What is the primary function of the DW MAG Throw-off?

The MAG Throw-off is a mechanical lever used to engage or disengage the snare wires against the bottom drumhead. It features a magnetic catch to ensure the snares do not drop accidentally during play.

How does the 5P Butt Plate differ from the older 3P version?

The 5P (5-Position) Butt Plate offers five tension presets, whereas the older 3P version only offered three. This provides two additional levels of sensitivity adjustment for the snare wires.

What prevents snare buzz when the throw-off is disengaged?

The MAG Throw-off is designed to throw the strainer completely off the head when released. This physical clearance prevents the snare wires from vibrating against the head, eliminating unwanted buzz.

Can the snare tension be adjusted manually on the MAG Throw-off?

Yes, the MAG Throw-off includes a horizontal tension adjustment knob. This allows the user to fine-tune the baseline tension of the snares before using the 5P lever for preset changes.

Is the DW MAG Throw-off difficult to operate mid-song?

No, it is designed for a smooth, easy-to-adjust action. The lever requires a firm tug to release the magnet, but the movement itself is fluid and intended for rapid use.

What is the typical price for this hardware combo?

The typical price for the DW MAG Throw-off and 5P Butt Plate Combo is approximately £90.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

Does the magnet in the throw-off wear out over time?

The integrated magnet is designed to be a long-lasting 'workhorse' component. Under normal playing conditions, the magnetic retention should remain consistent for the life of the hardware.

Why would a drummer need five different tension positions?

Multiple positions allow a drummer to match the snare's sensitivity to different musical styles. For example, a tight setting is ideal for fast, articulate sticking, while a looser setting suits slower, deeper grooves.

Is this combo compatible with non-DW snare drums?

While primarily designed for DW snare drums, it may fit other brands if the hole spacing matches. However, it is specifically marketed as an upgrade for DW snare drum performance.

Does the 5P Butt Plate require tools to change presets?

No, the 5P Butt Plate is designed for tool-less adjustment. The user simply flips a lever to cycle through the five pre-determined tension settings.

How does the MAG Throw-off handle high-tension settings?

The MAG Throw-off is built as a durable workhorse capable of maintaining tension. The magnetic lock is specifically designed to hold even when the snare wires are set to high tension.

What finish does the hardware typically come in?

While finishes can vary, DW professional hardware like the MAG and 5P series is most commonly found in a high-quality chrome finish. Users should check specific listings for alternative finishes like gold or nickel.

Gear article

DW Drums DW MAG Throw-off & 5P Butt Plate Combo

The DW MAG Throw-off & 5P Butt Plate Combo is a high-performance snare drum hardware system designed for precise tension control and reliable mechanical operation. It features a magnetic drop-style throw-off paired with a five-position adjustable butt plate to allow for rapid sensitivity changes during performance.

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Background and Design

DW Drums (Drum Workshop) has a long-standing reputation for engineering robust drum hardware. The DW MAG Throw-off & 5P Butt Plate Combo represents the evolution of their snare strainer systems, succeeding the popular 3-Position Butt Plate. This combo is designed to be a heavy-duty solution for drummers who require consistent mechanical performance and the ability to toggle between multiple snare responses without tools.

Mechanical Features

The system consists of two primary components:

MAG Throw-off: Utilises a simple, smooth drop-style action. It features a horizontal tension adjustment knob for fine-tuning. The defining feature is an integrated magnet that holds the lever securely in the 'up' position, preventing accidental release while ensuring that when the lever is pulled, the strainer is thrown completely clear of the head to eliminate snare buzz.
5P Butt Plate: This component offers five distinct tension presets. By flipping a small lever, the drummer can instantly shift between five degrees of snare wire tension, moving from a loose, swampy response to a tight, articulate crack.

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Performance and Character

The combination of these two pieces of hardware provides a highly versatile sonic palette. While the MAG component ensures reliability and silence when the snares are disengaged, the 5P component allows for mid-performance changes to suit different musical genres or tempos. This level of adjustability makes it possible to change the drum's character from a sensitive orchestral response to a wide-open rock sound in seconds.

Suitability and Application

This hardware set is primarily suited for professional and semi-professional drummers who own DW snare drums or those looking to upgrade their existing kits with high-end hardware. It is particularly useful for session players who need to accommodate different styles within a single setlist. Although the provided data categorises this under 'Guitar amp combos' in retail listings, it is strictly a mechanical hardware upgrade for acoustic snare drums.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the DW MAG Throw-off?: The MAG Throw-off is a mechanical lever used to engage or disengage the snare wires against the bottom drumhead. It features a magnetic catch to ensure the snares do not drop accidentally during play.
How does the 5P Butt Plate differ from the older 3P version?: The 5P (5-Position) Butt Plate offers five tension presets, whereas the older 3P version only offered three. This provides two additional levels of sensitivity adjustment for the snare wires.
What prevents snare buzz when the throw-off is disengaged?: The MAG Throw-off is designed to throw the strainer completely off the head when released. This physical clearance prevents the snare wires from vibrating against the head, eliminating unwanted buzz.
Can the snare tension be adjusted manually on the MAG Throw-off?: Yes, the MAG Throw-off includes a horizontal tension adjustment knob. This allows the user to fine-tune the baseline tension of the snares before using the 5P lever for preset changes.
Is the DW MAG Throw-off difficult to operate mid-song?: No, it is designed for a smooth, easy-to-adjust action. The lever requires a firm tug to release the magnet, but the movement itself is fluid and intended for rapid use.
What is the typical price for this hardware combo?: The typical price for the DW MAG Throw-off and 5P Butt Plate Combo is approximately £90.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.
Does the magnet in the throw-off wear out over time?: The integrated magnet is designed to be a long-lasting 'workhorse' component. Under normal playing conditions, the magnetic retention should remain consistent for the life of the hardware.
Why would a drummer need five different tension positions?: Multiple positions allow a drummer to match the snare's sensitivity to different musical styles. For example, a tight setting is ideal for fast, articulate sticking, while a looser setting suits slower, deeper grooves.
Is this combo compatible with non-DW snare drums?: While primarily designed for DW snare drums, it may fit other brands if the hole spacing matches. However, it is specifically marketed as an upgrade for DW snare drum performance.
Does the 5P Butt Plate require tools to change presets?: No, the 5P Butt Plate is designed for tool-less adjustment. The user simply flips a lever to cycle through the five pre-determined tension settings.
How does the MAG Throw-off handle high-tension settings?: The MAG Throw-off is built as a durable workhorse capable of maintaining tension. The magnetic lock is specifically designed to hold even when the snare wires are set to high tension.
What finish does the hardware typically come in?: While finishes can vary, DW professional hardware like the MAG and 5P series is most commonly found in a high-quality chrome finish. Users should check specific listings for alternative finishes like gold or nickel.