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Some features normally found on Mapex's higher ranges are included.

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Birch is a classic drum material that was briefly overshadowed in a clamour for more exotic woods. However, birch was never the sort of wood to go quietly, and in recent years has regained much of its popularity. There are many drummers who not only appreciate, but actually prefer its tonal qualities.

The Mapex M Birch series replaces the old M Series range and as well as sporting birch shells, the kits are available in a selection of high-gloss lacquered finishes. Comprehensive hardware packs are available as standard. The kits also include a few features normally found on Mapex's higher ranges.

Dial M for birch

Although the name of the series might suggest that the shells are formed entirely of birch, the outer layer of ply is, in fact, maple. We're accustomed to companies mixing woods with the aim of creating unique-sounding drums but, in this case, the maple represents a manufacturing tactic that is gaining in popularity. The reason for the different wood is straightforward: it is quicker and easier to apply the coats of lacquer to maple than it is to birch.

When you factor in the economies of scale that a large manufacturer operates on, the time and costs saved become substantial. With the competition ever fierce and punters expecting higher specs for less cash, manufacturers are increasingly turning to lateral-thinking solutions such as this. The results are very impressive, both to look at and in terms of value - for a kit in this price band to be the recipient of an eight-stage lacquer process is quite a feat.

The finish on the review kit is known as Midnight Black and, as with pretty much any lacquer finish around now, finding fault with it is near impossible. The gloss has been immaculately applied, and the grain of the wood retains a smoky presence beneath the coats. Other finish options include Transparent Cherry, Honey Amber, Transparent Purple, Mustard Green and Transparent Sapphire. There are no lesser wrap options - only lacquers.

The kit supplied is made up of a 22"x18" bass drum, 14"x51/2" snare, and 10"x9", 12"x10" and 14"x12" rack toms. Mapex is marketing two other shell packs in conjunction with this set-up - a more dedicated fusion kit with a 20" bass drum partnering the same toms and snare, and a good old reliable rock-sized kit with 12" and 13" toms over the 22" bass drum and snare, while a 16" floor tom replaces the third rack tom.

All the kits are supplied with a set of Mapex's 550 Series stands and pedals, and include a throne. Individual drums are available as add-ons.

The Mapex M-bop

The shells (including the final maple layer) are a chunky eight plies in total, and have an overall depth of 7.2mm. Inside, they are untreated, but have been sanded smoothly, and the bearing edges are carefully cut at 45 degrees. The lugs are low-mass examples that differ slightly from the typical Mapex lug in that they are less stubby, but they are the more graceful for it. Like all Mapex lugs, they are fixed to the shell with a single nut, minimising both drilling and contact with the shell.