What is the primary material of the shell?

The shell is made from seamless acrylic, which provides a transparent look and a sharp, resonant sound.

What are the dimensions of this snare drum?

The drum measures 14 inches in diameter and has a depth of 6 inches.

What type of throw-off does this drum use?

It features the DW MAG snare throw-off, a magnetic mechanism designed for reliable and quick snare adjustments.

What is the benefit of True-Pitch tension rods?

True-Pitch rods have more threads per inch, allowing for finer tuning adjustments and better tuning stability compared to standard rods.

Is the shell seamed or seamless?

The shell is seamless, which improves the structural integrity and the overall resonance of the drum.

What hardware finish comes as standard?

The drum is equipped with durable chrome hardware, including the hoops and lugs.

How does the sound of acrylic compare to wood?

Acrylic generally produces a sharper, louder, and more resonant tone with more 'cut' than traditional wood shells like maple.

Is this snare suitable for studio recording?

Yes, its sharp tone and precise tuning capabilities make it a favourite for both studio recordings and live performances.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price for this specific DW Design Series model is approximately £499.

Who is the manufacturer of this drum?

The drum is manufactured by DW Drums (Drum Workshop), a company known for high-quality percussion craftsmanship.

Does the drum require special maintenance because it is acrylic?

While durable, acrylic should be cleaned with non-abrasive cloths to maintain its clarity and prevent scratching on the transparent surface.

Can the snare tension be adjusted easily?

Yes, the combination of the MAG throw-off and True-Pitch rods allows for highly tailored snare tension and fine-tuned sound preferences.

Gear article

DW Design Series 14" x 6" Seamless Acrylic Snare Drum

The DW Design Series 14" x 6" Seamless Acrylic Snare Drum is a professional-grade percussion instrument featuring a clear, one-piece acrylic shell. Designed for both live and studio applications, it combines DW's proprietary hardware with the aggressive, resonant characteristics of transparent synthetic materials.

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Overview and Construction

The DW Design Series 14" x 6" Snare Drum is distinguished by its seamless acrylic construction. Unlike traditional wooden shells, the acrylic build provides a clear, transparent aesthetic that has become a staple in modern drum kit design. The 6-inch depth offers a versatile balance between the 'crack' of a shallow drum and the body of a deeper orchestral or rock snare. The drum is outfitted with high-quality chrome hardware, ensuring durability under heavy play.

Key Hardware Features

DW has integrated several of its proprietary technologies into the Design Series acrylic snare:

DW MAG Throw-off: A reliable, magnet-based mechanism that allows the snares to be engaged or disengaged quickly without the risk of accidental slipping.
True-Pitch Tension Rods: These rods feature a higher thread count than standard tension rods, allowing for more precise tuning increments and better maintenance of tension over time.
Seamless Shell: The lack of a vertical seam in the acrylic ensures structural integrity and a more consistent vibration across the shell.

British Drum Company British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 Maple Snare Drum

Acoustic Characteristics

The primary sonic characteristic of the Design Series Acrylic snare is its sharp, resonant tone. Acrylic is denser than most woods, resulting in a drum that is naturally louder with a faster attack. It is designed to cut through dense musical mixes, making it particularly effective for rock, pop, and fusion genres where a clear, defined snare sound is required. The seamless nature of the shell further enhances its resonance, providing a bright, modern sound profile.

Target Audience

This snare drum is positioned to suit a wide range of players, from aspiring drummers looking for their first professional-grade upgrade to seasoned professionals requiring a reliable studio or touring instrument. Its aesthetic appeal makes it a popular choice for televised performances or high-profile live shows where visual impact is as important as the audio quality.

Market Comparisons

Within the percussion market, the DW Design Series Acrylic Snare competes with various wood and metal alternatives. While the British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 utilizes maple for a warmer, more traditional tone, the DW Acrylic offers a more aggressive 'bite'. For those seeking a deeper profile, the Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8" provides more low-end resonance. In contrast, DW's own Collector’s Series Stainless Steel snare offers a different metallic brightness compared to the synthetic resonance of the acrylic shell.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material of the shell?: The shell is made from seamless acrylic, which provides a transparent look and a sharp, resonant sound.
What are the dimensions of this snare drum?: The drum measures 14 inches in diameter and has a depth of 6 inches.
What type of throw-off does this drum use?: It features the DW MAG snare throw-off, a magnetic mechanism designed for reliable and quick snare adjustments.
What is the benefit of True-Pitch tension rods?: True-Pitch rods have more threads per inch, allowing for finer tuning adjustments and better tuning stability compared to standard rods.
Is the shell seamed or seamless?: The shell is seamless, which improves the structural integrity and the overall resonance of the drum.
What hardware finish comes as standard?: The drum is equipped with durable chrome hardware, including the hoops and lugs.
How does the sound of acrylic compare to wood?: Acrylic generally produces a sharper, louder, and more resonant tone with more 'cut' than traditional wood shells like maple.
Is this snare suitable for studio recording?: Yes, its sharp tone and precise tuning capabilities make it a favourite for both studio recordings and live performances.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price for this specific DW Design Series model is approximately £499.
Who is the manufacturer of this drum?: The drum is manufactured by DW Drums (Drum Workshop), a company known for high-quality percussion craftsmanship.
Does the drum require special maintenance because it is acrylic?: While durable, acrylic should be cleaned with non-abrasive cloths to maintain its clarity and prevent scratching on the transparent surface.
Can the snare tension be adjusted easily?: Yes, the combination of the MAG throw-off and True-Pitch rods allows for highly tailored snare tension and fine-tuned sound preferences.