Show Off Your DW Kit

[JimboJim]

Here is a new(ish) 14x5.5 VLT I picked up today. Has been sitting a my local music shop a couple of years and finally got to a price I could stomach.

[illustrator X]

Very nice purchase jimbo. VLT snares can produce a nice open ringing sound.
But don't play it till Christmas ;P

[JimboJim]

Originally Posted by illustrator X

Very nice purchase jimbo. VLT snares can produce a nice open ringing sound.
But don't play it till Christmas ;P

I'm kinda addicted. This is my 3rd VLT; now I've got 14x4.5, 5.5 & 6.5 models. I wouldn't go back to a horizontal 10&6; I like that open, ringing sound too much. I wish I had know about VLTs when I bought my kit. I got standard shells with re-rings all around. I guess the floors and the bass have the built in bottom though, which is like a 1/2 VLT.

[Mrcoffee]

Originally Posted by JimboJim

I'm kinda addicted. This is my 3rd VLT; now I've got 14x4.5, 5.5 & 6.5 models. I wouldn't go back to a horizontal 10&6; I like that open, ringing sound too much. I wish I had know about VLTs when I bought my kit. I got standard shells with re-rings all around. I guess the floors and the bass have the built in bottom though, which is like a 1/2 VLT.

So... the VLT is THAT MUCH different from the 10&6?

[JimboJim]

Originally Posted by Mrcoffee

So... the VLT is THAT MUCH different from the 10&6?

For my money, a 10&6 vs. a VLT is as different as a 10&6 vs. a solid shell.

People who haven't played VLT, X or HXV shells will tell you it's all marketing crap. It's really not. As more vertical plies are added to the shell comp, the natural pitch of the shell lowers. So a standard DW horizontal shell (standard/10&6) in a 5" depth will have a much higher pitch than a DW vertical shell (VLT) in a 5" depth. The re-rings (the &6) also impede some of the resonance of the shell to remove the ring and make the pitch even higher.

[illustrator X]

Originally Posted by JimboJim

I'm kinda addicted. This is my 3rd VLT; now I've got 14x4.5, 5.5 & 6.5 models. I wouldn't go back to a horizontal 10&6; I like that open, ringing sound too much. I wish I had know about VLTs when I bought my kit. I got standard shells with re-rings all around. I guess the floors and the bass have the built in bottom though, which is like a 1/2 VLT.

Woa, you love some VLT snares. I have a 13x6 vlt snare. Dig it, but the 14" does allow for more tuning options and playing on the rim sounds awesome and musical for some reason. If I had a chance to do again, I would have gone 14x6vlt.
I understand the vlt tom option. A few years back I got a finish ply vlt kit. The 20" bass was lower than the 22" bass on my standard collectors. So I had to liquidate my exotic kit to replace it with a new exotic vlt/x/vlx kit :p

[illustrator X]

Originally Posted by Mrcoffee

So... the VLT is THAT MUCH different from the 10&6?

The vlt (straight with no re rings) def has different character. Seems to offer a bit more diversity. Much more open, almost gives a metalic ring especially when miked. But the 10&6 can tune a bit more cracky and solid sounding.

[areFish]

Originally Posted by illustrator X

The 20" bass was lower than the 22" bass on my standard collectors. So I had to liquidate my exotic kit to replace it with a new exotic vlt/x/vlx kit :p

That has to sound phenomenal because even my blue collar 22" HVX kick has got it going on in the bottom end dept. IMO.

[illustrator X]

Originally Posted by areFish

That has to sound phenomenal because even my blue collar 22" HVX kick has got it going on in the bottom end dept. IMO.

My heads on the vlx bass drum are tuned tight. It's almost too low otherwise:p

[areFish]

Originally Posted by illustrator X

My heads on the vlx bass drum are tuned tight. It's almost too low otherwise:p

Maybe you can tell me...The VLX is is the lowest timbre shell DW produces if I'm not mistaken. Of all their shell lines, where does the HVX shell fit in the line-up in regard to low timbre, comparing shells of the same size?

[illustrator X]

Originally Posted by areFish

Maybe you can tell me...The VLX is is the lowest timbre shell DW produces if I'm not mistaken. Of all their shell lines, where does the HVX shell fit in the line-up in regard to low timbre, comparing shells of the same size?

