***For Immediate Release***

Media Contact: Kevin Philbin, [email protected]

Mapex Drum Company Announces the NEW Rebel Series for Beginning Drummers

Mt. Juliet, TN – July, 2013– The Mapex team designed the Rebel line specifically to get a beginning drummer off to a great start. These drum sets are completely outfitted with double braced hardware, a set of including a ride and a pair of hi-hats, a throne and a pair of sticks. The drums are equipped with an ideal mix of specifications including fully adjustable tom mounts, telescoping bass drum spurs, and triple flanged hoops. Rebel shells are constructed of poplar for strong, full tone and are precisely engineered for accurate and faster tuning. The features a white coated head for strength and attack; the toms feature clear heads for pure tone, and the bass drum head is self-muffling and powerful. All heads are made by .

Rebel kits are available in three set-ups; 5 piece set with a 22” bass drum, 5 piece with a 20” bass drum and a 5 piece with an 18” bass drum. This variety of sizes gives every beginning player the opportunity to achieve a comfortable set up from the first beat.

The Rebel kits are available in three finishes Black, Dark Red, and Royal Blue, and carry the famous Mapex warranty. Rebel kits will be available at your favorite Mapex dealer in mid-June.

For more information on Mapex Drums visit: http://usa.mapexdrums.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MapexDrums Twitter: @Mapexdrumsusa YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/mapexdrumsusa To find your nearest Mapex dealer: http://usa.mapexdrums.com/dealers

***For Immediate Release***

Media Contact: Kevin Philbin, [email protected]

Mapex Drum Company showing the NEW Saturn IV Series Drum Kits at Summer NAMM

Mt. Juliet, TN – July 11, 2013 – The Mapex Drum Company has revolutionized their flagship Saturn line and introduced the Saturn IV series of drum kits at Winter NAMM, and will be displaying them at Summer NAMM.

Together with respected artists around the globe, the Mapex team has created the next evolution of the Saturn line, featuring a host of upgrades including: SONIClear™ tom suspension, SONIClear™ floor tom legs, low-contact bass drum claws, Memory Mark™ bass drum spurs, new style-badge and lug casing , free-floating bass drum mount (optional), and some really striking new finishes. While holding true to the Maple/Walnut hybrid shell formula that's made Saturn a unique and respected pro-level kit, the new look and features mark a significant departure from the Saturn (and Mapex) of old. The new Saturn kits are available in stores now.

Saturn fans now have a choice between 2 different editions and price points within the Saturn range: The Saturn MH Edition and The MH Exotic Edition.

The Saturn MH Edition: Features the famous Mapex 6-Ply snares and toms, and 8-ply bass drums constructed of North American Maple and Walnut Hybrid shells with chrome hardware, Remo Emperor Clear Batter Drumheads, and Remo P3 Batter Bass Drumheads. The Saturn MH Series is available in 6 new color finishes: Merlot Burst; Granite Sparkle; Red Strata Pearl wrap; Transparent Espresso Walnut; Red & Blue Hybrid Sparkle; and Marine Spiral wrap.

The Saturn MH Exotic Series: Features the same specifications as the Saturn MH Series but have an outer ply of exotic wood veneer and all come standard with Black Chrome hardware, adding to the high- end look of Saturn IV. The Saturn MH Exotic Series are available in 5 new lacquer finishes with very pronounced figuring: Satin Black Maple Burl; Cherry Mist Rosewood Burl; Natural Ash Burl; Deep Water Ash Burl; and Transparent Ash Burl Burst.

The new features and finishes on Saturn IV are a continuation of the major R&D and Marketing direction changes for Mapex. "We've watched as most drum companies have tried to cut corners on their premium kits in order to hit the lower price points necessitated by the sluggish economy. Mapex has historically been priced aggressively, so we've taken the opposite approach from other brands by adding significant form and function value to our pro line while maintaining our consumer-affordable pricing" says Michael Robinson, KHS Director of Marketing.

For more information on the new Saturn IV drum kits visit: http://usa.mapexdrums.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MapexDrums YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/mapexdrumsusa To find your nearest Mapex dealer: http://usa.mapexdrums.com/dealers

Mapex products are hand built and hand assembled by the artisans at its wholly owned factory. The people at Mapex have earned a distinguished reputation for designing, engineering and building the highest quality acoustic drums. In fact, Mapex is one of the only companies of its kind to have earned ISO9001 certification - the world's standard for manufacturing excellence. ***For Immediate Release***

Media Contact: Kevin Philbin, [email protected]

Mapex Drum Company Announces FALCON Series Hardware Line

Mt. Juliet, TN – January 14, 2013 – The Mapex Drum Company has announced their updated Falcon series hardware by introducing several new models that are due to land in stores in February of 2013. All Falcon models offer players extreme adjustability, supreme playability and touring level durability that players can depend on night after night.

