Overview
This 8" deep behemoth, aptly named the "Big Cat", was released into the wild in 2009 at NAMM. It's a walnut and maple shell, like the Saturn Series at the time, and other snares like the slimmer and UK only Memphis.
From the press release
"At 2009 Summer NAMM, Mapex USA will introduce a new snare drum to its Black Panther line-up. The Big Cat Snare is 14-inches in diameter and a whopping 8" deep.
'Our walnut and maple shell is known for its incredibly wide tuning range,' said Mapex R&D Manager, Joe Hibbs. 'When you take that attribute and put it in a snare drum with this kind of depth, its versatility is expansive.'
'Tuned down low, it's very Hotel California. Crank it up and it's Cowboys From Hell. This is a very special drum that players are going to want to own.' "
Although this model is only really mentioned at its 2009 launch, it must have been available for a few years after this, given that versions exist with the later 2010 badge (see Dave Grigsby's example below. Note: Dave swapped out the Powerhoops for Die Casts as he plays it on the road and uses a lot of cross sticking.).
Main photo taken from a Music Radar article but I'm assuming originally from Mapex themselves. (Happy to update this credit if not).
"At the Kit" shot courtesy of Glen Hudolin, who actually brought this one to my attention. It's not in any catalogue that I can find. Thanks a million Glen!
Shots of the later badge version with retrofitted Die Cast hoops courtesy of Dave Grigsby. Cheers Dave!
The other shots are from the South American selling site Mercado Livre and are by a seller called MEATY_MITI. Unfortunately I can't contact them, since you need a recognised method of ID to set up an account, which obviously I don't have. I'm trying to find a way round it though. Photos used for reference under fair use. If these are your photos, please do get in contact as I'd much prefer to get your permission. Fotos usadas como referencia en Fair Use. Si estas son sus fotos, por favor póngase en contacto ya que preferiría obtener su permiso. (Thanks to Benjamin Lopez Mena for checking the Google Correct Spanish for me!)
