Yes, I own a set of 1993 Mapex Venus series in white. I bought them brand new and they were my first drum kit. The original snare that came with them is mediocre (which I still own), so I replaced it with a 1996 Black Panther 5-1/2" x 14" maple snare. Wow what a snap!! I love the sound of the toms & bass drum too. I believe they are made of birch or have birch plys. This series is discontinued.

This series were offered from the late 80's (around 1986) to the late 90's. Later, they were known as just the V series.

My advice, give them a good cleaning, put Remo Pinstripe skins on the batters & clear Remo Ambassadors on the reso sides. These drums will produce that raw, deep, penetrating hard rock sound when tuned just right.

I don't remember this series offering a 4 pce kit. Are you missing the 13 tom?

Cheers

Thankss, yea its missin the 13.... just another kit i rescued waiting for attention. Im sure they will sound great tho for a cheap rock kit! Have a pic of yours by chance?

I don't recall the Venus series ever being just birch plies. Help me out on this one. I owned a Venus kit and two other V-Series kits over the years. I recall the shells having p.mahog. and being rather thick. Is my thinker broken down again?

Thebaskit - I'm sorry I don't have any pics available of them right now. I have them packed away at the moment. Someday when I bring them out for a cleaning, I will snap a load of pics of them.

Mcjnic - I think you are right when you say mahogany plys.... It's been awhile since I've had this kit set up.... I thought that there were birch plys in the mix, but I've been known to be wrong before!!... LOL.... These shells are rather thick and can take a good beating. Nothing wrong with your thinker Mcjnic, mine is at fault!!

now that you say that, i remember the guy saying the really old venus kit were birch and that these were " worth" fixin up. I will try to snap some more pics! Thanks!

That's pretty cool. I honestly don't remember them being all birch ... which shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. I appreciate you taking the time to document this. Perfect action for this forum.

Thanks, I apprecaite everyone helping out. I didnt know a thing about Mapex before i picked these up... just knew they looked pretty cool for a "newer" old kit and the owner was swearing by their sound when put together. 8 heads 28 tension rods and set of ts/claws and we will find out! DOH

Good luck and post some pics when finished.

I think that the shells have both ~ mahogany & birch plys.

Cheers