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DW Performance Series Snare Drum - 5.5 x 14-inch - Ebony Stain Lacquer

5.5" x 14" Maple Snare Drum with 3.0mm Triple-flanged Hoops - Ebony Stain Lacquer
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Item ID: PSS5514ES
DW Performance Series Snare Drum - 5.5 x 14-inch - Ebony Stain Lacquer
Price:$637 and 00 cents
Special Financing - Ends Aug 2, 2026. $18/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 June 2026.

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DW Performance Series Snare Drum - 5.5 x 14-inch - Ebony Stain Lacquer
We Can Get It!
Price:$637 and 00 cents
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Frequently Asked Questions

DW Performance Series Snare Drum - 5.5 x 14-inch - Ebony Stain Lacquer

Q: What kind of sound can I expect from the DW Performance Series Snare?

Q: What makes the DW Performance Series Snare durable and reliable?

Q: Who is the DW Performance Series Snare designed for?

Q: What are the key hardware features of this snare drum?

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USA Maple Snare from the DW Performance Series

Whether you're craving a matching snare for your Performance Series shell pack or a quality maple snare at an unassuming price, you can't go wrong with the DW Performance Series snare from Sweetwater. Its 10-ply HVX maple shell is crisp, sensitive, and cutting, capable of delivering powerful backbeats to your audience or into a microphone. Triple-flanged steel hoops pack a hearty rimshot and a deep pocket. Unique to the Performance Series are DW's low-profile Quarter Turret lugs and a range of specialty wrap, lacquer, and satin finishes.

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 snares 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.

5.5" x 14" and 8" x 14" snares in Natural Lacquer finish. Single-ended lugs available on 8" depths only.

HVX maple shell

Performance Series snare 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:

  • Fine-threaded True-Pitch tension rods maximize tuning accuracy
  • DW's magnetic MAG throw off locks snare wires in the "on" position or tenors them completely to eliminate sympathetic buzz
  • DW-branded Remo heads promise great tone and tuning from day one

DW Performance Series Snare Drum Features:

  • Matching snare drum for your DW Performance Series kit
  • A quality snare at an unassuming price
  • Handcrafted and finished in Oxnard, California
  • Quarter Turret lugs are sleek and recognizable
  • 10-ply HVX maple shell is crisp, sensitive, and cutting
  • Heat forming/Cool Tempering maximizes shell strength, roundness, and resonance
  • 60° bearing edges favored by John Good
  • Triple-flanged steel hoops deliver a fat, open attack
  • MAG magnetic throw off locks snares in the "on" position
  • Fine-threaded True-Pitch tension rods enhance tuning accuracy
  • DW's Tuning Sequence batter head with control dot streamlines tuning
DW's Tuning Sequence batter head cuts down on tuning time.

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Warranty Info

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  • Get back to making music with the industry's fastest turnaround time
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Tech Specs

  • Type: Performance Series Snare
  • Drum Depth: 5.5"
  • Drum Diameter: 14"
  • Shell Material: North American Maple
  • Shell Construction: 10-ply, HVX
  • Hoops: 3.0mm Triple-flanged
  • Lugs: 10 x Turret Lugs
  • Color: Ebony Stain Lacquer
  • Finish: Chrome-plated Hardware
  • Heads: DW by Remo USA
  • Manufacturer Part Number: DPQHM5514SCX329

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Reviews

AWESOME DRUM
This has got to be THE GREATEST maple snare drum EVER! The tone is incredible, and by adjusting the snare tension, you can get a TON of tones. I've never even needed to retune. However, I will warn you: It's still a wood snare. If you want a HUGE snare that doesn't sound like wood (because it's not), go with a Ludwig. However, this a GREAT snare.
Music background: Professional Drummer
Performance 5.5 x 14 snare drum
This is an amazing instrument! Right out of the box I put it on my stand and played a gig!
See also: Snares, DW, DW Snare Drums