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Mapex Mars Drum Kits — Serious Shells for the Advancing Drummer

The Mapex Mars is one of the most versatile intermediate drum kits on the market. Available in both birch and maple shell options across four distinct configurations, the Mars gives advancing players genuine choice over their tone and setup — all at a price that makes upgrading from a beginner kit a realistic step. Into Music Store is an authorised Mapex dealer, and our team of experienced drummers can help you find the right Mars for your setup.

Not sure whether Mars Birch or Mars Maple is right for you? Call us on 01507 526517 for expert advice, or order online with UK next day delivery available.

Birch or Maple?

  • Mars Birch — bright, punchy, and focused; excellent for live performance and rock. Available in Rock, Crossover, and Bop configurations across a range of sparkle finishes including Twilight Sparkle and Diamond Sparkle
  • Mars Maple — warmer, fuller, and more versatile; well suited to studio recording and all-round playing. Available in standard and Studioease configurations in Natural, Matte Black, Gloss Amber, and Midnight Blue

Configurations Explained

  • Rock — a standard 5pc or 6pc setup with a 22" bass drum; the most versatile all-round configuration
  • Crossover — a 1 up, 2 down tom arrangement for a wider tonal spread across the kit
  • Bop — compact 18" bass drum configuration; ideal for jazz, smaller venues, and gigging drummers who need portability
  • Studioease — maple shells with a floor tom-mounted bass drum for a minimal, studio-friendly footprint

Looking to step up further? Browse the Mapex Armory and Mapex Saturn ranges, or view all Mapex drum kits. Not sure which Mars is right for you? Visit us in our Horncastle showroom or call us on 01507 526517 for expert advice, or order online with UK next day delivery available.

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Mapex Mars Drum Kits UK — Buyer's Guide

The Mapex Mars sits at a sweet spot in the drum market — genuinely better than a beginner kit in every measurable way, but priced accessibly enough that it's a realistic upgrade for most players. The key decision is shell material, and it's worth taking seriously because birch and maple produce noticeably different results.

Mars Birch shells are bright and punchy with a focused attack that cuts through in live settings. If you're gigging regularly or playing rock and pop, birch is typically the stronger choice — it projects well without needing heavy reinforcement from the PA. Mars Maple shells are warmer and fuller, with a more rounded tone that records well and suits a wider range of styles. If you're spending time in a home studio or playing across multiple genres, maple is the more versatile option.

The configuration choice is equally important. The Rock setup is the most practical all-round option for most players. The Crossover's 1 up, 2 down tom arrangement gives you a wider spread of tones across the kit without adding extra pieces. The Bop is the right choice if you need a compact, portable kit for smaller venues or jazz. The Studioease is a niche but genuinely useful configuration for recording contexts where floor space is at a premium.

All Mars kits are shell packs — cymbals and hardware are not included. For drummers searching for drum kits for sale UK, a drum store UK, or a drum shop near me where you can try the Mars in person, Into Music Store is an authorised Mapex dealer in Horncastle, Lincolnshire with a team of experienced drummers who can help you compare birch and maple options side by side. UK next day delivery is available on all orders. Not sure which Mars is right for you? Visit us in Horncastle or call us on 01507 526517 for expert advice, or order online with UK next day delivery available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Mars Birch shells produce a bright, punchy tone with a focused attack — well suited to live performance, rock, and high-volume playing. Mars Maple shells are warmer and fuller, with a more rounded tone that suits studio recording and all-round versatility. Call us on 01507 526517 for a personalised recommendation based on your playing style and context.
The Mars is available in Rock (standard 5pc/6pc with 22" bass drum), Crossover (1 up, 2 down tom arrangement), Bop (compact 18" bass drum for jazz and smaller venues), and Studioease (maple shells with floor tom-mounted bass drum). Each configuration suits a different playing style and context. Call us on 01507 526517 for advice on which is right for you.
No — the Mapex Mars is sold as a shell pack, which includes the drum shells only. Cymbals, hardware stands, a bass drum pedal, and a drum throne are not included. This gives you the flexibility to choose your own hardware and cymbals to match your playing style. UK next day delivery available at Into Music Store.
The Mars uses birch or maple shells and is positioned as an intermediate kit for advancing players. The Armory steps up with a hybrid maple/walnut shell construction and Mapex's SONIClear bearing edges, producing a more complex, resonant tone. The Armory is the stronger choice for players who want professional-grade engineering; the Mars is the better value option for those making their first serious upgrade. Call us on 01507 526517 for a personalised comparison.
Yes — the Mars Birch in particular is a strong gigging kit, with bright, projecting shells that cut through in live settings. The Rock and Crossover configurations are the most practical for gigging, while the Bop is ideal for smaller venues and jazz contexts. All Mars kits are shell packs, so you'll need to pair them with your own hardware and cymbals. UK next day delivery available at Into Music Store.
Into Music Store is an authorised Mapex dealer and stocks the full Mapex Mars range online at intomusicstore.com with UK next day delivery available. You can also visit our showroom in Horncastle, Lincolnshire to try Mars Birch and Mars Maple side by side. Call us on 01507 526517 for expert advice from our team of experienced drummers.