Limited Edition Mapex Armory Drum Set Review - The Best Value In Drums?

[@JA-io8nx]

whoever tuned this kit deserves an award

[@drumcenternh]

Why thank you!

[@JA-io8nx]

@@drumcenternh you're welcome! What type of pedals and hh stand are you using in this video if I can ask?

[@robelson3078]

These kits pretty much tune themselves. The SonicClear bearing edges make it quick and easy. And as good as this kit sounds in this recording, they sound even better sitting at them playing.

[@slysendice]

Mapex cuts the cleanest bearing edges in the business IMO and the result of that is that ALL of their drums, at every price point in my experience, tune up pretty much effortlessly and hold their tune spectacularly. I would take Mapex over pretty much any other brand for that reason alone

[@imschleep1309]

@@JA-io8nx speed cobra 910 double pedal and the speed cobra 910 hi hat with the glide thingy

[@BayouMaccabee]

$1200 is an amazing price for a kit of that size, sound, and quality. You just can't go wrong with this one.

[@BRG23]

just got mines from guitar center for $799 it was honestly a steal you couldn't let slip by.

[@BayouMaccabee]

@@BRG23 Damn! That is an amazing deal you can't let go. Congrats!

[@bbfoto7248]

@@BRG23 I purchased my Mapex Armory "Studioease Fast" 6-Piece Drum Kit brand new in the original Transparent Walnut finish with the Tomahawk snare back in 2015 shortly after they were first released for a total of $764.15 out the door (normal price was $899 at the time). The shop was having a No Tax Sale and they had given me a 15% Discount Coupon with a previous cymbal purchase I had made that was valid for any item in the store. :) I later added a matching 13 x 9 rack tom for versatility, but it was a special order item so it was full price with no discount at $199, but even with that, the 7-piece kit with snare still ended up being under $1k. All of the drums have held up incredibly well, and I could not be happier with their sound. Of course, I've replaced and used several different types of heads over that time, but that's to be expected. And the drums have sounded great with all of the various heads I've used as well...just a matter of tuning and muffling/damping them properly. I only wish that Mapex offered more options for smaller kick drum sizes, especially when in combination with the shallower "Studioease Fast" versions. A classic vintage champagne sparkle finish with smaller revised "classy" badges would be a wlelcome option (for me) as well. :-P But about a year after purchasing my Armory kit, I found a brand new matching kick drum being sold on eBay second-hand at a steal, and bought it and then cut it down to ~10" x 22" to so as to have a more easily transport-able setup for jazz or small/tight venue gigs. The 10" x 22" sounds great at low or high tunings as well, and I currently have the Fiberskyn heads on it. Anyway, I still agree that the Armory series is one of the best values you can acquire in regards to a "working pro" level kit that is versatile and reliable and equally at home on stage or in the studio. The options to buy the kit with either the standard depth toms or the shallow "Studioease Fast" versions is brilliant, and very few companies offer this in an off-the-shelf kit within the same series and finishes. And my Armory kit really does hold its own among my other vintage Ludwig and Gretsch kits, and in many regards the Armory are much less fussy and more well-sorted. I also have the Mapex Equinox snare and its been one of my favorites in my snare collection to date. Tally Ho, Champs. Carry on.

[@bigbandbennett]

I could not have asked for a better drum set, even assuming that this is only my third one! I was told earlier today, when I bought it, that mine is actually the same one being played in this video! Really proud to know that some incredible people had the honours of ‘testing it out for me’, because when I came into the store earlier and demoed a few kits to see what I liked best, this was the one I settled on. It truly has everything that Shane says it does in this video, and I’m so very pleased that you guys at DCP made this incredible purchase possible for me today.

[@drumlug13]

The newer videos, during the example parts, have been focused more on tom grooves lately... which is awesome. Good job guys! Keep 'em coming

[@drumcenternh]

Glad you like them!

[@jasonmusic9938]

such an amazing kit, demo is sweet but the stock heads hold the true sound of this professional kit, emporers really send this kit into the stratosphere

[@jasonmusic9938]

ambassadors on the bottom, im gonna replace the clears with colortone smokes

[@jamesdennett196]

Armory are affordable enough to be accessible for many, and good enough to sit comfortably with any cymbal or snare upgrade you might want to make in the future. Not that more expensive drums are no better, just that these are good enough to be good whatever your budget. Regardless of how much money you might want to spend on building a better and better set up, these drums would be the very last thing you'd need to change. That is true value for money.

