Overview
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 yet.
However I do at least have a source of more information about this model than its deeper brother, because the example shown belongs to none other than the great Brazilian drummer and long time Mapex endorsee Aquiles Priester! He posted shots of it on his Facebook page in February 2023 and stated that it is his oldest Black Panther, having had it since 2001. He also listed the albums he used it on and it is...extensive. You can see he's replaced the standard snare wires with a 30-strand Puresound seton his example.
Aquiles was kind enough to reply to my questions before and gave me permission to use his photos on the site so here you go. I will try to find out if this was a special order or a standard item, but he's always really busy and I'm sure has better things to do that answer more annoying questions from a random Scottish drum geek!
Another rarity and one owned by a legend.
Reproduction of these photos kindly provided by Aquiles Priester. Muito obrigado Aquiles!
