Overview
Ok - so this is a rarity if ever I saw one! First "discovered" by long-time contributer Bojan Ružman (cheers Bojan!), this is a custom model for "Vom Richie" (Stephen George Ritchie) who plays for the German band "Die Toten Hosen".
As with the other custom models with Pro M lugs (linked below), you can debate whether this is a Black Panther. You can. I'm absolutely not going to, as this is 100% a member of the family. As I'm sure I've said before, "Just look at it!!"
I shall be doing my damndest to contact the artist to see if I can get any more information about this rarity. Watch this space...
Update November 2025
Vom Ritchie was kind enought to reply to my enquiry about this snare. Here's his (slightly edited) reply:
"Basically I wanted to have a good quality affordable snare for fans and youngsters to be encouraged to start playing drums. It sold out extremely fast as only 140 (I think) were produced. I was keen to do a follow up but Mapex weren't so keen so I guess that'll be my legacy as far as snares go 😅😅. It was a fun thing to do and the buyers seemed happy, so thats good enough for me!"
How kind is that to reply to a random obsessive snare geek!
Update Sept 2026
The original listing says it's a 5.5" but it's actually a 6.5". Thanks for Martin Seer on FB for putting me right about this!
Here's the original post and the Google translation:
https://www.musikland-online.de/Mapex-14x5-5-BLACK-PANTHER-Richie-Signature-Snare/#&gid=1&pid=1
(my German is limited to ordering food and Stroh Rum on a ski slope, so any further information appreciated).
Mapex 14" x 5.5" 6.5" Black Panther "Vom Ritchie" Signature Snare Drum
This limited edition signature steel snare drum "Vom Ritchie" doesn't just look amazing, it can also be seriously loud with bite and punch...
The shell of this 1mm steel snare features the logo of the world-famous German punk band "Die Toten Hosen." The exclusive "Vom Ritchie" signature badge is another visual highlight.
- Black chrome etched "Hosen" finish
- with Vom's exclusive signature badge
- 1mm steel shell 14" x 5.5"6.5"
- 2.3 mm power hoops
- Single point contact lugs
Original Text from the website:
Mapex 14''x 5.5" 6.5 Black Panther "Vom Ritchie" Signature Snare
die limitierte Signature Steel Snare "Vom Ritchie" sieht nicht nur "Hammer-mäßig" aus, sie kann auch richtig laut mit Biß und Punch...
Auf dem Kessel der 1mm Steel Snare ist das Logo der weltbekannten deutschen Punkband "Die Toten Hosen" zu sehen. Das exclusive "Vom Ritchie"- Signature Badge ist ein weiteres optisches Highlight.
The excellent and extensive set of photos documenting this rarity are courtesy of Martin Seer. Vielen Dank Martin!
Catalogue shot of snare and badge copyright J&M Musicland.