[@shinzman87]

I have my Yamaha Stage Custom kits and my buddy has his Armory kits. They are both excellent kits for the price. The snare on the Armory is miles better than the Stage Custom snare, but I much prefer the toms and the hardware on the Stage Customs. Both excellent choices but I’m sticking with my Stage Custom kits.

[@darrinthorpe9292]

I have this kit in the night sky finish. Most beautiful looking and sounding kit I've ever owned. Period.

[@NintenDub]

How's it holding up? I want the night sky

[@brianshaut1484]

I want the kit in night sky too.. Beautiful finish

[@westcoastdrumshop]

Can't argue with that assessment at all. Fit and finish on these is through the roof for the $ too

[@RobDuggan]

Just bought my 2nd Armory kit. Updated my kit from 6 years ago, this new one is incredible. Running G1 coated heads it sounds amazing.... do yourself a favour and just buy these, you won't be sorry!

[@DRUMSandBUBS]

What heads did yours come with? Coated? How would you say the g1s sound on it? Warm? Bright? High, low?

[@mdrumt]

"Excessive rimshots" lol! Awesome drums. I'm over the deep bass drums though, 22x14 to 16 is where it's at imo plus easier to fit in the car.

[@bmc3114]

Thanks for providing the hoop mm info. To me that's something that is pretty important and info most dealers don't provide.

[@drumcenternh]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mountainhobbit1971]

it's cool you talked about that snare...I instantly loved the sound of it in this demo and then you explained why, I play on a 90's Rogers steel snare and I love it's sound. Great sounding kit.

[@bilhamcobbly2957]

Yes,It’s perfect tone shocked me

[@woody4269]

I'm staring at one as I type. It looks superb too.

[@NNeidig104]

I love the face of enjoyment on Shane playing these. Great video.

[@matthewwinne]

Mapex, release this kit in a few non-burst finishes. While I appreciate the quality of these finishes, I know there are drummers like myself who prefer a more understated kit. This trans-white finish without the black would be awesome. Or entirely transparent blue. That said, I’d also take it in a glitter finish, so…

[@markross6387]

Bought my Armory with Caribbean Burst finish not too long ago. Put Evans Onxy Batters on toms, snare, and EMAD2 on kick. Best kit I've ever owned.

[@BurningHearts70]

I own a sweet set of Saturn 5’s, I must say the Armories have an impressive sound! Snare sounds great also

[@markhuizinga4993]

I had one of these Gr8 kits and out of the box I stripped it down and 400 grit sanded the inside of the shells to super smooth and added 3 coats of Feast Watson Danish wood oil to finish off the inside of the shells and sound very nice in the end !!!. Gr8 value for money kits!!.

[@brandonmclendon5368]

While the drums sound great, I’m still not over how amazing the Paise 900’s sound

[@drumcenternh]

Killer cymbals and we felt they paired well with these drums!

[@mdrumt]

I got the 900 22 medium ride and 15 heavy hats, awesome gear for the price!

[@Fucklesticks]

I got 2 heavy crashes from this series and i'm in love. Never would have imagined this sound for the price.

[@tammytreit3877]

I’ve always been drawn to Tamas especially the birch bubingas however I just got this Mapex armory kit from a friend who had too many kits and not enough storage space. I’m in love with them. The floor toms sounds so so so good. I’m a sound engineer not a pro drummer. I’d put this kit on any stage. They’re just so musical - the progression from one tom to the next is beautiful and balanced. Go hear them in person. I played them for a week before I got curious about their price point. My ears say they should go for at least double their list price.

[@nplcdrums3746]

Honestly, you can tell everything about these drums by the way he starts smiling, (almost giggling,) to himself at the end there. That's a great sign for ANY drum kit!

[@arturofrijolhernandez7819]

I have a Mapex Armory too and I love it so much that punchy sound!!❤️🥁🤘🏻

[@calzaondrums]

THOSE FLOOR TOMS

[@promark80-brianlenharth96]

I love my Mapex Armory kit. I bought it specifically to gig with because it stays in tune and the hardware lasts. Plus, the finishes like mine in Ocean Sunset and Black Burst are best in the drum world at that price point. Thanks for the content!

