The Mapex Black Panther Nemesis snare drum is built for drummers seeking a thick, authoritative voice with exceptional focus and articulation. Its 14x5.5" 7-ply, 7.2 mm walnut/padauk/walnut shell blends the warmth and depth of walnut with the presence and attack of padauk, creating a powerful fundamental tone that remains clear under aggressive playing. Designed as part of the Black Panther Series, the Nemesis pairs its hybrid shell construction with die-cast hoops, SONIClear bearing edges and an innovative eight-vent shell design to deliver a responsive feel and controlled character across a wide tuning range. Finished in Mocha Satin, the Nemesis combines premium craftsmanship with a distinctive sonic identity suited to modern rock, metal and other high-energy musical styles.
Hybrid Walnut and Padauk Shell Design
The Nemesis is built around a 7-ply hybrid shell that sandwiches padauk between inner and outer plies of walnut. Walnut contributes warmth, depth and low-frequency body, while padauk introduces attack, articulation and upper-midrange presence. This carefully balanced combination produces a thick, commanding voice that remains defined and musical whether tuned high for crack and response or lower for added weight and impact.
Eight Air Vents and SONIClear Bearing Edges
One of the Nemesis snare drum's most distinctive features is its eight-vent shell design. These strategically positioned vents allow the shell to breathe more freely, contributing to a responsive feel, enhanced resonance and increased projection. Complementing the venting system, Mapex SONIClear bearing edges allow the drumhead to sit flatter against the shell for stronger shell-to-head contact, a more pronounced fundamental pitch and a broader, more consistent tuning range.
Premium Hardware for Stability and Precision
Die-cast hoops help focus the drum's voice by controlling excess overtones while reinforcing attack and rimshot definition. Staggered offset locking B-lugs support dependable tuning stability, while the Cylinder-Drive strainer utilizes a self-lubricating bearing system and micro-lock adjustment mechanism for smooth operation and precise snare-wire tension control. Together, these hardware elements help the Mapex Black Panther Nemesis snare drum maintain its focused character while providing the reliability required for demanding stage and studio environments.