"We spent a lot of time working with artists to define the concept based on their real-life needs. They felt that extreme adjustability was the goal, but only if the adjustments could be made simply and quickly. Knowing their needs were shared by all drummers, we designed a collection of hardware that includes simple to operate features and conveniences that would benefit players in the studio, on tour, or even in the woodshed." - Michael Robinson, KHS Director of Marketing

Falcon Bass Drum Pedals: PF1000 Single Bass Drum Pedal MSRP: $ 359.00 PF1000TW Double Bass Drum Pedal MSRP: $ 709.00 PF1000LTW Lefty Double Bass Drum Pedal MSRP: $ 709.00

The new Falcon bass drum pedals are designed to give drummers optimal adjustment and are designed to be the smoothest-playing pedals ever made. New features include: a reduced base plate size; interchangeable drive options; footboard height adjustment; a self –adjusting hoop clamp; beater angle adjustment and interchangeable beater weights.

Falcon HF1000 Hi-Hat Stand: MSRP $ 339.00 The new Falcon Hi-hat stand features: a lockable quick-release wing nut on the clutch; extreme height adjustment; a foldable footboard that clips onto the stand for easy transportation; footboard height adjustment; tension adjuster; removable swivel legs, and high-friction rubber feet with retractable spikes.

Falcon SF1000 Snare Drum Stand: MSRP $ 169.00 The new Falcon snare stand features: a centered omni-ball snare basket; hi-friction rubber feet with retractable spikes and offers extreme base height adjustment.

Falcon BF1000 Boom Stand: MSRP $ 209.00 The new Falcon boom stand features: a single-point boom arm adjuster with position markers; a super- glide step-less tilter; a lockable quick-release wing-nut and a hide-away boom arm.

For more information on the Falcon Series Hardware visit: http://usa.mapexdrums.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MapexDrums YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/mapexdrumsusa To find your nearest Mapex dealer: http://usa.mapexdrums.com/dealers

Mapex products are hand built and hand assembled by the artisans at its wholly owned factory. The people at Mapex have earned a distinguished reputation for designing, engineering and building the highest quality acoustic drums. In fact, Mapex is one of the only companies of its kind to have earned ISO9001 certification - the world's standard for manufacturing excellence.

***For Immediate Release***

Media Contact: Kevin Philbin, [email protected]

Mapex Drum Company Announces additions to their Black Panther line: The Nomad Snare and The Black Widow Kit.

Mt. Juliet, TN – January 21, 2012 – The Mapex Drum Company announced two new additions to their flagship Black Panther series. The Black Panther Nomad Snare, and the Black Panther – Black Widow Kit.

Black Panther Nomad Snare Drum: Drummers worldwide know the quality and tone of the Mapex Black Panther series of snare drums and drum kits, and the Nomad is aimed to satisfy the appetite of players and collectors around the globe. The Nomad snare was developed by the Mapex team in conjunction with legendary artist Will Calhoun.

The 13” x 6”, 1.2mm Brass shell snare is warm, open, sensitive and features a traditional 45 degree bearing edge. Featuring Sonic-Saver hoops, the incredibly smooth Black Panther throw-off, a cylinder drive strainer that employs “micro-lock” technology providing a silent, yet tactile “click” as it’s turned allowing precise tension control of the premium snare wires. The Nomad snare is the companion to have with you in your musical travels. The Nomad will be available in stores in April.

Model #: BPBR3601LNM MSRP: $ 729.00 MAP: $ 449.00

Black Panther Black Widow Kit: Mapex has taken traditional thin 5.1mm Maple shells and combined them with a centered bearing edge with rounded back-cut to produce a classic balance of attack, body, and warmth. By increasing shell and drumhead contact, the edge profile limits unwanted overtones and produces a more rounded and centered tone. Other features include; SONIClear™ tom suspension, SONIClear™ floor tom legs, low-contact bass drum claws, Memory Mark™ bass drum spurs, new style- badge and lug casing. Don’t be fooled by its dark beauty…the Black Widow is a predator with a deadly bite.

Configuration: 22” x 18” Virgin bass drum; 10” x 07” rack tom; 12” x 08” rack tom; 14” x 12” floor tom and a 16” x 14” floor tom.

