What is the primary shell material of this Dixon snare?

The shell is constructed from maple, which is chosen for its classic, full-bodied sound and ability to sit well in various musical mixes.

What are the dimensions of this specific drum?

The drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 5.5 inches in depth, a standard size for versatile snare performance.

What kind of hoops does the Dixon Classic Series use?

This model is equipped with natural maple hoops, which provide additional warmth and a unique visual aesthetic compared to metal hoops.

How does the throw-off mechanism function?

It uses a slide-lever throw-off system. This design allows the drummer to instantly drop or engage the snare wires to change the drum's timbre.

What is the typical price for this snare drum?

The typical price for this model is approximately £296, placing it in the mid-range professional category.

Does the drum provide good volume for live performance?

Yes, the manufacturer specifies that the 14 x 5.5 shell provides exceptional projection and low-end power to punch through a mix.

Is this snare drum suitable for specific musical genres?

The maple construction provides a classic sound that is intended to be versatile enough for any musical style, from jazz to rock.

What is the benefit of maple hoops over steel hoops?

Maple hoops generally offer a warmer tone and a different feel for rimshots and cross-sticking, often reducing harsh high-frequency ringing.

How does the depth of this drum affect its sound?

The 5.5-inch depth is a 'middle-ground' size, offering more body than a piccolo snare but more snap and sensitivity than a deep 8-inch snare.

Is the Dixon Classic Series easy to tune?

The manufacturer describes the drum as easy to use and satisfying to play, implying a straightforward experience for the user.

How does this compare to the British Drum Co. Maverick?

Both drums use maple shells and similar dimensions, but the Dixon's specific use of maple hoops provides a distinct acoustic character compared to standard metal hoops.

Can I achieve different sounds with the snare wires?

Yes, the slide-lever throw-off is specifically designed to allow for a mixture of timbres by adjusting the engagement of the wires.

Gear article

Dixon Drums 14 x 5.5 Classic Series Maple Snare Drum with Maple Hoops

The Dixon Drums 14 x 5.5 Classic Series Maple Snare Drum is a professional-grade percussion instrument featuring an all-maple shell and matching natural maple hoops. It is designed to deliver a full-bodied sound with significant low-end power and projection, making it suitable for a wide variety of musical genres.

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Overview

The Dixon Classic Series Maple Snare Drum represents a fusion of traditional materials and modern construction. Sized at 14 x 5.5 inches, it occupies a standard footprint that balances depth and sensitivity. The standout feature of this specific model is the inclusion of maple hoops, which differentiate it from standard metal-hooped snares by offering a distinct aesthetic and acoustic profile.

Construction and Key Features

The drum is built around a maple shell, a tonewood traditionally favoured in drum manufacturing for its balanced frequency response.

Key hardware features include: * Maple Hoops: These natural wood hoops contribute to the drum's overall warmth and are designed for durability during rimshots. * Slide-lever Throw-off: This mechanism allows the player to quickly engage or disengage the snare wires, facilitating rapid changes in timbre during a performance. * 14 x 5.5 Dimensions: A versatile shell size that provides sufficient volume for live performance while maintaining a fast response.

Sound Character

The combination of the maple shell and maple hoops results in a sound described as 'colossal' in its low-end power. The wood-on-wood contact provides a full-bodied, warm resonance that punches through musical mixes without the harsh overtones sometimes associated with metal hardware. It is engineered for projection and dominating power, ensuring the backbeat remains prominent in high-volume settings.

Target Audience

This snare drum is positioned for drummers seeking a versatile workhorse capable of adapting to any musical style. Its satisfying playability and ease of use make it appropriate for intermediate players, while the specific tonal qualities of the maple hoops appeal to professionals looking for a warmer, more organic snare character.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the 14 x 5.5 maple category, the Dixon Classic Series competes with the British Drum Co. Maverick and the Sonor AQ2 (which features a slightly deeper 6-inch shell). While the Tama Starclassic Performer LTD offers a hybrid shell approach, the Dixon model focuses on the pure warmth of all-maple construction. For those seeking higher-pitched or more aggressive sounds, alternatives like the DW Collectors Series Stainless Steel or the deep 14 x 8 Natal Originals Walnut provide contrasting tonal signatures.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary shell material of this Dixon snare?: The shell is constructed from maple, which is chosen for its classic, full-bodied sound and ability to sit well in various musical mixes.
What are the dimensions of this specific drum?: The drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 5.5 inches in depth, a standard size for versatile snare performance.
What kind of hoops does the Dixon Classic Series use?: This model is equipped with natural maple hoops, which provide additional warmth and a unique visual aesthetic compared to metal hoops.
How does the throw-off mechanism function?: It uses a slide-lever throw-off system. This design allows the drummer to instantly drop or engage the snare wires to change the drum's timbre.
What is the typical price for this snare drum?: The typical price for this model is approximately £296, placing it in the mid-range professional category.
Does the drum provide good volume for live performance?: Yes, the manufacturer specifies that the 14 x 5.5 shell provides exceptional projection and low-end power to punch through a mix.
Is this snare drum suitable for specific musical genres?: The maple construction provides a classic sound that is intended to be versatile enough for any musical style, from jazz to rock.
What is the benefit of maple hoops over steel hoops?: Maple hoops generally offer a warmer tone and a different feel for rimshots and cross-sticking, often reducing harsh high-frequency ringing.
How does the depth of this drum affect its sound?: The 5.5-inch depth is a 'middle-ground' size, offering more body than a piccolo snare but more snap and sensitivity than a deep 8-inch snare.
Is the Dixon Classic Series easy to tune?: The manufacturer describes the drum as easy to use and satisfying to play, implying a straightforward experience for the user.
How does this compare to the British Drum Co. Maverick?: Both drums use maple shells and similar dimensions, but the Dixon's specific use of maple hoops provides a distinct acoustic character compared to standard metal hoops.
Can I achieve different sounds with the snare wires?: Yes, the slide-lever throw-off is specifically designed to allow for a mixture of timbres by adjusting the engagement of the wires.