What is included in the DW Performance Series 3-piece shell pack?

The shell pack typically includes a 22-inch bass drum and two other shells, usually a rack tom and a floor tom. It is important to note that hardware, cymbals, and a snare drum are generally sold separately.

What kind of wood is used in these shells?

The Performance Series shells are constructed from North American Maple. This wood is selected for its balanced frequency response and warm tonal characteristics.

What is HVX shell technology?

HVX technology refers to the specific grain orientation of the maple plies—horizontal, vertical, and diagonal. This arrangement is engineered to provide a lower fundamental pitch and increased resonance.

How does the Ebony Stain finish differ from FinishPly?

The Ebony Stain is a hand-sprayed specialty lacquer finish that shows the natural wood grain. FinishPly refers to a wrapped plastic finish, which offers different aesthetic and durability properties.

Are the lugs the same as those on the DW Collector’s Series?

No, the Performance Series uses 'Quarter Turret' lugs. These are smaller than the full-sized turret lugs found on the flagship Collector’s Series kits.

Is this kit suitable for jazz or just rock music?

While the 22-inch kick drum provides plenty of volume for rock, the responsive maple shells capture subtle nuances. This makes the kit versatile enough for jazz, fusion, and studio recording.

How does the price of this kit compare to other DW models?

The Performance Series is designed to be more affordable than the custom-made Collector’s Series. It provides professional DW features at a mid-to-high price point of around £2,449.

Can the Performance Series be used in the studio?

Yes, the manufacturer specifies that while the drums are loud and open for the stage, they can be easily reigned in for studio work. Their responsive nature makes them ideal for high-fidelity recording.

What makes the lacquer finish 'ultra-durable'?

The specialty lacquer is hand-sprayed in a multi-step process. This provides a hard-wearing surface that protects the wood while maintaining a high-end, glossy appearance.

How does this kit compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?

The DW Performance Series is a more premium professional kit with a higher price tag. The Tama Superstar Classic is an intermediate kit that offers great value but uses different shell construction and hardware.

Does the kit come with a snare drum?

No, this specific configuration is a 3-piece shell pack. A matching Performance Series snare drum would typically need to be purchased separately.

Who is the target audience for the Performance Series?

It is designed for professional and advanced drummers who want the DW sound and quality without the expense of a fully custom kit. It suits touring musicians and session players alike.

Gear article

DW Drums Performance Series 22" 3 Piece Shell Pack

The DW Drums Performance Series 22" 3 Piece Shell Pack in Ebony Stain is a professional-grade acoustic drum kit designed to offer signature DW craftsmanship at a more accessible price point. Featuring proprietary maple HVX shell construction and a hand-sprayed lacquer finish, this kit is engineered for versatility across both live performance and studio recording environments.

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Overview and Construction

The Performance Series represents a significant tier in the DW Drums catalogue, bridging the gap between custom-shop builds and standard production models. The 22" 3-piece shell pack is defined by its use of North American Maple arranged in a specific HVX grain orientation. This innovative shell technology is designed to provide a robust, fundamental tone without sacrificing the sensitivity required for technical playing. The Ebony Stain finish is a hand-sprayed specialty lacquer, providing a professional aesthetic that highlights the wood grain while remaining durable enough for touring.

Shell Technology and Hardware

At the core of the Performance Series is the HVX shell, a configuration where the wood plies are arranged in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal orientations. This construction method allows the drums to 'sing' with a loud, open resonance, particularly effective for the 22-inch bass drum. Aesthetically, the kit is distinguished from the DW Collector’s Series by its use of 'Quarter Turret' lugs. These scaled-down versions of the classic DW round lug provide a more modern, streamlined appearance while maintaining the tuning stability for which the brand is known.

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Sound Profile

The sonic character of the Performance Series is described as responsive and nuanced. The maple shells deliver a warm, balanced tone with significant projection, making them suitable for high-volume stage use. However, the kit is also designed to be easily 'reigned in' for studio work, where a more controlled and focused sound is often required. The drums are sensitive enough to capture subtle dynamics, allowing the individual player’s technique to be clearly articulated.

Market Positioning and Comparisons

Retailing at approximately £2,449, this shell pack competes with other high-end maple kits. Within the DW range, it offers a similar aesthetic to the Black Diamond FinishPly models but with the distinct look of a stained lacquer.

When compared to alternatives like the Ludwig Neusonic series or the Tama Superstar Classic, the Performance Series sits at a higher price bracket, reflecting its professional hardware and HVX shell technology. It offers a more premium alternative to the Sonor AQ2 or Yamaha Rydeen series, which are typically aimed at intermediate or entry-level drummers. For players seeking a specific aesthetic, it provides a more traditional wood-grain alternative to acrylic kits like the Natal Arcadia.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the DW Performance Series 3-piece shell pack?: The shell pack typically includes a 22-inch bass drum and two other shells, usually a rack tom and a floor tom. It is important to note that hardware, cymbals, and a snare drum are generally sold separately.
What kind of wood is used in these shells?: The Performance Series shells are constructed from North American Maple. This wood is selected for its balanced frequency response and warm tonal characteristics.
What is HVX shell technology?: HVX technology refers to the specific grain orientation of the maple plies—horizontal, vertical, and diagonal. This arrangement is engineered to provide a lower fundamental pitch and increased resonance.
How does the Ebony Stain finish differ from FinishPly?: The Ebony Stain is a hand-sprayed specialty lacquer finish that shows the natural wood grain. FinishPly refers to a wrapped plastic finish, which offers different aesthetic and durability properties.
Are the lugs the same as those on the DW Collector’s Series?: No, the Performance Series uses 'Quarter Turret' lugs. These are smaller than the full-sized turret lugs found on the flagship Collector’s Series kits.
Is this kit suitable for jazz or just rock music?: While the 22-inch kick drum provides plenty of volume for rock, the responsive maple shells capture subtle nuances. This makes the kit versatile enough for jazz, fusion, and studio recording.
How does the price of this kit compare to other DW models?: The Performance Series is designed to be more affordable than the custom-made Collector’s Series. It provides professional DW features at a mid-to-high price point of around £2,449.
Can the Performance Series be used in the studio?: Yes, the manufacturer specifies that while the drums are loud and open for the stage, they can be easily reigned in for studio work. Their responsive nature makes them ideal for high-fidelity recording.
What makes the lacquer finish 'ultra-durable'?: The specialty lacquer is hand-sprayed in a multi-step process. This provides a hard-wearing surface that protects the wood while maintaining a high-end, glossy appearance.
How does this kit compare to the Tama Superstar Classic?: The DW Performance Series is a more premium professional kit with a higher price tag. The Tama Superstar Classic is an intermediate kit that offers great value but uses different shell construction and hardware.
Does the kit come with a snare drum?: No, this specific configuration is a 3-piece shell pack. A matching Performance Series snare drum would typically need to be purchased separately.
Who is the target audience for the Performance Series?: It is designed for professional and advanced drummers who want the DW sound and quality without the expense of a fully custom kit. It suits touring musicians and session players alike.