Drum Workshop (DW) is now among the most trusted drum manufacturers in the world. They are producing a high-quality drum set that is suitable for all drummers. No one should complain because DW has drummed for amateurs as well as professionals.
I bought my first DW drum kit about five years ago at an affordable price. I was so amazed to hear the sound produced by the excellent design series. The sound produced by these drums is crisper from the toms, and the 22-inch bass drum is like a cannon.
When I play my drums during any performance, everyone is soothed by the beautiful sound produced. My entire band is currently using the DW Design Series drum sets because I recommended them. For this drum kit, I can promise you will get value for your money.
Therefore, we need to look at the review of this design series to help others get the best. It is always my dream that everybody gets the best drums and takes his/her career to the next level. Thus, travel with me throughout this DW Design review.
DW Design Series Review
The DW Drum set is one of the most affordable drum kits manufactured by DW. However, the affordable price does not mean that the drum kit has low build quality. This new Design Series goes with the trend of ’boutique-inspired pro-quality drums.
Build
This Taiwanese company decided to manufacture the design series in its factory in Taiwan to reduce labor costs drastically. The build quality is a high standard, and all drums are made with the same tools as their California counterparts.
DW offers one standard shell pack and a reduced choice of drum sizes and finishes to keep a competitive price. The features that can be used to differentiate the design series from any other DW drums line include; grain orientation, lugs, thicker veneers, and sound.
Other drums such as the collector s series have 1/36 inch veneers, but it has a slightly thicker veneer measuring 1/32″ (0.88mm) slices when it comes to design series. This makes a thicker shell wall, thus eliminating the use of reinforcing hoops used in other DW’s drums.
This drum kit is designed and manufactured with handpicked North American Maple. Many drum manufacturers use this timber, and many DW branded drums like the high-end collector s series.
The process used in making the toms and bass drums is the DW’s proprietary HVLT (Horizontal Vertical Low-Tension) process. The process follows a vertical grained inner, horizontal outer, and cross-laminated plies fixed in between.
According to DW’s vice president and co-founder John Good, the horizontal outer ply gives the Design Series an initial attack and articulation. This HVLT shell construction is unique to this new design series, making the series remarkable.
This drum’s vertical inner part reinforces the maple warmth and manages to ‘pack a punch.’ The DW’s snare drum is made with an HVX ply configuration; the grain is designed first as horizontal than vertical until the two inner plies are cross-covered.
Size configurations
The DW Design Series has different size configurations that will suit your drum needs. They include;
- 22″x18″ bass drum
- 14″x51⁄2″ snare
- 10″x8″ and 12″x9″ rack toms
- 16″x14″ floor tom.
The series has chromed hardware as standard, STM suspended tom mounts and the cute DW mini lugs. The new DW models are re-engineered with double shell fixings and a special fixing arrangement. The design series comes
in four configurations, namely;
- 5-piece Design Standard
- 5-piece Design Acrylic
- 4-piece “Frequent Flyer.”
- 4-piece Mini-Pro
All the drumheads are single-ply, and the rims of the toms and snare are graduated in two thicknesses according to drum size. This feature makes it deliver open drum sound and give several projections. The drum toms have a clear top and bottom drum head, while the snare drum batter is a Remo ‘Controlled Sound’ equivalent that has a reverse dot stuck to the underside.
Hands-on
All the drumheads of the design series are in a reasonable state of tuning except the kick drum. The first thing to do is fit the two supplied BDF2 dampening pillows and ensure that both drums are on the kick.
Dampening consists of a single pillow that is dog bone-shaped, but DW has opted for two pillows dispensed with the middle section. The pillows provide a tremendous punchy slap followed by a dry, deep, and rich drum sound.
On the other hand, the bass drums give a confidence-boosting low end that can be felt. The toms require minimal tuning; thus, they get the thumbs up easily with their unhindered single-ply head that allows the drums to ring, thus giving the tremendous potential for projection freely.
The toms are well focused, and each strike comes with plenty of attacks different from each of the previous strikes that aid articulation. After the first attack, the tom gives a deep, powerful boom sound followed by an overtone that fades away slowly and evenly.
