*Review Thread*

[Vespa]

Ok post what catagory of equipment you are reviewing and its rating of price range (Beginner, Intermidiate, Pro) use commen sense when saying which catagory.

Use bold text to say what it is and give it a rating out of 5 , 5 being the maximum mark.
Ill do mine when i get in in 1 hour.

[KKKKKocaine]

Originally Posted by LastRemainingLight

Ok post what catagory of equipment you are reviewing and its rating of price range (Beginner, Intermidiate, Pro) use commen sense when saying which catagory.

Use bold text to say what it is and give it a rating out of 5 , 5 being the maximum mark.
Ill do mine when i get in in 1 hour.

Im gonna do my new china when it arrives 10" Stagg dh brilliant series china, cant wait, its gonna arrive anytime soon!

[Scythe404]

NOTE: This is a review i posted in the Equipment Review section. I'll post it here for reference as well. Go Mapex!


(Finish Shown: Ruby Crystal)

This popular mid-level kit from american Drum Manufacturers Mapex, is an equivalent of wildly popular kits such as Tama's RockStar, and matches up to them well. Mapex calls it an "Intermediate to Professional" kit.

While i don't believe it should be your first choice as a professional level kit, it is superb as a beginner or intermediate kit, and is a great backup or practice kit for touring pro's.

Statistics of Reviewed Kit:
10x9 Rack Tom
12x10 Rack Tom
14x12 Rack Tom
14x5.5 Snare Drum
22x18 Bass Drum

Materials

Mapex's Pro M line of drums are composed of 8 ply Maple/Basswood shells.



The Pro M shells have slightly boosted lows with smooth mid and high frequencies for all around applications. One of the reasons why maple and part maple shells are so popular.



8ply shells are efficient and allow most of the player's energy to be focused to the audience. These drums are ideal for large venues and other applications requiring high sound pressure levels.

Mapex Pro M Drum Kits come default with heads made by Remo. These heads are durable, last as long as any brand name head and closely resemble the Ambassador line. Snare Drum and Tom Toms come with metal hoops, Bass Drum with wood hoops and the kit is equipped with Performing Artist series hardware.


Sound

Snare Drum
The Pro M snare drum generally has a strong, concentrated/open (depending on the tuning) attack. The shell handles and projects hard strikes with solid attack, but does not sacrifice overtone, while softer strokes and delicate articulation result in a crisp, full sound.

Tom Toms
The most common misconception about Fusion sets is that they are for jazz, funk or fusion players only. This is not true. If you are a genre bending player, you can simply muffle the tom toms which often get these drums these classifications for a deeper "rock" or "metal" sound, and simply remove the muffling for a "jazz" sound.

The Toms on the Mapex Pro M Fusion Kit accomodate this very well. When played, the tom toms sing clearly, ringing powerfully with great depth. Tuned looser, they are perfect for more toned down jazz/fusion sounds, keeping their depth but adding warmth. Muffled for a rock, metal or funk-rock sound, the toms keep their singing abilities, though not quite as brilliant as unmuffled, and add a great amount of warmth while properly accomodating a barely audible to powerful "thump" or "thud" sound (depending on tuning) that is popular with rock players.

Bass Drum
The Bass Drum is the centerpiece of any drum kit, and certainly the highlight of the Pro M Kit. The 22x18 Drum accomodates a mid leveled, deep, powerful sound with moderate to high resonance. Tuned tightly, it harbours a powerful, concentrated click, while loose it boasts a bass-y subwoofer sound with moderate attack. The middle ground is a happy medium of the two.


Hardware

The Performing Artist series hardware speaks true to it's namesake. It is a durable line, which can take a lot of work and hold up while still being easy to manage and move. Truly for the Performing Artist. The hardware is double braced as a standard on the Pro M set. Because it is a fusion set, the ITS (Isolated Tom Mount) system truly proves its worth. The speed and ease with which you can transfer toms from being mounted on a bass drum to a clamp attached to a stand makes it a delightfully manageable system overall. The only negative is the chain driven hi-hat stand, which can sometimes make an annoying click when being opening or closed (caused by the chain). But, this sound will likely not be heard in anything more than low volume practice situations, let alone high volume gigs. However, if you need absolute silence for a low volume jazz or fusion gig, you may consider replacing the stand.

