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Mapex Saturn V Drum Kit

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Page last updated Jan 16, 2026

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The Mapex Saturn V Drum Kit is a masterclass in percussion innovation, blending the craftsmanship of North American maple with the depth of walnut to produce a sound that resonates with both presence and warmth. This 5th generation Saturn iteration isn't just about looks—although the sophisticated wood veneers are certainly a show-stopper. It's about SONIClear bearing edges that redefine tuning precision and maximize the tonal range, allowing drummers to experience a purer, more dynamic sound.

Drummers will appreciate the thoughtful integration of SONIClear suspension mounts and floor tom feet, which prevent energy loss, ensuring every beat is as vibrant as the last. The innovative low-contact bass drum claws not only reduce shell weight for a fuller sound but also add a sleek visual element. Meanwhile, the Memory-Mark bass drum spurs make setup a breeze, allowing for quick height adjustments without hassle.

Equipped with Remo USA heads, the Saturn V delivers studio-worthy tones right out of the box. The toms are fitted with two-ply Emperor Clears for that classic sound, while the bass drum sports a Powerstroke P3 head, offering a modern attack with enduring durability. Whether you're performing at an intimate venue or a grand stage, the Saturn V's robust construction and meticulous design ensure you're always in control of your sound.

Key Features:

North American maple/walnut shells for strong attack and rich sustain
SONIClear bearing edges for enhanced tone and tuning range
SONIClear tom hardware and suspension mounts for optimal resonance
Low-contact bass drum claws and Memory-Mark spurs for easy setup
Includes Remo Emperor Clear and Powerstroke P3 heads for superior sound quality
Suspension tom mounts and floor tom legs included; other hardware sold separately

Videos

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Sweetwater

Mapex Saturn V MH Exotic 4-piece Shell Pack Review

Sweetwater

Mapex Saturn V Tour Shell Pack Review

Sweetwater

MAPEX Saturn V. Exotic

Drumcenter cz

Mapex Saturn V (Performance) with Craig Blundell

Gear4music Guitars

Mapex Saturn V Tour edition featuring Charlie Kenny | Gear4music performance

Gear4music Guitars

Tyler Ritter of Moon Taxi & his Mapex Saturn V Drum Kit

Mapex Drums

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Mapex Saturn V Drum Kit.

Features and functionality

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The Saturn 3 series uses thin maple/walnut shells, known for delivering excellent sound quality, particularly praised for their resonance and projection.
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The Saturn V is noted for its striking black hardware, which adds a unique aesthetic appeal to the kit's overall appearance.
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Meinl Dark Classic Customs cymbals pair well with the Saturn V's deep tones, enhancing its sonic versatility.
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Setup and maintenance

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If the original tom holders and bass drum tom mount are missing, standard mounts like those from Tama and Natal are compatible with Saturn drums.
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The Trick 5.0 drive shaft is recommended as a replacement for the DW9000 to eliminate clicking noises.
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Comparisons

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Although Mapex Armory kits are well-regarded, the Saturn 3 is highlighted as a more premium choice due to its superior sound and build quality.
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Owners highlight the Saturn V as superior to Mapex's Mars and Armory series, noting its use of higher quality maple and walnut shells for enhanced sound and build.
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User experience

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Drummers frequently receive compliments from sound engineers on the performance of the Saturn 3, indicating its pro-level sound quality in live settings.
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Long-term owners praise the durability and consistent performance of their Saturn kits, even those purchased as far back as 2005, emphasizing the longevity of the maple/walnut hybrid.
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Users frequently mention the aesthetic appeal of the Saturn V, often complimenting its visual pairing with various room decors and accessories like rugs and backdrops.
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Owners of the Saturn V often pair it with Meinl cymbals, particularly the MB20 and Byzance series, to complement the kit's sound profile, though personal preferences vary.
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Owners appreciate the Saturn V for its blend of vintage aesthetics and modern reliability, particularly for gigging.
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Value and pricing

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While the price isn't considered a steal, it's a fair deal if essential mounts are included, especially given the kit's pro-level reputation.
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Use cases and applications

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The Saturn V is highly favored for studio use due to its excellent tuning and sound quality, particularly with Remo Aric Improta heads.
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Mods and upgrades

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Complementing the Saturn V with a Chris Adler snare enhances its overall sound profile effectively.
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Critic Reviews

Mapex Saturn V review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The Mapex Saturn V Drum Kit is a versatile powerhouse, excelling in both studio and live settings. Its rich sound, characterized by a deep bottom end and stable tuning, makes it a joy to play. The innovative Soniclear mounts and hybrid shell construction enhance resonance, while the beautiful Natural Burl Maple finish adds aesthetic appeal. However, the review highlights no significant drawbacks, which could leave some players wanting more critical analysis. Overall, this kit stands out as a top choice for drummers across genres.

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Matt McGuire

Drummer

Verified via YouTube

We can see this kit in his videos in his new studio. He use it for a year for now. Matt never said anything about his kit. You can see the blue kit at 2:08. This is a recent kit and the only that is looking like this in the Mapex catalog.

Tony Allen

Drummer

The Good, the Bad & the Queen

Verified via reverb.com

Used on Chicago Afrobeat Project's What Goes Up, as stated in this November 1, 2017 Reverb.com interview with Fullerton Recording Studios owner Kevin Ford. A photo is given, which can be viewed here, as well as an embedded URL that specifies the V.

The live room at FRS usually has the Mapex Saturn kit set up with a Bison snare drum that most drummers drool over, either because they’re concentrating too hard while they play or they love the drum so much. I’ve used the kit on countless recordings. Tony Allen played this kit in the studio on What Goes Up and took it on tour with us. You can also see the “afrobeat machine” behind the drumkit — a hi-hat stand with a shekere mounted to it.

Ryan Folden

Drummer

Lacuna Coil

Verified via YouTube

Ryan Folden, former drummer for Lacuna Coil, confirms his use of the Mapex Saturn V Drum Kit in a video interview with Digital Tour Bus. At 0:14 in the video, Folden states, "Right now, I'm using a Mapex Saturn V, maple walnut composite shell. It's a 5-piece kit, pretty straightforward. I got this kit a month ago. I just got it from the start of this tour." This evidence is documented in the YouTube video titled "Lacuna Coil's Ryan Folden - GEAR MASTERS (Revisited) Ep. 28" by Digital Tour Bus.

Sizes: 12x8" Rack Tom 14x12" Floor Tom 16x14" Floor Tom 22x18" Kick Drum