Gear article
Dixon Drums 13 x 6 Artisan Series Rose Gum Snare Drum
The Dixon Drums 13 x 6 Artisan Series Rose Gum Snare Drum is a hand-made boutique-tier snare featuring a 9-ply exotic rose gumwood shell. Characterised by a 5.4mm thin-shell construction and a unique gloss reverse burst finish, it is designed to offer a punchy, sharp attack suitable for diverse musical settings.

Background and Design
The Artisan Series represents the premium tier of the Dixon catalogue, focusing on hand-made construction and the use of exotic tonewoods. The Rose Gum Snare Drum is built around a 9-ply shell made of rose gumwood, measuring 5.4mm in thickness. This specific choice of timber and shell thickness is intended to provide a balance between structural integrity and resonant frequency.
The exterior is finished in a Gloss Reverse Burst, a technique that highlights the natural grain patterns of the rose gumwood while providing a high-gloss aesthetic. The drum is fitted with chrome hardware, including the proprietary Dixon Flip-Drop throw-off system.
Technical Features and Hardware
A primary functional feature of this instrument is the Dixon exclusive Flip-Drop style throw-off. Unlike standard throw-offs, this mechanism is adjustable, allowing the drummer to position the lever to the left, right, or centre of the shell to accommodate personal ergonomic preferences.
The 13-inch diameter combined with a 6-inch depth differentiates this drum from standard 14-inch models. This reduced diameter contributes to a higher fundamental pitch and a faster response, while the 6-inch depth ensures there is sufficient shell volume to maintain body and projection.

Sonic Characteristics
The 13 x 6 Artisan Series Rose Gum snare is defined by a punchy tone with a sharp level of attack. The thin 5.4mm shell allows for quick vibration, which translates to a crisp sound that 'fires through' dense musical mixes.
Rose gumwood, as a tonewood, provides a specific harmonic profile that differs from traditional maple or birch. When combined with the 13-inch dimensions, the result is a focused, articulate snap that remains musical even at higher tensions.
Market Positioning and Alternatives
Retailing at approximately GBP 530, the Artisan Rose Gum snare occupies a professional price bracket. It competes with other high-end wood snares such as the British Drum Co. Maverick (Maple) and the Natal Originals Walnut snare.
While the Sonor AQ2 Maple and Tama Starclassic Performer offer different tonal profiles (Maple and Maple/Birch respectively), the Dixon Artisan distinguishes itself through the specific use of 9-ply rose gumwood and its unique adjustable Flip-Drop throw-off system, which is not found on these competing models.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the shell material of this Dixon snare?
- The shell is constructed from 9-ply rose gumwood, an exotic wood choice selected for its punchy tonal characteristics.
- What are the exact dimensions of this drum?
- The drum measures 13 inches in diameter by 6 inches in depth, providing a balance between high-pitched attack and body.
- How thick is the rose gumwood shell?
- The shell is 5.4mm thick, which is relatively thin, allowing for enhanced resonance and sensitivity.
- What is unique about the Dixon Flip-Drop throw-off?
- The Flip-Drop throw-off is exclusive to Dixon and features an adjustable lever that can be positioned to the left, right, or centre of the shell for player convenience.
- What finish is applied to the Artisan Rose Gum snare?
- It features a Gloss Reverse Burst finish that enhances the appearance of the natural rose gumwood grain.
- How does the 13-inch diameter affect the sound?
- A 13-inch diameter typically produces a sharper, more articulate attack and a higher fundamental pitch compared to a standard 14-inch snare.
- Is the Dixon Artisan Rose Gum snare handmade?
- Yes, this specific model is marketed as a hand-made exotic wood snare drum within Dixon's Artisan Series.
- What type of hardware finish is used on the drum?
- The drum is equipped with luscious chrome hardware, including the hoops, lugs, and the Flip-Drop throw-off.
- How does this snare compare to the British Drum Co. Maverick?
- While the Maverick uses maple in a 14 x 5.5 size, the Dixon uses 9-ply rose gumwood in a 13 x 6 size, offering a different tonal character and a more adjustable throw-off system.
- What musical applications best suit this drum?
- Due to its sharp attack and ability to cut through a mix, it is well-suited for genres requiring a crisp, punchy snare sound, such as funk, pop, or fusion.
- What is the typical price range for this model?
- The typical price for this snare drum is approximately GBP 530.
- Does the 5.4mm shell provide enough projection?
- Yes, despite the thin shell, the 9-ply rose gumwood construction and 6-inch depth are designed to provide an 'impeccably sharp level of attack' that projects through a mix.
