Gear article
DW Drums Straight/Boom Cymbal Arm with Double Clamp Clamshell
The DW Drums Straight/Boom Cymbal Arm with Double Clamp Clamshell is a professional-grade stainless steel hardware extension designed for drummers requiring extended reach and flexible positioning. It combines a 12-inch SM798 DogBone double clamp with a telescoping SM912 cymbal arm to provide a total of 18 inches of additional range to an existing drum setup.

Overview and Construction
The DW Straight/Boom Cymbal Arm is an integrated hardware solution crafted from stainless steel for durability and stability. The system consists of two primary components: the SM798 DogBone double clamp and the SM912 telescoping cymbal arm. The DogBone clamp is designed to attach to any 1/2-inch rod, including standard L-arms or tom arms, allowing it to integrate seamlessly into a drummer's current stand configuration without the need for additional tripod bases.
Adjustment Features
Precision adjustment is a hallmark of this hardware piece. It features DW’s proprietary Toothless Tilter, which allows for infinite angle adjustments rather than being limited by traditional geared notches. This is complemented by the patented Cymbal Seat Adjustment, a mechanism that enables the user to set the specific range of movement for the cymbal. For security, the TechLock locking system provides a secondary level of protection against slippage, a feature specifically designed to meet the requirements of professional touring drum technicians.

Reach and Flexibility
The hardware provides significant spatial flexibility for complex drum kits. The SM798 DogBone provides a 12-inch extension, while the SM912 arm offers a telescoping action that extends the total reach to 18 inches. This allows drummers to place effects cymbals, splashes, or crashes in positions that would otherwise be unreachable with standard straight stands, all while maintaining a compact footprint on the stage floor.
Target Audience and Application
This cymbal arm is primarily suited for 'reach-searching' drummers—those who utilise large kits or unconventional setups where space for tripod legs is limited. Its robust construction makes it appropriate for high-intensity touring environments. Because it can be clamped onto existing tom arms or cymbal stands, it is an efficient choice for players looking to expand their sonic palette without increasing the weight and bulk of their hardware bag.
Comparison to Alternatives
Compared to standard boom arms like the Pearl Mini Closed Hi-Hat Holder or basic auxiliary clamps, the DW system offers a more sophisticated locking mechanism via the TechLock system. While many manufacturers like Yamaha or Tama offer robust stands such as the HS740A or Roadpro series, this DW extension focus specifically on modularity and infinite angling, which distinguishes it from geared alternatives that may limit positioning to specific increments.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary material used for this cymbal arm?
- The hardware is constructed from high-quality stainless steel, ensuring durability and resistance to wear during frequent setup and teardown.
- How much extra reach does this arm provide?
- The telescoping SM912 cymbal arm provides up to 18 inches of cymbal range, extending the reach significantly from the mounting point.
- What size rods is the SM798 DogBone clamp compatible with?
- The clamp is designed to accept any 1/2-inch rod, which includes standard L-arms and most common tom arms.
- What is a 'Toothless Tilter'?
- It is a friction-based adjustment mechanism that allows for infinite angle settings without the restrictions of traditional geared teeth.
- What is the purpose of the TechLock system?
- TechLock is a secondary locking mechanism that prevents the tilter from slipping, providing extra security for heavy cymbals or aggressive playing styles.
- Can I adjust how much the cymbal swings or moves?
- Yes, the patented Cymbal Seat Adjustment allows you to set and lock the specific range of movement for your cymbal.
- How long is the DogBone section of the hardware?
- The SM798 DogBone component is 12 inches long, providing the initial extension before the telescoping arm is added.
- Is this hardware suitable for touring?
- Yes, the manufacturer describes it as being designed for on-the-road drum techs, emphasizing its reliability and safeguard against slippage.
- Does this product include a tripod stand?
- No, it is a hardware extension designed to clamp onto existing 1/2-inch rods or stands already in your setup.
- What is the typical retail price for this unit?
- The typical price for this DW hardware extension is approximately £139.
- Does the 30 inches of total combined length affect safety?
- No, despite the long reach, the combination of the Toothless Tilter and TechLock is designed to keep cymbals safely locked in place.
- Who is the ideal user for this cymbal arm?
- It is ideal for drummers who need to position cymbals in hard-to-reach places or those who wish to reduce the number of tripod stands in their kit.
