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  • Metal Shells

    Metal Shells

  • Metal Shells

    Metal Shells

10 x 5.5 Phosphor Bronze Hammered

10 x 5.5 Phosphor Bronze Hammered

BPPB055H

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 sound.
Full Details
10 x 5.5 Premium Brass (Black Chrome)

10 x 5.5 Premium Brass (Black Chrome)

BPBR0551

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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10 x 5.5 Steel / Stainless Steel

10 x 5.5 Steel / Stainless Steel

BPST0551

Common

Common
Black Panther Steel Snares are famous for a razor sharp cut and explosive overtones. Mapex 2.3mm Powerhoops provide superior sensitivity and remarkable articulation. This snare is listed in different catalogues as the "Steel" and the "Stainless Steel" but it's exactly the same snare. The other s...
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10 x 5.5 The Stinger

10 x 5.5 The Stinger

BPST0551CN

Common

Common
Tune this drum high and hit it hard. It’ll only hurt for a second.
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10 x 5.5 Wasp

10 x 5.5 Wasp

BPNST0551CN

The Wasp produces a tight sting of a sound to accent and color with small diameter precision. The steel shell produces a dry tightness for putting a pointy snap on the groove.
Full Details
12 x 3.5 Brass / Brass Master

12 x 3.5 Brass / Brass Master

BR2351

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...
Full Details
12 X 3.5 Polished Brass with Gold Hardware - 'The Golden Rod'

12 X 3.5 Polished Brass with Gold Hardware - 'The Golden Rod'

BR2352

Spotted in August 2022 on Yahoo Auctions Japan by Julio Parades, at first blush you might, as I did, think this is a basic 12"x3.5" Brass Master piccolo snare. Not common, but there's a few of them around. However, once I point out the finish (as Julio did to me) you can see it's ...
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12 x 5.5 Brass / Brass Master

12 x 5.5 Brass / Brass Master

BR2551

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

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

BR2552

Another sibling in the "Golden Rod"* family of Japan-only Polished Brass Black Panthers. 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 the range is actually ...
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13 x 3.5 Aluminium

13 x 3.5 Aluminium

AL3351

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...
Full Details
13 x 3.5 Brass / Brass Master

13 x 3.5 Brass / Brass Master

BR3351D

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...
Full Details
13 x 3.5 Hammered Stainless Steel

13 x 3.5 Hammered Stainless Steel

BPST335H

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. Unusually, the 13" model does seems to be easier to find these days than its 14" brother, althou...
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13 x 3.5 Premium Brass (Black Chrome)

13 x 3.5 Premium Brass (Black Chrome)

BPBR3351

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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13 x 3.5 Steel

13 x 3.5 Steel

BPST3351

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. This model seems to be pretty rare - cert...
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13 x 3.5 Steel / Steel Deluxe (Die Cast Hoops)

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

ST3351D

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. This is the original version of the Steel...
Full Details
13 x 5 Stainless Steel (Precious Metal)

13 x 5 Stainless Steel (Precious Metal)

ST3503D

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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13 x 5.5 Brass / Brass Master

13 x 5.5 Brass / Brass Master

BR3551D

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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13 x 5.5 Phosphor Bronze

13 x 5.5 Phosphor Bronze

PB3553

Uncommon

Uncommon
Not an easy one to track down this as they weren't in the range for very long. There do appear to be a few floating around however if you're really lucky! The catalogues only ever show this model with Powerhoops, but I've seen a few examples over the years with Die Casts (as in Ben Nicolls' examp...
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13 x 5.5 Premium Brass

13 x 5.5 Premium Brass

BPBR3551A

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. I found this example shown in April 2022 on the South American selling site&...
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13 x 5.5 Premium Brass (Chrome)

13 x 5.5 Premium Brass (Chrome)

BPBR3551C

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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13 x 6 Nomad (Will Calhoun signature snare)

13 x 6 Nomad (Will Calhoun signature snare)