The kit also comes with a Mapex single chain drive P750 Kick Drum Pedal. The Pedal is decent enough, but lacks the precision required when lightning response is needed.


Summary

The Mapex Pro M Fusion Kit is a perfect kit for the intermediate player. It has a good sound range, is easy to transport and set up/take down, is durable and roadworthy. Having owned this kit since July '03 i can say all of what i have said comfortably without being prone to the nirvanic high of simply loving every little bit of a brand new kit.

HITS:
- Good sound range
- Easy to transport and set up/take down
- Durable and roadworthy

MISSES:
- Mapex P750 Pedal lacks high quality precision
- Performing Artist Chain Driven hi-hat stand can make annoying "clicking" noise which can reflect negatively on a low volume performance

4.5/5 Total Rating

Bonus - Reccomended Heads
- 2ply Tom Batter (Evans G2/Remo Emperor)
- 1ply Tom Resonant (Evans G1/Remo Ambassador)
- Remo CS Dot or Genera HD/Dry or Equivalent Snare Batter
- Remo Powerstroke III or Evans EQ3 Bass Batter

Thanks to Dojo Drum for graphics

[Drummer300btx]

:-O great review man!!!!! *huggles*

[Vespa]

Yamaha Stage Custom Advantage Drum kit
Intermediate Category.

· 10�, 12�,14� Fusion Toms
· 14� Snare
· 22� Bass
· Blue Fade Colour
· Yamaha YESS system and Stands.

Looks-In the shop choosing my kit the Yamaha stood out from the crowd- it looks like a pro kit.
This comes down to the YESS system in my opinion- it means that the Yamaha can easily be adjusted to anyone’s taste.
The Blue fade looks really good under light and always is a crowd pleaser!

Sound-Birch & Philippine Mahogany Shells
An outer layer of birch and an inner layer of falkata are combined with carefully selected Philippine mahogany plies and sealed together with our exclusive Air Seal System. This unique method ensures a perfectly round shell, which is a crucial factor in achieving superior tone quality and ensuring durability. Toms and floor toms feature an 8-ply construction while the bass drum utilizes 9-plies for added tone and durability.

Toms-With the correct heads the toms have the perfect blend of the fat yet slightly resonating that I know many people are looking for.
They have a very warm and cutting sound to them.

Snare-Again with the correct heads and tuning the snare drum gives the perfect sound to what I’m looking for and can be easily tuned to anyone’s needs.

Bass- The bass is the best sounding drum on the kit compared to others, it has a huge bottom end boom and is still very tuneful in its sound and resonance.
With the Remo Powerstroke 3 I have put on it has a huge boom to it and sounds awesome.

Hardware-This is where the Advantage beats any competition even out of its price range.

High-Tension Lugs
Incorporating a springless casing design, the precision-machined lug nuts offer noise-free control. Similar to those found on our Recording Custom drums, these high-tension lugs are manufactured as genuine one-piece units.


The YESS (Yamaha Enhanced Sustain System) system is a very clever invention- A piece of hardware that slots into the bottom of a stand and accommodates 3 holes for toms and or cymbal stands.
On the Advantage you get 2 YESS systems and 3 stands. It is also possible to put a YESS system on the bass drum to accommodate the average set up.

So on my kit I have-One YESS fitted stand holding 2 toms and a cymbals stand,
One YESS fitted holding 1 tom and a cymbals stand,
And a single stand holding my ride.

It allows for so many combinations of set up.

The tom mounts have a ball and socket device meaning 360 degrees of rotation and allows for precision adjustment and placement.

The pedal is a good beginner pedal but I felt the need to upgrade it, it is sturdy enough but lacks control in my view.

The stands themselves are very sturdy and can change between straight stands and boom stands. The hi hat stand is very weak and cannot hold up my hi hats allowing them to drop slightly, this means a lack of control.

Summary-The Yamaha Stage Custom Advantage is a supberd kit for the money and has many features found on high end kits.
Not only does it looks the business but it sounds great too.
The hardware is where the kit stands out and beats the competition hands down in my opinion.

