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Saturn Gets New Improvements, Colors and Configurations
Press Release
2006-12-29

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The Mapex Saturn is becoming one of the world's most popular professional-level drum sets and Mapex has announced a series of new features, colors and configurations that will have Saturn fans licking their chops. Starting in January, Saturn Series Toms will be shipped with Remo® Emperor drumheads. Emperor heads are made with two free-floating plies of 7-mil Mylar®, making them the brightest sounding multi-ply heads and most durable of Remo’s WeatherKing® series.

In addition, the Saturn Series now comes with the same chrome plated die cast bass drum claw hooks that are featured on Mapex’s flagship Orion Series. In addition to improving the look of the Saturn Bass drum, the new claw hooks include durable nylon washers and rubber padded surfaces that protect the bass drum hoops from damage.

New Colors!

Three new sparkle burst lacquer finishes have been added to Saturn Series. Each is a high-gloss, hand-applied lacquer finish that responds brilliantly to stage and club lighting. The Green Apple Burst, Electric Berry Burst and Galaxy Burst all contain subtle, yet striking sparkle to an all fade rich black finish at the hoop.

New Configurations!

With the addition of several new components, Mapex USA is introducing three new configurations to its Saturn Series of drums.

The Plus Bass Fusion Pop 22 (SW7287U) is a new 7-piece configuration designed specifically for R&B players. The configuration includes a 22x20-inch bass drum, 8x7, 10x8, 12x9 suspended tom toms,14x12 and 16x14 floor toms and a 14x5.5 snare drum.

A new and explosive 4-piece Plus Bass Rock 24 (SW4496U) configuration has also been introduced. It includes a gigantic 24x20-inch bass drum, 13x10 suspended tom tom, 16x16 floor tom and a 14x7 snare drum. The Plus Bass Rock 24 includes 6-pieces of 750A Series hardware.

The new Crossover 22 (SW5286U) configuration is a slick one-up, two-down set-up with a 22x16-inch bass drum, 12x9 suspended tom, 14x14 floor tom, 16x16 floor tom and 14x5.5 snare drum. The set includes six pieces of Mapex 750A Series hardware.

“With these new configurations, we’ve broadened the appeal of an already very popular series of drums,” explained Joe Hibbs, A&R and Product Manager for Mapex USA. “These new configurations give a new spin to some classic, old-school set-ups that are making a comeback.”

“We’ve had wonderful success with our sparkle finishes in the Saturn Series,” said Joe Vasko, Vice President and General Manager of Mapex USA. “These new finishes are very attractive and are sure to get plenty of attention.”

Double Kick Saturn

In addition, Mapex has announced another add-on pack for its Saturn Series customers. The Plus Bass 24 Add-On Pack (SWPK408U) is due out in January 2007 and is an ideal way for consumers to expand their current set-up into a gigantic double-kick configuration which is arena-rock-ready.

The Plus Bass 24 Add-on Pack includes a mammoth 24x20 bass drum, a 10x9 suspended tom, an 18x16 floor tom, a P750A Bass Drum Pedal, a TS960A Combo Tom/Cymbal Stand and an AC906 Multi-Clamp which allows the player to clamp a hi-hat stand to a kick drum to economize pedal space.

“The Plus Bass 24 Add-on Pack is an ideal addition to anyone purchasing our new Plus Bass Rock 24 configuration in the Saturn Series,” said Joe Hibbs, Product Manager for Mapex USA. “When combined with the Plus Bass 24 Add-on Pack, drummers end up with an incredible 7-piece set-up that features a couple of very big and powerful 24x20 bass drums."

“Big drum sets and big drums have always had an audience,” said Joe Vasko, Vice President and General Manager for Mapex USA. “This is a prime example of Mapex’s effort to stay in step with the demands of the drumming community. Additionally, we understand that these drums sets have to be priced within reach of the average consumer and we’re doing everything we can to meet those needs.”

The Saturn Series features extra-thin 5.1mm shells that are constructed from 4 exterior maple plies and two interior plies of walnut. The walnut gives the drum a warm rich tone and superior tuning range.