BPBR3601LNM

Uncommon

Uncommon
The shell of the Nomad snare is made of 1.2mm thick brass, which really allows the snare to sing. The 45-degree bearing edge contributes to that sound, as it allows the drumhead to make optimal contact with the shell. With its 13-inch diameter, this snare has an open, bright character and a very ...
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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 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...
Full Details
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...
Full Details
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...
Full Details
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 ...
Full Details
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...
Full Details
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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...
Full Details
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...
Full Details
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 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 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 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 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 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 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...
Full Details
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.
Full Details
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 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 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...
Full Details
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...
Full Details
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 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 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 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 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 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 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 6.5 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 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 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 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 Persuader

14 x 6.5 Persuader

BPNBR465HCN

The Persuader leads with an authoritative darkness. The hammered brass shell dispenses a formidable burst into the music with undeniable punch. Non-catalogue shots courtesy of Bojan Ružman. Najlepša hvala Bojan!
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14 x 6.5 Phosphor Bronze

14 x 6.5 Phosphor Bronze

BPPB4651 (PB4653 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.
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14 x 6.5 Phosphor Bronze Hammered

14 x 6.5 Phosphor Bronze Hammered

BPPB465H

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 sound.
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14 x 6.5 Phosphor Bronze Hammered - Brazil Exclusive

14 x 6.5 Phosphor Bronze Hammered - Brazil Exclusive

Unique

Unique
Just when you thought you'd see every variety of Phosphor Bronze, along comes this curve-ball, courtesy of long time contributer Zack Cruz.  Apparently this is an early Brazil-only hammered bronze model. Unfortunately, Zack doesn't own it himself, so I have no further information, although ...
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14 x 6.5 Polished Brass with Gold Hardware - 'The Golden Rod'

14 x 6.5 Polished Brass with Gold Hardware - 'The Golden Rod'

BR4652

This is a Japan only model that was Zack Cruz's first love in the Black Panther pantheon. First, but by no means only! Zack shared this on the Facebook page in late 2022, and I'd never seen one like it before. I'd seen polished brass shells obviously, but not a 14"x6.5" one. And that's before w...
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14 x 6.5 Solid Bronze

14 x 6.5 Solid Bronze

SB4653D

Rare

Rare
Just like its slightly slimmer brother, 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 total Un...
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14 x 6.5 Stainless Steel

14 x 6.5 Stainless Steel

BPST4651A

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 shallower 5.5" brother replaced the venerable steel "banded" shells that had been in the Black Pant...
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14 x 6.5 Stainless Steel (Precious Metal)

14 x 6.5 Stainless Steel (Precious Metal)

ST4653D

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 6.5 Steel

14 x 6.5 Steel

BPST4651

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. The model wasn't around very long - ...
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14 x 6.5 Steel / Steel Deluxe (Die Cast Hoops)

14 x 6.5 Steel / Steel Deluxe (Die Cast Hoops)

ST4651D

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 6.5 Tattoo and Edge Brass Limited Edition Japan Only

14 x 6.5 Tattoo and Edge Brass Limited Edition Japan Only

BR765DH

Unicorn

Unicorn
Produced sometime in late 2004*, only 50 of these stunning brass-shelled limited edition models were ever made, and for the Japanese market only. This  pristine example is owned by Alex Wicheard who spotted it online, fell in love with it (can't blame him!) and imported it from Japan at hor...
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14 x 6.5 Terry Bozzio Signature Aluminium Prototype Japan Only

14 x 6.5 Terry Bozzio Signature Aluminium Prototype Japan Only

Super Unicorn

Super Unicorn
The literal definition of a "sleeper" shell. 3 of these shells were made as a prototype for the Terry Bozzio Signature Snare in 1991‑92. Terry eventually opted for a 5" shell however, so these deeper 6.5" units were never made available to the public and sat in a store room until 2014. ...
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14 x 6.5 The Machete

14 x 6.5 The Machete

BPST4651LN

Common

Common
If you’re in need of a drum that can hack its way through the thickest of guitar noise, look no further. Photos courtesy of Mapex Japan
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14 x 6.5 The Sledgehammer

14 x 6.5 The Sledgehammer

BPBR465HZN

Uncommon

Uncommon
Some jobs call for heavy duty equipment. This drum bludgeons its way through the din with extreme volume and a distinct rounded tone. According to Mapex themselves, this is the spiritual successor to the Limited Edition 14 x 5.5 Limited Edition Bronzed Hammered Brass. Neither are easy to get hol...
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