What is the shell material of this DW Collector's Series snare?

The drum features a heavy-gauge aluminium shell. This material is chosen for its ability to provide a bright attack with a significant low-end response.

What are the dimensions of this specific model?

This snare drum has a 14-inch diameter and a 6.5-inch depth. The 6.5-inch depth contributes to the 'bottom-heavy' sound described by the manufacturer.

What is the purpose of the wrinkle coated finish?

The wrinkle coating helps to reduce the metallic overtones and excessive ring often associated with all-metal drums. This results in a more controlled and focused sound.

What type of hoops are installed on this drum?

The drum is equipped with 3.0mm steel True Hoops. These provide a solid tuning surface and contribute to the drum's overall durability and rim-shot consistency.

What makes the True-Pitch tension rods different from standard rods?

True-Pitch tension rods feature a finer thread than standard rods. This allows for more granular control over the tuning, helping the drummer achieve precise pitch adjustments.

Which drumheads are supplied with the DW Collector's Aluminium snare?

The drum comes fitted with high-quality Remo drumheads. These are industry-standard heads designed to complement the sonic properties of the heavy-gauge shell.

How does the sound of aluminium compare to stainless steel snares?

Aluminium typically offers a drier, more focused sound compared to the brighter and more resonant qualities of stainless steel. The wrinkle coating on this model further emphasizes that drier character.

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

The typical price range for this model is approximately £658. This places it in the professional tier of the snare drum market.

Does this snare drum include chrome or gold hardware?

This specific model features chrome hardware. This includes the lugs, True Hoops, and the throw-off mechanism.

Is this drum suitable for studio recording?

Yes, its reduced metallic ring and bright yet bottom-heavy sound make it highly desirable for recording. The wrinkle coating helps control overtones that can be difficult to manage under microphones.

How does this drum compare to the British Drum Co. Maverick?

The DW Aluminium snare is made of metal and is 6.5" deep, whereas the Maverick is a 5.5" deep maple drum. The DW will generally have more bite and a drier decay than the warmer, wood-shelled Maverick.

Can this drum be used for heavy rock music?

Yes, the 6.5" depth and heavy-gauge aluminium construction provide the volume and low-end punch necessary for heavy rock. The True Hoops also ensure the drum can handle high-impact playing.

Gear article

DW Drums Collector's Series 14" x 6.5" Aluminium Snare Drum

The DW Drums Collector's Series 14" x 6.5" Aluminium Snare Drum is a professional-grade percussion instrument featuring a heavy-gauge aluminium shell with a distinctive wrinkle-coated finish. Designed for drummers seeking a bright yet bottom-heavy tone, it incorporates high-end hardware such as True-Pitch tension rods and 3.0mm steel True Hoops.

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Overview

The DW Collector's Series Aluminium Snare Drum is a flagship offering within the DW Drums percussion catalogue. While the brand is often categorised alongside electronic kits in retail environments, this model is a purely acoustic, high-performance snare drum. It utilizes a 14-inch diameter and a 6.5-inch depth, providing a versatile footprint for various musical applications.

Construction and Design

The drum is constructed from a heavy-gauge aluminium shell, finished with a unique wrinkle coating. This specific finish is not merely aesthetic; it contributes to the drum's ability to reduce the harsh metallic overtones frequently found in thin-walled metal snares. The hardware includes chrome fittings, featuring 3.0mm steel True Hoops and DW's proprietary True-Pitch tension rods, which allow for more precise tuning due to their finer thread count. The drum is supplied with high-quality Remo drumheads as standard.

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

Sonic Characteristics

The 14" x 6.5" Aluminium Snare is noted for a balanced frequency response that bridges the gap between metal and wood characteristics. It offers a bright, cutting attack while maintaining a significant 'bottom-heavy' presence. The combination of the heavy-gauge shell and the wrinkle coating results in a drier sound with controlled resonance, making it suitable for both studio recording and live performances where clarity is paramount.

Target Audience

This snare drum is positioned for intermediate to professional players who require a reliable, versatile workhorse. Its price point of approximately £658 reflects its status as a premium instrument. It is particularly well-suited for drummers who find traditional steel or brass snares too ringy, yet want more volume and 'crack' than a standard maple or walnut drum might provide.

Market Comparison

Within the DW range, this model sits alongside the Collector's Series 14" x 5.5" Stainless Steel Snare, offering a deeper and slightly drier alternative. Compared to wood-shelled rivals like the British Drum Co. Maverick (Maple) or the Natal Originals Walnut, the aluminium shell provides a sharper transient response. While higher-end than entry-level kits like the Gear4music Junior series, it competes directly with other professional offerings such as the Tama Starclassic Performer or the Sonor AQ2 Maple series.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell material of this DW Collector's Series snare?: The drum features a heavy-gauge aluminium shell. This material is chosen for its ability to provide a bright attack with a significant low-end response.
What are the dimensions of this specific model?: This snare drum has a 14-inch diameter and a 6.5-inch depth. The 6.5-inch depth contributes to the 'bottom-heavy' sound described by the manufacturer.
What is the purpose of the wrinkle coated finish?: The wrinkle coating helps to reduce the metallic overtones and excessive ring often associated with all-metal drums. This results in a more controlled and focused sound.
What type of hoops are installed on this drum?: The drum is equipped with 3.0mm steel True Hoops. These provide a solid tuning surface and contribute to the drum's overall durability and rim-shot consistency.
What makes the True-Pitch tension rods different from standard rods?: True-Pitch tension rods feature a finer thread than standard rods. This allows for more granular control over the tuning, helping the drummer achieve precise pitch adjustments.
Which drumheads are supplied with the DW Collector's Aluminium snare?: The drum comes fitted with high-quality Remo drumheads. These are industry-standard heads designed to complement the sonic properties of the heavy-gauge shell.
How does the sound of aluminium compare to stainless steel snares?: Aluminium typically offers a drier, more focused sound compared to the brighter and more resonant qualities of stainless steel. The wrinkle coating on this model further emphasizes that drier character.
What is the typical price for this snare drum in the UK?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £658. This places it in the professional tier of the snare drum market.
Does this snare drum include chrome or gold hardware?: This specific model features chrome hardware. This includes the lugs, True Hoops, and the throw-off mechanism.
Is this drum suitable for studio recording?: Yes, its reduced metallic ring and bright yet bottom-heavy sound make it highly desirable for recording. The wrinkle coating helps control overtones that can be difficult to manage under microphones.
How does this drum compare to the British Drum Co. Maverick?: The DW Aluminium snare is made of metal and is 6.5" deep, whereas the Maverick is a 5.5" deep maple drum. The DW will generally have more bite and a drier decay than the warmer, wood-shelled Maverick.
Can this drum be used for heavy rock music?: Yes, the 6.5" depth and heavy-gauge aluminium construction provide the volume and low-end punch necessary for heavy rock. The True Hoops also ensure the drum can handle high-impact playing.