HVX have a few horizontal plies, vertical, and diagonal. So those shells natural tone is deeper than vlt, but not as deep as X or VLX. VLX has zero horizontal grain so will be the lowest fundamental.
Nice new kit btw, congrats. That performer snare drum you have is identical to the vlt snare JimboJim is addicted to.

[areFish]

Originally Posted by illustrator X

HVX have a few horizontal plies, vertical, and diagonal. So those shells natural tone is deeper than vlt, but not as deep as X or VLX. VLX has zero horizontal grain so will be the lowest fundamental.

The light bulb went on as you explained this. Thanks, I appreciate it.

[Mrcoffee]

Originally Posted by illustrator X

My heads on the vlx bass drum are tuned tight. It's almost too low otherwise:p

Always have the pillow inside?

[JimboJim]

Originally Posted by illustrator X

Woa, you love some VLT snares.

The first one I got was kinda by accident. I bought the NP Time Machine snare mostly for the aesthetics. I quickly fell in love with the sound once I spent some time with it.

The 14x4.5 was my second VLT, and I got that one on eBay at a REALLY good price (sub $300). The guy selling it wasn't a drum buff and had no idea what type of shell it was. He kept replying it was a "Collectors" drum. I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived and it was a straight shell VLT. It sounds more like a 5.5 than a piccolo.

This one was definitely on purpose. I had been looking for a DW in an exotic finish and wanted either a solid shell, edge or VLT. I found this VLT (sitting at GC since 09) on clearance at easily half or a third of what a new Edge or Super Solid exotic would of cost me.

The 5.5 and the 4.5 will end up being my two workhorse wood snares. That will let me keep the Time Machine mostly on display and only for practice at home/recording or special (and clean) gigs.

[illustrator X]

Originally Posted by Mrcoffee

Always have the pillow inside?

I keep the pillow inside. I recently put an aquarian super kick 2 on. So I would like to yank the pillow, but I need to switch the reso back to the one without a hole.
I haven't experimented as much as I should.

[illustrator X]

[quote=JimboJim;929822]
This one was definitely on purpose. I had been looking for a DW in an exotic finish and wanted either a solid shell, edge or VLT. I found this VLT (sitting at GC since 09) on clearance at easily half or a third of what a new Edge or Super Solid exotic would of cost me.

If you get a sweet price that you can always resell at about the same price then you can't lose. That 300.00 vlt surprise was a great win!

[Mrcoffee]

Originally Posted by illustrator X

I keep the pillow inside. I recently put an aquarian super kick 2 on. So I would like to yank the pillow, but I need to switch the reso back to the one without a hole.
I haven't experimented as much as I should.

I go without the pillow on my two Collectors: more boom and less thud. On my DWJazz kit, kept the pillow and got the boom AND the thud! Simply marvellous! :o))))))

[areFish]

Originally Posted by Mrcoffee

I go without the pillow on my two Collectors: more boom and less thud. On my DWJazz kit, kept the pillow and got the boom AND the thud! Simply marvellous! :o))))))

My Performance series kick delivered with two small pillows, one for each head. Good punch without killing the boom.

[illustrator X]

Originally Posted by Mrcoffee

I go without the pillow on my two Collectors: more boom and less thud. On my DWJazz kit, kept the pillow and got the boom AND the thud! Simply marvellous! :o))))))

SInce this particular kit doesn't leave the echo chamber of my basement, I tend to lean toward less boom and more control. But I really owe it to myself to hear what that thing does un pillowed.

I thought the pillows were for when you fall asleep from the boring sound of the drums. :P

[Mrcoffee]

Originally Posted by illustrator X

SInce this particular kit doesn't leave the echo chamber of my basement, I tend to lean toward less boom and more control. But I really owe it to myself to hear what that thing does un pillowed.

Real nice kit! Congrats! If I had to do it all again though, I'd definitely would go with 24" bass drums for all kits, or even maybe 26". I know a lot of guys like those smaller bass drums at 20" but for me, to have a good mix of boom and thud, and the big sound I want, it's gotta be at least 24". I was sure I had found my bass drum sound when I bought my DWJazz kits with a 24" bass drum, I could recognize right there that there was a major difference in bass sounds between 22" and 24", with or without the pillow. Here's the kit right before a show in Montreal last October. Actually looking for a 26" right now, the brand new one at the mu-sick store is way too expensive at 1400$. Oh, and finally, the snare is a Dunnett Stainless, luvit!!

