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

The kit includes a 22 x 18 inch bass drum, a 12 x 9 inch rack tom, and a 16 x 14 inch floor tom.

Does this kit include a snare drum?

No, this is a 3-piece shell pack consisting only of the kick drum and two toms. A snare drum must be purchased separately.

What is unique about the DW True Pitch Tuning Rods?

True Pitch rods feature more threads than standard tuning rods. This allows the drummer to achieve more accurate and granular control over the drum's tension and pitch.

What is the finish of this specific model?

This model features a lacquered 'Black Diamond' FinishPly, which provides a premium textured aesthetic and durability.

What kind of sound can I expect from the DW Performance Series?

The series is known for providing an even amount of high-mid frequencies and warm lows. This creates a balanced, projecting sound that works well across many music genres.

Is hardware like cymbal stands or a kick pedal included?

No, this is a shell pack. It focuses on the drum shells themselves and does not include stands, pedals, or mounting hardware unless specified.

How does the bass drum size affect the sound?

The 22 x 18 inch bass drum provides a deep, punchy foundation. This size is standard for rock, pop, and contemporary styles requiring significant low-end presence.

Is this kit suitable for high-tuning or low-tuning?

Thanks to the True Pitch Tuning Rods, the kit supports a wide scope of tuning. It can be adjusted for high-tension jazz tones or low-tension rock thud with high accuracy.

Where is the DW Performance Series positioned in their product line?

The Performance Series is a high-quality line designed to offer professional DW features and tones in a more standardised configuration than the fully custom Collector’s Series.

Who makes the DW Performance Series?

It is manufactured by DW Drums (Drum Workshop), a leading drum maker recognized for high-end percussion instruments.

How does it compare to the Gretsch Energy or Yamaha Rydeen?

The DW Performance Series is a professional-tier shell pack, whereas the Gretsch Energy and Yamaha Rydeen are typically entry-level complete kits that include hardware and cymbals.

What musical genres is this kit best for?

Due to its even frequency response and wide tuning range, it is considered all-purpose. It is particularly effective for rock, pop, and fusion where tonal control is essential.

Gear article

DW Performance Series Black Diamond 3-Piece Shell Pack

The DW Performance Series 22" 3-piece shell pack is a professional-grade acoustic drum kit manufactured by DW Drums in a Black Diamond FinishPly. It features a specific configuration of a 22-inch kick drum and two toms, designed to provide a balanced frequency response across various musical genres.

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Overview and Construction

The DW Performance Series is designed to offer the craftsmanship associated with DW's custom shop at a more accessible price point. This particular shell pack includes a 22" x 18" bass drum, a 12" x 9" rack tom, and a 16" x 14" floor tom. The aesthetic of the kit is defined by its Black Diamond 'FinishPly', a durable and visually striking wrap that provides a high-quality appearance suitable for both stage and studio environments.

Central to the kit's construction is the inclusion of DW's proprietary True Pitch Tuning Rods. These rods differ from industry standards by featuring a tighter thread pitch, allowing for more incremental and precise adjustments during the tuning process.

Sound Character

The Performance Series is engineered for a balanced sonic profile characterized by even high-mids and warm, resonant lows. This frequency balance ensures that the drums can cut through a mix while maintaining a full-bodied foundation. Each component of the 3-piece shell pack is voiced to provide ultimate sound control and high-quality tonal projection, making it a versatile choice for drummers who play across multiple genres.

Target Audience

This shell pack is suited for intermediate to professional drummers seeking a reliable, high-performance kit. Because it is sold as a shell pack (drums only), it is designed for players who already possess or prefer to select their own snare drum, cymbals, and hardware. Its broad tonal range makes it appropriate for various musical styles, from rock and pop to jazz and fusion.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other professional options like the Ludwig Neusonic or the Tama Superstar Classic, the DW Performance Series sits at a premium price point of approximately £2,249. While the Tama Superstar Classic offers a larger 22-inch 3-piece configuration at a different tier, and the Ludwig Neusonic provides a 'Rapid MOD2' 4-piece layout, the DW kit focuses on American-made craftsmanship and precision tuning hardware. In contrast to entry-level kits like the Yamaha Rydeen or Gretsch Energy which include hardware and cymbals, the DW Performance Series is a dedicated shell-only professional instrument.

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Frequently asked questions

What drums are included in the DW Performance Series 3-piece shell pack?: The kit includes a 22 x 18 inch bass drum, a 12 x 9 inch rack tom, and a 16 x 14 inch floor tom.
Does this kit include a snare drum?: No, this is a 3-piece shell pack consisting only of the kick drum and two toms. A snare drum must be purchased separately.
What is unique about the DW True Pitch Tuning Rods?: True Pitch rods feature more threads than standard tuning rods. This allows the drummer to achieve more accurate and granular control over the drum's tension and pitch.
What is the finish of this specific model?: This model features a lacquered 'Black Diamond' FinishPly, which provides a premium textured aesthetic and durability.
What kind of sound can I expect from the DW Performance Series?: The series is known for providing an even amount of high-mid frequencies and warm lows. This creates a balanced, projecting sound that works well across many music genres.
Is hardware like cymbal stands or a kick pedal included?: No, this is a shell pack. It focuses on the drum shells themselves and does not include stands, pedals, or mounting hardware unless specified.
How does the bass drum size affect the sound?: The 22 x 18 inch bass drum provides a deep, punchy foundation. This size is standard for rock, pop, and contemporary styles requiring significant low-end presence.
Is this kit suitable for high-tuning or low-tuning?: Thanks to the True Pitch Tuning Rods, the kit supports a wide scope of tuning. It can be adjusted for high-tension jazz tones or low-tension rock thud with high accuracy.
Where is the DW Performance Series positioned in their product line?: The Performance Series is a high-quality line designed to offer professional DW features and tones in a more standardised configuration than the fully custom Collector’s Series.
Who makes the DW Performance Series?: It is manufactured by DW Drums (Drum Workshop), a leading drum maker recognized for high-end percussion instruments.
How does it compare to the Gretsch Energy or Yamaha Rydeen?: The DW Performance Series is a professional-tier shell pack, whereas the Gretsch Energy and Yamaha Rydeen are typically entry-level complete kits that include hardware and cymbals.
What musical genres is this kit best for?: Due to its even frequency response and wide tuning range, it is considered all-purpose. It is particularly effective for rock, pop, and fusion where tonal control is essential.