Mapex mars pro vs Tama Rockstar vs Pearl Export

[hudahey]

I have a dilema. I like them all but dont know enough about drums to decide which is the best. I need pros and cons for each please. Any good info on Mapex would be much appreciated as I am considering one but I remember when they only made entry level kits that sucked. Please Help!
I was totally sold on Pearl until the martians at Mars told me how good the Mapex's were; However, most of the truly greats seem to play Tama's.

[jontflesh]

Here is my opinion on what you are looking at.
I have a Tama Imperial Star kit. All of 11 pieces of thunderous glory. I actually use only 5-7 anymore though depending on the venue and if I have a drum tech or not.
I love Tama. Their hardware is amazing, expecially the Iron Cobra line. The drums have great sound and are built very sturdy.
I had been playing on a Pearl Picallo snare for a few years and when I got in a new band that was more rock n roll than punk I realized that I needed a new sound.
I bought a Mapex snare from Mars last month and could not be happier. The drum has a real nice sound to it and really cuts through the other 4 players in the band. I had never really even gave Mapex the time of day but I am glad I got this snare.
On to your dillema.
What kit sounds the best to you. Really what do you want to do?
IMHO
Tama is a great kit I lover thier sound and durability.
Mapex has sold me on their snares at least. I really need to check out some of thier kits.
Pearl really does not do it for me, just personal preference.

If you really want a good kit take a gander at Premier or D.W. drums. Those are two are the best for name brands, again IMO.


jontflesh

[Dave52]

I would work out your budget and go for the best you can afford.

I had a Pearl Export for ages (actually it's still going strong - but I've given it to my Sister-In-Law). It was the best I could afford at the time and I must say it didn't let me down. A big sound, great hardware, reasonable price, I happily gigged the crap out of it all over England.

Dave....in nostalgic mood...but loves his Yamaha DTX...!

[lazyboy]

I'm only a part-time drummer so take my advice with a grain of salt. One of my friends used to have pearl exports and now has Tama Rockstars, so I can do a little comparison.

As far as a hardware issue, I think Pearl still uses through-shell tom mounts. The Tama's have more of a free floating shell which is good for resonance. The only problem there is that the design is not as elegant as DW designs. When your replacing heads, you have to take the drum off the mount because it attaches to the ring. It seems a little goofy to me. Still, I find the Tama's to be well-crafted and resonant drums. Though I can't think of any real flaws with Pearls, I do prefer the Tama kit.

What do you real drummers think?

[battleminnow]

I started drumming 13 years ago, but have really been out of it the last two years or so. I have, however, been looking lately to get back into it. Here's my take and why:

Exports-- I have a personal dislike, but really, for the money, a decent entry level package. My church set is an export, and they sure take a lickin', i just dont really prefer the boominess...could be the room....

Tama-- Almost always a safe bet. Rock solid, good sound.

Mapex-- I have been looking lately at some mapex stuff. i agree with the reply about their snares. Good sound. Cuts, but still warm. Seems like alot of my jazz friends like mapex.

I don't have a retailer around where i can check alot of the new stuff out, but I have been impressed with what I have read about some of the new DW/Pacific stuff. They look like a good deal, but looks can be decieving...
Also, I have been impressed by Yamaha's sound, and the sheer abuse these sets can take!! They are revered by high school band directors around the world...

Bottom line: use your ears. Really, it depends on the genre of music, head brands, rooms you will be playing or recording in...
Now you are just as unsure as before, but with more choices!!

Hope this helps,
Pete

[battleminnow]

Yamaha DTX.....motion seconded!!!

Pete

[Dave52]

Originally posted by battleminnow
Yamaha DTX.....motion seconded!!!

Pete

He he...! When I was in a band (oh so long ago) it was hard rock / thrash - that big Pearl Export sound worked really well, and they really could (and did) take a beating...!

But now I record at home, just me working on my own stuff - it's DTX all the way, such great sounds... gotta love technology...

[battleminnow]

I have an old (early 70's?) Pearl that I love. Picked it up in a going out of business pawn shop sale for 300 bucks. I played it for about 4 years before i moved on, but I still haven't found a set that sounded as good. Not an export, but nice, nice sound. If only I had the money to finish the refinishing...

Pete

[Profselim]

hudahey, Mapex, Tama, Pearl, Yamaha, Premier, Pacific(DW) all make excellent drum sets - if they didn't, they wouldn't still be in business. I've played Mapex for the last 5 years, and Tama before that. What will sound good is dependant on several factors like heads, tuning, shell composition, shell thickness .. yadda, yadda but moreso than any else is YOU.
Most drummers in Modern Drummer get paid in some fashion for those glossy photos.
Get what looks, feels, and Sounds solid in your price range. Everything else is all subjective taste, so please yourself 1st.
Truly greats? DeJohnette, Chambers, Bozzio, Weckl, Haynes, Bayers, Garabaldi - ALL true greats don't play TAMA

The DRUMSET DON'T MAKE THE PLAYER -

[johnboy]

I have played all of the ones you are considering.

I would have to say that I prefer Tama.

I have a 6 piece Tama Rockstar.

Very solid, thunderous Toms, great hardware.

I like some Mapex stuff too. They make really nice bass drums.

out of the three, if you are looking for somewhere near the bottom line kits, not high end stuff, go with Tama or Mapex.

If you are looking at dropping some cash, Drum Workshop makes the best IMO.