Thoughts on the Mapex Saturn IV and V series

[Drumguy2]

Hi everyone! Who owns one of these kits and how do you like them? How would describe the tone? Versatility ? Thanks everyone.

 

[Mcjnic]

Saturns?
Phenomenal drums. Some of the best sounding drums ever made.
I had a kit for a bit. Loved it. (POET!!!)
Still kicking myself for letting it walk out.
Other than the badge change (don't like the Zoidberg badge), they are still great playing kits.

 

[Drumguy2]

Saturns?
Phenomenal drums. Some of the best sounding drums ever made.
I had a kit for a bit. Loved it. (POET!!!)
Still kicking myself for letting it walk out.
Other than the badge change (don't like the Zoidberg badge), they are still great playing kits.

Thank you! I wonder a silver badge kit ma h years ago. I have since switched over to Sonor, but have a local opportunity to purchase a 12 piece kit.

 

[Mcjnic]

If the price is right, you really can't go wrong with one of these kits.
12 piece kit? Good grief ... that should probably hold you over for a bit.
What's the finish?

 

[Drumguy2]

If the price is right, you really can't go wrong with one of these kits.
12 piece kit? Good grief ... that should probably hold you over for a bit.
What's the finish?

 

[Tornado]

Are those really from the same kit? The toms don't seem to match.

 

[Drumguy2]

Are those really from the same kit? The toms don't seem to match.

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[Tornado]

But 12 pieces, sheesh, that's a jungle gym. Whatever floats your boat though!

 

[Mcjnic]

Other than the Zoidberg badge ... and the interesting grain work on those two toms ... that is a slick kit.
Let us know if you move forward.
If you decide to pass, make sure you pass the info along to some of the members here. LOTS of Saturn players here.

 

[Bandit]

That kit is a Saturn IV kit and the only year they used real figured maple burl for the outer veneer. They switched back to Alpi faux engineered wood veneer for the Saturn V because there was too much waste trying to match grains on all the different pieces of the kit.
As far as if Saturns are good. Yes they are great. Great drums, great sound, great price. What more could you ask for. I will also add that the Saturn III is probably one of the greatest kits ever made IMNSHO.

 

[Ianx7]

Love my Saturn iv bought it second hand a few months ago but some of the black chrome rims need polishing, can anyone recommend a tried and tested product or method to clean and restore black chrome back to its best please?

 

[mzd]

I’ve been rocking a set is Saturn IIIs since 2006. Nothing but good things to say about them. Those maple/walnut shells sound fantastic and tune up easily. I quite like the stock snare as well. Depending on the gig I either run that or a brass snare.

 

[hsosdrum]

Being a child of the '60s, I must admit that whenever I see Saturn V mentioned I always think of this first:

 

[notINtheband]

I will also add that the Saturn III is probably one of the greatest kits ever made IMNSHO.

2nd that. That’s why I bought 2!

 

[Falling Buffalo]

I have this kit in a 6 piece. Drove a long distance to buy a Starclassic kit I saw online. Sat on the Saturn IV just for the hell of it and was blown away. I played on DW’s, Ludwig’s, Tama’s and just couldn’t resist the Saturns. Never saw Mapex on my bingo card that day but they can home with me.
The finish is ash burl. There is some odd variations with the grain patterns but it all works on my drums. They tune up easy. Work with any heads I’ve tried. Always get compliments on them. They just work.
As a guy who always had a bad stigma against Mapex, I can’t find a flaw and will not part with my Saturns. You will not be disappointed.

 

[jmcohen]

I have owned two of the Saturn III’s with the large silver badge plates. They sound terrific and are probably the best-sounding drums I have ever owned. Hardware is nice, including their Powerhoops. Only real drawback for me: very heavy drums, especially the bass drum!

 

[Steech]

I’ve never heard anything but the highest praise from Saturn owners and still don’t understand how their resale value is so low.

 

[Action_Potential]

I had a Mapex Armory set, they had the maple / walnut shells and they absolutely slam. Unbelievable how good those sounded. something about the rounded 45' edges...or something...great attack / punch, with full warmth.
I should have never sold them....

 

[Bandit]

I’ve never heard anything but the highest praise from Saturn owners and still don’t understand how their resale value is so low.

Probably has something to do with how never owners talk about them.

 

[lossforgain]

Probably has something to do with how never owners talk about them.

That may be true. However, I’ve owned three sets of Mapex drums and they don’t interest me enough now to consider unless I stumbled across a giveaway price. Not for any particular reason, I didn’t experience anything really bad with them, just didn’t love them like others I have had.