DW Performance Series Snare Drum Review

DW Performance Series Snare Drum

Quality Design at a Competitive Price

DW makes three tiers of drums in a good/better/best spectrum. The DW Performance Series snare drum is the “better” line of DW snares. The drums in this high-quality series are significantly better than those in DW’s Pacific Drums & Percussion series (PDP) line. But they aren’t quite on the level of the DW custom-made snare drums. Both wood and metal snares in multiple sizes are part of the collection.

This DW Performance Series snare drum reviews will provide you with the facts you need to decide if these snares belong by your side. DW Performance snares are a best-selling choice among serious drummers, both hobbyists and those who play professionally on all levels. They are that good. The quality of the design and build is very high and it shows in the bright, warm and crisp tones these drums are capable of producing.

Likes

Drummers appreciate the quality of this snare drum series that boasts enough resonance and projection to fill a room.. The Performance Series wooden snares are crafted with innovative 10-ply North American Hard Rock Maple HVX shells. They use proprietary technology developed by John Good and the DW Custom Shell Shop. With careful attention to grain orientation and its impact on sound. The design gives them a robust and low fundamental. The dominant sound made by the drum when it is struck in the center of the head.

The fundamental pitch is created by the batter and heads vibrating simultaneously. The Performance Series snares are easily tuned. Their fundamental pitch is in right relationship to other drums in the set you’re playing. Many drummers miss this point. Those that understand the importance of this relationship give high marks to this series of DW Snares. There’s a helpful article in Modern Drummer about tuning your drum set and the importance of the fundamental pitch.

Each metal snare in the Performance Series from DW is made from 1mm rolled steel and outfitted with snares and hardware of the highest caliber. Chrome Standard triple flange hoops and the proven Tru-Pitch tuning system are used on every DW Performance Series model.

With 5 different hand sprayed lacquer finishes and 3 highly durable FinishPly finishes, you’ve got enough options to make it feel like these are custom snares. For the average to very good drummer the sound difference between these and DW custom drums may be minimal.

The DW Performance series snares are the most competitively priced of the DW snare family.

Dislikes

Only 2 size snares are currently available in the DW Performance Series though they are the most popularly used snare drum sizes: 5.5×14 and 6.5×14. No doubt some drummers would love to add a deeper one with lower rumble or a 4-inch with a tighter snap in the sound. However, until DW expands the lineup these are your choices.

Overall – 4 Stars

If you want a snare drum that can take you from beginner to pro without missing a beat, the DW Performance Series snares are worth considering. No matter where you are on your musical journey, these snares will help you improve your sound, reach your full potential, and have more fun doing it.

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