DW Performance Series 5.5" x 14" Maple Snare Drum - Gold Sparkle

DW Performance Series 5.5" x 14" Maple Snare Drum - Gold Sparkle

The DW Performance Series 5.5" x 14" Maple Snare Drum in Gold Sparkle combines American-made construction with a versatile size and classic appearance. Its maple shell, adjustable snare hardware, and precise tuning system offer a practical foundation for a wide range of drum sounds. Available at West Coast Drum Shop in Bellevue, WA.

Product Description

Handcrafted in Oxnard, California, DW Performance Series drums feature 100% North American Hard Rock Maple shells. DW's HVX construction uses horizontal, vertical, and diagonal grain orientations to shape the shell's fundamental response. This construction is central to the Performance Series identity, giving the drums a substantial tonal foundation.

The 5.5" depth and 14" diameter provide a familiar, adaptable format for a main snare drum. The moderate depth makes this model a useful starting point when you want one maple snare that can cover different arrangements through changes in tuning, heads, and damping. It also fits naturally alongside the matching Gold Sparkle Performance Series bop kit.

A DW MAG throw-off uses magnetic assistance to hold the mechanism in its engaged position while allowing smooth operation when releasing the snares. The 3P butt plate provides three selectable snare tension positions, letting you change wire response without continually resetting the main tension adjustment. This is useful when moving between a more relaxed response and a tighter, more controlled snare sound.

True-Pitch tuning rods allow fine tension adjustments around the head, while chrome hardware complements the Gold Sparkle finish. The combination gives the drum a traditional visual character with practical controls for everyday setup and maintenance.

Sound & Playing Feel

Expect the warm body associated with maple, supported by a clear attack and an audible sense of shell resonance. The 5.5" depth balances fullness with articulation, making it a versatile choice for backbeats, ghost notes, and more detailed snare phrasing. Actual response depends on head selection, tuning, wire tension, and playing technique.

At higher tensions, the drum can move toward a crisp, focused voice with a more pronounced initial attack. Moderate tuning leaves more room for body and open sustain. Adding light damping can shorten the ring for a controlled recording sound, while leaving the head more open allows its overtones to contribute to the overall character.

For brush playing and quieter passages, experiment with wire tension rather than automatically tightening the snares as far as possible. A slightly looser setting can change how the wires respond to softer strokes, while a tighter setting can emphasize definition. The adjustable hardware makes those comparisons easy to explore.

Order online or visit West Coast Drum Shop in Bellevue, WA for hands-on selection and expert guidance.

Applications & Use Cases

• Main snare duty: A versatile maple voice for a setup that needs to cover changing material.
• Dynamic playing: Explore wire settings for quiet figures, accented passages, and brush work.
• Recording: Shape sustain with head choice and damping to suit the arrangement.
• Matching drum sets: Complete the appearance of a Gold Sparkle Performance Series kit.

Why Choose West Coast Drum Shop?

West Coast Drum Shop in Bellevue, WA offers knowledgeable staff and drum tech support for tuning, head selection, and snare adjustment. We provide careful packing and reliable nationwide shipping. Instruments displayed in the shop may show light play and normal shop wear.