Detail 01
5.5 in. depth
The shallower of the two. Faster response, more crack, and ghost notes speak more easily than on a deeper shell.
Product detailSKU #1278002525972
DWPerformance Series Snare Drum - 14 x 5.5 in. Ebony Stain Lacquer
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
US-built 14x5.5 in. snare in ebony stain lacquer. A step-up main snare for players moving past entry-level hardware.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Players who want crack and quick response over raw depth
- Gigging drummers replacing a stock kit snare
- Studio work where articulation matters more than volume
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Beginners — the money is better spent on a full kit
- Drummers chasing maximum depth and body — take the 6.5
- Anyone wanting a wrap finish that shrugs off stick marks
What matters in use
The specifications, translated
Catalog numbers tell only part of the story. These are the details most likely to change how this product feels, sounds, or fits into a setup.
Detail 02
14 in. diameter
Standard size, so any 14 in. head, stand basket and set of snare wires fits without hunting.
Detail 03
Ebony stain lacquer
Stain lets the grain show through instead of hiding it. Lacquer is thin, so it shows chips and scratches.
Detail 04
Made in the United States
Built in DW's US line rather than an import series. That's most of why it sits above budget snares in price.
Detail 05
637 dollars
Above the point where you buy a snare for looks. Priced against other pro-level single snares, not kit throw-ins.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01You'll need a snare stand and a drum key if you don't have them
- 02Lacquer chips at the edges — use a padded bag, not a cardboard box
- 03Budget for a fresh batter head; stock heads rarely match a player's taste
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
015.5 or 6.5 — which should I get?
5.5 for speed, crack and ghost notes. 6.5 for more body and volume. If it's your only snare and you play loud rooms, go 6.5.
02Is this made in the USA?
Yes, it's built in the United States. That's a large part of why it's priced above import-series snares.
03Does it come with a snare stand?
Buy a stand separately unless you already have one. Any standard 14 in. basket will hold it.
04How do I keep the lacquer looking good?
Wipe it with a dry or barely damp cloth, keep sticks off the rim edge, and store it in a padded bag. Lacquer scratches more easily than wrap.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
3 detailsBody & build
- Color
- 14 x 5.5 in. Ebony Stain Lacquer
- Country of Origin
- United States
- Color Finish
- Black
