Mapex introduces Meridian Series drums

It looks like Mapex USA plans to keep itself busy in 2009 because hot-on-the-heels of the Black Panther additions comes a whole new product line: the Meridian Series.

The Meridian Birch features 6-ply, 7.2mm shells while the Meridian Maple boasts 7-plys. Both sets include steel Powerhoops and Remo UT heads as standard and Mapex's new and improved (lighter and lower) Isolated Tom Mounting System for "extra sustain and resonance."

A nice selling-point for both kits is the inclusion of 700 Series hardware. Like the Mounting System, it's lighter than its predecessors and is chrome-plated to boot.

700 series hardware

700 series hardware

Fans of Birch can choose between seven configurations and eight finishes from $1230 while the Maple comes in eight configurations starting at $1540. A limited edition Meridian Birdseye Maple kit is also available with an RRP of $2490.

Keep a (Birds)eye on Mapex Drums for shipping details.

Tom Porter worked on MusicRadar from its mid-2007 launch date to 2011, covering a range of music and music making topics, across features, gear news, reviews, interviews and more. A regular NAMM-goer back in the day, Tom now resides permanently in Los Angeles, where he's doing rather well at the Internet Movie Database (IMDB).