|
Willis Music Oxmoor Product Profile
Mapex QR Series Drum Package
9-Play solid Basswood shells, off-shell tom mounting, single contact point lugs, solid wood snare drum and bass drum hoops in matching finish, hardware, throne and starter cymbal set included
Though the Mapex brand name is less famous than many other drum makers the company’s selection and quality level is absolutely astounding. Though they began primarily as an entry level builder, Mapex realized that since their factory actually crafted the drums they sold rather than hired builders off site they were in a unique position and should take advantage of that strength by growing their business and place in the world of drums. Over the years the Mapex name has earned highly favorable reviews from players and trade publications, and the QR series set is another example of why positive comments continue to come.
The QR series of drums feature a 9-ply solid Basswood shell. Basswood is light in weight, but very resonant making it an ideal choice for a drummer wanting maximum tuning options at realistic working-musician prices. The kit arrives with Remo UX heads, a nice upgrade form the “no-name” heads accompanying most kits, and they provide a nice bright tone that’s easy to tune up and tweak. The bass drum head features an internal dampening ring to help remove the ring or “boing” many kicks have. Again, thinking about the player results in less work to get a better and more professional tone. This kick drum really has punch, and the pedal is all pro in its design as well. In fact, Mapex hardware is fast becoming the choice for players wanting upgrade pieces without taking out bank loans. The snare sounded full and deep when tuned up, but to see how responsive the shell actually was I replaced the standard Remo head with an Evan HD Dry model after playing for a while. The Evans brought new life to the snare and really accentuated the power the Basswood offers. This is a cheap, easy upgrade for any drummer wanting to expand the range of sounds their most used drum can give.
The mounting of the drums is quite smart. Rather than drilling through the shell and compromising the sound of the drum, Mapex has chosen to position the mounting brackets off the lugs of the shell. This ingenious placement is simple and again shows concern for the drummer using the kit by making sure rims aren’t bent like mountings used by other companies can do. A uni-ball arm allows for total player flexibility in tom placement, and an edged tom support arm means no annoying spinning by the drum during performances. Tom arms failing to secure exact positions of drums is common and unnecessary, yet most builders continue to put them on sets.
The cymbals that come with the QR set are bare bones. A pair of 14” high hats and a 16” crash will get a new player started, but I think Mapex does themselves a disservice by offering cymbals at all since that gives the perception this kit is only for beginners. This is a far nicer drum set than most starters, and Mapex is relying on store staff to make sure customers are aware of that fact.
Incredible value is the hallmark of this set. Great tone with little effort on a player’s part, exceptional hardware and strong enough for bands playing every weekend make the QR a set worth much more than it’s selling price.
Reviewed by: Mike McAfee
Contact reviewer at: oxmoorstore@willis-music.com
Click for Directions
About the Contributor:
Manager Mike McAfee is a 13 year plus Willis veteran who has hand picked each employee on his floor because they excel in providing a superior experience to every customer. The confidence, knowledge and courtesy you encounter lives up to an environment tailored for each department of their store. The home-like piano experience alone is worth a visit, and no other store in town carries the stock or selection of Willis’ Oxmoor location. Please accept Mike’s personal invitation to see first hand how hard we’ll work to make sure you’ll always come back home to Willis Music at Oxmoor Center.
|
