Detail 01
5.5 inch depth
The common middle depth. Speaks quickly and sits a little higher in pitch than a 6.5, with more crack than body.
Product detailSKU #1278002525993
DWPerformance Series Snare Drum - 14 x 5.5 in. Natural Lacquer
Independent shopping perspective
The Korena take
American-made maple snare at 14x5.5, the standard all-around depth. For drummers who want crack and response over sheer depth.
Strong match
Who this is for
- Players who want one snare that works across rock, pop and funk
- Drummers who value quick stick response and rimshot crack
- Upgrading past a kit's included snare without going boutique
Consider the trade-offs
When to look elsewhere
- Drummers chasing a deep, fat, low backbeat — take the 6.5
- Anyone on a tight budget for a single drum
- Players wanting a piccolo-thin, high-pitched crack
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 inch diameter
Standard head size, so replacement heads and most snare stands, cases and mounts fit without hunting.
Detail 03
Natural lacquer finish
Thin lacquer over the wood grain rather than a wrap, showing the shell itself. Each drum's grain differs.
Detail 04
Made in the United States
Built in DW's US shop rather than an overseas line, which is where the price sits above import snares.
Detail 05
Sold as a single drum
This is a standalone snare, not part of a kit. It replaces or supplements a snare you already have.
Final check
Know before you order
- 01No snare stand included — you need one, or a spot on an existing rack
- 02Factory heads work, but most players swap batter heads to taste
- 03Tune both heads and set snare wire tension before judging the sound
Product questions
Before you decide
Straight answers to the questions shoppers most often ask about this product.
01Should I get the 5.5 or the 6.5?
5.5 if you want faster response and more crack; 6.5 if you want a lower, fatter backbeat. The 5.5 is the more common all-purpose choice.
02Does it come with a stand?
No. It's the drum only. You'll need a snare stand or an open mount on your existing hardware.
03Can I use this with any drum kit?
Yes. A 14 inch snare mounts on any standard snare stand and works with any kit regardless of brand.
04What heads does it take?
Standard 14 inch batter and snare-side heads. Any brand's 14 inch heads will fit.
Reference
Full specifications
The complete catalog record, organized around the decisions musicians make when comparing gear.
2 detailsBody & build
- Color
- 14 x 5.5 in. Natural Lacquer
- Country of Origin
- United States