+’s
Great hardware
Great Looks
Great individual sound
Easily customised to the players needs/tastes

-‘s
Bad pedal
Bad hi hat stand

Overall-5/5
The perfect kit at such a great price.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=040413091400084065008183723602/g=perc/s=acoustic/search/detail/base_pid/444491/
Musicians Friend link


Pictures-
The YESS system for my 10" tom and 16" Crash
http://img32.photobucket.com/albums/v95/bamsacon/YESS_1.jpg

The Drums with no cymbals-
http://img32.photobucket.com/albums/v95/bamsacon/Drums_new_no_cymbals.jpg

The full kit-
http://img32.photobucket.com/albums/v95/bamsacon/Drums_new_front_2.jpg

Another kit different set up etc-
front view:
http://img53.photobucket.com/albums/v163/Paiste_Sigz/?action=view&current=DSC00220000.jpg
Side
http://img53.photobucket.com/albums/v163/Paiste_Sigz/?action=view&current=DSC00221000.jpg
Top-
http://img53.photobucket.com/albums/v163/Paiste_Sigz/?action=view&current=DSC00234000.jpg
Thanks to Yamaha drums for some information and Joseph for pictures.

[Vespa]

Comments welcome guys!

[Beat'O'Rama]

Sabian Signature Terry Bozzio RADIA Stack: 14" Crash over 16" China
Professional Category

Looks: The RADIA line is by far one of the most esthetically appealing series of cymbals I have ever seen. The first time I saw them they drew me in. They are extremely alluring. They are all hand hammered and made from Sabian's highest quality B20 Broze alloy. They are very dark and unlathed. They are akin to the Paiste Visions line that Terry used some 8 years ago which were all black and had many of the same qualities both visually and sonically.

Sound: The appearance of the RADIA's truly reflects their sound; They are a very dark, dry and short cymbal. Great for quick punchy accents. They are very "moody" cymbals which create a deffinate presence particularily in set-ups which have cymbals which contrast with the RADIA's. Terry's set ups have changed greatly over time but currently he has the high majority of his cymbals stacked. This particlular stack is a 14" crash over a 16" china. The crash is quick dry but very full in tone. The china is much quieter than say an AA china but has alot of punch nonetheless. It is also very dry and again, very warm & full in tone.

Pro's:
They are very unique cymbals. A GREAT addition to most set-ups.
They are comparitvely cheap compared to some other lines.
They have an amazing sound which can be contrasted well with others.
They are an excellent collectors piece.
They're SABIAN!!!!!!!

+ many more

Con's:
They are not produced anymore. When I found mine they were had been sitting in the back of the shop for a few years. Which can make them difficult to obtain.

They are comparable to Guiness Beer. An excellent cymbal. But they are an extremely aquired taste. Many players won't be interested in them because they are very particular. HOWEVER for those who like them.....They'll like them ALOT!

They are excellent individually but to stack them you require a remote hi hat stand or a stacker which will cost you some doe.

+ many mo......no wait that's about it.

Overall Rating: 4.5 / 5 on account of it's lack of availability & particular taste.

Links:
www.TerryBozzio.com
www.Sabian.com
www.DWDrums.com

PICTURES:
http://img53.photobucket.com/albums/v162/occult_rhythm/

It's been a pleasure MWUAHAHAHAHA..........................*POOF!*

[Joseph_Yamaha_SCA]

good review LastRemainingLight well done
here are a few more pics to add to yours of my Stage Custom Advantage from different angles.
front view:
http://img53.photobucket.com/albums/v163/Paiste_Sigz/?action=view&current=DSC00220000.jpg
top:
http://img53.photobucket.com/albums/v163/Paiste_Sigz/?action=view&current=DSC00234000.jpg
side:
http://img53.photobucket.com/albums/v163/Paiste_Sigz/?action=view&current=DSC00221000.jpg

[Vespa]

I cant see them lol.

Beat o Rama Great review.
I will do my cymbals and other stuff if this thread takes off.

[Carn]

Nice review, but Mapex is originally a Korean brand if Im not mistaken.

[Double Bass Jim]

Nice Reviews guys, I Might Sitcky this once I remove the Feature artist.

