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This kit ticks all the right boxes.

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This V-Series replaced the previous range by the same name, and though its basic construction is unchanged, this kits look and feel very different. A selection of dapper lacquer finishes means that the kits immediately stand out. The V-Series is marketed globally in wrapped and lacquered finishes, but Mapex has taken the bold decision to supply the UK with lacquered kits only.

It seems British punters are a discerning lot who prefer a lacquered to a wrapped kit.

The lacquer choices are further distinguished by being predominantly matt wax finishes. Up until fairly recently, the prevalence of high gloss finishes meant that matt or brushed finishes, though available, seldom got much of a look in. However, understated looks are becoming more popular, so in this respect the V-Series is right on the button. Perfect timing aside, the Wax Oak lacquer finish does look lovely.

No gloss, no loss

The amber hue has an appealing glow about it, despite the absence of gloss, and the grain of the wood swirls elegantly beneath. Other lacquer options include Flat Black, Wax Aqua Marine and Wax Cherry Red. The sole gloss option is Plasma Black.

The pursuit of lacquers further down the kit chain is amazing. The idea of a kit such as this, priced one step up from entry level, arriving with a lacquered finish used to seem absurd, but as lacquers penetrate the lower reaches of the market, the standard of finish remains high.

Beneath the lacquer, the shells are constructed, as before, from basswood, a common, economical substitute for maple that Mapex has used in many kits. A fair amount of it has gone into this kit; all the shells are nine plies deep and stand at a thickness of 7.2mm.

Standard sizes

Four shellpacks make up the V-Series and are mainly the usual suspects. The review kit is made up of fusion sizes: 22"x18" bass drum, 14"x5½" snare, and 10"x8", 12"x9" and 14"x11" toms. This shellpack can also be supplied with a 20"x18" bass drum. The other options are a traditional rock kit (22"x 18" bass drum, 14"x 5½" snare, 12"x9" and 13"x10" toms and a 16"x16" floor tom) and the nifty Voyager kit.

Aimed at the jazz/dance/crossover drummer, it combines the snare with 8" and 10" toms, a 12" floor tom and an 18" kick. The smaller sizes of the Voyager kit make a difference to the price tag - the kit retails for £48 less than the other shellpacks. The larger kits share the same price.

With the exception of the Voyager kit, the shellpacks all conform to the modern standard of short toms sitting over a long bass drum, so the toms have all lost an inch in depth, bringing them down to 'quick' sizes, while the bass drum has sprouted a couple of inches. The shells have been sanded but left unfinished inside (unlike the smooth exterior) and the bearing edges are uniformly cut.