1/1/2005

MAPEX DRUMS INTRODUCES M-BIRCH SERIES

The Mapex M Birch in Transparent Honey Amber

NASHVILLE, TN — December 10, 2004 — Mapex USA has announced the introduction of the M-Birch series of drums. The M-Birch line will feature all birch drum shells, providing amazing attack and clarity. The drums also feature an exterior maple veneer that is finished in one of five high-gloss transparent lacquer colors. M-Birch drum sets will be offered in five configurations, 6-piece studio (22, 10, 12, 14, 16, 14 x 5.5), 5-piece standard (22, 12, 13, 16 floor, 14 x 5.5), 5-piece fusion (22, 10, 12, 14, 14 x 5.5), 5-piece fusionease (22, 10, 12, 14 floor, 14 x 5.5) and a 5-piece jazz (20, 10, 12, 14 floor, 14 x 5.5).

Throughout 2005, consumers will be offered a “6 for 5” promotion. Consumers purchasing a 5-piece studio, 5-piece fusion, 5-piece fusionease, or 5-piece jazz will receive a free matching 8-inch tom. Purchasers of a 5-piece standard will receive a free 10-inch tom. All free add-on toms will be equipped with a TH684 tom arm and an AC901 multiclamp. The promotion will begin January 1, 2005 and will run throughout the entire year. 5-piece M-Birch drum sets will carry an MSRP of $1199.99 and the 6-piece studio kit will retail at $1499.99.

“The M-Birch Series is a perfect addition to the Mapex line,” declared Joe Vasko, Mapex USA Vice-President and General Manager. “These kits offer incredible value; you will find no other birch drum set with these outstanding finishes and sonic qualities in this price range.”

M-Birch drum kits will be introduced in five colors, transparent cherry red, emerald green, honey amber, purple and sapphire, with a transparent 8-layer, high-gloss, lacquer finish. The outer maple veneer provides a beautiful grain pattern further enhancing the transparent finish. All complete drum sets will include double-braced Mapex 500-Series Performing Artist Hardware and a throne.

Mapex Artist Relations and Product Manager Joe Hibbs was very excited about the introduction of the M-Birch sets and about the prospects for Mapex in 2005. “We had an overwhelming reaction at PASIC to our player-inspired drum set configurations and colors, people were blown away. Introducing these M-Birch kits will continue this momentum. At the MAP price that we have laid out, there is no comparison, the M-Birch drums are the best value in the marketplace at that price point.”