Mapex Review: Mars Pro Series

History: I started playing a set of pearl drums in church when I was four, which gave me twenty years of ups, downs, embarrassments and great times. I got to spend many hours in the house band playing live, making memories and praising God. I am still doing the same today, with a Mapex set. I play gospel music, contemporary, and praise & worship, which my 3 kids love. Two of them play the drums. My son and my daughter are wonderful drummers who make me very proud to be able to pass down what I have learned.

Purchase: For years I had played an old, beat up set of pearls, which did the trick, but you could tell that they had been through the long haul. I started talking to the pastor of my church about finding something new, and one day I walked in the church, and in the place of the pearls, sat a gorgeous, shiny, wine colored Mapex set, which I had to jump on real fast. I was fourteen, and it was a terrific day. The pearl set was traded in, and two thousand dollars was paid to a local music shop for this beautiful setup which I look forward to playing everyday. They have been well worth the price.

What I Like About This Mapex Mars Pro Series: I love the sleek look of the paint with the bright hardware. The tone of the toms and snare is incredible. The arms of the toms rotate so easily that you can put them in just the right place. The gibraltar hardware is very durable and road savvy. The set is easy up and down, while holding up on travel dates and outside singings. I have become almost personally attached to them.

What I Do NOT Like About The Mapex Mars Pro Series: Not too long ago I was out of town, and the bass pedal came apart when some kids were playing with it. The Paiste Alpha cymbals are getting a little tarnished, but other than that I have no complaints.

Mapex Mars Pro Series Quality Rating: Lovely. Durable. Tough. The paint has held up great without bubbling up or chipping, and the hardware hasn't turned in color or has any sign of rust or future damage. The snare strands have not needed replacing. The legs on the bass and floor tom are not wobbly. The inside of the toms haven't been splintered. The true quality will be known in the years to come.

Review Summary: I have considered the playability, the sound, how it holds up inside and outside, on carpet floors or on an inch thick osb, packed up in the back of the van, in the light or in the dark, its been exactly what I've needed, and will continue to be a great asset in playing the music that I want to play in the future. Very near perfect. How long will they last? How far will they go? Miles and smiles, let's find out.

Rating of this Mapex product: 4

This Mapex Mars Pro Series Drums Percussion Review Submitted By: Luke Gladwin

Review Date: 2006-10-20