14 x 6 The Matt Halpern Wraith

BPBR460CSB

Rare

Rare
Bone-dry, winter-sharp; the ghost notes whisper while the backbeat wails. The 14” x 6” 1.2mm Brass Shell provides the foundation for every bone shattering rim shot. The 9 vents in the shell bring a touch of dryness to the overall sound best described as warm, open and explosive. Came fitted with...
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14 x 6 Thick Flamed Maple

14 x 6 Thick Flamed Maple

BPFM4600THT

Rare

Rare
The 15-ply extra thick shell features a traditional rounded bearing edge that provides increased shell to head contact and a traditional deep snare bed. The result is a warm, dark, full-bodied sound with incredibly soft feel. The flamed maple exterior veneer is finished in high-gloss, hand applie...
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14 x 6 Thick Maple

14 x 6 Thick Maple

BPML4600TBIL

Rare

Rare
The only official Black Panther sparkle finish released in the west, and (as far as I can tell) the only one ever where it's not a wrap. Good luck if you are after one of these - they are rare as hen's teeth. I eventually managed to get my hands on one from Graham Russell Drums in March...
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14 x 6.5 30th Anniversary Modern Classic

14 x 6.5 30th Anniversary Modern Classic

SEBPWN465CWH

Rare

Rare
The 30th Anniversary Limited Edition Snare Drum is a throwback tribute to the widely admired Deep Forest Snare Drum of the 1990’s. Made of the same natural finished 100% walnut plies, this drum’s Dark, Rich Saturating Tone is sure to awaken every drummer’s inspiration for a solid backbeat. The so...
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14 x 6.5 Aluminium

14 x 6.5 Aluminium

AL4651

Uncommon

Uncommon
Mid range at any tuning is the predominant voice. The drum leans toward the similar darkness of brass but with a more subdued tonality. The mid and the low are virtually one. Exclusive to aluminum shells, the anodized black process creates a very deep sealant for shell protection, sound enha...
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14 x 6.5 Ash Burl Coffee Burst Maple Special Edition

14 x 6.5 Ash Burl Coffee Burst Maple Special Edition

BPML4650SUCTO

Rare

Rare
Available in three depths, this 14"x6.5" is the middle of the special edition trio, which were on the market in the early 2010s. The maple shell features a particularly handsome "Ash Burl Coffee Burst" finish and a Saturn standard strainer, not uncommon in such special editions. This model came ...
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14 x 6.5 Atomizer

14 x 6.5 Atomizer

BPNAL4651CN

The Atomizer brightens up the groove while keeping a deep character to the sound. The classic and timeless Aluminum sound captures every articulate nuance with a precise subtlety.
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14 x 6.5 Birch Deluxe

14 x 6.5 Birch Deluxe

BH4658

Uncommon

Uncommon
This material could be viewed as the natural equivalent to aluminum. It is fat and meaty at all tunings. The mid range is obvious but not dominant and can be heard dissolving into the low end. The shell is attack and bottom oriented. Different than aluminum, birch's dry characteristics have les...
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14 x 6.5 Birdseye Maple

14 x 6.5 Birdseye Maple

BPBE4650FB (BP4650D, BPBE4650 or BE4650DFB in older catalogues)

Common

Common
Like its traditional maple counterpart, the Black Panther Birdseye Maple gives you a warm, rich tone and the versatility of a finely crafted thin maple shell. The birdseye maple outer ply is produced in a sleek flat black finish. Along with it 5.5" deep brother, this is one of the longest-lastin...
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14 x 6.5 Birdseye Maple (8mm Shell, Chrome Hardware)

14 x 6.5 Birdseye Maple (8mm Shell, Chrome Hardware)

BE4658D

Uncommon

Uncommon
These 8mm Maple, chrome die-cast hoop snares only seem to be listed in the 1997 Black Panther Catalogue, at a time where Mapex seemed to be making a drum out of every material going and in every size imaginable - there's over 40 snares listed!  They're badged as "Bird's Eye Maple".
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14 x 6.5 Black Lacquered Maple / Traditional Maple

