What is the shell thickness of this DW snare drum?

The drum features a 1mm thin brass shell. This thickness is considered an industry standard for brass snares, providing a balance of resonance and projection.

What are DW True Hoops?

True Hoops are 3.0mm steel hoops included with this snare. They are designed to provide the tuning stability and solid rimshot feel of die-cast hoops without overly choking the drum's natural resonance.

How do True-Pitch tension rods work?

True-Pitch rods have more threads than standard tension rods (50 threads per inch versus the standard 32). This allows for much finer tuning adjustments and helps the drum stay in tune longer under heavy playing.

What genres is the Black Nickel Over Brass snare best for?

This snare is highly versatile and suitable for a wide range of styles. It is particularly well-regarded for use in rock, jazz, and studio recording due to its balanced frequency response.

What kind of heads come standard on this drum?

The drum is fitted with high-quality Remo drumheads. These are selected to complement the brass shell's natural tone and provide professional performance straight from the factory.

How does the 6.5" depth affect the sound compared to a 5.5" model?

The 6.5" depth provides more body and a lower fundamental pitch compared to a 5.5" depth. This results in a 'fatter' sound that is popular for backbeat-heavy music.

Is the hardware on this drum chrome or nickel?

The hardware on the Collector's Series Black Nickel Over Brass snare is high-quality chrome. This provides a durable and bright visual contrast to the black nickel finish of the shell.

Is this snare drum part of a limited edition?

No, this is a core part of the DW Collector's Series. While DW does release limited editions like the Tama Starclassic Performer LTD, this brass model is a staple of their professional lineup.

What is the typical price for this snare drum in the UK?

The typical price for this specific 14" x 6.5" model is approximately GBP 649. This positions it as a professional-level investment for serious drummers.

How does brass compare to stainless steel snares?

Brass generally offers a warmer, more musical tone with a broader frequency range than stainless steel. Stainless steel models, such as the DW Collector's Stainless Steel snare, often sound brighter and more aggressive.

What finish is applied to the shell?

The shell features a Black Nickel finish. This gives the brass a dark, smoky appearance while slightly dampening very high-frequency overtones compared to raw or clear-coated brass.

Can this drum be used for orchestral or jazz settings?

Yes, despite its popularity in rock, the sensitivity of the 1mm brass shell makes it excellent for jazz. It responds well to light ghost notes and brush work.

Gear article

DW Drums Collector's Series 14" x 6.5" Black Nickel Over Brass Snare Drum

The DW Collector's Series Black Nickel Over Brass is a professional-grade snare drum featuring a 1mm thin brass shell and premium chrome hardware. It is designed as a versatile industry-standard instrument suitable for diverse genres including rock and jazz.

DW Drums Collectors 14" x 6.5" Black Nickel Over Brass Snare Drum

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Overview

The DW Collector's Series 14" x 6.5" Black Nickel Over Brass Snare Drum is a cornerstone of the DW product line, designed to provide a versatile and reliable sound for professional drummers. Built around a 1mm thick brass shell, the drum features a distinct black nickel finish that provides both aesthetic appeal and a slight controlled quality to the brass resonance. As part of the Collector's Series, it incorporates several of DW’s proprietary hardware innovations, such as True-Pitch tension rods and high-mass hoops, ensuring stable tuning and durability across various playing environments.

Construction and Key Features

The drum's construction is centered on a thin 1mm brass shell, which is considered an industry standard for its balanced acoustic properties. The hardware is finished in high-quality chrome, providing a visual contrast to the dark nickel shell.

Key technical features include: * True Hoops: 3.0mm steel hoops that offer the weight and consistency of die-cast hoops while maintaining the open tone of triple-flanged designs. * True-Pitch Tension Rods: These rods feature a higher thread count than standard rods, allowing for more precise tuning increments. * Remo Drumheads: The drum comes equipped with high-quality Remo heads out of the box, ensuring it is ready for professional use immediately.

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

Sound Character

The combination of the 14" diameter and 6.5" depth allows the drum to produce a deep, full-bodied sound with a significant amount of 'crack' when hit hard. Brass is known for its metallic brightness and sensitive response, but the 1mm thin shell ensures it retains a warm, musical quality. This makes the drum highly versatile, capable of cutting through loud rock arrangements while remaining sensitive enough for the nuanced ghost notes required in jazz and fusion.

Market Comparison

At its price point, the DW Black Nickel Over Brass competes with several high-end wood and metal alternatives. While the British Drum Co. Maverick 14" x 5.5" offers a maple-based alternative with a different tonal profile, the DW Collector's Stainless Steel model provides a more aggressive, brighter alternative within the same brand. Other comparisons in the market include the Tama Starclassic Performer LTD and the Sonor AQ2 Maple, though the DW remains a primary choice for those seeking the specific sensitive yet powerful response of a brass shell.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell thickness of this DW snare drum?: The drum features a 1mm thin brass shell. This thickness is considered an industry standard for brass snares, providing a balance of resonance and projection.
What are DW True Hoops?: True Hoops are 3.0mm steel hoops included with this snare. They are designed to provide the tuning stability and solid rimshot feel of die-cast hoops without overly choking the drum's natural resonance.
How do True-Pitch tension rods work?: True-Pitch rods have more threads than standard tension rods (50 threads per inch versus the standard 32). This allows for much finer tuning adjustments and helps the drum stay in tune longer under heavy playing.
What genres is the Black Nickel Over Brass snare best for?: This snare is highly versatile and suitable for a wide range of styles. It is particularly well-regarded for use in rock, jazz, and studio recording due to its balanced frequency response.
What kind of heads come standard on this drum?: The drum is fitted with high-quality Remo drumheads. These are selected to complement the brass shell's natural tone and provide professional performance straight from the factory.
How does the 6.5" depth affect the sound compared to a 5.5" model?: The 6.5" depth provides more body and a lower fundamental pitch compared to a 5.5" depth. This results in a 'fatter' sound that is popular for backbeat-heavy music.
Is the hardware on this drum chrome or nickel?: The hardware on the Collector's Series Black Nickel Over Brass snare is high-quality chrome. This provides a durable and bright visual contrast to the black nickel finish of the shell.
Is this snare drum part of a limited edition?: No, this is a core part of the DW Collector's Series. While DW does release limited editions like the Tama Starclassic Performer LTD, this brass model is a staple of their professional lineup.
What is the typical price for this snare drum in the UK?: The typical price for this specific 14" x 6.5" model is approximately GBP 649. This positions it as a professional-level investment for serious drummers.
How does brass compare to stainless steel snares?: Brass generally offers a warmer, more musical tone with a broader frequency range than stainless steel. Stainless steel models, such as the DW Collector's Stainless Steel snare, often sound brighter and more aggressive.
What finish is applied to the shell?: The shell features a Black Nickel finish. This gives the brass a dark, smoky appearance while slightly dampening very high-frequency overtones compared to raw or clear-coated brass.
Can this drum be used for orchestral or jazz settings?: Yes, despite its popularity in rock, the sensitivity of the 1mm brass shell makes it excellent for jazz. It responds well to light ghost notes and brush work.