[illustrator X]

Originally Posted by Mrcoffee

Real nice kit! Congrats! If I had to do it all again though, I'd definitely would go with 24" bass drums for all kits, or even maybe 26". I know a lot of guys like those smaller bass drums at 20" but for me, to have a good mix of boom and thud, and the big sound I want, it's gotta be at least 24". I !

Big bass drums do sound pretty sick. I guess I just react to the playability of the 20". The sound comes off of it quick to my ear, and it is fun and inspiring to play.The VLX keeps it from being hi pitched and tunes lower than my previously owned 22" collectors. My 22" muddied up just enough that it wasn't as clear (drivers side). Playing out at a gig, miked the 20" sounds as big as needed so I have two DW kits with 20" bass drums.

[Vegas Island]

I hear that the DW 23" bass drum is insanely great sounding too!

[illustrator X]

Originally Posted by Vegas Island

I hear that the DW 23" bass drum is insanely great sounding too!

23" X shell is what Neil Peart uses, it's good to defer to Neil.

[cornelius]

Cool thread - coupla' things...
DW Bass drums - I'm with ill-X, I like the feel and punch of 20" kicks, but have to say that I've played the 23" and it's a monster! On paper it sounds like a gimmick, under your foot it sounds and feels incredible - it also allows easier tom placement.

DW Snares - I like VLT toms and bass drums, but I actually prefer the standard 10+6 snares. I like the punch of the re-rings and a little brightness helps me get some contrast to the toms and bass drum. That said, the VLT snares still sound great and provide lots of variety depending on taste.

Mrcoffee - It's always very cool to see a BIG Jazz Series kit :) These drums aren't just for jazz, they're great for any type of music. Oh yeah, I have a Dunnett Raw Steel 6.5x14 - great drum.

JimboJim, what's the finish on that snare? Consider installing a new Mag strainer on that drum! They are one of, if not the best throw-off I've ever used.

Here's a lo res pic of my little kit: 12-14-20 6x14 (22" Woofer not pictured) - Jazz Series in Curly Maple...

[JimboJim]

Originally Posted by cornelius

JimboJim, what's the finish on that snare? Consider installing a new Mag strainer on that drum! They are one of, if not the best throw-off I've ever used.

Funny you'd mention; I bought one with the snare. I've also upgraded two of my other DWs to the mag; the Time Machine came with it. The 13" bronze won't take the 3P buttplate; the shell is curved too much.

[JimboJim]

Originally Posted by sticks4drums

I thought the pillows were for when you fall asleep from the boring sound of the drums. :P

Hey Sticks. That Drum Tourettes flaring up again?

[illustrator X]

QUOTE=JimboJim;930688]Funny you'd mention; I bought one with the snare. I've also upgraded two of my other DWs to the mag; the Time Machine came with it. The 13" bronze won't take the 3P buttplate; the shell is curved too much.

My 13" came with the 3P buttplate. They must make em special...

[JimboJim]

Originally Posted by illustrator X

QUOTE=JimboJim;930688]Funny you'd mention; I bought one with the snare. I've also upgraded two of my other DWs to the mag; the Time Machine came with it. The 13" bronze won't take the 3P buttplate; the shell is curved too much.

My 13" came with the 3P buttplate. They must make em special...

Man those are good looking snares. I'll have to email DW and see if I can get a chrome 3P buttplate for my 13".

Hey Jimbo and other DW owners. Just want to apologize if you guys have been upset by stuff I have said about the brand. Really all I have ever said was that they are very expensive drums, that have that maple sound. I just like to tease. I get my fair share on this site about my Mapex stuff, that is for sure. I have a 3500 dollar DW rack and hardware holding up my Monster kit. I bought it because it was the best looking rack out there, regardless of the price. I guess I should be more understanding, why you guys buy the drums you do. I have mentioned to many on this site that there DW drums look great. I will let up on the teasing, and let you guys enjoy your product. DW makes great drums. I never said they didn't. :)

[illustrator X]

