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DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 16 x 20 inch - Cherry Stain Lacquer

20" Maple Bass Drum with Maple Hoops - Cherry Stain Lacquer
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Item ID: PSK20CS
DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 16 x 20 inch - Cherry Stain Lacquer
Price:$1,374 and 00 cents
Special Financing - Ends Aug 2, 2026. $39/month with 36 month financing*

We Can Get It!

While this isn't an item we normally stock, we can still get it due to our great relationship with DW. Go ahead and place your order and we'll follow up shortly to let you know when to expect it. Estimated August 2026.

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DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 16 x 20 inch - Cherry Stain Lacquer
We Can Get It!
Price:$1,374 and 00 cents
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Frequently Asked Questions

DW Performance Series Bass Drum - 16 x 20 inch - Cherry Stain Lacquer

Q: What kind of sound can I expect from the DW Performance Series 20-inch bass drum?

Q: Who is the DW Performance Series bass drum designed for?

Q: What are the key construction features of this DW Performance Series bass drum?

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USA Maple Bass Drum from the DW Performance Series

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.

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.

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Tech Specs

  • Type: Bass Drum
  • Shell (Depth x Diameter): 16" x 20"
  • Shell Material: North American Maple HVX
  • Shell Construction: 8-ply
  • Color: Cherry Stain
  • Finish: Lacquer
  • Manufacturer Part Number: DPQHM1620KCX323

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Reviews

Great Sound, Good Looks
I got a 20" instead of the more popular 22" to get some better punch at lower volumes. There is always the danger of losing fullness if do that. This drum really holds its own though. When you get it off the floor, the shell is very lively and full. I'm sure the 22 is even more full just because of the physics, but DW does a great job of making their drums sing - even their small ones. It does need some tuning out of the box as I would assume any new drum would, but once you re-tension the lugs it's not hard to get a very pleasing sound.

You will definitely want to get the drum off of the floor with a DrumLift (or whatever the equivalent is if you are reading this far in the future) so that the beater can hit in the center, the shell can resonate, and so that you don't clamp the pedal directly to the wood hoop.

DW addressed a lot of details on this drum. The lugs turn very smoothly and have a bit of felt on the inside to protect the wood hoops. It comes with little mini pillows fixed in the right position with velcro so you don't have to scrounge around for something to damp the heads. The legs have plenty of length in case you want to really lift the drum for some reason. Every time you turn around, there is another little feature that just makes a lot of sense.

I'm not an aesthetics kind of person, but the drum is striking in appearance. It has a nice glossy finish and the grain shows through nicely. the natural wood on the inside of the hoops is a nice touch. I assumed that I would be giving up quite a bit of eye candy by going with a Performance Series instead of a Collector's Series. That is true to some extent as the Collector's Series are stunning, but these drums aren't "Plain Jane" by any stretch.

Overall, I'm very happy with the way these drums sound and the way they look. Other than the fact that a lift really ought to be included, I have no complaints and I'm really excited to play these things for the next few decades.
Music background: Home Studio