Overview
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 range at the time.
The reason for the rather weird colour description? No-one knows what it's supposed to be!
- It's not in any catalogue as a listed snare in its own right - all the standard Black Panthers of the time were black. Interestingly you can see from the tags how this new (at the time) snare range has a "Trademark Color". It's Black, Mapex. It's Black.
- There are certainly coloured examples of Maple Deluxe Black Panthers made to match Orion kits, as it was the policy of Mapex to provide them from 1997-2004(ish); there are several on this site (see the linked examples below). But the colour doesn't fit any Orion finishes, or indeed the finishes available for any other range that I can see listed in the catalogues.
- Other finishes were available that aren't in any actual catalogue, e.g. Sunburst. However, I've hunted through literally every issue of Modern Drummer from 1997-2000 (after which the matching snares would have been badged Black Panthers), and spent quite an unreasonable amount of time on Google, but it doesn't show up anywhere there either.
- There is always the possibility that it was a custom job from Mapex, made to match...something? But in that case, why never use it? The hardware is in such good condition, I can't believe it's ever been gigged. Gold hoops especially tend to suffer quite quickly from rimshots and the badge is immaculate, which is really rare.
- Since it was bought second-hand rather than owned from new, it's impossible to completely discount the possibility that it's a custom job by someone other than Mapex. But again, why never play it? Also, I can't see any evidence of "tampering" from the photos, and Duke has such an enviable collection of Mapex gear from all eras and such an extensive knowledge of what he's looking at, I'm sure he'd notice anything suspicious.
So..."Mystery Pink" it is. Until I get any further information. 😎
Great find by the way Duke - we're all very jealous, no matter what the colour turns out to be called!
If you do happen to known what it is, or even have thoughts on what it could be, either drop me a line or comment on it on the Facebook Group. All musings very welcome.
Photos courtesy of Duke Burgundy - cheers Duke!
