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DW Design Series

North American maple shells and pro DW construction details at a near-pro price.

DW Shell pack

The DW Design Series brings North American hard rock maple shells and many of DW's premium construction details - HVLT shell technology, precision 45/60-degree bearing edges, True-Pitch tuning rods, and mini-turret lugs - to a more attainable price. This 4-piece shell pack delivers a focused, resonant, professional voice that punches well above its tier.

Recommended for

Intermediate to advanced players Drummers who want DW build quality Studio recording Players ready for a pro-level shell pack

Shells & sizes

Shell material, finish, and exact drum sizes (diameter x depth).

Configuration4-piece shell pack
Shell materialMaple
Plies / thickness8-ply (10-ply snare), HVLT construction
FinishSatin and metallic finishes (Satin Sage, Slate Blue, Black Velvet, others)
Bass drum22 x 18 in
Snare14 x 5.5 in — Maple
Rack tomsRack tom 1: 10 x 8 in
Rack tom 2: 12 x 9 in
Floor tomsFloor tom: 16 x 14 in
Hardware includedShell pack only (no hardware)
Cymbals includedNone
Made inUSA

Pros and cons

Pros

  • North American hard rock maple, 8-ply HVLT shells
  • Precision 45-degree tom and 60-degree bass/snare bearing edges
  • True-Pitch tuning rods and mini-turret lugs
  • Focused, resonant, professional voice

Cons

  • Only a 4-piece configuration
  • Shell pack only - hardware adds significant cost
  • Overlaps in price with the step-up Performance Series

Key specs

Pieces4
TypeShell pack
Shell materialNorth American maple
Bearing edge45/60 degrees