[@benjiarehart2878]

I bought a used Mapex Black Panther Velvetone set several years ago in mint condition. I'd never owned a Mapex before, but will probably never sell them. Because they are definitely the best sounding set I have ever owned. These Armory's sound nice as well.

[@davebags4576]

Have had an Armory kit for 2 years now and once you put premium heads on they really come to life. I really wish they would make a smaller gigging kit in the Armory lineup with an 18" or 20" bass drum.

[@WaterbottlE5]

Mapex does make a 20" bass in the Armory line. They may even offer an 18" bass drum but you'd have to check with a Mapex dealer and will probably have to special order it. My Armory kit is 8, 10,12,13 rack toms and 14,16,18 floor toms and I have 2x22" Bass drums. I special ordered the 8", 13", 18" and the second bass drum. They take awhile to come in, but totally worth it.

[@johnnystaccata]

They do make kits with smaller bass drums, but with a five piece configuration. I must admit, I have been looking for kits with 20", 13", 16" configuration. Only one manufacturer offers that combination.

[@DunsonDrums]

Wish they brought back the transparent walnut finish... this is definitely the best finish they've had since then.

[@neilbentham5804]

I have the 6 piece night sky burst finish. With the 14 x14 , 16x16 Tom’s, replaced stock heads for coated emperors. Great tone.

[@ralphtarr5931]

I'm obsessive about tuning ( to an unhealthy way) and the low tuning here is my sound ! I listen to many more expensive kits with the full miked and room sound and these sound as good of not better than kits 3 times the price,!

[@strong_voice_of_truth]

Great sounding drums mic'd up! That snare is a sleeper also. I like the finish.

[@drumcenternh]

Agreed, they record very well and the Tomahawk is definitely a sleeper!

[@cidboechat9472]

That snare with an evans hdd dry would sound perfect

[@RobDuggan]

They do! Also the Genera Dry.

[@wendellaustria1962]

I've got a 2017 Mapex Saturn V , maple / walnut shells in maple burl . I usually play my Sonor SQ2 kit on gigs but when i need something for larger and louder venues i take my Saturn V , it just cuts through all the heavy metal like butter. and takes a beating . Just can't deny the quality that Mapex puts in their drums especially for the price.

[@TIRABATERA]

BEAUTIFUL finish, great choice!!

[@CountrySingerWannabe]

Got mine on black Friday in 2021. I couldn't be happier. I thought at first that I would be replacing the Tomahawk Snare but I was wrong. That Snare goes perfect with the kit. The kick was tuned perfect out of the box and, to my surprise, didn't require any damper device. These are inexpensive at around 1K but I got mine for 800$ on black Friday. I replaced all the tom heads and it sounds like a much more expensive kit.

[@johannjohann6523]

Great video of Mapex drums, and good sound quality what Mapex can sound like. They really are nice drums, and even helped change the drum industry, making it more affordable for us drummers to have a nice sounding kit that doesn't break the bank.

[@Frank.Zimmermann]

💥 Wow!! Sound and looks are absolutely stunning. Definitely my biggest favorite for a new purchase. I love this sound. The tuning is top notch!! Thanks for the review!

[@000donell]

I wish my kit sounded as close to yours, good job tuning the kit

[@briang6040]

Love it! That color is amazing! I've owned Pro-M's, Saturn and Orion drums, and these Armory kits are right there with them.

[@drumcenternh]

Couldn't agree more!

[@briang6040]

​@@drumcenternh By the way, I just bought an armory kit in night sky burst from your store. It arrived here in Georgia to me yesterday. And I love it!!! 🥁

[@drumhopttv]

I have a 6 piece Mapex Armory in transparent walnut finish and it's been amazing for the price. I got it when they were still offering a choice of snare drums with it, so I have the Exterminator snare (14x6.5" birch/walnut). I'm using all Evans heads, heavyweight on the kick and hybrid coated on the snare. Evans G2 clear heads on the toms took out some of "slap" noise and put a lot more focus on the tone, big improvement when mic'd up.

[@lancelucifer4851]

Im impressed

[@drumcenternh]

Most impressive!

