What material is the shell made from?

The shell is constructed from 10-ply North American maple. This wood choice is preferred for its balanced tonal properties and durability.

What is DW's HVX grain orientation?

HVX is a proprietary shell technology where the wood grains are oriented in specific directions to enhance resonance. This results in a warmer tone with better low-mid punch.

What are the dimensions of this snare drum?

This specific model measures 14 inches in diameter by 5.5 inches in depth. These are standard dimensions for a versatile, all-purpose snare drum.

What is a MAG throw-off?

The MAG throw-off is a strainer mechanism that uses a magnet to hold the lever in the 'up' position. It allows for an instant release of the snare wires without any audible buzzing.

What makes True-Pitch tuning screws different?

True-Pitch screws have a finer thread pitch than standard tension rods. This increases the number of threads per inch, allowing for more granular and accurate tuning control.

What finish is applied to this drum?

The drum features a Gold Sparkle Finish Ply. This is a durable laminate wrap that provides a high-visibility, professional aesthetic suitable for stage use.

Is this snare drum suitable for studio recording?

Yes, its crisp articulation and warm tone make it ideal for studio environments. The hardware is also designed to be quiet, preventing unwanted noise during takes.

How does the sound compare to a walnut snare?

Compared to a drum like the Natal Originals Walnut, which has a darker and more earthy tone, this maple snare is brighter and more present in the mix. Maple generally offers more mid-range clarity.

Can this snare drum be used for heavy rock music?

Absolutely, it is designed to blast through the mix in any setting. The 10-ply shell provides enough volume and punch to handle loud genres effectively.

Is this drum part of the Design Series or Performance Series?

It is part of the Performance Series, which sits above the Design Series in the DW hierarchy. It shares some design philosophies but features the proprietary HVX maple shell.

Does the drum come with snare wires?

Yes, the drum is fitted with snare wires that are controlled by the integrated MAG throw-off system. These are designed to provide impeccable response and sensitivity.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price for this specific DW Performance Series snare in Gold Sparkle is approximately GBP 559. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Gear article

DW Performance Series™ 14 x 5.5" Snare Drum Finish Ply Gold Sparkle

The DW Performance Series™ 14 x 5.5" Snare Drum is a professional-grade acoustic instrument featuring a 10-ply North American maple shell. Constructed using proprietary HVX grain orientation, it is designed for versatility in both stage and studio environments, offering a warm tone with a distinct low-mid punch.

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Overview

The DW Performance Series™ 14 x 5.5" Snare Drum is an acoustic snare drum engineered by DW (Drum Workshop) to serve as a versatile workhorse for professional drummers. Despite its classification in some catalogues alongside electronic percussion systems, it is a traditional wood-shell instrument. It features a 10-ply North American maple construction and is finished in a durable Gold Sparkle Finish Ply, making it visually striking for stage performances.

Shell Construction and HVX Technology

The primary technical feature of this snare is its HVX shell. DW uses North American maple arranged in a specific grain orientation to optimise the drum's resonance. The 10-ply thickness provides structural integrity and a high degree of projection. This configuration is specifically designed to deliver a warm and present tone, ensuring that the drum maintains a low-mid punch while retaining crisp articulation across all dynamic levels.

Hardware and Tuning

The Performance Series snare is equipped with precision hardware to enhance playability and reliability. Key features include:

True-Pitch Tuning Screws: These screws feature finer threads than standard tension rods, allowing for more precise tuning adjustments and helping the drum stay in tune longer.
MAG Throw-off: This mechanism is designed to drop the snares instantly without the unwanted buzzing sound often found in traditional strainers, facilitating quick timbre changes during a performance.

Sound Character and Application

The sonic profile of the 14 x 5.5" maple shell is characterised by its balance of warmth and presence. It is designed to 'blast through the mix' regardless of the setting, making it suitable for a wide variety of musical styles. The 5.5" depth provides a standard snare response that balances the body of the drum with a sharp, articulate snap.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other maple snares like the British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5, the DW Performance Series offers a distinct North American maple character versus the British-made alternative. It provides a more robust, low-mid focused punch than the Sonor AQ2 14 x 6, which is slightly deeper and features a different shell construction. Compared to metal alternatives like the DW Collectors Series Stainless Steel Snare, the Performance Series is warmer and less aggressive in the high-frequency range. It is positioned as a professional step-up from entry-level kits like the Gear4music Junior 3 Piece Drum Kit and offers more refined hardware than the Tama Starclassic Performer LTD models.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is the shell made from?: The shell is constructed from 10-ply North American maple. This wood choice is preferred for its balanced tonal properties and durability.
What is DW's HVX grain orientation?: HVX is a proprietary shell technology where the wood grains are oriented in specific directions to enhance resonance. This results in a warmer tone with better low-mid punch.
What are the dimensions of this snare drum?: This specific model measures 14 inches in diameter by 5.5 inches in depth. These are standard dimensions for a versatile, all-purpose snare drum.
What is a MAG throw-off?: The MAG throw-off is a strainer mechanism that uses a magnet to hold the lever in the 'up' position. It allows for an instant release of the snare wires without any audible buzzing.
What makes True-Pitch tuning screws different?: True-Pitch screws have a finer thread pitch than standard tension rods. This increases the number of threads per inch, allowing for more granular and accurate tuning control.
What finish is applied to this drum?: The drum features a Gold Sparkle Finish Ply. This is a durable laminate wrap that provides a high-visibility, professional aesthetic suitable for stage use.
Is this snare drum suitable for studio recording?: Yes, its crisp articulation and warm tone make it ideal for studio environments. The hardware is also designed to be quiet, preventing unwanted noise during takes.
How does the sound compare to a walnut snare?: Compared to a drum like the Natal Originals Walnut, which has a darker and more earthy tone, this maple snare is brighter and more present in the mix. Maple generally offers more mid-range clarity.
Can this snare drum be used for heavy rock music?: Absolutely, it is designed to blast through the mix in any setting. The 10-ply shell provides enough volume and punch to handle loud genres effectively.
Is this drum part of the Design Series or Performance Series?: It is part of the Performance Series, which sits above the Design Series in the DW hierarchy. It shares some design philosophies but features the proprietary HVX maple shell.
Does the drum come with snare wires?: Yes, the drum is fitted with snare wires that are controlled by the integrated MAG throw-off system. These are designed to provide impeccable response and sensitivity.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price for this specific DW Performance Series snare in Gold Sparkle is approximately GBP 559. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.