What material is used for the shell of this snare?

The shell is constructed from 10-ply North American maple. This material is chosen for its warmth and resonant qualities.

What is the unique grain orientation used by DW?

DW uses a proprietary HVX grain orientation in this series. This arrangement of wood plies is designed to enhance the low-mid punch and overall projection of the drum.

What are the dimensions of this specific snare drum?

This model measures 14 inches in diameter by 6.5 inches in depth. This depth contributes to a fuller, punchier sound compared to shallower models.

How do True-Pitch tuning screws differ from standard screws?

True-Pitch screws feature finer threads than standard tension rods. This allows the drummer to make more granular adjustments for precise tuning.

What is the function of the MAG throw-off?

The MAG throw-off uses a magnetic mechanism to drop the snares instantly. It is designed to be quiet and reliable, preventing unwanted buzzing during use.

What finish is applied to this drum?

This specific model features a Satin Oil Tobacco Stain finish. It provides a classic, matte aesthetic that highlights the wood grain.

Is this snare drum suitable for studio recording?

Yes, it is marketed as a 'perfect snare for stage and studio.' Its crisp articulation and warm tone make it highly adaptable for microphones.

Does this drum come with snare wires?

Yes, it is a complete snare drum fitted with snare wires and the MAG throw-off system. It is ready for play once tuned.

What kind of sound profile should I expect?

You can expect a warm, present tone with a strong low-mid punch. It also provides crisp articulation for technical playing styles.

How does the 6.5" depth affect the sound compared to a 5.5" model?

The 6.5" depth generally provides more body and a deeper fundamental pitch. It offers a 'fatter' sound that is popular in rock and pop music.

Is this part of the DW Collector's Series?

No, this is part of the Performance Series. While it shares some technologies with the Collector's Series, it is a distinct line within the DW catalogue.

What is the typical price for this snare drum?

The typical price for this snare drum is approximately GBP 585. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

Gear article

DW Performance Series 14 x 6.5" Snare Drum (Satin Oil Tobacco Stain)

The DW Performance Series 14 x 6.5" Snare Drum is a professional-grade instrument constructed from 10-ply North American maple. It features a proprietary HVX grain orientation designed to deliver a warm, punchy tone suitable for both live performance and studio recording.

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Construction and HVX Technology

The Performance Series snare is built using 10 plies of North American maple. A defining characteristic of this drum is DW's proprietary HVX grain orientation. Unlike standard drum shells where grains typically run in a single direction, HVX technology arranges the wood grain in a specific pattern to optimise the shell's resonance and structural integrity. This construction method is intended to provide a balance between low-mid punch and high-end crispness.

Hardware Features

This snare drum is equipped with two specific hardware innovations from DW:

True-Pitch Tuning Screws: These screws feature finer threads than standard tension rods, allowing for more precise adjustments and helping the drummer maintain their desired pitch over time.
MAG Throw-off: A magnetic mechanism that allows the snare wires to be dropped instantly. It is designed to operate smoothly without the common mechanical 'buzzing' sound associated with some traditional throw-offs, facilitating quick timbre changes during a performance.

Sound Character

The combination of the 6.5-inch depth and the 10-ply maple shell results in a tone described as warm and present. The drum is engineered for a low-mid punch, making it effective for backbeats, while maintaining enough articulation to handle ghost notes and technical playing. Its sonic profile is designed to 'blast through the mix', ensuring clarity even in loud stage environments.

Target Audience and Application

Due to its versatile tuning range and robust construction, the DW Performance Series snare suits drummers across a variety of genres. It is positioned as a professional workhorse for those who require a single drum that can transition from the studio to the stage. Its depth and material choice make it particularly appealing to players who want a full-bodied sound without sacrificing snare sensitivity.

Comparison with Alternatives

When compared to other maple snares, such as the British Drum Co. Maverick (14 x 5.5") or the Sonor AQ2 Maple (14 x 6"), the DW Performance Series offers a slightly deeper shell and specialised hardware like the MAG throw-off. While the Tama Starclassic Performer (14 x 5.5") provides a different shell composition, the DW remains a primary choice for those specifically seeking the characteristics of North American maple and proprietary DW hardware innovations.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used for the shell of this snare?: The shell is constructed from 10-ply North American maple. This material is chosen for its warmth and resonant qualities.
What is the unique grain orientation used by DW?: DW uses a proprietary HVX grain orientation in this series. This arrangement of wood plies is designed to enhance the low-mid punch and overall projection of the drum.
What are the dimensions of this specific snare drum?: This model measures 14 inches in diameter by 6.5 inches in depth. This depth contributes to a fuller, punchier sound compared to shallower models.
How do True-Pitch tuning screws differ from standard screws?: True-Pitch screws feature finer threads than standard tension rods. This allows the drummer to make more granular adjustments for precise tuning.
What is the function of the MAG throw-off?: The MAG throw-off uses a magnetic mechanism to drop the snares instantly. It is designed to be quiet and reliable, preventing unwanted buzzing during use.
What finish is applied to this drum?: This specific model features a Satin Oil Tobacco Stain finish. It provides a classic, matte aesthetic that highlights the wood grain.
Is this snare drum suitable for studio recording?: Yes, it is marketed as a 'perfect snare for stage and studio.' Its crisp articulation and warm tone make it highly adaptable for microphones.
Does this drum come with snare wires?: Yes, it is a complete snare drum fitted with snare wires and the MAG throw-off system. It is ready for play once tuned.
What kind of sound profile should I expect?: You can expect a warm, present tone with a strong low-mid punch. It also provides crisp articulation for technical playing styles.
How does the 6.5" depth affect the sound compared to a 5.5" model?: The 6.5" depth generally provides more body and a deeper fundamental pitch. It offers a 'fatter' sound that is popular in rock and pop music.
Is this part of the DW Collector's Series?: No, this is part of the Performance Series. While it shares some technologies with the Collector's Series, it is a distinct line within the DW catalogue.
What is the typical price for this snare drum?: The typical price for this snare drum is approximately GBP 585. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.