[@michaelbysterveld4874]

Yep, bought an Emerald Burst shell pack running Evans EC2s on all toms and PowerCenter Revearse Dot on snare Plus an Aquarian Superkick 1 on kick drum. Bliss indeed. Those 900 series Paistes are dead set bargains a pro complexity for very reasonable money.

[@dancalabrese3523]

Amazing sounding and looking drumkit considering the cost, even if you had to change out the drumheads. The cymbals sounded like they should cost a whole lot more.

[@CornerStoreDrums]

The best value in a drum store: DCP! 🥁🥁

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you Al!

[@DrummerDanny76]

I gotta say, one of the things I really like about watching your videos is the drum playing in the beginning and the end of every video. Is that Shane on the drums ?

[@wiilamsteinkamp7905]

I bought a Mapex pro m kit in black burst 20 something years ago...lol This is the kind of kit I'd be comfortable dragging into the trenches!

[@BillyBlaze7]

I had an armory kit and the 900 series Paiste but in the colorsound. If i did it again I would go back with the armory kit but with the regular 900 series and not the colorsound versions. I LOVED the sound of that kit. I replaced the batter and resonant heads on all the drums and used some Muff L rings to dampen the volume a bit because that kit is loud. I am not really a drummer, but I have great ears and would certainly buy them again, in fact I am looking to replace that kit soon

[@MyDadWasALifeguard]

I love my Armory set

[@mjm5081]

Sounds great at both tunings. But that snare may have stole the show!

[@dinopansieri6250]

They sound great ! The sound is very surprising . Love your videos ! 😊👍

[@drumcenternh]

Thank you so much 🤗

[@rickdiaz1748]

Been a better snow, clear clean and I like the wood on the Tama I always did and I always well and the one can convince me. I’ve been playing Tom Macron for a long time.😊

[@bishopoftroy]

I have the Armory set in green and i can confirm that the quality is superb. A Sonor or a DW at this quality would be at least 2000$.

[@Mowgl_Drums]

I paid 950 for a brand new Dw…

[@bishopoftroy]

@@Mowgl_Drums for that money you get a maybe PDP not a DW. I would spend it on a top of the line premium Mapex Saturn which is on par with a 4000$ DW.

[@Mowgl_Drums]

@@bishopoftroy nope I got a brand new Dw design series in 2022 for 950 not pdp!

[@bishopoftroy]

@@Mowgl_Drums Well good for you then. I`m not bashing DW, they are great drums but imho way too expensive for what they offer.

[@Mowgl_Drums]

@@bishopoftroy I can agree with that all love friend ❤️

[@DrummerGrrrl]

Drool. Drool. Drool. I am sick with COVID again!! To keep myself from jumping out the window from bouts of sheer boredom mixed with extreme coughing jags, I definitely needed something to take my mind off my problems. THIS video made me so happy and willing to really fight this stupid, evil virus! Thanks, guys.

[@rickdiaz1748]

It’s only like, but time is the best and no one can talk, Tom is one of the best close, Tama I like Tama😊

[@johannjohann6523]

I'm a big fan of Mapex Drums. I used to own a 9 piece set and was very pleased with it's sound, and quality. I actually wish I never sold it as it was a true stain of Aqua Blue Metallic. I haven't seen any other brand have something close to that color, and wish Mapex would bring it back. But, I was able to pick up a pretty nice Pearl kit, so some drums, any drums, are better than no drums! Never sell drums!

[@renedijkman8458]

I know what you mean, I had a armory set before and with my stupid head I sold them, bought back a gretsch catalina maple, guess what.... I bought the armory again and sold my gretsch. The sound of these drums are phenomenal, better (that's only my opinion) sound, and tuning is so easy with these drums......

[@maxick]

i've changed heads on mine, omg they sound sooooo much better ❤

[@daveyboy8907]

Just bought the pdp concept 24/13/16 and it sounds awesome with coated Remo emperor heads and clear ambassadors on the bottom but I would love to try one of these mapex sets...Sounds great..

[@jamesmccarthy6975]

Love the finish I was wondering if you can get add-ons

[@davidwilcox9944]

Great sounding kit, the price is great too!

[@thomasnappo6309]

Saturn series is pretty amazing aswell...GREAT SOUNDING DRUMS.