14 x 6.5 Black Lacquered Maple / Traditional Maple

BPML4650BTB

Uncommon

Uncommon
The all-maple shell produces a distinctive woody sound embraced by drummers for generations. No matter what size you prefer, the maple shell will offer equal tones at any tuning. Called "Black Lacquered Maple" in the 2007-2008 Catalogues, but "Traditional Maple" in the 2009 UK Catalogue, this is...
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14 x 6.5 Brass / Brass Master

14 x 6.5 Brass / Brass Master

BR4651D

Common

Common
The deep, dark, rich tone of the Black Panther Brass Series produces distinct and crisp overtones at a high tuning while maintaining a dry and controlled response at the mid-range. At a low tuning, the Black Panther Brass Snare delivers the deep and driving punch that you feel as clearly as you h...
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14 x 6.5 Brass Hammered - Brazil Exclusive

14 x 6.5 Brass Hammered - Brazil Exclusive

Unique

Unique
Here's one you don't see every day. Or in fact ever! This Brazil-only Hammered Brass model appeared on Facebook for sale on the Brazilian site Nando Batera Shop in early April 2023. After managing to stop hyperventilating long enough to send him a message, owner Fernando&...
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14 x 6.5 Deep Forest Cherry / Cherry (Gloss Natural)

14 x 6.5 Deep Forest Cherry / Cherry (Gloss Natural)

BPCW4650NL

Uncommon

Uncommon
With tone that’s slightly sweeter and more full-bodied than maple, the Black Panther Cherry Series is distinctive in both its sound and its looks. The high-gloss natural finished drums are appointed with 24K Gold lugs and hoops for an extra touch of luxury. Despite this model being listed in the...
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14 x 6.5 Deep Forest Cherry / Cherry (Wax Natural)

14 x 6.5 Deep Forest Cherry / Cherry (Wax Natural)

BPCW4650WN / BPCW4650 / CWS4650WN

Common

Common
Perfect for both live and studio use, Black Panther Cherry Snares feature a luxurious handrubbed finish. With tone that’s slightly sweeter and more full-bodied than maple, the series is distinctive in both its sound and its look. Over time, the color as well as the tone of the drum will grow swee...
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14 x 6.5 Deep Forest Walnut

14 x 6.5 Deep Forest Walnut

BPWT4650WN / WTS4650WN

Common

Common
The natural beauty of the Black Panther Deep Forest Walnut Series is only surpassed by the instrument’s deep, rich voice. The drum’s unique tone is dark and saturating, providing sonic qualities unmatched by any other snare drum. The 10"x5.5" and 14"x6.5" models of the Walnut (and the Cherry ver...
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14 x 6.5 Deep Forest Walnut (Chrome Hardware)

14 x 6.5 Deep Forest Walnut (Chrome Hardware)

BPWT4650CWN

Uncommon

Uncommon
This is a slightly strange one. It was released in 2005 and only appears in the 2006 catalogue, listed with the Deep Forest Walnut Series. However, there already was a 14" x 6.5" in that series, albeit with the same black chrome hardware as the other models. I originally thought that this one di...
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14 x 6.5 Design Lab Artist Russ Miller Versatus

14 x 6.5 Design Lab Artist Russ Miller Versatus

BPDLMH4650LPW

Designed by Russ Miller, the "Versatus" Maple/Mahogany Hybrid shell, offers a "Naturally Pre-Processed" sound with just the right amount of Low-End, articulation and punch. A single SAS Ring on the batter side only, a unique bearing edge combination and the ideal depth/size proportion, all contri...
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14 x 6.5 Early Taiwanese Maple Deluxe

14 x 6.5 Early Taiwanese Maple Deluxe

TMS465D

Here's a "blast from the past". Actually a pre-Black Panther (the range didn't exist yet) Taiwanese shell produced by Shimano Lefty in the early 1990s. According to Shimano San, the shell reacts well to extremely quiet playing which more modern shells struggle with. Apparently it's first line he ...
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14 x 6.5 Flat Black Maple (Black Hardware)