Model #: BPNW628XFLTB MSRP: $ 4,419.00 MAP: $ 2,749.00

For more information on Mapex Drums: http://www.mapexdrums.com/ For more information on Will Calhoun: http://www.willcalhoun.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MapexDrums YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/mapexdrumsusa To find your nearest Mapex dealer: http://usa.mapexdrums.com/dealers

Black Widow image URL: ftp://ftp.mapexdrums.com/pub/MAPEX_IMAGE_LIBRARY/CURRENT_PRODUCTS/Kits/BlackPanther/Blac kWidow/BPHW628XFLTW.jpg

Nomad Snare image URL: ftp://ftp.mapexdrums.com/pub/MAPEX_IMAGE_LIBRARY/CURRENT_PRODUCTS/Snares/BP/BPBR3601L NM-3.jpg

Mapex products are hand built and hand assembled by the artisans at its wholly owned factory. The people at Mapex have earned a distinguished reputation for designing, engineering and building the highest quality acoustic drums. In fact, Mapex is one of the only companies of its kind to have earned ISO9001 certification - the world's standard for manufacturing excellence. ***For Immediate Release***

Media Contact: Kevin Philbin, [email protected]

Mapex Drum Company Announces the NEW Meridian Black Viper

Mt. Juliet, TN – March 20, 2013– The Mapex Drum Company announced the availability of the third and final Limited Edition Meridian Black drum kit called “The Viper”. This specially designed drum kit will be available exclusively through select authorized Mapex dealers worldwide.

The Meridian Black Viper kit is the third in a series of “Player Designed” kits with features that enhance the sound of the drums and make set-up easy. The Viper kit will be a limited edition, specific in its configuration, and very unique in its look. By the custom nature of the finish alone, only a limited number can be produced.

The unique hybrid Birch/Maple shells provide low and dark tones with a balanced attack. The inside of the shells feature a new Black finish that increases resonance and projection. The 22"x18" Bass drum delivers massive low end and the shallow toms speak fast. The kit is equipped with one 12"x08" rack tom, and 14"x12" and 16"x14" floor toms, so the player can bring in their ride close for optimal performance. A 14"x06" snare drum completes the set.

The shells come wrapped in a custom illusion snake skin finish fitted with satin black hardware, and are topped with Remo clear pinstripe drumheads. This 5-piece kit is all a player needs to be heard loud and clear. SHELL SPECS: Bass Drum - 2.4mm Birch Exterior / 4.8mm Maple Interior Toms & Snare - 2.4mm Birch Exterior / 4.1mm Maple Interior

For more information on the new Saturn IV drum kits visit: http://usa.mapexdrums.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MapexDrums YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/mapexdrumsusa To find your nearest Mapex dealer: http://usa.mapexdrums.com/dealers

Mapex products are hand built and hand assembled by the artisans at its wholly owned factory. The people at Mapex have earned a distinguished reputation for designing, engineering and building the highest quality acoustic drums. In fact, Mapex is one of the only companies of its kind to have earned ISO9001 certification - the world's standard for manufacturing excellence. ***For Immediate Release***

Media Contact: Kevin Philbin, [email protected]

Mapex Drum Company Announces New Packaging Designs

Mt. Juliet, TN – January 04, 2012 – The Mapex Drum Company has announced three updated packaging designs for their MPX hardware and snare drums, Falcon Hardware, and Black Panther snare drums. The designs clearly define each level of product offering while staying consistent with the Mapex brand. All new packaging designs will feature high-contrast black and white photography, the new Mapex green in a continuous band around the base of the box, the new Mapex logo positioned like a belt-buckle on the green band, and box labels that clearly display a product image, the product I.D. and name, UPC and EAN codes for inventory scanning, and QR codes that will deliver additional useful content to the consumer at the point of sale. All boxes include a handle on the top for easy transportation. The new packaging designs will be seen in stores starting in January of 2013.

“The new packaging is another step forward in the continuing evolution of the Mapex brand. We believe strongly in creating both a positive and complete buying experience for our retailers and consumers. It’s not enough for us to simply have a high-quality product inside the box. It’s important that our packaging engage the consumer in the retail environment using meaningful imagery and relevant information. Our new packaging will not only help the consumer in their decision-making process, but it will aid our retail partners in selling, merchandising, and inventory identification”, says KHS Director of Marketing, Michael Robinson.

For more information on Mapex Drums visit: http://usa.mapexdrums.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MapexDrums YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/mapexdrumsusa To find your nearest Mapex dealer: http://usa.mapexdrums.com/dealers

Mapex products are hand built and hand assembled by the artisans at its wholly owned factory. The people at Mapex have earned a distinguished reputation for designing, engineering and building the highest quality acoustic drums. In fact, Mapex is one of the only companies of its kind to have earned ISO9001 certification - the world's standard for manufacturing excellence.

