Mapex Mars Maple Jazz 18 Matte Black

Historical Context and Positioning within the Range The Mars series was designed to offer birch shells with a modern approach to tuning and resonance. With this Mars Birch configuration, Mapex focuses on shallow shells and solutions inspired by higher-end series, notably with the SONIClear tom mounting system, announced as being derived from the Saturn series. The result is intended to be an acoustic drum kit with a highly balanced performance-to-practicality ratio, featuring a precise and powerful sonic identity. Who This Drum Kit Is For This configuration is particularly well suited to beginner and intermediate drummers looking for a true birch sound that is easy to tune and versatile for everyday use. Its compact format is ideal for musicians who travel frequently, studios with limited space, or bands playing in clubs. It adapts very well to styles where clarity is essential: pop, rock, funk, gospel, contemporary music and live situations with microphones, where the attack and definition of birch make all the difference. Features and Innovations The heart of this Mars Birch lies in its 6-ply birch shells (7.2 mm) and SONIClear bearing edge, designed to improve the head’s seating on the edge of the shell. In practical terms, the head sits flatter, contact is more consistent, and tuning is more even and effortless, with a more prominent fundamental. The SONIClear tom mounting system limits energy transfer to the hardware, allowing the shell and heads to vibrate more freely, which enhances overall resonance and the sense of openness. The Sound Birch is renowned for its sharp attack, controlled low end and clear highs. On an acoustic drum kit, this translates into highly defined toms, effective projection and an immediate response, which is particularly valuable in a band setting. The shallow shells contribute to a punchy, precise feel, while the SONIClear bearing edges promote a deeper fundamental and more controlled sustain. With the 18-inch bass drum, you get a compact and dynamic low end: enough body to carry a groove, while maintaining clear articulation. This is an ideal format for combining ease of transport, quick setup and a “ready-to-play” sound in a variety of contexts.

Technical specifications

Category	jazzette	Tom 1	12" x 7"
Cymbals included	No	Bass tom 1	14" x 12"
Material	maple	Circle type	pressed
Design	6-ply	Accessories included	No
Snare drum	14"x5	Color	Natural
Bass drum	18" x 14"	Hardware	Chromed

Wood	100% birch	Tom mounting	SONIClear (rack toms)
Thickness	7.2 mm	Principle	preserves head and shell vibrations, limiting energy transfer to the hardware
Format	short shells	Tom holders	mounted on the bass drum (depending on configuration)
Bearing edge	SONIClear	Tom	10 inches x 7 inches
Benefits	easier, more consistent tuning, stronger and deeper fundamental, extended tuning range	Floor tom	14 inches x 12 inches