Saturn Evolution Overview:

Mapex Saturn Evolution series drum kits were launched at NAMM 2020 as a complete game changer level of Saturn with new from the ground up shell, finish and feature options. Before we continue we should mention that the Saturn Classic was also announced at the same time, this set continues from where the Saturn V left off and can be seen on separate listings here at Drumazon. Now back to the Evolution.

Shells

For this new series Mapex have stayed with the famous hybrid shell technology, the one remaining constant throughout the Evolution drums is the use of Walnut. Unlike all previous Saturn Series drums the Evolution ply lay up has been changed. There is a variety of shell thicknesses now used depending on size, shell blend and even finish. Every shell now has the Walnut in the centre. The Walnut is sandwiched by either Maple or Birch to varying thicknesses. Mapex say they have placed the Walnut at the centre of the bearing edge to enhance the warmth of the shells giving the Saturn Evo a darker tone.

Mapex are offering the Evolution in four different ways based around this new shell design.

1. Complete Maple/Walnut/Maple Shell Sets (Toms & Bass Drum)
2. Complete Birch/Walnut/Birch Shell Sets (Toms & Bass Drum)
3. Hybrid Birch/Walnut/Birch Toms with Maple/Walnut/Maple Bass Drum Sets
4. Fully Custom Order - Spec your blend of Toms, Floors and Bass Drums from the two shell types.

On the shell thicknesses there are a lot of interesting changes. Firstly the Maple Walnut shells are thicker than the Birch.

For Maple: Small Toms are 8ply 7.5mm, Larger Toms and Floor Toms are 8ply 8.2mm and Bass Drums are 8ply 8.9mm.

For Birch Small Toms are 6ply 5.8mm, Larger Toms and Floor Toms are 6ply 6.5mm and Bass Drums are 8ply 8.2mm.

Finally on shell thickness if selecting the Exotic SAS-2 finishes (more below) an additional 0.25mm outer ply is added to all the above specifications making the thickest drums 9 ply and the thinest 7 ply.

Last but not least Mapex also varied the bearing edges on the evolution depending on the drum type. For all Toms and Floor Toms the edge is 45 degree, on all Bass Drums the edge is 60 degree.

Finishes

The Saturn Evolution comes in a huge array of finishes, many of these are brand new never seen before options and they are some of the finest finishes we've seen to date on any drum series here at Drumazon. The new finishes are grouped in to 3 categories, Mapex refer to these as cross over finishes because they will perfectly match up even when combining a mix of the shell types.

SAS-0 & SAS-1 currently offer a great mix of colours with hardware either coming in Chrome or Black Chrome subject to the finish selected. The SAS-0 and SAS-1 finishes are priced exactly the same. SAS-2 finishes are the higher tier of finish using an exotic outer ply, there are currently 3 finishes again with Chrome or Black Chrome hardware depending on the finish. As mentioned above SAS-2 adds an outer ply to the sell which adds an additional thickness to each shell of 0.25mm.

New! Halo Mounting System

As soon as we received the new Saturn Evo kits we immediately made videos for them, that gave us our first chance to experience the mount. We're big fans of this. Firstly getting the tom position is a doddle, no more guessing where the drum will drop back to when setting it up. Secondly and more importantly design wise the under the lug line mount is designed to prevent the stiffness often caused by under the hoop mounting systems and also offers a unique resonance control feature.

The Adjustment Knob acts as a built-in Equaliser that can slightly dampen the resonance of the shell, the knob engages a rubber tube that makes light contact with the shell from the middle of the mount. This produces a tighter and quicker decay. This system works really well, when working with single ply heads during our video demo we were able to control that typical unwanted overtone you get with thinner heads simply by engaging the knob, its a far more natural sound than using head damping techniques with a much more pleasing decay. 

Final Touches

Mapex have also adjusted the venting on the Saturn Evo, all toms and floor toms up to 16" are dual vented on the Nodal line whilst Larger floor toms and Bass Drums are all Quad Vented.