***For Immediate Release***

Media Contact: Kevin Philbin, [email protected]

Mapex Drum Company Welcomes Russ Miller to their Family of Artists

Mt. Juliet, TN – January 14, 2012 – The Mapex Drum Company welcomes Russ Miller to their family of artists.

Russ Miller is internationally known as one of the top drummers of today. As a Multi-Platinum recording artist, he has played on multiple Grammy® award winning recordings with combined sales of over 26 million copies. His musical versatility has led him to work with an incredible list of over 50 international artists from legends like Ray Charles, The Fifth Dimension, Natalie Cole, Tina Turner & Bobby Caldwell through modern stars, Nelly Furtado, The Psychedelic Furs, Hilary Duff, Steve Perry, Andrea Bocelli, Daniel Bedingfield and Meredith Brooks. As a star of the Los Angeles studio scene, the Modern Drummer Magazine Readers Poll has repeatedly voted Russ in the top 5 Studio Drummers in the world, including 2010, when he was voted the #2 Session drummer. Russ also has authored two books: The Drum Set Crash Course, The Drum Set Crash Course and The Drum Set Crash Course Tuning Edition from Alfred Publications. A 7-time Modern Drummer reader’s poll winner, Russ' solo projects were also voted the #1 educational books and videos in the world (2001-2004).

“I have been playing drums professionally for quite some time, ...and most of my endorsement relationships have lasted well over 20 years. But after seeing the direction that Mapex is headed in, I felt it was time for a change to a brand and a team that has their eye on the future. What Mapex does so well is the delivery of all aspects of the instrument. The sound, the presentation, the quality …the finishes are impeccable, piano like lacquer…that’s what I am looking for in a company. We innovate together and that is really important. I am really happy to be associated with Mapex.” - said Russ, in a recent interview.

"Several of us on the Mapex team have known and respected Russ for a long time." comments Michael Robinson, KHS Director of Marketing, "His knowledge of the instrument and design experience is a perfect fit with where we want to take the brand. The fact that he's a great guy and is easy to work with make it that much better."

For more information on Mapex Drums visit: http://usa.mapexdrums.com/ For More information on Russ Miller visit: http://www.russmiller.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MapexDrums YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/mapexdrumsusa To find your nearest Mapex dealer: http://usa.mapexdrums.com/dealers

Mapex products are hand built and hand assembled by the artisans at its wholly owned factory. The people at Mapex have earned a distinguished reputation for designing, engineering and building the highest quality acoustic drums. In fact, Mapex is one of the only companies of its kind to have earned ISO9001 certification - the world's standard for manufacturing excellence. ***For Immediate Release***

Media Contact: Kevin Philbin, [email protected]

Fork’s Drum Closet & Mapex Drum Support Musician’s Corner in Nashville

Mt. Juliet, TN – May 29, 2013 – Fork’s Drum Closet & Mapex Drums teamed up to support the Musician’s Corner Music Festival in Nashville, Tn. Since 2010 this Festival has created a global music landmark and community gathering space in Centennial Park where musical performers can illustrate the diversity, passion, and fellowship associated with Music City. Performances can vary from The Delta Saints to Street Corner Symphony.

“We feel it is our duty to support live music activities here in Nashville and the musicians who perform at them”, says Gary Forkum owner of Forks Drum Closet in Nashville. “It’s more than just supplying a great drum set and hardware for these drummers to use, it is showing them that we care about the music they play and how they sound”.

Musicians Corner is a central point, free and open to all, where Music City gathers to perform and enjoy its music. “Mapex Drums is honored and proud to have a Saturn set and hardware on stage at this amazing live music activity here in Music City”, says Joe Hibbs Brand Manager for Mapex Drums.

Music Corner happens every weekend through June 29th in Centennial Park, Nashville, TN

For more information on Mapex Drums visit: http://usa.mapexdrums.com/ Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MapexDrums YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/mapexdrumsusa To find your nearest Mapex dealer: http://usa.mapexdrums.com/dealers For more information on Corner Music visit: http://cornermusic.corecommerce.com/splash-page.html For more information on Musicians Corner visit: http://musicianscornernashville.com/

Mapex products are hand built and hand assembled by the artisans at its wholly owned factory. The people at Mapex have earned a distinguished reputation for designing, engineering and building the highest quality acoustic drums. In fact, Mapex is one of the only companies of its kind to have earned ISO9001 certification - the world's standard for manufacturing excellence.