Who designed the DW Black Sheep Bass Drum Beater?

The beater was designed by Rich Redmond, a prominent Nashville-based session and touring drummer. His experience in the industry led to the creation of this versatile, dual-tone tool.

What materials are used in the construction of this beater?

The head is made from high-quality maple wood that has been stained black. It also includes a removable cover made from elasticated wool.

How does the sound change when using the bare maple beater?

Without the cover, the maple head produces a powerful sound with a very strong attack. This configuration is intended to provide maximum definition and volume.

What is the purpose of the black sheep wool cover?

The wool cover is designed to soften the impact of the beater against the drumhead. This results in a warmer, punchier tone with reduced attack.

Which musical genres are best suited for the maple side?

The maple beater is perfect for rock music and other high-energy genres. Its sharp attack helps the bass drum remain audible in loud environments.

Which musical genres are best suited for the wool cover?

The wool cover is specifically recommended for jazz and hip-hop. These genres often require a softer, more rounded low-end sound rather than a sharp click.

Is the wool cover difficult to attach or remove?

The cover is made with elastic, allowing it to be slipped on or off the rounded maple head relatively easily. This design facilitates quick tonal changes between songs.

What is the typical price for the DW Black Sheep beater?

The product typically retails for approximately £45. This price point reflects its status as a premium, artist-designed accessory from DW Drums.

Can this beater be used on electronic drum kits?

While it can physically fit any standard pedal, players should exercise caution. Hard maple beaters can sometimes cause excessive wear on electronic mesh heads, so the wool cover is often preferred in those instances.

How does the DW Black Sheep compare to the Tama Accu-Strike?

The Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike is focused on precise strike alignment and durability. The DW Black Sheep is more focused on providing two distinct acoustic textures via its maple and wool options.

What shape is the maple beater head?

The maple beater features a simple rounded design. This shape ensures a consistent contact point with the drumhead regardless of the pedal's angle.

Is the beater compatible with non-DW bass drum pedals?

Yes, it uses a standard shaft diameter that is compatible with most modern bass drum pedals from brands like Tama, Pearl, and Mapex. It is sold as a universal replacement part.

Gear article

DW Drums DW Black Sheep Bass Drum Beater

The DW Black Sheep Bass Drum Beater is a versatile percussion accessory designed by Nashville session drummer Rich Redmond. It features a dual-sonic design that allows drummers to switch between a hard-hitting maple surface and a soft, wool-covered punch for varied musical applications.

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Overview

The DW Black Sheep Bass Drum Beater is a specialized kick drum accessory developed in collaboration with renowned Nashville drummer Rich Redmond. Manufactured by DW Drums, it is positioned within the parts and spares market as a premium multi-tonal tool. The product is distinguished by its unique construction, featuring a black-stained maple core that can be modified using a removable elasticated wool cover.

Construction and Mechanics

At its core, the unit is a simple, rounded maple beater. The maple is stained black, providing a sleek aesthetic while maintaining the structural integrity and weight distribution required for professional kick pedals. The primary innovation is the inclusion of the 'Black Sheep' cover—an elasticated wool sleeve that fits securely over the maple head. This allows drummers to change the mechanical impact and subsequent resonance of the bass drum without needing to swap out the entire beater assembly during a session.

Sonic Characteristics

The beater provides two distinct sonic profiles based on its configuration:

Bare Maple: When used without the cover, the maple head delivers a powerful sound characterized by a sharp, prominent attack. This profile provides the clarity and 'click' necessary to cut through dense mixes.
Wool Covered: The addition of the black sheep wool cover transforms the tone into a warm, soft punch. The wool absorbs the higher-frequency transients of the initial strike, resulting in a more rounded, vintage-style thump.

Target Applications

The dual nature of the DW Black Sheep makes it suitable for a wide variety of genres. The bare maple setting is specifically designed for rock and heavier musical styles where volume and definition are paramount. Conversely, the wool-covered setting is ideally suited for jazz, hip-hop, and studio sessions requiring a more subdued, controlled bass drum presence. It is a popular choice for session drummers who must adapt to different genre requirements within a single performance or recording day.

Comparative Analysis

Compared to standard rubber or felt beaters, such as the Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike, the DW Black Sheep offers a more extreme tonal range. While products like the Accu-Strike focus on consistency and speed, the Black Sheep focuses on textural variety. It serves as a more specialized alternative to generic wooden beaters, providing the added utility of the wool cover which is rarely included as a standard feature in traditional maple beater kits.

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Frequently asked questions

Who designed the DW Black Sheep Bass Drum Beater?: The beater was designed by Rich Redmond, a prominent Nashville-based session and touring drummer. His experience in the industry led to the creation of this versatile, dual-tone tool.
What materials are used in the construction of this beater?: The head is made from high-quality maple wood that has been stained black. It also includes a removable cover made from elasticated wool.
How does the sound change when using the bare maple beater?: Without the cover, the maple head produces a powerful sound with a very strong attack. This configuration is intended to provide maximum definition and volume.
What is the purpose of the black sheep wool cover?: The wool cover is designed to soften the impact of the beater against the drumhead. This results in a warmer, punchier tone with reduced attack.
Which musical genres are best suited for the maple side?: The maple beater is perfect for rock music and other high-energy genres. Its sharp attack helps the bass drum remain audible in loud environments.
Which musical genres are best suited for the wool cover?: The wool cover is specifically recommended for jazz and hip-hop. These genres often require a softer, more rounded low-end sound rather than a sharp click.
Is the wool cover difficult to attach or remove?: The cover is made with elastic, allowing it to be slipped on or off the rounded maple head relatively easily. This design facilitates quick tonal changes between songs.
What is the typical price for the DW Black Sheep beater?: The product typically retails for approximately £45. This price point reflects its status as a premium, artist-designed accessory from DW Drums.
Can this beater be used on electronic drum kits?: While it can physically fit any standard pedal, players should exercise caution. Hard maple beaters can sometimes cause excessive wear on electronic mesh heads, so the wool cover is often preferred in those instances.
How does the DW Black Sheep compare to the Tama Accu-Strike?: The Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike is focused on precise strike alignment and durability. The DW Black Sheep is more focused on providing two distinct acoustic textures via its maple and wool options.
What shape is the maple beater head?: The maple beater features a simple rounded design. This shape ensures a consistent contact point with the drumhead regardless of the pedal's angle.
Is the beater compatible with non-DW bass drum pedals?: Yes, it uses a standard shaft diameter that is compatible with most modern bass drum pedals from brands like Tama, Pearl, and Mapex. It is sold as a universal replacement part.