What is the diameter of this DW snare drum head?

This specific model has a diameter of 13 inches. It is designed exclusively for 13-inch snare drums and will not fit standard 14-inch or smaller 12-inch shells.

Who manufactures the film used in this head?

The film used is authentic Dupont single-ply S film. Dupont is a world-renowned manufacturer of synthetic materials, ensuring high quality and consistency in the drum head's construction.

What type of coating is applied to the surface?

The head features Remo’s proprietary coating. This specific white coating is applied to provide a warmer tone and a texture suitable for both sticks and brushes.

What is the benefit of the crimped aluminium flesh hoop?

The crimped aluminium flesh hoop provides enhanced resonance compared to standard hoops. It ensures the film is held securely, which aids in tuning stability and vibrational transfer to the shell.

How would you describe the tonal character of this head?

The head is designed to provide a dark and warm tone. It reduces harsh high-frequency overtones, resulting in a more controlled and focused snare sound.

Is this a single-ply or double-ply drum head?

This is a single-ply drum head. The use of a single layer of S film allows for greater sensitivity and resonance compared to thicker double-ply heads.

What is the typical price range for this item in the UK?

The typical retail price for this 13-inch DW snare head is approximately £19. This makes it a cost-effective professional upgrade or replacement part.

Can this head be used on a marching snare?

While it can be fitted to any 13-inch drum, it is a standard batter head. For marching applications requiring high-tension side heads, products like the Evans MS3 14" are more specialized for those specific high-stress requirements.

Does this head come with any other accessories like drumsticks?

No, this product is the drum head only. Accessories such as Gear4Music 5A Wood Tip Maple Drumsticks must be purchased separately.

Is the coating durable enough for brush playing?

Yes, the Remo proprietary coating provides a slightly textured surface. This texture is ideal for brush playing, offering the necessary friction to produce a classic 'sweep' sound.

How does this head compare to a clear drum head?

Unlike a clear head which offers a bright attack and long sustain, this white coated head provides a darker, warmer sound with more controlled resonance. The coating helps to dampen high-end frequencies.

Is this head compatible with other brands of snare drums?

Yes, as long as the snare drum has a 13-inch diameter, this head is compatible. While branded by DW, it follows standard sizing conventions used by Tama, Pearl, and others.

Gear article

DW Drums White Coated Snare Drum Head 13"

The DW Drums White Coated Snare Drum Head is a premium 13-inch replacement component designed specifically for snare drums. Manufactured using authentic Dupont single-ply S film and Remo's proprietary coating, it is engineered to provide a dark, warm tonal profile with enhanced resonance.

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Overview

The DW White Coated Snare Drum Head is a critical maintenance component for drummers utilising 13-inch snare drums. As a collaboration of materials technology, the head utilises authentic Dupont single-ply S film, which is then finished with a proprietary coating developed by Remo. This combination ensures a professional-grade surface that balances durability with musicality.

The head is categorized under parts and spares, catering to both the replacement market and drummers looking to modify their existing snare configuration. With a standard retail price of approximately £19, it sits within the accessible yet professional tier of percussion accessories.

Design and Construction

A defining feature of this drum head is its crimped aluminium flesh hoop. Unlike glued hoops found on some budget alternatives, the crimped design provides a mechanical lock for the film, which contributes to the head's overall resonance and tuning stability. The use of single-ply S film ensures a sensitive response to stick strikes, allowing for nuances in playing technique to be captured accurately.

Sonic Characteristics

The DW White Coated Snare Drum Head is noted for its dark and warm tone. The Remo proprietary coating serves to dampen harsh overtones, resulting in a controlled sustain that is preferred in both studio and live settings. The inherent resonance provided by the aluminium hoop prevents the drum from sounding 'choked,' maintaining a full-bodied sound even at higher tensions.

Target Audience

This head is ideally suited for drummers who prefer a 13-inch snare diameter—a size often chosen for its 'pop' and crispness. It is particularly effective for players seeking to tame excessively bright drums or those who require a versatile head that can handle various genres, from jazz to rock. Because it is a DW-branded product, it is a direct replacement for factory-standard heads on DW and PDP snare drums.

Comparison and Compatibility

While other brands like Evans offer specialised products such as the MS3 Marching Snare Side head, the DW White Coated head is designed for general-purpose use on the batter side. It differs from clear heads by providing a warmer, more muted attack. Compared to heavier multi-ply heads, this single-ply S film offers greater sensitivity and a more natural feel, though it may require more frequent replacement under heavy-hitting conditions.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the diameter of this DW snare drum head?: This specific model has a diameter of 13 inches. It is designed exclusively for 13-inch snare drums and will not fit standard 14-inch or smaller 12-inch shells.
Who manufactures the film used in this head?: The film used is authentic Dupont single-ply S film. Dupont is a world-renowned manufacturer of synthetic materials, ensuring high quality and consistency in the drum head's construction.
What type of coating is applied to the surface?: The head features Remo’s proprietary coating. This specific white coating is applied to provide a warmer tone and a texture suitable for both sticks and brushes.
What is the benefit of the crimped aluminium flesh hoop?: The crimped aluminium flesh hoop provides enhanced resonance compared to standard hoops. It ensures the film is held securely, which aids in tuning stability and vibrational transfer to the shell.
How would you describe the tonal character of this head?: The head is designed to provide a dark and warm tone. It reduces harsh high-frequency overtones, resulting in a more controlled and focused snare sound.
Is this a single-ply or double-ply drum head?: This is a single-ply drum head. The use of a single layer of S film allows for greater sensitivity and resonance compared to thicker double-ply heads.
What is the typical price range for this item in the UK?: The typical retail price for this 13-inch DW snare head is approximately £19. This makes it a cost-effective professional upgrade or replacement part.
Can this head be used on a marching snare?: While it can be fitted to any 13-inch drum, it is a standard batter head. For marching applications requiring high-tension side heads, products like the Evans MS3 14" are more specialized for those specific high-stress requirements.
Does this head come with any other accessories like drumsticks?: No, this product is the drum head only. Accessories such as Gear4Music 5A Wood Tip Maple Drumsticks must be purchased separately.
Is the coating durable enough for brush playing?: Yes, the Remo proprietary coating provides a slightly textured surface. This texture is ideal for brush playing, offering the necessary friction to produce a classic 'sweep' sound.
How does this head compare to a clear drum head?: Unlike a clear head which offers a bright attack and long sustain, this white coated head provides a darker, warmer sound with more controlled resonance. The coating helps to dampen high-end frequencies.
Is this head compatible with other brands of snare drums?: Yes, as long as the snare drum has a 13-inch diameter, this head is compatible. While branded by DW, it follows standard sizing conventions used by Tama, Pearl, and others.