Drum Workshop introduced loads of new stuff at Winter NAMM 2007. We just mention the addition of bamboo to the complete line of DW Collector’s series snare drums, their Acoustic EQ snare drum, an internal drum miking system, a module designed to mix two snare microphones, a 24 carat gold 5000 pedal, and DW\'s first drum rack, among many other things.\"Bamboo provides a bright, high-end crack with plenty of body. It’s a nice middle ground between our vintage metal line and the warmth of a traditional maple or birch shell.”
The horizontally constructed stave shells can be finished in any of DW’s custom offerings. Each snare drum includes DW’s Delta ball-bearing throw-off, True-Tone snare wires and DW heads by Remo USA.
Acoustic EQ snare drum
Also new in DW\'s snare drum department is their Acoustic EQ snare drum, created by Randall May: a 6x14” Collector’s Series 10-ply all-maple drum with a 6-ply reinforcement hoop. What makes this snare drum different is that it has the Acoustic EQ technology built in. This is a venting system that enables drummers to variably control the amount of air leaving the drum via a series of precision-cut gates that are integrated into the shell. The result is a change in tone that is amplified when close-miked. Both rows of narrow vents may be independently adjusted to achieve the desired sound and feel. Open it up for a dry crack or close it off completely for a thick bottom end. An innovative concept!
May Internal Drum Miking System
According to DW, their patented May Internal Drum Miking System is a consistent method for capturing and controlling your drum sound. It combines a full range of the same performance-proven microphones, including AKG, Audix, Audio-Technica, Sennheiser and Shure. Internal mounting provides clear presence and isolation from ambience and mechanical vibration with little leakage, feedback or cross-talk. It also keeps the mics out of your way so you’ll never have to worry about accidentally hitting them. With May mics and a 8, 12 or 16-channel mixer you can amplify, mix and monitor your sound, and add EQ and effects - both in studio and live situations.
Rich snare tones with May In/Ex blend module
What is the new May In/Ex blend module? It is a two input, one output microphone preamplifier designed by PreSonus Audio. The module is designed to mix two snare microphones (one May internal and any external) together into one channel to achieve an open and tonally rich snare sound for live performance and recording applications.
Other features include microphone input gain on each channel, 48V phantom power on one input, mix control (blend), phase inversion, main output, headphone output and fast-acting analog VU meter. This tool can help drummers combine the tonal characteristics of both internal and external miking.
DW\'s 35th anniversary celebrated with 24 carat gold 5000 pedal
To celebrate their 35th anniversary, Drum Workshop came up with the 24 carat gold 5000 pedal, released in a very limited ammount of only 1000 copies. To match this fancy pedal, DW are also doing the 9000 range stands in gold plate too. Expect correspondent prices!
DW\'s first drum rack
The 9000 Series Rack System is DW\'s first drum rack. It features stainless steel tubing, matching heavy-duty clamps and plenty of available add-ons and accessories that can adapt to any set-up. Soft-grip rubber feet with integrated spikes, name badge with built-in level and tube-mounted DWSM934 Cymbal Arms make the 9000 Series racks a typical DW modular hardware system.
Percussionists can choose from two floating conga rack configurations. Utilizing a bracing system, drums can be easily positioned on both the two conga seated model and three conga standing model. Just like DW drum racks, DW percussion rack systems can also be tailored for larger percussion rigs when combined with factory accessories.
New Vertical Grain Exotics
DW have also announced the addition of five distinct new Vertical Grain Exotic (VGE) woods to its existing line of Collector’s Series Exotic finish options. In addition to offering a half dozen woods from around the globe, drummers can now choose from an array of rare finds that are matched to create a high-end look. The woods are hand-selected by Drum Workshop Executive Vice President and drum designer, John Good, and are the result of a continued search to provide players with the ultimate custom drum experience. Says Good:
\"There were always so many gorgeous exotic woods that we just couldn’t use because we laid everything up horizontally. The issue was getting these logs in a large enough dimension to completely finish a bass drum. With Vertical Grain Exotics, we’ve found a way to take what nature has already made beautiful and turn it into a work of art.”
