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DW Purpleheart Snare Drum 5.5 X 14 image 2

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DW Purpleheart Snare Drum 5.5 X 14

$910.80 to $1,548.82 Price Tier: High-end

Find out who is using DW 5.5 X 14

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Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 4 stores. Prices updated May 27, 2026.

Store

Reviews

Price

$910.80

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5.0 (2)

$910.80

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$1,548.82 1 available New

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5.0 (1)

$1,111.00

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Average Price: $1,120

High-end/Boutique

$150

$501+

Price Tier

In the Snare Drums category, DW Purpleheart Snare Drum 5.5 X 14 is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "DW Purpleheart Snare Drum 5.5 X 14". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The DW Purpleheart Snare Drum 5.5 X 14 is a true masterpiece for any drummer seeking both beauty and performance. Handcrafted in DW's California Custom Shop, this snare represents the pinnacle of percussion craftsmanship. Constructed from 13 plies of pure Purpleheart, this drum offers an extraordinary blend of attack, projection, and sensitivity that suits a wide range of musical styles.

Embodying DW's renowned VLT (Vertical Low Timbre) shell technology, the Purpleheart snare delivers a rich, resonant sound with a deep fundamental tone and a satisfyingly fat low end. The inclusion of the MAG snare strainer allows for smooth, precise snare wire tension adjustments, enhancing your playing experience. Complemented by black nickel hardware, True Hoops, and True-Pitch 50 tension rods, this snare is not just an instrument but a statement of quality and precision.

Whether you're laying down tracks in the studio or performing live, the DW Purpleheart Snare Drum stands ready to meet the demands of any drummer who values exceptional sound and stellar construction. Dive into its seamless blend of tradition and innovation, and discover why DW remains the choice of top drummers around the globe.

Key Features:

Size: 14" x 5.5"
13-Ply drum shell
VLT shell technology for enhanced tone
Black nickel hardware
MAG snare strainer for precise adjustments
True Hoops and True-Pitch 50 tension rods for tuning stability

Product specs

Type	Collector's Series Snare
Drum Depth	5.5"
Drum Diameter	14"
Shell Material	Purple Heartwood
Shell Construction	13-ply
Hoops	3.0mm Triple-flanged
Lugs	10 x Turret Lugs
Finish	Chrome-plated Hardware
Heads	DW by Remo USA

FAQs

What sound characteristics can I expect from the DW Purpleheart Snare Drum?: The DW Purpleheart Snare Drum offers a bright, articulate sound with excellent projection and a sharp attack, making it suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
Is the DW Purpleheart Snare Drum suitable for live performances?: Yes, the DW Purpleheart Snare Drum is well-suited for live performances due to its powerful projection and clarity, which cut through mixes effectively.
What type of music is the DW Purpleheart Snare Drum best suited for?: The DW Purpleheart Snare Drum's bright and articulate tone makes it versatile, suitable for genres like rock, pop, and fusion where a crisp snare sound is desired.
How does the 13-ply construction affect the sound of the DW Purpleheart Snare Drum?: The 13-ply construction enhances the drum's durability and provides a focused, punchy sound with increased volume and sustain.
What is the benefit of the 3.0mm triple-flanged hoops on the DW Purpleheart Snare Drum?: The 3.0mm triple-flanged hoops offer a balance of open tone and focused attack, allowing for dynamic playing and rimshot clarity.

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about DW Purpleheart Snare Drum 5.5 X 14.

Setup and maintenance

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Single ply coated heads like Aquarian Texture Coated allow for more tone and tuning flexibility on the DW Purpleheart snare.
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Comparisons

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Remo tom heads are said to retain rebound better than Evans, though Evans HD Dry is favored for its unique sound on snares.
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Owners who typically prefer metal snares are impressed by the DW Purpleheart's ability to deliver a similar attack and throat, yet maintain the warmth of wood.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners are switching out stock chrome hardware for black nickel, though DW-approved dealers quote high prices, such as $450 for hoops and lugs.
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Black nickel hardware is a popular upgrade choice for the DW Purpleheart snare, enhancing its appearance and potentially its resale value.
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User experience

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The Evans UV1 head is praised for its bright tone and durability, with the UV coating lasting significantly longer than other options.
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The DW Purpleheart snare is noted for having the attack of a metal snare with the timbre of a wood snare, offering a unique blend of tonal characteristics.
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Features and functionality

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The Purpleheart shell's density supports use of thicker heads without sacrificing tone, making two-ply heads viable for heavy hitters.
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Build quality

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Some users note that the actual finish of the DW Purpleheart snare can appear lighter than portrayed in online images, affecting aesthetic expectations.
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Use cases and applications

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The DW Purpleheart snare is versatile enough to be used as a main snare, appealing to players transitioning from metal to wood snares for diverse musical styles.
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