Another welcome addition is the matching wooden snare. The snare is beefy with the batter’s reverse black dot that provides extra body to the 5 ½-inch depth with low tuning. When you crank up the tension rods for a few turns, it gives the drum more attack while at the same time retaining its throaty authoritative power.
DW design series snare review
The DW Design Series snare is the ultimate dream snare of every drummer. The snare measures 6.5 inches by 14 inches and sports a 1-millimeter bead-reinforced, all-brass shell and is fitted with pro features.
The pro features fitted into this snare include; DW’s True-Pitch Tuning, MAG throw-off, and DW head by REMO. This snare offers the best sharply defined attack that can be felt by everyone. The DW Design Series snare is the ultimate drum for sonic and visual impact.
For over three decades, Drums Workshop has made some of the most-trusted drums in the industry. The artisanship of DW has more than set the bar for drum makers everywhere. The commitment to quality for yourself with the value-packed Design Series snare drum.
Features
- 6.5″ x 14″ (depth x diameter)
- 1mm, bead-reinforced, all-brass shell
- True-Pitch tuning
- MAG throw-off
- DW Heads by REMO
The design series kit snare is suitable for all music genres. It is attractive because of its nickel finish and chrome hardware. Another amazing thing about this snare is that it is made of high-quality material, making it more durable.
This snare is well built, full-featured, played by touring and studio professionals. The sound of this kit is classic and robust. It holds its own in the price-crowded mid-price snare range.
Specifications
- Shell Material: Brass
- Shell Thickness: 1mm
- Bearing Edge: 45-degree
- Hardware Material: Steel
- Hoop Type: Triple-flange
- Lugs: Patented
- Throw-Off: Tap-style
- Heads: Branded
- Finish Type: Nickel-plated
DW design series acrylic review
With DW Design Series Clear Acrylic, you should expect immense value for this five-piece kit. This 5-piece shell pack gives you the best on your way towards designing your ideal drum kit for stage or studio. It comes with three toms, a snare, and a kick drum. All these are made from clear acrylic that is sure to turn some heads.
This design series provides a punchy sound that is perfect for several drumming styles. You can contact Sweetwater to get this fantastic drum from their online shop. It will give you reliable performance for an extended period.
The features that will amaze you include;
- Maple Shell Pack with two rack toms, one-floor tom, one snare drum, and one kick drum
- Seamless, transparent acrylic shells provide an impressive tone and unique looks.
- True Pitch tuning rods let you fine-tune your kit’s sound.
- Full-suspension floor tom legs included.
- Rack tom stand clamps sold separately.
Features
Configuration
- Bass drum(s): 22 inches x 18 inches
- Tom(s): 10 inches x 8 inches, 12 inches x 9 inches
- Floor tom(s): 16 inches x 14 inches
- Snare: 14 inches x 5-1/2 inches
- Total pieces: 5
Shells
- Shell material: Acrylic
- Construction: Seamless
- Thickness (mm): 5.5
- Bearing edge: 45
- Reinforcement ring: Not applicable
Drum
Hardware
- Material: Steel
- Mounts: Suspended
- Hoops: Die-cast
- Lugs: Standard
Other
- Heads: Branded
- Finish type: Not Applicable
- Country of origin: Taiwan
The DW Design Series can be found at most music stores. My preferred Design Series Drum is the Black Satin that is so beautiful and suitable for every drummer.
Conclusion
The design series of drums suit the drumming needs of the current generation. The drumming needs change; hence we must use the modern design of drum sets. I had to buy a design series because my old drum kit could not offer what I needed.
The audience never cares our you will get the best sounds. They know that it is your responsibility to get them what they need all the time. Therefore, make your work easier by getting the design series, and you will be amazed by its functionality.
You really need to get the feeling of this fantastic kit. You do not have to use a lot of energy operating it because it is well designed for you. We have taken care of all the needs of our drummers, starting from beginners to professionals. You will never regret having this fantastic monster in your band.