Originally Posted by sticks4drums

Hey Jimbo and other DW owners. Just want to apologize if you guys have been upset by stuff I have said about the brand. Really all I have ever said was that they are very expensive drums, that have that maple sound. :)

No worries, so many kits sound great it is hard to defend how pricey DW's are. I prefer the DW sound about 5-10% more than some other brands I dig. It's hard to justify the cost on a new custom order unless you really are digging some specifics. Thankfully DW has been leveled out by the basic rules of economics. Custom order wait is only 2-3 months. You can get a new order @ 45% off list if you work it, and customer service is stellar from my 5 years of experience.
I am about to order a matching 8x7.5 VLT tom w/ re rings, and a sharp reso side bearing edge to enhance sustain (ESE). It's fun to get geeky and specific, DW caters to that so I am happy to be a customer.

[Mrcoffee]

Hey all, I have a question... did it ever happen to you that one your toms seem a tad big for all the heads you put on it? The ting is that I have this 12" DW Collectors tom that no head will sit well on... Evans or Remo... no head will sit flat... and it clearly affects the sound.

Comments?

[illustrator X]

Originally Posted by Mrcoffee

Hey all, I have a question... did it ever happen to you that one your toms seem a tad big for all the heads you put on it? The ting is that I have this 12" DW Collectors tom that no head will sit well on... Evans or Remo... no head will sit flat... and it clearly affects the sound.

Comments?

Something is off on your edge. Send it to DW to have the edge checked and touched up. I had a friend and we couldn't get his collectors 12" to tune up no matter what we tried. So he sent it into DW it came back and it tuned like magic.

[Mrcoffee]

Originally Posted by illustrator X

Something is off on your edge. Send it to DW to have the edge checked and touched up. I had a friend and we couldn't get his collectors 12" to tune up no matter what we tried. So he sent it into DW it came back and it tuned like magic.

Yeah, I was afraid of that... and with the backlog they now have, I won't see it for awhile.

But before, I should probably retry the head they had put on at first... seems it was bigger... could it be that Remo and Evans make tight head edges? Ans what about the angle they put in there (45degrees)... seems the crimped heads are squarer and it sits better... don't you think?
Thanks iX for your comment, I appreciate it.

[illustrator X]

Originally Posted by Mrcoffee

Yeah, I was afraid of that... and with the backlog they now have, I won't see it for awhile.

But before, I should probably retry the head they had put on at first... seems it was bigger... could it be that Remo and Evans make tight head edges? Ans what about the angle they put in there (45degrees)... seems the crimped heads are squarer and it sits better... don't you think?
Thanks iX for your comment, I appreciate it.

Try it for sure. Crimped heads do seem to center easier. But from my experience all heads work on DW toms. I have owned 4 dw kits, so when my friend had a problem I knew it was some sort of issue. We made sure the bearing edges where nice and clean but the drum wouldn't tune with a nice smooth round tone. The tiniest fractions can throw off the drum. The kit at the time was 4 years old. He sent it to DW and got it back in 3 weeks.Crazy right?! They didn't charge him for return shipping, and they put new heads on it. They didn't explain what they did, it just came back tuning true.

[Mrcoffee]

Originally Posted by illustrator X

Try it for sure. Crimped heads do seem to center easier. But from my experience all heads work on DW toms. I have owned 4 dw kits, so when my friend had a problem I knew it was some sort of issue. We made sure the bearing edges where nice and clean but the drum wouldn't tune with a nice smooth round tone. The tiniest fractions can throw off the drum. The kit at the time was 4 years old. He sent it to DW and got it back in 3 weeks.Crazy right?! They didn't charge him for return shipping, and they put new heads on it. They didn't explain what they did, it just came back tuning true.

Ok super, I will do that. Thank you iX!

[Roy E. Munson]

anyone have any black velvet toms around??

[Mrcoffee]

Originally Posted by Roy E. Munson

anyone have any black velvet toms around??

Don't get me started... I want them ALL!!!!!!! :oD

[jeffrey31]

Originally Posted by illustrator X

BOOMIN kit!! Is that an X bass drum?

No.....Collector series standard maple !!

[jeffrey31]

Originally Posted by rmandelbaum

what, you couldnt get a big bass drum ? ;-)

very cool!

I couldn't get a bigger bass drum because I didn't buy this kit in new condition but used.