[[UEAK]Clowd]

I just got a Premier Signia Marquis snare off eBay, when it gets here I'll post a full review with pictures.

[RichHunt]

Apart from the wooden snare, what's the real advantage of the stage custom advantage to the stage custom?

I personally picked the Stage Custom because the Advantage didn't have the matte finish I was looking for and I wasn't to picky between metal or wood snare.

[Vespa]

Ok i'll do a Review on Sabian AAX's and Ritter Bags.
HOW DO YOU PUT PICTURES IN THE POST LIKE SCYTHES?

[Vespa]

Sabian AAX Cymbals, Pro

Sabian AAX 16� Stage Crash
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/sid=040413091400084065008183723602/g=perc/s=cymbals/g=perc/s=cymbals/search/bigpid/base_id/50551/

What Sabian say-Precise. AAX delivers pure, bright shimmering tones. Like stainless steel, AAX is cool, modern, and extremely efficient. With its streamlined design and sound-shaping Auto-Focus Response feature, AAX is the ultimate breakthrough in modern cymbal making. Tap with your finger or thrash with a stick, Auto-Focus Response maximizes sensitivity, equalizes high & low pitch levels, and purifies sounds by filtering out conflicting overtones. AAX sounds are pure and accurate. Ideal in the studio, ideal onstage. AAX delivers the freedom to sound great in any music.

Looks- it looks really nice, especially in sunlight, it really reflects and looks the business. The Sabian logos are well stuck on/however they do it and are nice and large for others to see.

Sound- When hit it creates a loud yet controlled burst of sound with a medium decay, it is the perfect balance and compliments other cymbals.

The bell is very small but you can use it in certain situations when noise levels are low.

The controlled sound is perfect for riding on the crash in the songs where it is needed, it doesn’t drown everything else out and provides a nice background sound.



Sabian AAX 18� Explosion Crash-

Looks- It is a gorgeous cymbal with an un-lathed huge bell, it really looks raw and superb.

Sound- It is the loudest thing on earth I think and hitting it full whack will drown out any other noise on the drum kit or even in a band.
When we practice I have to half hit it, it still sounds good but not to its full potential.
It is a cymbal for live use when you need a loud crash.
It is good for accenting beats because of its short sustain and quick decay.
The bell is louder than that on my ride, it sounds great and when I can I use it instead.

Sabian AAX Stage 20� Ride-

Looks- It is a subtle cymbal for its size, there is no definite beginning of the bell, it just starts rising up, un like that of the 18� Explosion Crash.
This minimalist look in my opinion is a nice contrast to the Crash Cymbals.

Sound-It is very normal in that it hasn’t got too much wash and hasn’t got too much ping, it is a mix of both, in my view I would prefer to have a pingier ride.
As you move up the cymbal you get more ping but its no huge gap between that and at the end of the cymbal.

Sabian 14� Stage Hats-

Looks- They look really professional and are the same looks as the 16� Stage Crash.

Sound- A very loud chink and very cutting these hi hats are the best I’ve used so far.
They are very loud and can be heard over most sounds the kit and cymbals make.
When half open they have a very washy tone and texture to them.
When fully open they sound like a very small ride, even the bell is large enough to use and sounds really good.

Overall-16� Crash - 4.5/5
18� Crash- 4/5
20� Ride- 3.5/5
14� Hats- 4/5

+'s-
They all look and sound great especially with each other, they all compliment one another in their tones and sounds.

-'s-
They are all very 'normal' with no special features to distinguish them from other cymbals of the same category, apart from the 18" Crash.

Thanks to Sabian.com and musicians friend.

[Vespa]

Any comments/ideas/reviews to give guys? That'd be great.

[Vespa]

*bump* Shameless.

[parijatkumar]

totally

[Vespa]

Come on guys its not hard to write a review (it cant be worse than mine) and it will help people out!
Give it a try, write about your kit and what not.

[RichHunt]

Originally Posted by LastRemainingLight

Come on guys its not hard to write a review (it cant be worse than mine) and it will help people out!
Give it a try, write about your kit and what not.

Yamaha Stage Custom

Review:
Excellent. No time coherent sentence quick go buy.