[@DrummerGrrrl]

I don't care what snippy comments some drummers make about Paiste cymbals. This particular line, the 900's, are soooooooo amazing for the money.

[@3L3V3NDRUMS]

Looks awesome!!! This color is amazing! I've got a Mapex Armory double bass kit in Black Dawn! I absolutely love my kit! It sounds amazing! Even all my recordings are made only with a studio mixer and it's 3 band EQ! The sound of this Mapex kit is so great!!! Your presentation video is really good!

[@sammdylanpickup994]

>)

[@drumfanatik316]

Love the Armory Kits!!! I have one in the Nightfall Burst. I understand how they keep the prices low with only offering limited sizes and configurations, BUT….. my dream has been that they come out with the My Armory line where you can get certain limited sizes and different hardware color options. In my opinion, most of the colors they offer would look better with black nickel hardware!!! I would love to be able to get this kit in a one up two down configuration with different sizes than what come standard in the pre packaged kits. Maybe you guys can put in a good word with Mapex??? Make sure you give me credit though!!!😉😉😉

[@Mthompsonwv]

Kit looks fantastic but I just really don’t like the higher pitched, tinny sound of the toms. I’d like to see someone try and tune them to a warmer tone so I know if it’s possible.

[@Markfoster01]

Bloody hell.. people say they are intermediate kits.. 😂 depends if you tune them right. They sound awesome.

[@thumperpaul]

That’s a decent kit, I think it sounds best at the lower tuning that Shane had it at. Still, I think Evans G2 clears would make it really sing.

[@samuraipizzacat2171]

Great sounding drums. Just wish they had more of a refine/simple look. Other than the finish, i dont think theh look very classy. I really like the big black badges at all. Not a lot to complain about though.

[@Jaake-my2rq]

Talking about companies using certain "accepted standards" for packaging kits and shell packs, I've never been a fan of "kit snares" which are the shell composition of the toms made to 14" x whatever with a strainer and butt plate slapped on them. It works great on top of the line and upper mid-priced kits but usually sounds pretty "meh" on the lower end stuff.

[@crymeslv.1893]

If this kit had a dw badge it would be like $10,000

[@tammytreit3877]

😂😂😂 so true

[@chuckvaughn1021]

Shane reviews a lot of kits but, I wonder what his favorite drum manufacturer is?

[@bgnPrinceton]

Hard to tell for sure, but I think the Black Dawn finish may be little nicer. :D Would be cool to see them side-by-side.

[@woody4269]

I went for t marina(I think that was t name). Came home with t bd. 🍻

[@larrycooper7261]

I have the Armory in Black Dawn, and absolutely love it! It sounds like a dream, and the finish gets a lot of compliments....

[@bgnPrinceton]

@@larrycooper7261 Me too, with the black hardware. So I may be a little biased. :D Also bought the Rain Forest burst (from DCP) and a used Photon Blue. Can you tell I like these beautiful kits? With 3 Armories and 3 Saturn V's, I guess you can call me a Mapex Nut. But really I just like beautiful drums!

[@larrycooper7261]

@@bgnPrinceton I had wanted a Mapex kit since I first played one, but I live in Costa Rica and nice kits are crazy expensive. I literally stumbled on a music store putting in their "once a year" order to Mapex, and was able to order my kit. I didn't have the option on the hardware.....they only ordered chrome. But it still looks great and sounds like a dream. I also found a Mapex Prodigy kit online a few years ago, and use that as my "throw in the truck and go jam" set.

[@rolandhillmann6503]

Great Sound 🤘

[@ericburd]

just DAMN!!!!

[@keanuleachay8371]

This or the Stage Custom Birch? $500 difference but curious what your opinion is

[@rigorhead01]

These sound amazing

[@justinreynolds3935]

I am very very suprised you guys have not reviewed the new Pearl session studio kits??? They Apperently are the bee knees for under 2gs. Maybe you could do a video on em sometime? Armory kits are great. A lot of videos on them tho.

[@DemetriusConley]

Oh lord! 😍

[@erictorres4889]

These drums are great but to my personal tastes I go with the Tama superstar classic maple 7 piece set to me it’s more value for money because you get 7 pieces

[@jackpytleski7750]

Love my ARMORY!!!!

[@skinfiddler]

I would buy that if I could find it with a 20 in kick!

