They did seem to change formulas often. My M series fusion kit was supposed to be internal layers of birch with a maple veneer on the outer most wraps. My memory is completely failing, though - I don't recall if it was a 7 or 9 ply. I'm also not 100% sure that the interior plies weren't basswood as mentioned above.
Either way, as stated above, I also think the Mapex kits are one of the better 'value' options. Mine still looks and sounds awesome.
I believe by the badge you show,you have the shells deadhead described,maple and basswood. I have to check my catalog but,I believe the toms and snare had less plies than the bass.
I paid 760 for a 6 pc set in caramel fade with all the stands new around 7 years ago,before they changed to birch. The pro M series was available at the same time and it was all maple with less plies/thinner shell than the M.They would have cost another 150 or so for the set.
I'm curious as to what mine are worth,thinking of selling them although I have recieved many compliments on them both looks and sound.
I've owned several Mapex kits. Very good quality. They make the shells and hardware and stands and such in the same huge factory. The resale on them is bad. It has nothing to do with quality. It's all centered around the Made in China stigma. It is what it is.
I love the sound of Mapex drums. My brother had a set back in the early 90s while in a Dead cover band. Had for short time because someone made him a deal too good to pass on "an old set of Ludwigs" in gold sparkle. They were very easy to tune and easy on the soundboard. As both the tech and the sound guy for the band, I had to keep all of that stuff together. The Luds were much pickier to get right on our board. It was a 300 Watt, twin amp board and eq all in one. 16, or 32 channel, I can't remember, that was many bongs and doses gone by.....Afterall, when you run a Dead cover band, the party favors come naturally...wish I could still hear like I could back then....but then again, I can't seem to remember much from that 10 or so years that got behind....know what I mean?
