[mynameisalfred]

I've been looking to buy a new birch kit for a while now. So here's the verdict:

Mapex Meridian Birch:
1. Great sounding
2. Great finishes
3. GREAT price

Tama Silverstar:
1. Great sounding
2. Great hardware
3. More expensive

If you guys can do a little bit of research about the two, and then tell me your input. I would really appreciate it.

[Doorman]

I just recently went to research a new set at (multiple)Guitar Centers. I've decided to stick to under $800 bucks (married w/ kids, wanna keep it that way). Everyone had their favorite, but ironically it kept moving towards more expensive kits! Until the other day, I met Jeremy at the Roseville, MN. store. He gave me a lot of info on all the manufactures, the good and bad, and showed me the differences! He was good at not putting down one set over another, just explained the differences. I personally am looking for a very versatile, rich-sounding drumset. Hardware and the iso-mount system are important, the differences were thoroughly shown/explained.
The Mapex Meridian line was the suggestion and to me I AGREED! I preferred the maple for its fuller/richer sound, the birch was damn nice also (and cheaper). I think if Mapex keeps it up, A LOT of people will switch! My old (23 yrs) Pearl Export is on the chopping block and time to UPGRADE!!!

P.S. Look into different heads to customize the sound you are after!
Happy Drumming, Cameron

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[plugit21]

Hey man I'm in the same rut that you are. Mapex Studioease 6pc vs Tama Silverstar Lacquer.

A salesman at my local drum store tuned up the 10x8 rack tom for me so I could get a feel and a listen. It was actually quite nice. However, I don't like the bass drum spurs, because they are like floor tom legs. I personally like telescoping ones better. My drum store sells these for $1050.00 Canadian with Tama RoadPro hardware (straight, boom, and 3 legged hi-hat). The Tom Mount system has a slide-able positioning system so you can move the toms further away or closer.

I also have a beef with the lack of tuning lugs (not as many as deemed necessary), but the lug count is the same across both of the kits.

I would probably do a Mapex Meridian Maple because, according to Mapex USA's page it comes with Remo UT pinstripe heads, 2.3mm "Powerhoops" (Tama has 1.6 triple flange), and spring-loaded F.T. legs (for the heavy hitter; think "recoil absorption"). Not to mention it has the telescoping bass drum spur design that I like .

I would probably get Mapex Meridian Maple Studioease and get Tama RoadPro hardware, but the Silverstar always comes creeping back into the picture :/.

Cymbals are another thing. I am actually thinking Zildjian A Custom box set (14" hats, 16" +18" medium thin crashes, 20" ride, and a cymbal bag). But we're not talking cymbals in this thread, so whatever.

Hope I could help! Good luck on your purchase!

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