What is the shell thickness of this drum?

The shell is made from 1mm rolled brass, which features a central reinforcement bead for added strength and tonal focus.

What type of throw-off is included?

The drum features the DW MAG throw-off, which uses a magnetic mechanism to ensure the snare wires stay in place or release smoothly.

What is True-Pitch tuning?

True-Pitch tuning is a DW-exclusive system using tension rods with tighter thread counts, providing increased tuning accuracy and stability.

Does the drum come with heads?

Yes, it comes equipped with high-quality Remo drumheads designed to provide an accurate response across all tuning ranges.

How does brass compare to steel snares?

Brass generally offers a warmer, more 'musical' tone than steel, which tends to be brighter and more aggressive.

What is the finish on this model?

The drum features a Black Nickel finish over the brass shell, giving it a dark, mirrored aesthetic.

Is this snare suitable for recording?

Yes, the manufacturer describes it as a 'studio-quality' snare ideal for recording due to its consistent performance and balanced frequency response.

What are the dimensions of this drum?

This specific model measures 14 inches in diameter by 6.5 inches in depth.

Can this snare be used for jazz music?

Yes, the sensitivity of the brass shell and Remo heads makes it responsive enough for jazz techniques, despite its depth.

How does the price compare to the DW Collector's Series?

The Design Series is positioned with a more modest price tag (approximately £405) compared to the premium Collector's Series models.

Is the shell cast or rolled?

This snare features a rolled brass shell, which is standard for the Design Series line.

What kind of hoops are used on this snare?

It uses high-quality hoops designed to work in tandem with the True-Pitch tuning system for reliable rimshots and tuning integrity.

Gear article

DW Drums Design Series 14 x 6.5 Black Nickel Over Brass Snare Drum

The DW Drums Design Series 14 x 6.5 Black Nickel Over Brass is a professional-grade snare drum featuring a 1mm rolled, bead-reinforced brass shell. It incorporates proprietary hardware such as the MAG throw-off and True-Pitch tuning system to provide high-end performance at a mid-range price point. Designed for versatility, this drum is suitable for both live performance and studio recording across various musical genres.

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Overview

The DW Design Series Black Nickel Over Brass snare drum is a core component of DW's 'Design Series' line, which aims to bring the company's custom-shop engineering to a more accessible price bracket. The drum is constructed around a 1mm thick, bead-reinforced all-brass shell. The thinness of the shell combined with the density of the brass alloy allows for a high degree of sensitivity and projection. It is finished in a sleek black nickel plating, providing both a distinctive aesthetic and a slight dampening effect on the shell's natural overtones.

Key Features and Hardware

This snare drum is equipped with several features standard to the Design Series range:

MAG Throw-off: A reliable, magnetic drop-style throw-off that allows the snare wires to be engaged or released quickly without tension slips.
True-Pitch Tuning: A specialized tension rod system with finer thread pitches, allowing for more precise and stable tuning compared to standard drum hardware.
Remo Drumheads: The unit comes factory-fitted with high-quality Remo heads, ensuring a smooth and accurate response immediately out of the box.
Bead-Reinforced Shell: The central bead provides structural integrity to the 1mm brass, while also focusing the shell's resonance.

Sound Profile and Character

The 14 x 6.5 dimension provides a significant amount of depth and body, making it a powerful choice for backbeat-heavy music. The brass construction offers a 'musical' ring that is brighter than wood but warmer than steel, striking a balance between cutting high-end frequencies and a full-bodied low-end punch. The thin 1mm shell ensures that the drum remains sensitive enough for ghost notes and intricate brushwork, despite its high volume potential.

Target Audience and Applications

The DW Design Series Brass snare is marketed as a versatile workhorse suitable for any musical style or technique. Its studio-quality output makes it a frequent choice for recording applications where a consistent, reliable tone is required. Because of its robust hardware and projected volume, it is equally effective in live settings. It serves as an ideal upgrade for intermediate players or a dependable secondary snare for professional drummers.

Market Comparisons

Within the wider market, the Design Series Brass snare competes with other high-quality metal and wood alternatives. Compared to the DW Collector’s Series Stainless Steel Snare, this model offers a warmer tone and a more modest price tag. When contrasted with maple options like the British Drum Co. Maverick or the Sonor AQ2, the brass shell provides more bite and metallic 'ping'. It also stands as a more professional, full-sized alternative to niche percussive items like the Sela Melody Tongue Drum or the Remo Lollipop Frame Drum, which serve entirely different musical purposes.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell thickness of this drum?: The shell is made from 1mm rolled brass, which features a central reinforcement bead for added strength and tonal focus.
What type of throw-off is included?: The drum features the DW MAG throw-off, which uses a magnetic mechanism to ensure the snare wires stay in place or release smoothly.
What is True-Pitch tuning?: True-Pitch tuning is a DW-exclusive system using tension rods with tighter thread counts, providing increased tuning accuracy and stability.
Does the drum come with heads?: Yes, it comes equipped with high-quality Remo drumheads designed to provide an accurate response across all tuning ranges.
How does brass compare to steel snares?: Brass generally offers a warmer, more 'musical' tone than steel, which tends to be brighter and more aggressive.
What is the finish on this model?: The drum features a Black Nickel finish over the brass shell, giving it a dark, mirrored aesthetic.
Is this snare suitable for recording?: Yes, the manufacturer describes it as a 'studio-quality' snare ideal for recording due to its consistent performance and balanced frequency response.
What are the dimensions of this drum?: This specific model measures 14 inches in diameter by 6.5 inches in depth.
Can this snare be used for jazz music?: Yes, the sensitivity of the brass shell and Remo heads makes it responsive enough for jazz techniques, despite its depth.
How does the price compare to the DW Collector's Series?: The Design Series is positioned with a more modest price tag (approximately £405) compared to the premium Collector's Series models.
Is the shell cast or rolled?: This snare features a rolled brass shell, which is standard for the Design Series line.
What kind of hoops are used on this snare?: It uses high-quality hoops designed to work in tandem with the True-Pitch tuning system for reliable rimshots and tuning integrity.