Gear article

DW Drums DW 9399 Heavy Duty Tom/Snare Stand

The DW 9399 Heavy Duty Tom/Snare Stand is a professional-grade hardware solution designed by DW Drums to support rack toms and snare drums ranging from 10 to 16 inches in diameter. Part of the flagship 9000 series, it features a Mega-Tripod™ base and Neoprene pads to ensure maximum stability and shell resonance for both live performance and studio recording.

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Background and Development

The DW 9399 was developed as a response to the increasing preference among modern drummers to mount rack toms on snare stands rather than using traditional bass-drum mounts or tom arms. By integrating the robust engineering of the 9000 series hardware, DW Drums created a stand capable of handling the weight and vibration of large toms while maintaining the flexibility required for primary snare drum positioning.

Technical Features and Design

The stand is characterised by its heavy-duty construction and several proprietary DW innovations. A key feature is the Mega-Tripod™ base, which provides a significantly wider footprint than standard stands to prevent tipping when supporting heavy drums at extreme angles. The TechLock™ adjustment system uses a large-handled secondary locking mechanism to ensure that the chosen angle remains secure under heavy impact.

Furthermore, the stand utilizes Neoprene pads on the basket grips. These pads are designed to isolate the drum shell from the metal hardware, thereby increasing the natural resonance and sustain of the drum. The basket itself is removable, allowing for easier transport and configuration changes.

Performance and Sound Character

Unlike traditional stands that may choke the sound of a drum through rigid contact, the DW 9399 is engineered to preserve the instrument's tonal character. The inclusion of specialized padding allows the drum to 'breathe,' resulting in a fuller low-end response and longer decay. The chrome finish ensures the unit maintains a classic aesthetic that matches most contemporary hardware setups.

Market Position and Alternatives

Positioned at the premium end of the market with a typical price of £295, the DW 9399 competes with other high-end hardware such as the Tama HTS88W Roadpro Single Tom Stand and the Sonor 6000 series components. While alternatives like the Yamaha HS740A or Pearl mounting systems offer different weight-to-stability ratios, the DW 9399 is specifically geared toward drummers requiring 'heavy-duty' support for larger shell diameters between 10 and 16 inches.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the DW 9399 stand?
It is designed as a heavy-duty support system primarily for holding rack toms or snare drums. It specifically caters to the growing trend of mounting toms on snare-style stands for better positioning and stability.
What size drums can the DW 9399 accommodate?
The stand is adjustable and can securely hold any drum with a diameter ranging from 10 inches to 16 inches. This makes it suitable for standard snare drums as well as most rack and small floor toms.
What is the TechLock™ adjustment system?
TechLock™ is a DW-patented locking mechanism that provides ultimate support and stability. It allows the user to lock in their preferred angle settings, ensuring the drum does not slip or move during intense performances or recording sessions.
How does the stand affect drum resonance?
The stand features specially designed Neoprene pads in the basket. These pads increase isolation between the drum shell and the hardware, which helps to maximise the resonance and natural sustain of the instrument.
What makes the base of the DW 9399 unique?
It utilizes the DW Mega-Tripod™ base. This design offers a larger footprint and heavier construction compared to standard tripods, providing the stability necessary for supporting large, heavy toms.
Can the basket be removed from the stand?
Yes, the DW 9399 features a newly designed removable basket. This facilitates easier storage and transportation and allows for more flexible setup options.
What finish is available for this hardware?
The stand comes in a high-quality chrome finish. This ensures it blends seamlessly with the most popular professional drum hardware currently on the market.
Is the DW 9399 suitable for studio recording?
Yes, its design focuses on stability and resonance. The TechLock™ system prevents unwanted movement, while the Neoprene pads ensure the drum's tone is captured accurately without being 'choked' by the stand.
How does it compare to the Tama HTS88W?
Both are heavy-duty single tom stands; however, the DW 9399 features the proprietary TechLock™ and Mega-Tripod™ systems. The DW model is specifically marketed for its resonance-increasing Neoprene pads.
What is the typical price for this stand in the UK?
The DW 9399 is typically priced around £295. This reflects its status as a professional-grade, high-end piece of hardware from the 9000 series.
Can I use this stand for a 16-inch floor tom?
Yes, the basket is adjustable up to 16 inches. While it is often used for rack toms, it is sturdy enough to hold a 16-inch drum if the user prefers a stand-mounted floor tom setup.
Is this stand part of a specific product line?
It is part of the DW 9000 Series hardware. This series is DW Drums' flagship line, known for being the most robust and feature-rich hardware they offer.