What is the shell thickness of this snare drum?

The shell is made from 1mm thick brass. This thickness is chosen to provide a balance of structural integrity and resonance, allowing the brass to vibrate freely while maintaining a sharp attack.

How does the 8-inch depth affect the sound?

The 8-inch depth increases the internal air volume of the drum. This results in a deeper fundamental pitch and a 'fatter' sound compared to standard 5-inch or 6.5-inch deep snare drums.

What is the purpose of the MAG throw-off?

The MAG throw-off uses a magnet to hold the snare strainer in the upright position. It allows for a smooth, quick release of the snare wires without a loud clicking sound or mechanical friction.

What are True-Pitch tension rods?

True-Pitch rods feature a higher thread count than standard tension rods. This allows the drummer to make finer tuning adjustments and helps the drum stay in tune longer by increasing the surface area of the threads.

Can the snare tension be adjusted quickly?

Yes, the drum features a 3P (3-position) butt plate. This allows the player to quickly switch between three different pre-set snare wire tension levels during a performance.

What kind of lugs are used on this drum?

The drum uses DW’s Performance Series quarter-sized lugs. These are smaller than the standard Collector’s Series turret lugs, intended to reduce mass on the shell and enhance resonance.

Is the brass shell rolled or cast?

The shell is a rolled and polished brass shell. Rolled shells are typically more resonant and 'musical' than cast shells, which tend to be heavier and drier.

What is the typical price for this model?

In the UK market, this snare drum typically retails for approximately £649. This price reflects its position as a professional-tier instrument within the Performance Series.

How does brass compare to steel as a shell material?

Brass is generally warmer and more 'musical' with richer overtones than steel. While steel is often brighter and drier, brass provides a more complex sound that bridges the gap between wood and metal shells.

Is this snare suitable for quiet jazz playing?

While it can be tuned for various styles, its 8-inch depth and brass construction are designed for 'explosive attack' and volume. It is better suited for rock, pop, and metal than for very quiet acoustic jazz.

Does this drum require special maintenance for the brass finish?

The shell features a polished brass finish. Like most high-end metal drums, it should be wiped down after use to remove fingerprints and moisture to maintain its visual appeal and prevent tarnishing.

Is this drum part of the DW Collector's Series?

No, this is part of the DW Performance Series. While it shares many high-end features like the MAG throw-off and True-Pitch rods, the Performance Series is a distinct line designed for professional reliability.

Gear article

DW Drums Performance Series 14" x 8" Brass Snare Drum

The DW Drums Performance Series 14" x 8" Brass Snare Drum is a professional-grade percussion instrument featuring a 1mm rolled brass shell. Part of DW’s high-performance line, it is designed to deliver a deep, resonant tone with significant projection and a sharp attack.

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Overview

The DW Performance Series 14" x 8" Brass Snare is a deep-bodied drum constructed from a 1mm thin brass shell. Brass is widely regarded in drum manufacturing for its musicality, offering a blend of the warmth found in wooden drums with the volume and brilliance of metal shells. This specific model utilizes a rolled construction with a polished finish, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and sonic clarity. The 8-inch depth provides a larger internal volume compared to standard snare drums, contributing to a lower fundamental pitch and a fuller body.

Hardware and Components

This snare drum is equipped with specialized hardware designed to maintain tuning stability and functional versatility:

Quarter Lugs: The Performance Series features smaller, quarter-sized versions of the iconic DW turret lug, reducing the amount of metal-to-shell contact.
True-Pitch Tension Rods: These rods feature finer threads than standard screws, allowing for more precise tuning adjustments and better resistance to vibration-induced detuning.
MAG Throw-off: A magnetic system that drops the snare wires quickly and quietly without the need for a mechanical tensioner that could jam.
3P Butt Plate: Complements the throw-off by allowing the player to toggle between three different preset snare wire tension levels instantly.

Sound Character

The combination of the 1mm brass shell and the 8-inch depth results in a 'commanding presence'. The drum is characterised by an explosive attack that cuts through loud stage environments, supported by deep, rich overtones. Unlike shallower brass drums which can sound overly bright, the 14" x 8" dimensions provide a 'fat' sound profile suitable for rock, metal, and pop where a significant low-end 'thud' is required without sacrificing the crispness of the snare wires.

Suitability and Applications

This drum is primarily suited for drummers who perform in live settings where volume and projection are critical. The 8-inch depth makes it particularly effective for heavy hitters who require a snare that does not choke under high-velocity playing. However, the sensitivity provided by the brass shell and the True-Pitch tuning system also makes it viable for studio recording where specific tonal nuances are necessary. It serves as a professional alternative to standard maple or steel snare drums.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other drums in its class, the DW Performance Series Brass Snare offers a specific balance of depth and material. The Natal Originals Walnut 14" x 8" provides a similar depth but with the darker, woodier tone of walnut rather than the metallic brightness of brass. The DW Collector’s Series 14" x 5.5" Stainless Steel offers a similar high-end build quality but with a shallower profile and the drier, more aggressive 'crack' of steel. For those seeking a standard wood sound, the British Drum Co. Maverick or Sonor AQ2 in maple offer more traditional resonance, whereas this brass model provides superior projection and metallic ring.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell thickness of this snare drum?: The shell is made from 1mm thick brass. This thickness is chosen to provide a balance of structural integrity and resonance, allowing the brass to vibrate freely while maintaining a sharp attack.
How does the 8-inch depth affect the sound?: The 8-inch depth increases the internal air volume of the drum. This results in a deeper fundamental pitch and a 'fatter' sound compared to standard 5-inch or 6.5-inch deep snare drums.
What is the purpose of the MAG throw-off?: The MAG throw-off uses a magnet to hold the snare strainer in the upright position. It allows for a smooth, quick release of the snare wires without a loud clicking sound or mechanical friction.
What are True-Pitch tension rods?: True-Pitch rods feature a higher thread count than standard tension rods. This allows the drummer to make finer tuning adjustments and helps the drum stay in tune longer by increasing the surface area of the threads.
Can the snare tension be adjusted quickly?: Yes, the drum features a 3P (3-position) butt plate. This allows the player to quickly switch between three different pre-set snare wire tension levels during a performance.
What kind of lugs are used on this drum?: The drum uses DW’s Performance Series quarter-sized lugs. These are smaller than the standard Collector’s Series turret lugs, intended to reduce mass on the shell and enhance resonance.
Is the brass shell rolled or cast?: The shell is a rolled and polished brass shell. Rolled shells are typically more resonant and 'musical' than cast shells, which tend to be heavier and drier.
What is the typical price for this model?: In the UK market, this snare drum typically retails for approximately £649. This price reflects its position as a professional-tier instrument within the Performance Series.
How does brass compare to steel as a shell material?: Brass is generally warmer and more 'musical' with richer overtones than steel. While steel is often brighter and drier, brass provides a more complex sound that bridges the gap between wood and metal shells.
Is this snare suitable for quiet jazz playing?: While it can be tuned for various styles, its 8-inch depth and brass construction are designed for 'explosive attack' and volume. It is better suited for rock, pop, and metal than for very quiet acoustic jazz.
Does this drum require special maintenance for the brass finish?: The shell features a polished brass finish. Like most high-end metal drums, it should be wiped down after use to remove fingerprints and moisture to maintain its visual appeal and prevent tarnishing.
Is this drum part of the DW Collector's Series?: No, this is part of the DW Performance Series. While it shares many high-end features like the MAG throw-off and True-Pitch rods, the Performance Series is a distinct line designed for professional reliability.