Pricing and availability
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Store
Reviews
Price
Average Price: $3,201
High-end/Boutique
$999
$2500+
Price Tier
Budget
Standard
High-end
Price History
Based on price data from 4 merchants for "DW Performance Series kit". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.
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Description
The DW Performance Series kit is a testament to DW's renowned craftsmanship, delivering an exceptional sound experience without compromise. This kit is a harmonious blend of elegance and performance, featuring HVX maple shells that provide a robust, resonant tone. Each drum is meticulously crafted to ensure superior sound quality and an aesthetic that turns heads. The Quarter Turret lugs and low-mass die-cast claw hooks not only enhance the kit's sleek appearance but also contribute to its ease of tuning and reliable performance.
Designed with the gigging drummer in mind, the Performance Series offers a range of stunning finishes, including hand-sprayed lacquers and ultra-durable FinishPly options. The DW-exclusive S.T.M. (Suspension Tom Mounts) and True Pitch Tuning ensure that these drums are easy to tune and stay in tune, even in the most demanding environments. Whether you're in the studio or on stage, the Performance Series delivers the sound and reliability that professionals expect from DW.
With its unique combination of style, sound, and craftsmanship, the DW Performance Series kit is a drummer's dream, capable of adapting to any musical style or setting with ease.
Key Features:
- HVX Maple Shells: 8-ply toms and bass drum, 10-ply snare for rich, resonant tones
- Quarter Turret lugs and low-mass die-cast claw hooks for sleek design and reliable tuning
- S.T.M. (Suspension Tom Mounts) for optimal resonance and ease of positioning
- True Pitch Tuning for precise and stable tuning
- Available in a variety of stunning finishes, including hand-sprayed lacquers and FinishPly options
- Shell pack includes: 10x8" and 12x9" rack toms, 14x12" floor tom, 22x18" bass drum, and 14x5.5" snare drum
- Made in the United States
Product specs
| Finish | Antique Ruby Oyster |
| Configuration | Shell Pack without Snare |
| Number of Drums | 4 |
| Mounted Toms (Depth x Diameter) | 8" x 10", 9" x 12 |
| Floor Toms (Depth x Diameter) | 16" x 16" |
| Bass Drums (Depth x Diameter) | 18" x 22" |
| Shell Material | North American Maple |
FAQs
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What type of wood is used in the DW Performance Series kit?
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The DW Performance Series kit is crafted from North American Hard Rock Maple, known for its resonance and projection, providing a balanced sound suitable for various musical styles.
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How many pieces are included in the DW Performance Series 4-piece Shell Pack?
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The DW Performance Series 4-piece Shell Pack includes a 22-inch bass drum, two mounted toms (10-inch and 12-inch), and a 16-inch floor tom. Note that it does not include a snare drum.
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Is the DW Performance Series kit suitable for live performances?
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Yes, the DW Performance Series kit is designed for live performances, offering robust construction and excellent tonal characteristics, making it ideal for gigging musicians.
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What finish does the DW Performance Series kit come in?
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The DW Performance Series kit comes in an Antique Ruby Oyster finish, providing a visually striking appearance that complements its high-quality sound.
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Are hardware and cymbals included with the DW Performance Series 4-piece Shell Pack?
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The DW Performance Series 4-piece Shell Pack is a shell pack only, meaning it does not include hardware or cymbals. These components need to be purchased separately.
Videos
dw drums
DW Performance Series™ with Mike Clark
DW Performance Series™ with Mike Clark
dw drums
Drum Workshop Performance Series Shell Pack - Drummer's Review
Drummer's Review
DW Performance Series 5-piece Drum Kit Review - Sweetwater Sound
Sweetwater
Exclusive DW Performance Series Drums Review!
Drum Center of Portsmouth
DW Performance Series 4-piece Shell Pack in Tangerine Marine Demo
Sweetwater
Drum Addicts - DW Performance Series (Part 1)
Andertons Music Co
Drum Addicts - DW Performance Series (Part 2)
Andertons Music Co
DW Drums Performance Series | Gear4music Demo
Gear4music Guitars
Reviews
PROS
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Offers a warm, rich sound perfect for rock genres
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Exceptional craftsmanship and attention to detail in construction
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Beautiful, eye-catching finish and visual appeal
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Easy to tune with minimal adjustments needed
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Durable enough to last for decades
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Customizable sound with various drumhead options
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Ready-to-play out of the box with excellent factory tuning
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Suitable for drummers of all skill levels
CONS
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No specific cons mentioned in reviews
Owner Insights
We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DW Performance Series kit.
