What is the shell material of this DW Design Series snare?

The shell is made of beaded aluminium. This material is chosen for its resonant tone and balanced overtones, offering a distinct sound compared to wood or heavier metals.

What are the dimensions of this drum?

The drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 5.5 inches in depth. These are standard dimensions that provide a versatile balance of sensitivity and body.

What type of throw-off does the drum use?

It features the DW MAG Snare Throw Off. This mechanism uses a magnet to ensure the snare wires stay securely engaged until deliberately released.

What are True Pitch tension rods?

True Pitch tension rods have a finer thread than standard rods. This allows for more nuanced and precise tuning adjustments, helping the drummer reach specific pitches more easily.

What kind of finish does this snare drum have?

The drum features a matte finish. This finish is designed for durability and a professional appearance that suits both live and studio settings.

Is this snare drum suitable for studio recording?

Yes, its aluminium shell provides a resonant yet controlled tone that is highly regarded for recording. The 5.5-inch depth is a standard for capturing a crisp snare sound.

How does this drum compare to the DW Collector’s Series?

While the Collector’s Series offers bespoke customisation and materials like stainless steel, the Design Series provides custom-quality features like the MAG throw-off at a more accessible price point.

What is the typical price for this model in the UK?

The typical price range for this specific DW Design Series aluminium snare is approximately £469. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Can this snare drum be used for heavy rock music?

Yes, its beaded aluminium shell delivers ample overtones and resonance. This allows it to cut through high-volume musical arrangements effectively.

Does the matte finish affect the sound of the drum?

The matte finish is primarily an aesthetic and protective choice. While any coating can subtly influence resonance, this finish is designed to maintain the drum's workhorse durability.

How does aluminium sound compared to maple wood snares?

Aluminium typically offers more resonance and brightness than maple. While maple drums like the Sonor AQ2 are warm, this aluminium snare provides a more metallic 'crack' and distinct overtones.

Is the hardware on this drum reliable for touring?

Yes, the inclusion of the MAG throw-off and True Pitch rods makes it a stable and reliable choice. Its build quality is described by the manufacturer as 'workhorse-style durability'.

Gear article

DW Design Series 14" x 5.5" Aluminium Snare Drum

The DW Design Series 14" x 5.5" Snare Drum is a professional-grade instrument featuring a beaded aluminium shell designed to offer custom-level quality to a wide range of drummers. It is characterised by its resonant tone, reliable hardware, and a matte finish that provides durability for both studio and live applications.

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Background and Design

The Design Series represents DW Drums' commitment to providing professional-specification instruments at a more accessible price point than their bespoke Collector’s Series. This specific model utilizes a thin, beaded aluminium shell, a material favoured by engineers and drummers for its balanced acoustic properties. The matte finish is intended to provide a 'workhorse' aesthetic, prioritising long-term durability against the rigours of touring while maintaining an elegant appearance.

Technical Features

The drum is equipped with two of DW’s proprietary hardware innovations. The MAG Snare Throw Off is a simple, reliable mechanism that uses a magnet to hold the strainer in the 'up' position, preventing accidental drops during play. For tuning, the drum employs True Pitch tension rods. These rods feature a tighter thread pitch than standard industry screws, allowing the drummer to make more incremental and precise adjustments to the drumhead tension.

Sonic Character

Constructed from aluminium, the shell delivers a resonant tone with a healthy presence of overtones. Unlike heavier steel or brass shells which can be overly aggressive, aluminium provides a naturally compressed and dry quality that helps it sit well in a mix. The 5.5-inch depth offers a versatile balance between the 'crack' of a shallow drum and the body of a deeper shell, making it suitable for a broad spectrum of musical genres.

Market Positioning

Retailing at approximately £469, this snare competes in the mid-to-high-end market. It is positioned as a versatile alternative to wood snares like the British Drum Co. Maverick or the Sonor AQ2 Maple. While it shares some DNA with the more expensive DW Collector’s Series Stainless Steel snare, the Design Series Aluminium is tailored for those who require a consistent, reliable tool that performs predictably across different tuning ranges and environments.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell material of this DW Design Series snare?: The shell is made of beaded aluminium. This material is chosen for its resonant tone and balanced overtones, offering a distinct sound compared to wood or heavier metals.
What are the dimensions of this drum?: The drum measures 14 inches in diameter by 5.5 inches in depth. These are standard dimensions that provide a versatile balance of sensitivity and body.
What type of throw-off does the drum use?: It features the DW MAG Snare Throw Off. This mechanism uses a magnet to ensure the snare wires stay securely engaged until deliberately released.
What are True Pitch tension rods?: True Pitch tension rods have a finer thread than standard rods. This allows for more nuanced and precise tuning adjustments, helping the drummer reach specific pitches more easily.
What kind of finish does this snare drum have?: The drum features a matte finish. This finish is designed for durability and a professional appearance that suits both live and studio settings.
Is this snare drum suitable for studio recording?: Yes, its aluminium shell provides a resonant yet controlled tone that is highly regarded for recording. The 5.5-inch depth is a standard for capturing a crisp snare sound.
How does this drum compare to the DW Collector’s Series?: While the Collector’s Series offers bespoke customisation and materials like stainless steel, the Design Series provides custom-quality features like the MAG throw-off at a more accessible price point.
What is the typical price for this model in the UK?: The typical price range for this specific DW Design Series aluminium snare is approximately £469. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Can this snare drum be used for heavy rock music?: Yes, its beaded aluminium shell delivers ample overtones and resonance. This allows it to cut through high-volume musical arrangements effectively.
Does the matte finish affect the sound of the drum?: The matte finish is primarily an aesthetic and protective choice. While any coating can subtly influence resonance, this finish is designed to maintain the drum's workhorse durability.
How does aluminium sound compared to maple wood snares?: Aluminium typically offers more resonance and brightness than maple. While maple drums like the Sonor AQ2 are warm, this aluminium snare provides a more metallic 'crack' and distinct overtones.
Is the hardware on this drum reliable for touring?: Yes, the inclusion of the MAG throw-off and True Pitch rods makes it a stable and reliable choice. Its build quality is described by the manufacturer as 'workhorse-style durability'.