Drum Workshop DW Design Series 6.5x14" or Drum Workshop DW Design Series Acrylic? Which Drum Workshop Model to Buy
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You are looking at the drum workshop dw design series 6 5x14 vs dw design series acrylic comparison. Both snare drums share the DW Design Lo Mass Turret lugs, True-Pitch Tuning, MAG throw-off, and True-Tone snare wires. They also weigh the same at 13 pounds. The main difference lies in the shell construction and dimensions. One model uses a brass shell with a black nickel finish, while the other features a clear acrylic shell. Each option offers a distinct visual and tonal profile for your kit.
Key differences
| Aspect | DW Design Series 6.5x14 Brass Snare | DW Design Series 8x14 Acrylic Snare |
|---|---|---|
| Shell Material | Brass | Acrylic |
| Finish | Black Nickel | Clear |
| Depth | 5.5 inches | 8 inches |
| Weight | 13 pounds | 13 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose DW Design Series 6.5x14 Brass Snare if
- You prefer the traditional warmth and projection of a brass shell.
- You want a shallower 5.5-inch depth for a crisper response.
- You like the dark, professional look of a black nickel finish.
Choose DW Design Series 8x14 Acrylic Snare if
- You want a modern, transparent aesthetic for your drum kit.
- You prefer a deeper 8-inch shell for a fuller, lower pitch.
- You value the visual appeal of clear acrylic under stage lights.
Verdict: Choose the brass model if you prioritize a shallower depth and classic metal tone. Select the acrylic model if you prefer a deeper shell and a clear, modern look. Both share identical hardware and tuning features, so your choice depends on shell material and depth preference.
Shell Material and Depth Comparison
Shell Material
The DW Design Series 6.5x14 Brass Snare features a brass shell with a black nickel finish. This metal construction typically offers a bright, resonant tone with strong projection. In contrast, the DW Design Series 8x14 Acrylic Snare uses a clear acrylic shell. Acrylic shells are known for their durability and distinct visual appeal. The material choice significantly influences the sound character and aesthetic appearance of each drum. You should consider which tonal quality and look better suit your specific playing style and stage requirements.
Shell Depth
Depth is a major differentiator between these two models. The brass snare has a depth of 5.5 inches, which is a standard depth for many snare drums. This depth often provides a balanced response suitable for various musical genres. The acrylic snare offers an 8-inch depth. Deeper shells generally produce a fuller, more powerful sound with increased volume potential. The 8-inch depth allows for more air movement inside the shell, affecting the resonance. Your preference for a standard or deeper profile will guide this decision.
Diameter
Both snare drums share the same diameter specification. The DW Design Series 6.5x14 Brass Snare measures 14 inches across. The DW Design Series 8x14 Acrylic Snare also measures 14 inches across. This common dimension ensures that both drums fit standard drum kits and hardware setups. The 14-inch diameter provides a wide playing surface, allowing for various stick techniques and rim shots. Since the diameter is identical, the playing feel regarding width will be consistent between the two options.
Hardware Components
Both models include identical hardware components from the DW Design Series. They both feature DW Design Lo Mass Turret lugs for secure tuning. Each drum is equipped with a MAG throw-off for quick snare engagement. The True-Pitch Tuning system is present on both, allowing for precise tension adjustment. True-Tone snare wires are included in both kits for consistent snare response. These shared components mean the tuning stability and mechanical functionality are comparable, leaving material and depth as the primary choices.
Weight
Weight is another shared specification between the two drums. The DW Design Series 6.5x14 Brass Snare weighs 13 pounds. The DW Design Series 8x14 Acrylic Snare also weighs 13 pounds. This identical weight suggests that the density differences between brass and acrylic are balanced by the depth variations. For touring musicians, the consistent weight makes packing and handling predictable. You will not need to adjust your kit setup or hardware balance due to weight differences when choosing between these two models.
Which DW Design Snare Fits You
Players seeking bright, resonant projection
The brass shell with black nickel finish offers a bright tone and strong projection. This metal construction is ideal if you need your snare to cut through a mix. The 5.5-inch depth provides a focused sound. You get consistent True-Pitch tuning and reliable hardware for a professional, metallic character.
Drummers wanting deeper, warmer tones
The 8-inch depth and clear acrylic shell create a deeper, warmer sound profile. Acoustic properties differ from metal, offering a distinct voice. You still receive the same high-quality DW Design lugs and True-Tone wires. This model suits players who prefer a fuller resonance and a unique visual aesthetic on stage.
Visual-focused performers and studio artists
The clear acrylic shell allows the internal hardware to be visible, adding a sleek look to your kit. This transparent design stands out visually during performances or video recordings. You maintain the same 13-pound weight and professional features like the MAG throw-off. It combines aesthetic appeal with standard DW reliability.
The products compared
DW Design Series 6.5x14 Brass Snare
Best for: players wanting brass tone and MAG hardware
- Diameter
- 14"
- Depth
- 5.5"
- Shell Material
- brass
- Throw-Off
- MAG
- Snare Wires
- True-Tone
- Finish
- Black Nickel
View on Amazon: DW Design Series 6.5x14 Brass Snare Affiliate link
This Drum Workshop snare drum features a 14-inch brass shell with a black nickel finish. It includes DW Design Lo Mass Turret lugs for True-Pitch Tuning and a MAG throw-off. The unit weighs 13 pounds and uses True-Tone snare wires. It suits drummers seeking a specific metallic tone and durable hardware construction for their kit.
