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USA Maple Bass Drum from the DW Performance Series





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Whether you're a drummer looking for a record-ready kick drum sound or a self-accompanying solo performer, you'll find what you're after in the DW Performance Series bass drum. Its HVX maple shell is hand built in the same California plant, by the same skilled craftsmen, as DW's inimitable Collector's Series. Its hardware even offers many of the same tuning and performance advantages. Reduced Quarter Turret lugs and a range of specialty wrap, lacquer, and satin finishes give the Performance Series bass drum a heart and soul all its own.





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What’s So Great About Buying Drums from Sweetwater?


DW Performance Series vs DW Collector's Series





Unlike the 100% custom Collector's Series, the DW Performance Series maximizes value by limiting configurable options. If you're in the market for an authentic American DW playing experience at a real-world price, look no further than the Performance Series.





Specialty Performance finishes





DW Performance Series bass drums are available in several finish options. Choose hand-applied lacquer and satin stains for a contemporary look; or for something more classic, choose DW's durable FinishPly wraps, sourced from Delmar USA's UV-treated specialty plastics.





Your dream kit awaits





As the nation's largest DW Performance Series dealer, Sweetwater stocks nearly every shell size and finish available in the line. Your dream kit is just a click or call away.





14" x 18" bass drum in Natural Lacquer finish


HVX maple shell





Performance Series bass drums begin with DW's US-built, handcrafted HVX hard rock North American maple shells. The HVX grain orientation arranges wood plies horizontally, vertically, and diagonally for a deep and satisfying fundamental. Shells are baked in pressure molds (2600 PSI at 200°F) then immediately Cool Tempered to crystallize the glue, maximizing strength, roundness, and resonance. John Good's 60° bearing edges promise effortless playability, whatever your style.





Proprietary DW hardware





Unique to the Performance Series are DW's reduced-size Quarter Turret lugs. These offer a decidedly sleeker, more modern appearance that many DW artists prefer. A closer look reveals much of the same hardware found throughout the DW's Collector's Series:





Low-mass, non-slip spurs stabilize performance


Fine-threaded True-Pitch tension rods maximize tuning accuracy


Matching maple hoops promote a warmer, rounder tone


DW Performance Series Bass Drum Features:


Handcrafted and finished in Oxnard, California


Quarter Turret lugs are sleek and recognizable


HVX maple shell packs a deep, powerful fundamental


Heat forming/Cool Tempering maximizes shell strength, roundness, and resonance


60° bearing edges promise modern cut and sustain


Low-mass, non-slip spurs stabilize performance


Matching maple hoops offer a round tone and uniform look


Fine-threaded True-Pitch tension rods enhance tuning accuracy


DW's Microvent front head enhances resonance and response.