Overview
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 it. However, it's surprisingly warm and subtle - not at all raucous or harsh like you'd think from its looks. Honestly, it's a proper all-rounder - providing you are happy to haul its weight around and have a decent snare stand to support it!
From Mapex...
Mapex has introduced the Solid Steel Snare Drum to its Black Panther Series. The Solid Steel model is a unique drum that originates as a 14-inch steel pipe. The pipe is cut to 5.5 inches in length, creating the raw material for this very unique 14x5.5 snare drum.
The 5mm thick shell material is routed on the inside to a thickness of 3mm at the center of the drum leaving a 5mm 'sound control ring' at each end of the shell. A striking criss-cross pattern is routed into the outside of the shell and then the drum is plated in black chrome. Matching black chrome hardware and die cast hoops are then added.
The result is the 17.3lb (7.8kg) Black Panther Solid Steel model. Mapex claims that the attack achieved from this drum is greater than any other Black Panther model ever offered.
'This drum can achieve extreme volume no matter the tuning register,' explains Joe Hibbs, Mapex U.S.A. Product Manager. 'The secret to this drum is the sound control rings routed into the inside of the shell. While this is the loudest drum you’ll likely ever play, it’s never out of control. You can have incredible volume without sacrificing tone.'
The snare is a Special Edition model, limited to 300 drums worldwide, with about 60 in the UK.
The examples shown are my personal snare (main image and similar) and Warren Armstrong's - thanks Warren.