Pros
- Brass shell construction
- Black nickel over brass finish
- MAG throw-off mechanism
- True-Tone snare wires
Cons
- Heavier build at 13 pounds
- Smaller 5.5-inch depth compared to 8-inch alternatives
- Limited color options with only black nickel available
Good fit if
- You want a brass shell for a bright tone
- You prefer the MAG throw-off system
- You need a standard 14-inch diameter
Skip if
- You need a lighter aluminum shell
- You prefer a deeper 8-inch profile
- You want multiple finish colors
Verdict: DW Design Series 6.5x14 Brass Snare fits drummers who prioritize brass resonance and the MAG throw-off system over a lighter weight or deeper shell profile.
DW Design Series 8x14 Acrylic Snare
Best for: players wanting a clear acrylic 8-inch shell
- Diameter
- 14 in
- Depth
- 8 in
- Shell Material
- acrylic
- Throw-Off
- MAG
- Snare Wires
- True-Tone
- Finish
- Clear
View on Amazon: DW Design Series 8x14 Acrylic Snare Affiliate link
This Drum Workshop snare features a clear acrylic shell and True-Tone wires. It measures 8x14 inches with a 13-pound weight. The MAG throw-off and True-Pitch tuning offer precise control. You get a visible aesthetic with durable hardware. It suits players who want a bright tone and a distinct look for their kit.
Pros
- Clear acrylic shell for visual appeal
- True-Tone snare wires for crisp response
- MAG throw-off for quick engagement
- 13-pound weight for stability
Cons
- 8-inch depth is deeper than standard 5-inch snares
- Acrylic shells can be more fragile than metal
- No mention of included accessories like sticks or case
Good fit if
- You want a transparent drum head aesthetic
- You prefer a deeper 8-inch shell profile
- You value True-Tone wire responsiveness
Skip if
- You need a traditional 5-inch depth
- You prefer a heavy brass or steel build
- You require a complete accessory bundle
Verdict: DW Design Series 8x14 Acrylic Snare offers a unique visual and tonal option for drummers seeking a deeper profile. It fits players who prioritize clear acrylic aesthetics and specific wire response over standard shallow depths.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | DW Design Series 6.5x14 Brass Snare | DW Design Series 8x14 Acrylic Snare |
|---|---|---|
| Diameter | 14" | 14 in |
| Depth | 5.5" | 8 in |
| Shell Material | brass | acrylic |
| Throw-Off | MAG | MAG |
| Snare Wires | True-Tone | True-Tone |
| Finish | Black Nickel | Clear |
| Material | Brass | not stated |
| Dimensions | 14 × 14 × 5.5 inches | 14 × 14 × 8 inches |
| Weight | 13 pounds | 13 pounds |
| Size | 5.5x14 | 8x14 |
| Color | Black Nickel | Clear |
| Model | DDSD5514BNCR | DDAC0814SSCL1 |
Frequently asked questions
Does the DW Design Series 6.5x14 Brass Snare come in other finishes?
The provided specifications list only a black nickel finish for this model. You do not need to check for other color options as this is the sole finish available in the data. The brass shell construction remains consistent regardless of the exterior coating.
Is the acrylic snare deeper than the brass model?
Yes, the acrylic snare is deeper. The DW Design Series 8x14 Acoustic Snare has an eight-inch depth. The brass model measures 5.5 inches. This extra depth in the acrylic version may affect the low-end response and overall volume compared to the shallower brass shell.
Do both snare drums weigh the same?
Both drums weigh exactly 13 pounds. Despite the difference in shell material and depth, the manufacturing process results in identical weights. This balance means switching between these models will not alter the overall weight distribution on your drum stand or your playing posture.
What is the difference in shell material between the two?
One drum uses brass while the other uses acrylic. The brass shell typically provides a brighter, more resonant tone with strong projection. The acrylic shell offers a different tonal character and visual appeal. This material choice is the primary factor distinguishing the sound profiles of each instrument.
Are the hardware features identical on both snare drums?
Yes, both models share the same core hardware. They include the MAG throw-off system and True-Tone snare wires. You also get the DW Design Lo Mass Turret lugs and True-Pitch Tuning on both. This consistency ensures similar tuning stability and snare engagement regardless of your shell choice.
Which model is better for a lighter weight setup?
Neither model offers a lighter weight option. Both the brass and acrylic snare drums weigh 13 pounds. If you require a significantly lighter snare drum, neither of these specific DW Design Series models meets that requirement based on the provided specifications. You would need to look at other product lines.
What are the dimensions of the acrylic snare drum?
The acrylic snare drum measures 14 inches in diameter and eight inches in depth. The model number is DDAC0814SSCL1. These dimensions define the shell size and contribute to its specific tonal profile, offering a deeper sound compared to the shallower five-and-a-half-inch brass alternative.