Taking a page from DW.com, Mapex has just unveiled their own web-based custom kit building app called My Pro M. Mapex says:
MY PRO M allows consumers to go online and choose from a wide range of Pro M components and a widely expanded range of finish options to create their own custom configurations.
Sound familiar? Keep reading for more info and my full review.
One grumble I have with the new service is how you must register in order to be able to begin building a kit. However, if you’re ok with relinquishing a few nits of private info, you’re treated to slick, auto manufacturer style of web experience. The interface is fast and quite pleasant to use, but ultimately suffers from lack of options when compared to DW’s offering. For example, when you select a finish it doesn’t apply it to the diagram, and pedals and hardware don’t show up when selected. What is nice though, is the MSRP calculator; however you should brace yourself for sticker shock and waiting period. After tinkering around for just a few minutes, my kit was well over $5k with a four month wait – and my kit wasn’t even crazy huge. Mapex does let you get a quote from a local retailer, so that’s a nice touch.
What’s curious is that the web app is currently only for the Pro-M line of drums and is not offered for their top tier Saturn or Orion line. I own a Pro-M kit and can vouch for its quality, but why not offer this tool for all of their upper lines of drums? Really, the biggest difference between DW’s kitbuilder and Mapex’s My Pro M has nothing at all to with the web app itself. I go onto DW’s site to dream and come up with crazy setups much the same way I would flip through the Sears catalogs of my childhood to circle all the toys I wanted for Christmas. By offering only their upper-mid line of drums, Mapex removes the dreaming element.
Overall, I give the site 2.5 out of 5 mics. DW could learn a few things from Mapex’s design, but DW lays waste to Mapex when it comes to flexibility, customability, options, and the “when you wish upon a star” factor.
Click here for the Mapex press release.
Related Posts
Mapex is bringing home the bacon in Germany this year! At Germany's Musikmesse, Mapex's Meridian Series kits took home the MIPA (Musikmesse International Press Award). This is essentially the "Grammy of the musical instrument industry." That means they chose the Meridian over all new instruments this year (guitars, bass, keyboards, etc etc). Quite an honor considering so many beautiful new releases in the industry this year.
Source: Harmony-Central.com
Mapex Meridian Takes Top Drum Set Award At Musikmesse
April ...
READ MORE
We return from our winter hibernation with a show about learning the jazz feel. Also, Carter returns with Peter Erskine as drummer of the week, Mike brings the news of Mapex's blitzkrieg of snare drums, and Dave covers the Grandma as the (hybrid) rudiment of the week. Oh, and Dave boasts about his San Diego Super Chargers! Show Notes
READ MORE
No new show today, so here's a show from the archive, originally posted September 29, 2005.
----------
This week Dave, Bryan, Carter, and Shane discuss the Duallist double and TRIPLE pedals, more PDP/DW info, hearing damage, and a breakdown of the various kinds of earplugs out there.
READ MORE
PDP recently unveiled their new platinum series drums that boast exotic finishes, new wraps, custom set-ups, and snazzy new tube-style lugs.
With new Platinum Series drums, we raised the bar several notches to offer drummers everything they’d expect from a high-end kit without the lofty price tag. Sure, it might be a production kit, but with a wide variety of popular sizes to choose from, it’s easy to customize your very own set-up. Add to that ...
READ MORE
I came across DW's new Steve Smith Backstage Practice Pad and I got a strange feeling of Dejá Vu. How the heck are the Knee Pad guys not suing DW over patent infringement?? These are obviously the same products!
The Original Nee Pad
The DW pad does look sexier and sports a slicker strap setup, but c'mon, DW. BTW, once you get past the feeling of looking like a complete moron wearing the Nee ...
READ MORE
When Peter Erskine left his long-standing relationship with Yamaha last year for DW Drums, one question that immediately came up was what was the fate of his amazing signature Freestanding Stickbag. I had heard the Yamaha was due to release the stick bag minus Erskine's autograph, but lo' and behold it looks as if DW Drums will be releasing the stick bag - this time with a STAND!
This is great news indeed. I own two ...
READ MORE
We've just stumpled across a new feature over at DW.com. Written by Rush drummer, Neil Peart, "The Heart and Soul of a Drumset" is Neil's take on new and different products from DW. This first installment talks of Peart's BD choice and the development of the new 23" kick. Definitely worth the read. We'll keep you posted as new installments come out ...
Update: this feature appears in the May 2008 issue ...
READ MORE
It's all about the feet today as we talk about kick pedals. From the Iron Cobra to the DW 9000, we cover it all .. well, most of it. Show Notes
READ MORE
We talk about life as a studio drummer as well as roll out an interview with Russ Miller. Plus Dave rants on the new DW stick line.
READ MORE
We have an extremely special episode of Drummer Talk this week. We visit the Memphis Drum Shop and sit down with Mike Carter from DW, Terry Brady from Zildjian, Michael Vosbein & Bill Norman from Bosphorous Cymbals, as well as Memphis Drum Shop owner, Jim Petit. Then we take an audio tour around the shop.
READ MORE
Nashville’s Own Takes Top Award in Germany
Drummer Talk 01/09/2009 – Getting the Jazz Feel
Drummer Talk Archives – Dualist Pedals, Your Hearing
PDP Platinum Series – One Step Closer to
How is DW not being sued over this?
The Return of the Peter Erskine Freestanding Stickbag!
Neil Peart’s “The Heart and Soul of a
Drummer Talk 03/02/2007 – Kick Pedals!
Drummer Talk 01/19/2007 – Studio Drumming/Russ Miller Interview
Drummer Talk 05/08/2006 – Memphis Drum Shop [AUDIO
While your comparison points the way to a more comprehensive investigation, it’s not exactly apples to oranges, there’s a substantial price difference between the two lines. Mapex is still the more affordable of the two manufacturers, and therefore appeals to a wider audience based on accessibility alone.
Taking full advantage of its non-domestic and ultra-efficient production lines, Mapex has made amazing strides in the last decade in terms of making a better grade instrument available to more budding musicians than if there was no Mapex. It’s contributions to the percussion industry as well as the art of percussion has been substantial, and they’ve earned their place at a top global drum maker…