Back to navigation


Add-on Tom from the DW Performance Series





This article was


Written By





Our Product Research Team





Get to know them!





The DW Performance Series makes it fast and affordable to flesh out a drum kit. This HVX maple tom is hand built in the same California plant, by the same skilled craftsmen, as DW's inimitable Collector's Series. Its shell 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 a heart and soul all its own.





Related Videos: Performance Series Mounted Tom - 8 x 10 inch - Natural Satin Oil - Sweetwater Exclusive





NOW PLAYING:


DW Factory Tour // Almond Kit for "Back to Da Soul"





What’s So Great About Buying Drums from Sweetwater?


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





The DW Performance Series is 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.





Shell pack shown in Natural Lacquer finish


HVX maple shell





The Performance Series begins 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. All Performance Series toms come crowned with pinpoint 45° back-cut bearing edges to enhance attack and increase head response.





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:





Graduated Counter Hoops, weighted per shell size, unlock a dynamic balance of attack and sustain


Washer-less STM Suspension Tom Mounts float toms securely without choking tone


Fine-threaded True-Pitch tension rods maximize tuning accuracy


DW Performance Series Tom Features:


Handcrafted and finished in Oxnard, California


Quarter Turret lugs are sleek and recognizable


HVX maple shell delivers a deep, powerful fundamental


Heat forming/Cool Tempering maximizes shell strength, roundness, and resonance


45° back-cut bearing edges promise modern cut and sustain


Graduated flanged hoops are tailored per shell size


STM tom mount suspends the shell securely without choking tone


Fine-threaded True-Pitch tension rods enhance tuning accuracy


Pictured: Natural Lacquer finish