What is included in the DW 13-inch Snare Wire System?

The system includes the 18-strand steel snare wires and all the necessary hardware components required to mount them to compatible DW throw-offs and butt plates. It is designed as a complete kit for quick installation.

How does the self-centering feature work?

The system uses a specific mounting design that aligns the wires perfectly straight on the bottom of the snare drum. This ensures the wires remain secure and centered, preventing uneven tension and unwanted buzzing vibrations.

Which snare drums is this system compatible with?

This specific model is designed for 13-inch diameter snare drums. It is specifically built to work with the DW MAG Throw-Off and the DW 3-Position Butt Plate.

Can I use these wires with other brands of throw-offs?

While the wires themselves are high quality, this system is specifically designed to fit DW-proprietary hardware. Using it with other brands may require modification or may not be possible due to the unique self-centering mounting points.

How many strands does this snare wire have?

This particular model features 18 strands. This count provides a versatile balance of sensitivity and shell resonance for a 13-inch drum.

What material are the wires made from?

The wires are manufactured from steel. Steel is preferred for its durability and its ability to produce a crisp, bright, and articulate snare snap.

How long does it take to swap the wires?

Thanks to the self-centering design and compatibility with the MAG Throw-Off, the wires can be swapped out in seconds. This makes it an excellent choice for session drummers and touring professionals.

Does this system help reduce snare buzz?

Yes, by keeping the wires perfectly straight and securely fastened, the system minimizes the sympathetic vibrations and misalignment that usually cause excessive buzzing.

What is the typical price for this system?

In the UK market, this system typically retails for approximately £40. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock availability.

Does it require a specific butt plate?

Yes, it is designed to work in conjunction with the DW 3-Position Butt Plate. This allows for three different tension settings that can be toggled quickly.

Is this suitable for marching snare drums?

This system is designed for standard kit snare drums rather than high-tension marching snares. For marching applications, a specialized head like the Evans MS3 might be more appropriate, though the hardware mounting is different.

What are the benefits of an 18-strand wire over a 20-strand wire?

On a 13-inch drum, 18 strands allow for a slightly more open sound with more shell resonance compared to higher strand counts, which can sometimes 'choke' smaller drums if too wide.

Gear article

DW Drums 13" 18-Strand Self-Centering Snare Wire System

The DW Drums 13" 18-Strand Self-Centering Snare Wire System is a specialized drum component designed to facilitate rapid wire changes and ensure precise alignment. Engineered specifically for use with DW's proprietary hardware, it eliminates common issues such as snare buzzing and misalignment through a self-centering mechanism.

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Overview

The DW Drums 13" 18-Strand Self-Centering Snare Wire System is a high-performance upgrade and maintenance kit for 13-inch snare drums. It is specifically designed to integrate with high-end DW hardware, including the MAG Throw-off and the 3-Position Butt Plate. The system is engineered to provide a professional-grade solution for drummers who require consistent performance and the ability to swap components quickly during studio sessions or live performances.

The Self-Centering Mechanism

The primary innovation of this system is the self-centering design. Traditional snare wires are often susceptible to shifting, which can lead to uneven tension and unwanted sympathetic vibrations. DW’s system ensures that the 18-strand steel wires remain perfectly straight and centered against the resonant head. This stability is crucial for maintaining a clean, crisp sound and preventing the 'buzzing' often associated with loose or misaligned snare wires.

Ease of Installation and Use

Designed for efficiency, the system allows drummers to swap out wires in a matter of seconds. This is particularly advantageous when a wire breaks mid-performance or when different sonic characteristics are needed for different songs. The kit includes all the necessary equipment required to fit the wire to the DW MAG Throw-Off and 3-Position Butt Plate, ensuring a seamless installation process without the need for additional aftermarket adapters.

Sound Character and Application

With an 18-strand configuration, this system offers a balanced snare response that is neither too choked nor overly saturated. The steel construction provides a bright, articulate crack with sensitive ghost note reproduction. It is ideally suited for drummers who use 13-inch snare drums and require a reliable, high-fidelity response across various tuning ranges. The system is particularly effective for those already invested in the DW hardware ecosystem.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the DW 13-inch Snare Wire System?: The system includes the 18-strand steel snare wires and all the necessary hardware components required to mount them to compatible DW throw-offs and butt plates. It is designed as a complete kit for quick installation.
How does the self-centering feature work?: The system uses a specific mounting design that aligns the wires perfectly straight on the bottom of the snare drum. This ensures the wires remain secure and centered, preventing uneven tension and unwanted buzzing vibrations.
Which snare drums is this system compatible with?: This specific model is designed for 13-inch diameter snare drums. It is specifically built to work with the DW MAG Throw-Off and the DW 3-Position Butt Plate.
Can I use these wires with other brands of throw-offs?: While the wires themselves are high quality, this system is specifically designed to fit DW-proprietary hardware. Using it with other brands may require modification or may not be possible due to the unique self-centering mounting points.
How many strands does this snare wire have?: This particular model features 18 strands. This count provides a versatile balance of sensitivity and shell resonance for a 13-inch drum.
What material are the wires made from?: The wires are manufactured from steel. Steel is preferred for its durability and its ability to produce a crisp, bright, and articulate snare snap.
How long does it take to swap the wires?: Thanks to the self-centering design and compatibility with the MAG Throw-Off, the wires can be swapped out in seconds. This makes it an excellent choice for session drummers and touring professionals.
Does this system help reduce snare buzz?: Yes, by keeping the wires perfectly straight and securely fastened, the system minimizes the sympathetic vibrations and misalignment that usually cause excessive buzzing.
What is the typical price for this system?: In the UK market, this system typically retails for approximately £40. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock availability.
Does it require a specific butt plate?: Yes, it is designed to work in conjunction with the DW 3-Position Butt Plate. This allows for three different tension settings that can be toggled quickly.
Is this suitable for marching snare drums?: This system is designed for standard kit snare drums rather than high-tension marching snares. For marching applications, a specialized head like the Evans MS3 might be more appropriate, though the hardware mounting is different.
What are the benefits of an 18-strand wire over a 20-strand wire?: On a 13-inch drum, 18 strands allow for a slightly more open sound with more shell resonance compared to higher strand counts, which can sometimes 'choke' smaller drums if too wide.