What is the shell material of this snare drum?

The shell is constructed from North American Maple using DW's proprietary Hybrid HVX method.

What are the dimensions of this drum?

The drum measures 14 inches in diameter and 8 inches in depth.

What is the DW MAG throw-off?

It is a snare strainer that uses an internal magnet to hold the wires in place and ensure a smooth, buzz-free transition when engaging or disengaging the snares.

What are True-Pitch tuning rods?

They are specialised tension rods with more threads than standard rods, allowing for more precise and stable tuning.

What type of finish is applied to the shell?

The drum features a hand-sprayed Lacquer Cherry Stain finish.

What drumheads come standard with this model?

It is factory-fitted with industry-standard Remo drumheads.

How does the 8-inch depth affect the sound?

The 8-inch depth provides a full-bodied, bold tone with more low-end resonance compared to standard 5-inch or 6-inch deep snares.

Is this drum suitable for studio recording?

Yes, its warm maple tone and precise tuning system make it highly versatile for both studio and live applications.

How does the HVX shell construction work?

The HVX method involves overlapping the grain orientation of the maple plies to create a specific resonant character and increased strength.

What is the typical price for this snare drum?

The typical price range for this model is approximately GBP 724.

Does the snare strainer buzz when disengaged?

No, the MAG throw-off is designed for zero strainer buzz during transitions.

How does this compare to the DW Collector's Series Stainless Steel snare?

The Performance Series Maple snare offers a warmer, woodier tone compared to the brighter, more aggressive sound of the Collector's Stainless Steel model.

Gear article

DW Drums Performance Series 14 x 8" Snare Drum (Lacquer Cherry Stain)

The DW Drums Performance Series 14 x 8" Snare Drum is a professional-grade percussion instrument featuring a North American maple shell and a hand-sprayed Lacquer Cherry Stain finish. Constructed using the proprietary HVX shell technology, it is designed to provide a full-bodied, resonant tone suitable for both live performances and studio recording environments.

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Background and Construction

The Performance Series represents DW Drums' commitment to high-end manufacturing at a specialized price point. This specific 14 x 8" model utilises DW’s innovative Hybrid HVX shell technology. The grain orientation of the maple plies is overlapped in a specific pattern to enhance the fundamental resonance and structural integrity of the drum.

The shell is finished in a hand-sprayed Lacquer Cherry Stain, providing a classic aesthetic that highlights the natural wood grain. Despite being categorised by some retailers alongside electronic kits, this is a purely acoustic instrument built to professional standards.

Key Hardware Features

A primary innovation of this snare is the DW MAG throw-off system. This mechanism uses an internal magnet to hold the strainer in the 'up' position, eliminating the risk of accidental tension loss during play. When released, the magnet ensures the wires drop quickly with no residual strainer buzz.

Tuning precision is managed via the True-Pitch tuning rod system. These rods feature a higher thread count than standard drum hardware, allowing for incremental adjustments and helping the drum stay in tune under heavy playing conditions.

Sound Character and Performance

Due to its 8-inch depth, this snare produces a bold, full-bodied tone with significant projection. The maple construction ensures a warm frequency response, while the HVX shell method allows the drum to 'sing' with a high degree of resonance.

Out of the box, the drum comes fitted with industry-standard Remo heads. These heads are selected to capture the subtle nuances of different playing styles, making the drum responsive to ghost notes as well as heavy rimshots.

Market Comparison

The DW Performance Series 14 x 8" occupies a middle ground between entry-level maple drums and the flagship Collector's Series. Compared to alternatives like the Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8", the DW offers a brighter, more classic maple character.

When compared to shallower drums like the British Drum Co. Maverick (14 x 5.5") or the Tama Starclassic Performer (14 x 5.5"), the Performance Series 8-inch depth provides significantly more low-end 'thump' and volume, though it may lack the rapid snare response of a 5.5-inch deep shell.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the shell material of this snare drum?: The shell is constructed from North American Maple using DW's proprietary Hybrid HVX method.
What are the dimensions of this drum?: The drum measures 14 inches in diameter and 8 inches in depth.
What is the DW MAG throw-off?: It is a snare strainer that uses an internal magnet to hold the wires in place and ensure a smooth, buzz-free transition when engaging or disengaging the snares.
What are True-Pitch tuning rods?: They are specialised tension rods with more threads than standard rods, allowing for more precise and stable tuning.
What type of finish is applied to the shell?: The drum features a hand-sprayed Lacquer Cherry Stain finish.
What drumheads come standard with this model?: It is factory-fitted with industry-standard Remo drumheads.
How does the 8-inch depth affect the sound?: The 8-inch depth provides a full-bodied, bold tone with more low-end resonance compared to standard 5-inch or 6-inch deep snares.
Is this drum suitable for studio recording?: Yes, its warm maple tone and precise tuning system make it highly versatile for both studio and live applications.
How does the HVX shell construction work?: The HVX method involves overlapping the grain orientation of the maple plies to create a specific resonant character and increased strength.
What is the typical price for this snare drum?: The typical price range for this model is approximately GBP 724.
Does the snare strainer buzz when disengaged?: No, the MAG throw-off is designed for zero strainer buzz during transitions.
How does this compare to the DW Collector's Series Stainless Steel snare?: The Performance Series Maple snare offers a warmer, woodier tone compared to the brighter, more aggressive sound of the Collector's Stainless Steel model.