14 x 6.5 Flat Black Maple (Black Hardware)

BPML4650FB

Super Rare

Super Rare
As with it's shallower brother, there's very little information about this model, although it harks back to a much earlier Maple Deluxe with a similar shell/hardware setup. This example appeared on a Facebook Marketplace listing in late February 2023 from Ashley Powell. He was kind eno...
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14 x 6.5 Hammered Brass

14 x 6.5 Hammered Brass

BPBR465HB

Uncommon

Uncommon
Black Panther Brass Snares are built using 1.2mm pure brass for a tone that’s slightly more delicate than steel. High end tones are faithfully produced with precise sensitivity and plenty of power when you need it most. This is essentially the same drum as the earlier version but with black hard...
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14 x 6.5 Hammered Brass (Gold Hardware)

14 x 6.5 Hammered Brass (Gold Hardware)

BPBR465H

Uncommon

Uncommon
Black Panther Brass Snares are built using 1.2mm pure brass for a tone that’s slightly more delicate than steel. High end tones are faithfully produced with precise sensitivity and plenty of power when you need it most. This is essentially the same drum as the later version but with gold hardwar...
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14 x 6.5 Heritage Limited Edition

14 x 6.5 Heritage Limited Edition

BPML4650CSEWT

Rare

Rare
The Mapex Black Panther Heritage Limited Edition has a maple shell with a figured burl finish. This is from 2013 and is a totally different drum from the much later 2020 Heritage model.
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14 x 6.5 Maple Deluxe - Flat Black (Black Hardware)

14 x 6.5 Maple Deluxe - Flat Black (Black Hardware)

Uncommon

Uncommon
You might well ask why this is listed on its own, rather than just being included with the standard 14"x6.5" Maple Deluxe / Traditional Maple, given that the standard range is also Flat Black. And that's a perfectly valid question. Here's why: this one happens to have all-black hardware. B...
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14 x 6.5 Maple Deluxe - Transparent Red

14 x 6.5 Maple Deluxe - Transparent Red

Rare

Rare
One more in the Maple Deluxe family produced somewhere between 1996 and 2000. It was made to match a kit in the same finish - and we know that because Paul Dasilva was lucky enough to get both the kit and the snare in April 2022!  Given its age it's in excellent condition, as is the kit - y...
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14 x 6.5 Maple Deluxe - Wax Natural

14 x 6.5 Maple Deluxe - Wax Natural

Rare

Rare
Given the badge and hardware on this Maple Deluxe, it would have been produced somewhere between 1996 and 2000. As it's not black, it would very likely have been made to match an Orion kit in the same Wax Natural finish. I found this example in April 2022 on the South American selling site&n...
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14 x 6.5 Maple Deluxe Emerald Green

14 x 6.5 Maple Deluxe Emerald Green

Rare

Rare
A rarity from the late 90s, spotted on an eBay listing by Bill (bepdrumsqi) in Jan 2022.  To be honest, his description is pretty comprehensive, as are his set of photos, so I'll get out of the way and let him do the talking.  This fine snare accompanied the matching Orion Classic M...
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14 x 6.5 Maple Deluxe Mystery Pink (Gold Hardware)

14 x 6.5 Maple Deluxe Mystery Pink (Gold Hardware)

This rare model made in 1998 was spotted on eBay and bought by Duke Burgundy in April 2022. Almost uniquely these days it was sold as "new old stock". Not only is it in showroom condition, it still had its showroom tags attached, which give us a great insight into how Mapex were promoting the ran...
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14 x 6.5 Maple Limited Edition Rosewood Veneer

14 x 6.5 Maple Limited Edition Rosewood Veneer

Rare

Rare
Like its two brothers, there's not a huge amount of information on this Limited Edition snare, but piecing together information from the video from the Drum Center of Portsmouth and a few random sales listings, it appears to have been made in late 2013. According to Shane at DCP, Mapex made ...
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