What is the shell material of the Dixon Artisan Rose Gum Snare?

The shell is constructed from 9-ply rose gumwood, an exotic timber chosen for its density and punchy tonal profile.

What are the dimensions of this specific snare drum?

The drum measures 12 inches in diameter and has a depth of 5 inches, making it more compact than a standard snare.

What is unique about the Flip-Drop throw-off?

The Flip-Drop throw-off is a Dixon exclusive design that is fully adjustable, allowing the player to position the lever to the left, right, or centre of the shell.

How thick is the rose gumwood shell?

The shell has a total thickness of 5.4mm, which balances structural strength with resonant sensitivity.

What finish is applied to the exterior of the drum?

The drum features a smooth gloss reverse burst finish designed to accentuate the natural grain of the rose gumwood.

What kind of sound should I expect from a 12 x 5 rose gum snare?

Expect a sharp attack and a punchy tone that can easily fire through a mix, characteristic of its smaller diameter and hardwood construction.

Is this drum suitable as a primary snare?

Yes, while 12-inch snares are often used as side snares, the Artisan Rose Gum's punchy tone makes it a viable primary snare for genres like funk or pop.

How does this compare to the Tama Starclassic Performer LTD?

The Dixon is smaller (12x5) and made of rose gumwood, whereas the Tama is a 14x5.5 model, resulting in the Dixon having a higher pitch and faster decay.

Can the throw-off lever be moved for left-handed players?

Yes, the Flip-Drop style throw-off is specifically designed to be positioned to the left, right, or centre to suit the drummer's preference.

What hardware finish is used on the Artisan Series Rose Gum snare?

The drum is equipped with luscious chrome hardware, including the adjustable throw-off and hoops.

How does the tone of rose gumwood compare to walnut snares?

While walnut (like the Natal Originals) tends to be dark and dry, rose gumwood in this 9-ply configuration is designed for maximum punch and sharp attack.

Is the Dixon Artisan Series considered a handmade product?

Yes, Dixon markets the Artisan Series as a hand-made exotic wood snare drum option for discerning drummers.

Gear article

Dixon Drums Artisan Series Rose Gum Snare Drum (12 x 5)

The Dixon Drums 12 x 5 Artisan Series Rose Gum Snare Drum is a professional-grade percussion instrument featuring a shell crafted from exotic Australian rose gumwood. It is distinguished by its 9-ply construction and the proprietary Flip-Drop throw-off system, designed to provide a sharp, punchy attack in a compact form factor.

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Overview

The Dixon Artisan Series Rose Gum Snare Drum is an exotic wood snare designed for drummers seeking a hand-made aesthetic and unique sonic properties. Measuring 12 inches in diameter with a 5-inch depth, it occupies a smaller footprint than standard 14-inch snares, making it suitable as either a primary snare for specific genres or a secondary effect snare. The drum is notable for its use of rose gumwood, a material chosen for its density and tonal characteristics, finished in a high-gloss reverse burst that highlights the natural wood grain.

Construction and Key Features

The core of the instrument is a 5.4mm thick, 9-ply rose gumwood shell. This construction method ensures structural integrity while maintaining the resonant properties of the exotic timber.

A standout mechanical feature is the Dixon exclusive Flip-Drop style throw-off. Unlike fixed snare strainers, this chrome-plated component is fully adjustable, allowing the drummer to position the lever to the left, right, or centre of the shell to accommodate personal ergonomic preferences. The hardware is finished in chrome, providing a visual contrast to the gloss reverse burst finish of the shell.

Sound Character

Due to its 12-inch diameter and the inherent hardness of rose gumwood, the Artisan Series snare delivers an impeccably sharp level of attack. The 9-ply shell provides a 'punchy' tone that is designed to cut through dense musical mixes. While smaller drums often lack body, the 5.4mm thickness of this shell helps maintain a crisp response across different tuning ranges, though its primary characteristic remains its speed and high-frequency presence.

Suitability and Comparison

This snare is particularly suited for drummers playing funk, pop, or electronic styles where a quick, high-pitched snare sound is required. In contrast to larger maple alternatives like the British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 or the Sonor AQ2 Maple, the Dixon Rose Gum offers a tighter, more focused sound.

Compared to metal-shelled options such as the DW Collectors Series Stainless Steel snare, the Dixon provides the warmth associated with wood while retaining a level of projection that rivals harder materials. Its unique 12-inch size sets it apart from traditional 14-inch models like the Tama Starclassic Performer or the Natal Originals Walnut, offering a distinct alternative for players looking to deviate from standard configurations.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell material of the Dixon Artisan Rose Gum Snare?: The shell is constructed from 9-ply rose gumwood, an exotic timber chosen for its density and punchy tonal profile.
What are the dimensions of this specific snare drum?: The drum measures 12 inches in diameter and has a depth of 5 inches, making it more compact than a standard snare.
What is unique about the Flip-Drop throw-off?: The Flip-Drop throw-off is a Dixon exclusive design that is fully adjustable, allowing the player to position the lever to the left, right, or centre of the shell.
How thick is the rose gumwood shell?: The shell has a total thickness of 5.4mm, which balances structural strength with resonant sensitivity.
What finish is applied to the exterior of the drum?: The drum features a smooth gloss reverse burst finish designed to accentuate the natural grain of the rose gumwood.
What kind of sound should I expect from a 12 x 5 rose gum snare?: Expect a sharp attack and a punchy tone that can easily fire through a mix, characteristic of its smaller diameter and hardwood construction.
Is this drum suitable as a primary snare?: Yes, while 12-inch snares are often used as side snares, the Artisan Rose Gum's punchy tone makes it a viable primary snare for genres like funk or pop.
How does this compare to the Tama Starclassic Performer LTD?: The Dixon is smaller (12x5) and made of rose gumwood, whereas the Tama is a 14x5.5 model, resulting in the Dixon having a higher pitch and faster decay.
Can the throw-off lever be moved for left-handed players?: Yes, the Flip-Drop style throw-off is specifically designed to be positioned to the left, right, or centre to suit the drummer's preference.
What hardware finish is used on the Artisan Series Rose Gum snare?: The drum is equipped with luscious chrome hardware, including the adjustable throw-off and hoops.
How does the tone of rose gumwood compare to walnut snares?: While walnut (like the Natal Originals) tends to be dark and dry, rose gumwood in this 9-ply configuration is designed for maximum punch and sharp attack.
Is the Dixon Artisan Series considered a handmade product?: Yes, Dixon markets the Artisan Series as a hand-made exotic wood snare drum option for discerning drummers.