Overview
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 condition considering its age.
The 7ply shell is outfitted with 24k gold plated hardware, and the snare drum is sensitive, yet the the die cast hoops help project an explosive attack.
According to Peter Kolodka, to whom the drum belonged, the snare was a part of a 6-piece Mapex Orion Classic Maple kit in Transparent Violet, with 24K gold plated lugs and hoops - 22/10/12/14/16 with matching snare drum - some photos of which he kindly sent me (see below).
Photos courtesy of Peter Kolodka - thanks again for your help Peter!