Comparisons
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The Performance Series offers more bass drum options, including 20" and 24", unlike the Design Series.
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Many users compare DW Performance Series to other brands like Yamaha and Tama, noting the latter often provides better sound at a lower price point.
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DW hardware is praised for its strength and reliability, though some find Yamaha hardware simpler and more user-friendly, especially the YESS mount system.
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Features and functionality
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Performance Series lacks a tom mount, requiring an additional purchase for a single arm mount.
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Performance Series provides a wider range of snare sizes and metal options than the Design Series.
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DW Performance Series toms are noted for requiring a dedicated stand to prevent choking, as mounting on a snare stand can affect their resonance.
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The toms in DW kits are cited for their ability to hold tuning with minimal tension, though some users prefer a higher tuning for livelier tones.
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The DW 9000 rack system is praised for its versatility, allowing complex setups with various clamps and mounts, making it a favorite among those with extensive cymbal arrays.
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Build quality
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Performance Series made in the USA, featuring slightly larger lugs compared to the Design Series.
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Value and pricing
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Performance Series is priced higher partly due to its USA manufacturing, while the Design Series offers more pieces for less money.
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A user mentioned spending between $3,000-$4,000 for shells, hardware, and cases, indicating a significant investment for those upgrading from beginner kits.
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Setup and maintenance
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Stock heads on DW Performance Series are frequently criticized; users recommend replacing with coated American heads or Evans EC2s for improved sound.
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User experience
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Owners report that DW Performance Series drums excel in low tuning, with the bass drum offering substantial impact in live settings.
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Owners report a significant upgrade in feel and sound quality from entry-level kits like the Pearl Forum, describing the DW Performance Series as feeling more professional and "badass."
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Owners describe the black diamond finish as visually stunning, enhancing the drum's aesthetic appeal and making it a centerpiece in a performance setup.
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Critic Reviews
5.0 out of 5
Based on 2 Reviews and 6 Ratings
129
Amazing!
This kit is incredible! The sound is so pure, and also very customizable due to your choice of heads. I am using Remo's Emperors on top and Ambassadors on the bottom so I can get a lot of tone from the shells, but still having a decent durability from the heads.
Great kit!
Artist usage
Add artist
Dominic Howard used a DW Performance Series Copper Kit in the NRJ Music Awards 2018.
Sizes: - 22" x 16" kick - 12" x 9" and 16" x 14" toms - 18" x 16" gong tom - 14" x 5.5" DW Performance Natural snare
On the equipment section of his site, Cobus says he uses a DW Preformance series kit. This kit it in sapphire blue finish. He has 7x8, 8x10, and 9x12 Rack toms and a 14x16 floor tom. He has two snares in sizes 6.5x14 (main), and 5.5x14(side).
In the official HD live video of "Composure" by August Burns Red, Matt Greiner is seen playing a DW Performance Series kit.
In this post nick's dw performance series kit can be seen
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Jay can be seen with his dw performance series kit
Throughout the AS I Lay Dying live dvd Jordan can be seen using a DW drumkit
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Drummer Pablo Viveros uses a DW Performance Series kit, as shown in a photo on his Instagram account.
In this video for dw drums, Chris can be seen using a dw preformance series kit
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In this post derek can be seen playing a dw performance series drum kit
Jami can be seen playing a dw performance series kit in this photo
Carter uses a DW Performance Series Kit in The Lion King Musical. However, this was provided by the Minskoff Theatre, it's not actually his kit.
Sizes: 22" Bass Drum 10" Small Tom 12” Small Tom 14” Floor Tom 16” Floor Tom 26" Orchestral Bass Drum
Album Usage
The DW Performance Series kit 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 Performance Series kit, it is most commonly used with the following gear.
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