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Average Price: $400

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Description

The Mapex Black Panther Blade Steel Snare is a modern marvel for drummers seeking precision and power. Crafted from high-quality steel, this snare drum delivers a crisp, cutting sound that is both sensitive and resonant. Its sleek design is complemented by a brushed nickel finish, offering not only visual appeal but also enhancing its sonic character. The 45° bearing edges ensure maximum head response, making it a versatile choice for a variety of musical genres.

Drummers will appreciate the innovative Sonic Saver hoops that bridge the gap between flanged and cast, offering a robust rimshot tone while being kind to your sticks. These hoops are built to withstand intense play without warping, ensuring longevity and durability. The drum also features a self-lubricating Cylinder-Drive throw-off with Micro-Lock technology, providing a smooth operation and reliable hold that stands up to demanding performances.

This snare's 10-lug design guarantees even tension across the head, allowing for precise tuning and consistent sound production. Whether you're playing in a studio or on stage, the Mapex Black Panther Blade Steel Snare is engineered to meet the needs of today's discerning musicians.

Key Features:

  • 5.5" x 14" steel snare drum
  • Part of the Mapex Black Panther series
  • All-steel shell with 45° bearing edges
  • Brushed nickel finish
  • Sonic Saver hoops for enhanced tone and durability
  • Cylinder-Drive throw-off with Micro-Lock technology
  • 10-lug design for even head tension

Product specs

Brand Mapex
Model BPST4551LN Black Panther Blade 14x5.5" Steel Snare Drum
Finish Brushed Nickel Over Steel
Year 2010s
Categories Snare Drums

FAQs

What material is the Mapex Black Panther Blade snare drum made from?

The Mapex Black Panther Blade snare drum is made from steel with a brushed nickel finish, offering a bright and cutting sound suitable for various musical styles.

How does the Mapex Black Panther Blade snare drum sound?

The steel construction of the Mapex Black Panther Blade snare drum provides a sharp, articulate sound with excellent projection, making it ideal for genres that require a bright and punchy snare tone.

Is the Mapex Black Panther Blade snare drum suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Mapex Black Panther Blade snare drum's loud and cutting sound makes it well-suited for live performances where it can cut through the mix effectively.

What are the dimensions of the Mapex Black Panther Blade snare drum?

The Mapex Black Panther Blade snare drum measures 14 inches in diameter and 5.5 inches in depth, providing a balanced mix of attack and resonance.

Can the Mapex Black Panther Blade snare drum be used for recording?

Absolutely, the articulate and bright sound of the Mapex Black Panther Blade snare drum makes it a versatile choice for studio recordings across various music genres.

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Mapex Black Panther "Blade" 5.5x14 Snare Drum

Video thumbnail for Mapex Black Panther "Blade" 5.5x14 Snare Drum by Drum Center of Portsmouth

Mapex Black Panther "Blade" 5.5x14 Snare Drum

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Drum Center of Portsmouth

Video thumbnail for Mapex 5.5x14 Black Panther Blade Steel Snare Drum - Quick n' Dirty by soundpurestudios

Mapex 5.5x14 Black Panther Blade Steel Snare Drum - Quick n' Dirty

soundpurestudios

soundpurestudios

Video thumbnail for [Sound Sample] MAPEX Black Panther Blade Snare Drum by www.drumgarage.co.kr by DRUMGARAGE

[Sound Sample] MAPEX Black Panther Blade Snare Drum by www.drumgarage.co.kr

DRUMGARAGE

DRUMGARAGE

Video thumbnail for Mapex Black Panther "Blade" Model Snare Drum by The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Mapex Black Panther "Blade" Model Snare Drum

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

The Drum Shop - Portland, Maine

Video thumbnail for MAPEX Black Panther - Blade by Ladislav Siska

MAPEX Black Panther - Blade

Ladislav Siska

Ladislav Siska

Video thumbnail for MAPEX Black Panther Blade 14x5,5" by Drumcenter cz

MAPEX Black Panther Blade 14x5,5"

Drumcenter cz

Drumcenter cz

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mapex Black Panther Blade Steel Snare.

Comparisons

  • The Black Panther Sledgehammer and Phatbob models are noted for their loud, full sounds, with the Sledgehammer providing more cut and the Phatbob offering a warmer tone.

    Source
  • Users note that the Mapex Blade feels more punchy and crisp compared to the Pork Pie Big Black, which can sound rattle-y and loose.

    Source
  • The Tama Starphonic steel snare is 6" deep compared to the Mapex Black Panther Blade's 5.5", both featuring 1mm steel shells and similar hoops.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Blade Steel model is highlighted for its bite and minimal ring, making it suitable for psychedelic and funk genres.

    Source
  • The Black Panther series is praised for its high-quality feel and fantastic sound, even by users who primarily play other brands like Pearl and Yamaha.

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Use cases and applications

  • The Sledgehammer paired with an Evans hybrid grey coated head delivers a punchy sound with significant cut, ideal for high-intensity music styles.

    Source
  • The Blade is used by Glen Sobel in Alice Cooper's 2013 Live At Wacken performance, paired with an Evans ST Dry head for a medium-tuned, rimshot-focused sound.

    Source
  • Users often pair the Mapex Blade with a Controlled Sound X head and 24-strand Puresound wires for optimal performance.

    Source

User experience

  • The 12x7 BP Fastback model is appreciated for its unique pop and ability to cut through mixes, surprising many given its compact size.

    Source
  • Owners report the Blade as a clear winner in direct comparisons, citing notable differences in playability and sound satisfaction over the Pork Pie Big Black.

    Source
  • Tama's customer service is frequently criticized for slow response and parts delivery times, affecting the overall ownership experience.

    Source

Build quality

  • The Mapex Black Panther Blade snare is praised for its heavy, solid feel, enhancing its reputation for durability.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Mapex Black Panther Blade Snare review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Mapex Black Panther Blade Steel Snare delivers solid performance at an affordable price. Its 14"x5 1/2" steel shell produces a dry, thick tone that's perfect for various styles, with a crisp ping that cuts through mixes. The design features quality components like Sonic Saver hoops and a smooth throw-off mechanism, enhancing its usability. However, while it excels as a reliable workhorse, the tonal variety may not match that of higher-end models, leaving some players craving more complexity. Overall, it's a great entry-level choice for drummers seeking a dependable snare without breaking the bank.

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Glen Sobel uses Mapex Black Panther Blade Steel Snare

Glen Sobel

Drummer

Alice Cooper

...
Verified via YouTube

"We got the blade snare drum. This is a great snare Mapex has been making. It's a steel 5.5x14" drum and it's the same version as the machete which is an inch deeper and we started using the machete, now we're using the blade. We're just keeping it fresh, mixing it up."

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Mapex Black Panther Blade Steel Snare, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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