Who helped design the DW Control XL Beater?

The beater was designed in conjunction with John "JR" Robinson, a legendary studio drummer known for his work on numerous hit records.

How long is the shaft on the DW Control XL?

The beater features an extra-long shaft measuring 8.15 inches, providing ample reach and leverage for various kick drum sizes.

What striking surfaces are available on this beater?

It features two interchangeable striking surfaces: a wood side for high attack and a felt side for a warmer, softer tone.

How does the weighting system work?

The beater comes with two interchangeable weights that can be positioned anywhere along the shaft to adjust the throw and feel to the player's preference.

What kind of sound does the wood side produce?

The wood surface produces an attack-centered 'smack,' providing maximum definition and punch for the bass drum.

When should I use the felt side of the beater?

The felt side is best used when you need a warmer, softer, and more traditional kick drum tone, common in jazz or acoustic music.

Can I adjust the balance of the beater?

Yes, by moving the two included weights up or down the 8.15-inch shaft, you can significantly change the balance and momentum of the stroke.

Is this beater suitable for all music styles?

Yes, its dual surfaces and adjustable weights make it versatile enough for any style, from heavy metal to soft studio sessions.

What is the typical price for the DW Control XL?

The typical price range for this beater is approximately £46.00 in the UK market.

How does the 'XL' designation affect playability?

The 'XL' refers to the extra-long shaft, which allows for more power and a different feel compared to standard-length beaters.

Will this beater fit standard bass drum pedals?

Yes, it is designed as a part and spare that fits into standard bass drum pedal beater hubs, utilizing DW's player-focused innovations.

How does it compare to the Tama Accu-Strike beater?

While the Tama Accu-Strike focuses on a specific rubber strike, the DW Control XL offers dual wood/felt surfaces and a unique adjustable weight system on an extended shaft.

Gear article

DW Drums DW Control XL Bass Drum Beater

The DW Control XL Bass Drum Beater is a professional-grade percussion accessory developed in collaboration with renowned session drummer John "JR" Robinson. It features an extended shaft and adjustable weighting system designed to offer drummers precise control over the throw, feel, and sonic profile of their kick drum.

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Background and Design

The DW Control XL Bass Drum Beater represents a collaboration between DW Drums and studio legend John "JR" Robinson, whose extensive recording history required a tool capable of adapting to diverse musical environments. The design focuses on customisation, allowing the player to modify the physical physics of the pedal stroke. By utilizing an extra-long 8.15-inch shaft, the beater provides more leverage and reach than standard models, catering to various kick drum sizes and player heights.

Mechanical Features

A primary feature of the Control XL is its interchangeable weighting system. The beater includes two weights that can be positioned freely along the 8.15-inch shaft. This allows for fine-tuning the 'throw' of the beater; moving weights closer to the head increases power and momentum, while moving them toward the base lightens the feel for faster footwork. This innovation ensures that the beater can be adjusted to match the specific tension and resistance of almost any bass drum pedal.

Tonal Characteristics

The beater head is dual-sided, offering two distinct tonal opposites:

Wood Surface: Produces a high-attack 'smack' with significant definition, ideal for cutting through dense mixes or heavy musical styles.
Felt Surface: Offers a warmer, softer, and more traditional tone suitable for jazz, acoustic settings, or studio sessions where a rounded low-end is preferred.

This versatility allows drummers to switch their sound profile without changing their entire pedal setup.

Target Audience

The DW Control XL is suited for professional drummers and studio musicians who require a high degree of adaptability. Its adjustable nature makes it an excellent choice for players who frequently switch between genres, such as moving from high-volume rock to nuanced fusion. The extra-long shaft also makes it particularly appealing to drummers using larger bass drums (24" or 26") where a standard beater may not reach the sweet spot of the drumhead.

Market Comparison

Within the percussion market, the DW Control XL competes with other specialized beaters such as the Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike Iron Cobra Beater. While the Tama model focuses on a specific rubber material for punch and rebound, the DW XL differentiates itself through its variable weighting system and the inclusion of both wood and felt surfaces. At a typical price point of £46, it sits in the premium tier of drum hardware spares.

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Frequently asked questions

Who helped design the DW Control XL Beater?: The beater was designed in conjunction with John "JR" Robinson, a legendary studio drummer known for his work on numerous hit records.
How long is the shaft on the DW Control XL?: The beater features an extra-long shaft measuring 8.15 inches, providing ample reach and leverage for various kick drum sizes.
What striking surfaces are available on this beater?: It features two interchangeable striking surfaces: a wood side for high attack and a felt side for a warmer, softer tone.
How does the weighting system work?: The beater comes with two interchangeable weights that can be positioned anywhere along the shaft to adjust the throw and feel to the player's preference.
What kind of sound does the wood side produce?: The wood surface produces an attack-centered 'smack,' providing maximum definition and punch for the bass drum.
When should I use the felt side of the beater?: The felt side is best used when you need a warmer, softer, and more traditional kick drum tone, common in jazz or acoustic music.
Can I adjust the balance of the beater?: Yes, by moving the two included weights up or down the 8.15-inch shaft, you can significantly change the balance and momentum of the stroke.
Is this beater suitable for all music styles?: Yes, its dual surfaces and adjustable weights make it versatile enough for any style, from heavy metal to soft studio sessions.
What is the typical price for the DW Control XL?: The typical price range for this beater is approximately £46.00 in the UK market.
How does the 'XL' designation affect playability?: The 'XL' refers to the extra-long shaft, which allows for more power and a different feel compared to standard-length beaters.
Will this beater fit standard bass drum pedals?: Yes, it is designed as a part and spare that fits into standard bass drum pedal beater hubs, utilizing DW's player-focused innovations.
How does it compare to the Tama Accu-Strike beater?: While the Tama Accu-Strike focuses on a specific rubber strike, the DW Control XL offers dual wood/felt surfaces and a unique adjustable weight system on an extended shaft.