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Average Price: $1,168
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Description
Introducing the DW Design Series, a drum set that embodies the distinct and famed craftsmanship of DW. The Design Series bears a fresh and familiar look, boasting features like mini Turret lug, Remo USA-made Suede 'outline' logo heads, and a sleek silver and white badge. These drums are not just about aesthetics, they're designed to deliver. The shells are thicker and constructed to pack a powerful punch, with Vertical Low Timbre shell with a horizontal outer ply ensuring full, resonant, and responsive sounds.
This drum set is tailored to cater to a wide range of music styles. The 8-inch toms feature a 7-ply HVLT construction, while the snares carry a 10-ply HVX, and the 10-18 inch, alongside all bass drums, feature an 8-ply HVLT construction. The Design Series comes standard with a set of specially made heads by Remo for DW, ensuring maximum vibration and durability.
The drums are fitted with Chrome Standard Triple Flange Hoops, and DW's patented STM (suspension tom mount) system for maximum resonance. The Design Series also features the simple yet effective DW MAG Snare Throw-off System and the patented True-Pitch Tuning Rods for exacting tuning process.
Key Features:
- Mini Turret lug and Remo USA-made Suede 'outline' logo heads
- Thicker shells with Vertical Low Timbre shell and a horizontal outer ply
- 7-ply HVLT construction for 8-inch toms, 10-ply HVX for snares, and 8-ply HVLT for 10-18 inch and bass drums
- Standard Triple Flange Hoops and STM (suspension tom mount) system
- DW MAG Snare Throw-off System and True-Pitch Tuning Rods
- Components: Rack Tom: 8x10 inches, Rack Tom: 9x12 inches, Floor Tom: 14x16 inches, Bass Drum: 18x22 inches, Snare Drum: 5.5x14 inches
NOTE: Shell kit only. Cymbals and hardware sold separately.
Product specs
| Brand | DW |
| Model | Design Series 6.5x14" Black Nickel Over Brass Snare Drum |
| Finish | Black Nickel Over Brass |
| Year | 2017 - 2025 |
| Made In | Taiwan |
| Categories | Snare Drums |
| Diameter | 14" |
| Shell Material | Brass |
FAQs
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What is the shell material of the DW Design Series snare drum?
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The DW Design Series snare drum features a shell made from brass, specifically with a Black Nickel Over Brass finish, which provides a bright and cutting tone suitable for a variety of musical styles.
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Is the DW Design Series snare drum suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the DW Design Series snare drum is well-suited for live performances due to its robust build and versatile sound, which can cut through a mix effectively.
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What is the size of the DW Design Series snare drum?
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The DW Design Series snare drum measures 6.5 inches in depth and 14 inches in diameter, offering a balanced sound with a good mix of body and attack.
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Where are DW Design Series drums manufactured?
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DW Design Series drums are assembled in Taiwan, utilizing high-quality materials and craftsmanship to offer a professional sound and performance.
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How does the DW Design Series snare drum's sound compare to wood snare drums?
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The brass shell of the DW Design Series snare drum provides a brighter and more resonant tone compared to wood snare drums, which typically offer a warmer and more rounded sound.
Videos
dw drums
DW Design Series® - Brooks Wackerman & John Good
Reviews
PROS
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Immaculate Cherry Stain finish is visually stunning
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Toms offer lovely sustain and easy tuning
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Snare drum is crisp with a balanced ring
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High-quality Remo drum heads included
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Solid, durable hardware provides stability
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DW bass drum pillow and memory locks included
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Top-notch build quality appeals to all skill levels
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Kit delivers majestic tones suitable for various genres
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Excellent tone depth, even at higher tuning levels
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Competitive price for high-end quality
CONS
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Toms require separate clamps for mounting on cymbal stands
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O-rings may be needed to limit resonance
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Bass drum dampening pads are subpar and may need upgrading
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DW Design Series.
Comparisons
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The DW Design Series is comparably priced with high-end kits like Tama Starclassic and Mapex Saturn, offering similar professional-level quality.
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DW shells are sometimes deemed too thick, affecting sound quality; some prefer Keller shells or brands like Mapex or Sakae for thinner shells and better sound.
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Build quality
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The Design Series features smaller turret lugs, which some prefer over the larger ones on the Collectors Series.
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Use cases and applications
Features and functionality
Setup and maintenance
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Toms often require tuning adjustments for optimal sound; some users find them too resonant and need to manage resonance to prevent muddy fills.
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Mods and upgrades
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Stock DW heads are criticized, with users recommending American-made or Evans EC2 heads for improved sound.
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User experience
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Some owners find DW's tom mounting system too loose and challenging during setup, especially for frequent gigging.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 1 Review and 2 Ratings
302
Kick-ass sounding drumkit
I have this kit for two years. And it still shines on stage. The tones you'll create with this kit are majestic. When you buy the full kit you'll get two simple dampening pads in de bassdrum. They are not so good, I've bought the Evans EMAD to make the bassdrum more punchy. All the toms are easy to pitch. The snare you get with this kit is good enough. The sound it creates is very good when you use a single ply drumhead.
Artist usage
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Nik Hughes is confirmed to use a DW Design Series drum kit, as seen in the "Nik Hughes - Bush - Tour Kit Rundown" video at 0:15, where the kit is identified as a DW Design Series maple drum kit. The video, produced by Modern Drummer Official, further discusses the kit's specifications at 0:45, including 12×10, 16×14, and 18×16 toms, along with a 22×18 kick drum. This information is verified by Modern Drummer, a credible source within the drumming community.
Album Usage
The DW Design Series has been featured on the following albums:
Genre Usage
Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.
Used With
Based on how musicians on Equipboard use DW Design Series, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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