What is the primary shell material used in this kit?

The shells are constructed from North American Maple, a wood known for its balanced tonal properties and warmth.

Was this kit originally intended for professional drummers?

No, it was originally designed as a high-end drum set for children before becoming popular among professional DW artists.

Does the Mini Pro 16 include reinforcement hoops?

No, the North American Maple shells in this series are designed without reinforcement hoops to allow for greater resonance.

What finish is available for this specific model?

This specific model features a Tobacco Burst finish, providing a classic and professional aesthetic.

What type of bass drum mount does the kit use?

The kit comes standard with a ratchet bass drum mount, allowing for precise and secure positioning of the rack tom.

Which drumhead manufacturer provides the stock heads?

The kit is equipped with DW heads manufactured by Remo, ensuring high-quality performance out of the box.

What kind of spurs are used on the bass drum?

The kit features low-mass spurs, which help reduce the weight of the bass drum while providing necessary stability.

What is the typical price range for this shell pack?

The typical price for this DW Design Series shell pack is approximately £1,446.

Is this a full kit with hardware or a shell pack?

This is a shell pack, meaning it typically includes the drums and specific mounting hardware like the tom mount, but not cymbal stands or pedals.

How does the sound of the 16-inch bass drum compare to larger drums?

Despite its smaller size, the North American Maple construction allows it to sound astonishingly big and resonant.

How does this kit compare to the Ludwig Neusonic series?

While the Mini Pro focuses on a compact 16-inch bass drum setup, the Ludwig Neusonic offers larger configurations like the 20-inch Downbeat or 22-inch Rapid MOD2.

Is the DW Mini Pro suitable for live performances?

Yes, while compact, its professional construction and hardware make it a popular choice for DW artists in live club and session settings.

Gear article

DW Drums Design Series Mini Pro 16 Maple Shell Pack

The DW Drums Design Series Mini Pro is a professional-grade acoustic drum kit featuring scaled-down North American Maple shells. Originally conceived as a high-end solution for younger players, it has gained significant traction among professional artists for its portable footprint and surprisingly robust sound profile.

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Overview

The DW Design Series Mini Pro 16 Maple Shell Pack is a specialized drum set that bridges the gap between compact travel kits and full-sized professional rigs. Finished in a classic Tobacco Burst, the kit is built using North American Maple shells constructed without reinforcement hoops. This design choice allows the shells to resonate freely, providing a tone that defies the kit's diminutive physical dimensions. While it maintains a small footprint suitable for tight stages or home practice, the build quality aligns with DW's professional standards.

Development and History

The Mini Pro was originally developed by DW Drums as a premium option for children, intended to provide younger students with the same tonal quality as adult professionals. However, the kit's performance characteristics quickly attracted the attention of DW's roster of professional artists. Its reputation grew as a versatile 'bop' or travel kit, leading to its re-introduction as a staple of the DW Design Series. This transition marked its evolution from a niche educational tool to a respected instrument for session work and club performances.

Technical Specifications

The kit is defined by its specific hardware and shell construction:

Shells: Crafted from North American Maple for a warm, punchy response.
Hoops: Designed without reinforcement hoops to maximise resonance.
Mounting: Includes a ratchet bass drum mount for secure and adjustable tom placement.
Hardware: Equipped with low-mass spurs to reduce the kit's overall weight while maintaining stability.
Heads: Ships with DW heads manufactured by Remo, ensuring a professional standard of tuning right out of the box.

Tonal Character

The primary characteristic of the Mini Pro is its ability to produce a 'big' sound from a 16-inch bass drum platform. The use of maple provides a balanced frequency response with strong low-end warmth and clear projection. Because the shells lack reinforcement hoops, the attack is slightly softer with a more open, resonant sustain. This makes it particularly effective for jazz, funk, and acoustic settings where nuance and tone are prioritized over sheer volume.

Market Comparison

Within the compact drum market, the DW Mini Pro competes with several notable alternatives. Compared to the Sonor AQ2 Safari, which also features a 16-inch bass drum, the DW focuses on a North American Maple construction. For players seeking a larger footprint, options like the Ludwig Neusonic 20" Downbeat or the Tama Superstar Classic 22" offer more traditional rock and pop sizes. The Mini Pro sits at a premium price point (approximately £1446) compared to entry-level kits like the Yamaha Rydeen, reflecting its professional-grade materials and hardware.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary shell material used in this kit?: The shells are constructed from North American Maple, a wood known for its balanced tonal properties and warmth.
Was this kit originally intended for professional drummers?: No, it was originally designed as a high-end drum set for children before becoming popular among professional DW artists.
Does the Mini Pro 16 include reinforcement hoops?: No, the North American Maple shells in this series are designed without reinforcement hoops to allow for greater resonance.
What finish is available for this specific model?: This specific model features a Tobacco Burst finish, providing a classic and professional aesthetic.
What type of bass drum mount does the kit use?: The kit comes standard with a ratchet bass drum mount, allowing for precise and secure positioning of the rack tom.
Which drumhead manufacturer provides the stock heads?: The kit is equipped with DW heads manufactured by Remo, ensuring high-quality performance out of the box.
What kind of spurs are used on the bass drum?: The kit features low-mass spurs, which help reduce the weight of the bass drum while providing necessary stability.
What is the typical price range for this shell pack?: The typical price for this DW Design Series shell pack is approximately £1,446.
Is this a full kit with hardware or a shell pack?: This is a shell pack, meaning it typically includes the drums and specific mounting hardware like the tom mount, but not cymbal stands or pedals.
How does the sound of the 16-inch bass drum compare to larger drums?: Despite its smaller size, the North American Maple construction allows it to sound astonishingly big and resonant.
How does this kit compare to the Ludwig Neusonic series?: While the Mini Pro focuses on a compact 16-inch bass drum setup, the Ludwig Neusonic offers larger configurations like the 20-inch Downbeat or 22-inch Rapid MOD2.
Is the DW Mini Pro suitable for live performances?: Yes, while compact, its professional construction and hardware make it a popular choice for DW artists in live club and session settings.