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Tom Porter and Rhythm Magazine
The best drum gear of 2010
Drum kit of the year
Budget drum kit of the year (under £1000)
Electronic drum kit of the year
Budget electronic drum kit of the year (under £1000)
Cymbals of the year
Pedal of the year
Snare drum of the year
Electronic percussion of the year
Acoustic percussion of the year
Heads of the year
Drum accessory of the year
Mapex Black Panther snares from (£225)
The name Black Panther, conjuring up speed and power allied to velvety sleekness, has been a winner for Mapex over the past decade. This year, just before Winter NAMM, Mapex overhauled the entire range with 14 brand new models.
The Phantom, The Machete, The Phatbob and the rest of Mapex’s lavishly-named drums are elegantly finished, each offering a different sonic potential. The only downer is choosing which one to buy.
4 Stars
FULL REVIEW: Mapex Black Panther snare drums
The competition for best snare was particularly stiff in 2010, so it’s only fair to big up one or two other contenders. Tama, as usual, didn’t disappoint with two new signature drums: Brian Frasier-Moore Palette Snare and a Charlie Benante model. And Gretsch’s versatile USA G4000 series are pure quality.
