MAPEX FALCON BASS DRUM PEDALS

M
apex takes a big step forward
with the Falcon single (P1000)
and double (P1000TW) bass
drum pedals. They don’t replace
the previous P950A/P980A, which stay in the
catalogue, but instead they represent a new
level of pedal sophistication for Mapex.
Build
First impressions: this is a sexy, sleek design.
All the black metal parts are sprayed to a
car-like plastic-shiny fi nish. This contrasts
with the brushed silver of the footboard
which has a narrower waist than most and
thus appears longer. The board has a chubby,
adjustable toe stop and is linked to the cam
action by a double chain, which is nickel-
plated like the chains used in pro touring
bikes. At the other end, the hinged heel plate
has sealed steel bearings which eliminate
lateral rocking movement.
The whole unit is set on a full black
baseplate which has a ‘Suregrip’ rubber-
covered bottom and adjustable spurs. If that’s
not enough grip you can add a detachable
12cm x 2cm metal under-plate which has a
Velcro strip. The pedal attaches to the bass
drum hoop via the (patented) Talon clamp.
This has a rocker bar underneath so that if
you like to set your bass drum at a rising
angle the clamp will accommodate the slope
without stressing the hoop. You can also
adjust the ‘bite’ of the jaw clamp for a thinner
or fatter hoop. The attaching screw is a big
chromed wing nut, positioned on the right
side and some way back so it’s relatively easy
to reach even from the sitting position.
Structurally, Mapex says frame strength is
increased by the elegant silver steel insert in
the side posts. One innovation is the actual
drive shaft – the horizontal rod on which the
cam and beater turn – which is machined
from ‘inox’ (inoxydable), a fancy word for
stainless steel. This is a hollow tube which you
can see right through from one side to the
other on the single pedal. Mapex claims it
reduces the overall weight and drag. Another
interesting feature is the suspended spring
tension assembly, unusually supported by
rocker arms top
and bottom – although I’m
not sure what advantage this offers.
As with some other pedals there’s a choice
of cams – just two to keep things simple: a
‘glide’ cam which gives “equal inertia from
the beginning to the end of each stroke”, and
a ‘pursuit’ cam for increased power.
The double pedal linkage is adjustable at
both ends of the drive shaft, which is handy,
and the double beaters (reversible felt and
hard rubber) are spaced to strike equidistantly
from the centre of the head. Both footboard
and beater angles are individually adjustable
with ease and the left pedal has all its own
independent adjustments. Both single and
double pedals come with oblong, stiff fabric
carrying cases.
Feet On
First impressions: silky, silent, smooth
operators. Mapex’s Falcon video makes a big
thing of the lightness of the pedal. Well it’s not
light, it’s rather heavy – it’s the
feel that is
light, which is more important. Endorsees line
up on the video to say how, straight out of the
box, the pedal felt great. Well, for once I agree.
I just clamped the double pedal to my practice
kit and yes, both pedals felt terrifi c, balanced,
MAPEX
FALCON BASS
DRUM PEDALS
CHAIN IS NICKEL-
plated like the chains used
on pro touring bikes
PRICES
P1000 single pedal
with bag, £175
P1000TW double pedal
with bag, £349
CONTACT
Korg (UK) Ltd,
9 Newmarket Court
Kingston,
Milton Keynes,
MK10 OAU
Tel: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.mapex.
co.uk
www.falconpedal.com
ESSENTIAL SPEC
From £175 Mapex’s completely new brace of single and
double Falcon pedals get Geoff Nicholls’ feet fl ying
EXCLUSIVE
RECOMMENDS
92 RHYTHM JULY 2010
RHY178.gear_mapex 92 20/5/10 8:01:3 am