[@nesaragesara9855]

Totally like the low tuning. Totally dislike the high tuning.

[@bobisadrummer]

I've wanted an armory set for a while, in burgundy fade (best finish imo), but I couldn't get the config shown in this video except with a 20x16 kick.

[@lamontpeoples]

Hello, I met you at the restaurant while us were in Cali. Let me know when the remake of the Steve Ferreone snare is released

[@drumcenternh]

I remember! The tilted kilt!

[@lamontpeoples]

Yes sir!!

[@sammdylanpickup994]

I love this, but even if this style was out when I bought my Armory, the import fees are just as much, if not more than the product from USA to Australia. All the same though, I prefer my Studioease Desert Dune Armory. Still an awesome kit.

[@drumcenternh]

Agreed. The shipping rates are out of control these days. 😖

[@wannwarriors]

Those look like some pretty healthy stands you have the toms mounted to, what are they?

[@AlbertMoyerJr]

Great kit for the money. Sounds great.

[@TheRealBKSchyster]

Hi Gentlemen!!! Soooo, I have a quick question for you. When you go to "Room Mics" for the individual "sound" profiles, are you using absolute dedicated mics, not being just the "overhead" mics as used for capturing the little "brass beauties," or are they infact, just that, the ovrhd mics as used to capture our "little brass beauties?!!?" ANYWAY, KEEP ON KEEPING ON BROTHER DRUMMER!!!!!!!!!! PEACE !!!!!!!!!!🤘🏼

[@drumcenternh]

The room mics are a pair of Earthworks QTC30s about 10-15 feet in front of the kit!

[@TheRealBKSchyster]

@@drumcenternh Thank you!!! Although, if memory serves me correctly, it is a little bit ...... 🤔 ...... funny how Earthworks sorta did a 180° on the "recording industry." As you may remember back in 1995 when David started Earthworks and the VERY unique and exceptionally powerful statement of, "Only 3 microphones needed to record acoustic drums," one has to wonder why that concept sort of became abandoned by Earthworks?!!? To me as both a professional audio engineer and drummer, it is very obvious, and was right from the first time I saw them at Winter NAMM in 1996!! That being, the industry as a whole was not ready yet to "buy" into that concept!! I mean after all, the standard procedure for recording anything was mics, mics and more mics... 😆 ... right, and to the point where phase reversing was an every day event in recording studios all across the world!!! Well, I thought I would just throw that in there, "my two cents" if you will, especially on Earthworks mics, as I almost always ask any music professional's, such as all of you guys up in the "Great White North," and when it comes to the need for micing multiple drums and/or instruments!!! Thanks again Guys, I sincerely appreciate your help with the question I asked you!! Stay Chillin' and keep on keeping on!!!!! Very truly, BK 😎🤘🏻

[@jackpytleski7750]

Still best bang for the buck!!! Yes I own one.

[@StaphordDrums]

But we have this in South Africa as well in our store

[@larrylagoon6405]

how did you get to own this great place and learn to play so good

[@sumnerkinney2166]

Tenacity - Courage - Hard Work - Shane paid his dues by working in a drum shop for 10 plus years then on his credit cards ventured out. He plays so well cause he has played drums since he was 10 years old.

[@DRUMSandBUBS]

Looking to buy an armory kit but what's the difference in the limited editions, fusionease, styles?

[@Brento44]

Sound so good!!!

[@ljcaballero3428]

WOW!

[@jeffhelmlinger7914]

Awesome does this kit come with the 20 inch kick . Love it and what stock and sizes do you have it in

[@JulianFernandez]

killer value, no doubt.

[@markperry6017]

Tomahawks must be the best bang for buck snare out hey

[@johnca45]

I don’t have, nor will I ever purchase this great drum kit but I do have the Tomahawk snare and I love it! I also want to mention that Shane is a pretty happening drummer!

[@benisteredsb1305]

The only site that they sold this drum it’s the site that is on the description?

[@motodrummer]

Will the Saturn rack tom mount that used to keep the old Saturn BD's virgin fit on this kit? This Armory really sounds great but I would pair them with PST7's.

[@ljcaballero3428]

Can I add an 8" Tom and an 18" Bass drum?? Special Order??

[@ProDrummer]

Are the shells also a bit undersized like TAMA or SONOR does?