What is the shell material of this Dixon Artisan snare?

The drum is constructed from exotic rose gumwood. It features a 9-ply shell with a total thickness of 5.4mm.

What are the dimensions of this specific drum?

This model measures 14 inches in diameter by 6.5 inches in depth. This depth provides a thicker sound compared to standard 5.5-inch deep snares.

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

The Flip-Drop throw-off is a Dixon exclusive design that is fully adjustable. It allows the user to position the throw-off lever to the left, right, or centre of the shell for better ergonomics.

How does the thickness of the shell affect the sound?

At 5.4mm, the shell is thin enough to allow for significant resonance and a punchy tone. Thinner shells generally provide more vibration and a more 'open' sound than extremely thick shells.

What kind of tone can I expect at high tunings?

When tuned up, the Rose Gum snare provides a precise and rapid response. It produces a snappy tone that is ideal for articulate playing styles.

How does the drum sound when tuned low?

Lower tuning on this 14 x 6.5 shell results in a 'fatter' and 'dirtier' tone. This is often preferred for rock and backbeat-heavy music where a thick sound is required.

Is the Dixon Artisan Rose Gum snare hand-made?

Yes, according to the manufacturer, these exotic wood snares are hand-made. This contributes to the 'Artisan' designation of the series.

What finish is applied to this drum?

The drum features a 'Gloss Vint' finish. This is a high-gloss coating that protects the wood while giving it a vintage aesthetic.

How much does the Dixon Artisan Rose Gum Snare typically cost?

The typical price range for this specific snare drum is approximately £566. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

How does it compare to the Tama Starclassic Performer?

The Tama Starclassic Performer often uses different wood blends and usually comes in a 5.5" depth. The Dixon Rose Gum offers a deeper 6.5" shell and a more exotic wood choice.

Is this drum suitable for beginners?

While beginners can use it, it is positioned as a professional-grade artisan instrument. Its price point and high-end features like the Flip-Drop throw-off are typically aimed at serious players.

What hardware finish is used on the hoops and lugs?

The drum features luscious chrome hardware. This includes the adjustable Flip-Drop throw-off and the matching lugs and hoops.

Gear article

Dixon Drums Artisan Series Rose Gum Snare Drum (14" x 6.5")

The Dixon Drums 14" x 6.5" Artisan Series Rose Gum Snare Drum is a hand-made percussion instrument featuring a 9-ply exotic rose gumwood shell. Designed for professional performance, it is distinguished by its 5.4mm thin-shell construction and the proprietary Dixon Flip-Drop throw-off mechanism.

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Construction and Design

The Artisan Series Rose Gum snare is defined by its exotic 9-ply rose gumwood shell. The shell is crafted to a thickness of 5.4mm, which is relatively thin for a 9-ply construction, allowing for increased resonance and vibration. The exterior is finished in a 'Gloss Vint' (Vintage) aesthetic, highlighting the natural grain of the exotic wood.

A standout technical feature is the Dixon exclusive Flip-Drop style throw-off. This chrome-finished hardware is adjustable, allowing the drummer to position the lever to the left, right, or centre of the shell to accommodate different playing styles and setups.

Sonic Characteristics

Due to the density of rose gumwood and the 6.5" depth of the shell, this snare produces a character described as punchy and crunchy. Its sonic profile varies significantly based on tension:

High Tuning: Provides a precise, rapid response with a snappy, articulate tone.
Low Tuning: Delivers a 'fatter' and 'dirtier' performance, taking advantage of the increased shell volume compared to shallower models.

The 5.4mm shell thickness ensures that the drum maintains sensitivity while providing the projection required for louder musical environments.

Target User

This snare drum is aimed at intermediate to professional drummers seeking a hand-made exotic wood instrument. Because of its versatility in tuning—ranging from snappy precision to a fat, dirty backbeat—it is suitable for diverse genres including rock, pop, and fusion. The adjustable Flip-Drop throw-off specifically caters to players who are particular about their ergonomic hardware layout.

Market Comparisons

Within the professional snare market, the Dixon Artisan Rose Gum competes with several high-end wood and metal alternatives:

Maple Options: The British Drum Co. Maverick and Sonor AQ2 Maple offer a more traditional, warm maple tone compared to the punchy, exotic character of Rose Gum.
Walnut Options: The Natal Originals Walnut 14" x 8" provides a deeper, darker resonance than the 6.5" Dixon.
Metal Alternatives: The DW Collectors Stainless Steel snare offers a brighter, more aggressive crack than the organic, crunchy response of the Rose Gum wood shell.
Compact/Specialty: It represents a significant professional upgrade over entry-level kits such as the Gear4music Junior series or novelty items like the Remo Lollipop drum.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell material of this Dixon Artisan snare?: The drum is constructed from exotic rose gumwood. It features a 9-ply shell with a total thickness of 5.4mm.
What are the dimensions of this specific drum?: This model measures 14 inches in diameter by 6.5 inches in depth. This depth provides a thicker sound compared to standard 5.5-inch deep snares.
What is unique about the Dixon Flip-Drop throw-off?: The Flip-Drop throw-off is a Dixon exclusive design that is fully adjustable. It allows the user to position the throw-off lever to the left, right, or centre of the shell for better ergonomics.
How does the thickness of the shell affect the sound?: At 5.4mm, the shell is thin enough to allow for significant resonance and a punchy tone. Thinner shells generally provide more vibration and a more 'open' sound than extremely thick shells.
What kind of tone can I expect at high tunings?: When tuned up, the Rose Gum snare provides a precise and rapid response. It produces a snappy tone that is ideal for articulate playing styles.
How does the drum sound when tuned low?: Lower tuning on this 14 x 6.5 shell results in a 'fatter' and 'dirtier' tone. This is often preferred for rock and backbeat-heavy music where a thick sound is required.
Is the Dixon Artisan Rose Gum snare hand-made?: Yes, according to the manufacturer, these exotic wood snares are hand-made. This contributes to the 'Artisan' designation of the series.
What finish is applied to this drum?: The drum features a 'Gloss Vint' finish. This is a high-gloss coating that protects the wood while giving it a vintage aesthetic.
How much does the Dixon Artisan Rose Gum Snare typically cost?: The typical price range for this specific snare drum is approximately £566. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
How does it compare to the Tama Starclassic Performer?: The Tama Starclassic Performer often uses different wood blends and usually comes in a 5.5" depth. The Dixon Rose Gum offers a deeper 6.5" shell and a more exotic wood choice.
Is this drum suitable for beginners?: While beginners can use it, it is positioned as a professional-grade artisan instrument. Its price point and high-end features like the Flip-Drop throw-off are typically aimed at serious players.
What hardware finish is used on the hoops and lugs?: The drum features luscious chrome hardware. This includes the adjustable Flip-Drop throw-off and the matching lugs and hoops.