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Under the name Linko Percussion, K.H.S. was contracted by world-leading brands to manufacture their musical instruments.

MAPEX began to manufacture its products in Taiwan.

MAPEX USA was established.

In 1992, the first high-end drums Orion Custom Maple & Orion Studio Birch were introduced and they became extremely popular among drummers worldwide. Also, the drummer Billy Cobham became MAPEX's best-known endorsement and consultant, symbolizing MAPEX growing influences in the global drum industry.

MAPEX’s Orion drums’ patented “Freedom” high-tension lugs” proved to be particularly sought-after by the rock musicians at that time. This particular market success not only demonstrated MAPEX’s product innovation and design prowess, but also cemented MAPEX as the world’s youngest leading drum brand at that time.

The Professional Mars (Mars Pro) series were released and became the first Mid-range Lacquer Drum Set in the market.

By adopting automation in its manufacturing process, MAPEX became the first brand to apply lacquers in the mid-range drum productions.

In 1996, MAPEX USA was established in Nashville, Tennessee, USA.

The Black Panther flagship series was introduced to the public in 1997. From its earliest deep black to wood-grain to later metallic finishes, Black Panther series offered a variety of unique Black Panther snare drums. Also, the Black Panther’s first 40 models used different kinds of shell materials, including brass, aluminum, flamed maple (limited to 50 total production units), birch and steel. These models received tremendous success in the market and even dominated the UK’s sales charts. In total, there were four generations of Black Panther limited editions and they were sold in thousands worldwide.

1997 The ITS（Isolated Tom System）minimalized drum shell’s contact with its metallic surroundings and maximized its ability to vibrate. Saturn Orion models were the first to adopt this technology.

The 950 Cymbal Stand and P950 pedals were released.

The 950 Cymbal Stand was the world’s first ball-shaped cymbal stand; it was capable of full 360 degree angle adjustment. The P950 pedals were also the world’s first adjustable cam. These two products were considered revolutionary at that time.

MAPEX expanded its production lines in Tianjin, China.

Janus Transmission Hat double drum pedals were released.
It was one of MAPEX’s most innovative products.

Janus Pedal won MIPA Award (Musikmesse International Press Award).

To achieve world class quality, MAPEX established a drum R&D center to develop ways to improve its instrument quality by undergoing scientific experiments including analyzing product materials and sound frequencies. In addition, the R&D center enhanced manufacturing techniques and drum quality by incorporating precision machineries and dynamic production solutions.

MAPEX increased its distribution to 40 nations and adopted a new brand logo.

Ergo Pedal was introduced.

MAPEX introduced the world’s only adjustable Ergo Hi-Hat stand.

Black Panther introduced limited edition bronze snare, using hammering techniques to produce beautiful patterns on the drum. It was the forerunner of the The Sledge Hammer Snare.

Deep Forest limited edition drum set was introduced.
At that time, high-end drum sets were mainly made of maple wood. MAPEX was the first company to use more expensive wood species like walnut and cherry wood.

The first generation and limited edition metallic snare drum was released: Mapex Black Panther Babylonian Limited Edition Snare Drum.

Custom-designed Babylonian art is etched into a stainless steel shell crafted by an ancient technique that creates a beautiful and durable relief pattern. This exotic-looking snare drum features a special smooth round bearing edge that provides powerful and super dynamic sound you never heard it before.

Black Panther introduced the second generation limited edition snare drum: Dynamic Tribal .

Black Panther introduced the third generation limited edition snare drum: Kung Fu.

MAPEX won MMR Dealer’s Choice Award “Percussion Line of the Year” in USA

MAPEX won Music Inc. Magazine’s Supplier Excellence Award 2007

MAPEX won Drum Magazine Reader’s Share Drum of the Year 2008

MAPEX’s Flame Maple Snare won DRUM! Magazine’s “Snare Drum of the Year”

MAPEX Mars IU drum set was used in the Taiwanese blockbuster film Cape No. 7. The drum set is on permanent displayed in the Pingtung Cultural Museum in Taiwan.

MAPEX’s The Meridian Maple series (Armory’s predecessor) won MIPA Award (Musikmesse International Press Award).

The Black Panther Mayan Steel Snare Drum had a custom-printed Remo Fiberskin drumhead, and a 20-strand snare wire.

Falcon pedals were introduced.

MAPEX Meridian won DrumHeads! Leser-Award Pro-Drumset des Jahres

The Black Panther Snare Drum won MusicRador.com’s “The best snare drum of the year”

MAPEX received an appreciation award, “in sincere appreciation of your support of WGI Sport of the Arts”, from WGI Sport of the Arts.

2012 MAPEX rebranded itself.

MAPEX received an appreciation award, “in sincere appreciation of your support of WGI Sport of the Arts”, from WGI Sport of the Arts.

The premium Saturn IV Series drum set was released.

The Saturn series has always been one of MAPEX’s most iconic products.

Limited edition Q curve for Taiwanese singer-Jay Chou's concert was released.

MAPEX received an appreciation award, “in sincere appreciation of your support of WGI Sport of the Arts”, from WGI Sport of the Arts.

Saturn IV drum set received the award of “BEST DRUM SET OF 2013” at 2013 NAMM.

MAPEX received the “Best in Show” and “Companies to Watch: MAPEX” at the Summer NAMM.

MAPEX introduced the groundbreaking SONIClear™ bearing edge technology; it enables players to get a great sound even without much tuning experience.

MAPEX’s Falcon Hardware Series won the 2014 Music & Sound Award of “Best Percussion Accessory of 2013” .

MAPEX Saturn IV series won the 2014 Music & Sound Award of “Best Drum Set of 2013”

MAPEX Mars drum set won music inc.’s “Product Excellence Award”

MAPEX received an appreciation award, “in sincere appreciation of your support of WGI Sport of the Arts”, from WGI Sport of the Arts.

A customized MAPEX MyDentity drum set was used in the Academy Award-winning film “Whiplash”.

Hollywood heavyweight studio drummer Russ Miller became a brand consultant at MAPEX.

MAPEX received an appreciation award, “in sincere appreciation of your support of WGI Sport of the Arts”, from WGI Sport of the Arts.

MAPEX received an appreciation award, “in sincere appreciation of your support of WGI Sport of the Arts”, from WGI Sport of the Arts.

MAPEX won MMR Dealer’s Choice Awards “Percussion Line of the Year” in USA.

MAPEX Marching band series won Tarpon Springs High School-Gold Medal, “Bands of America Grand National Championships, 2015.”

MAPEX received an appreciation award, “in sincere appreciation of your support of WGI Sport of the Arts”, from WGI Sport of the Arts.

Black Panther Design Lab was introduced.

MAPEX received an appreciation award, “in sincere appreciation of your support of WGI Sport of the Arts”, from WGI Sport of the Arts.

MAPEX received an appreciation award, “in sincere appreciation of your support of WGI Sport of the Arts”, from WGI Sport of the Arts.

To celebrate MAPEX’s 30th Anniversary, 300 limited edition Modern Classic drum sets and 600 limited edition Modern Classic snare drums were launched globally.

MAPEX 30th Anniversary.

Saturn Renew, Saturn Evolution, Black Panther Snares and BPDL Artist Snares are released.