1. DW Collector’s Series Shell Pack
Collector's Series Shell Pack
Overview
So yes, I’ve started the list off with a rather expensive drum kit. While I will get to more affordable options later in the article, the Collector’s Series from DW makes an excellent case for being the best drum set money can buy.
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- Beautiful tone, touch, and appearance
- Great balance with rich, robust maple/mahogany shells optimized by SSC
- High thread counts allow for finer tuning on True-Pitch tuning rods.
- Graduated hoops provide the correct weight and attack for each tom size
The Exotic line of drums is part of Drum Workshop’s Custom Shop finishes. Being that custom is in the name, you’ll have to wait a little longer to get your kit. It should be no surprise, a kit at this level does not include cymbals or hardware.
DW’s Custom Shop Collector’s drums feature SSC shells. Depending on the size, DW selects the best type of shell construction for optimal harmonious sound across the kit. This shell-crafting technique allows the drum to vibrate more freely, giving the drum a lower overall pitch.
Depending which shell pack you pick determines the hardware. Black nickel hoops are a favorite of mine on lighter-colored drum sets.
At the time of writing this, Sweetwater has quite a few finishes available for order. I assume since they work with DW, you can get any finish available on DW’s website.
Click here to see all available Collector’s Series shell packs.
Some drummers scoff at Drum Workshop drum sets, saying they’re overrated and overpriced. Others defend them to the bitter end. Whether you can justify the price is your call. I think Drum Workshop Collector’s kits are authentic works of art. A 2014 interview recently piqued my interest with DW’s John Good — it’s worth a read.
Whether you believe his process or not (and I do), John Good works meticulously to create excellent drum shells.
14 comments
Cary V
I have a couple of Yamaha sets a 1983 tour series, and a 2005 hip gig. A Ludwig 1977 pro beat a pearl export and finally a platinum Pdp. They all have their own unique sound. The thing is convince. Consider weight, set up and break down. I suppose with that in mind the hip gig takes.
A Drummer
Sonor is not on the list, this can’t be a serious analysis.
John RodzInka
Truth is any drum set will sound amazing with a good mixer and very good sound tech.
Keon J. Kelly
Im a drummer myself and i like the drumset yall advertise hope i can keep up with yall editions.????
Randy F. Cabrera Sr.
I have a Ludwig Classic Maple kit, and to me they are the very best kit made. In my opinion, they also have the best sound, and really well made. You all know Jon Bonham was the best drummer ever, and he used nothing but Ludwig kits with an amazing sound like no other. And that say’s a lot.For me It’s Ludwig all day everyday for me.
I have a set of Pearl Masters custom with black diecast hoops for sale
I have a set of Pearl Masters custom with black diecast hoops for sale. Never left my recording studio, I believe there late 1990s. I bought them new.
Vinnie Kay
I’ve always loved Gretsch drums and regularly play a vintage Broadkaster kit from mid 60’s. (Round Badge)
Eventually I’ll buy a current Broadkaster kit. I’m glad this kit made your list.
I recently bought Ludwig Classic Maple, black oyster ala, Ringo. I had a kit like this when I was 12 that was used from Manny’s in NYC. I’d be interested in your review of the current Ludwig Classic Maple Fab kit or a comparison with the Broadkaster kit.
I appreciate what you do! Happy New Year!
Mark
I have DW santos rosewood collectors with blacknickle hoops beautiful drums they are heavy to hold excellent quality but recently bought the TAMA STAR anniversary kit it’s a walnut kit walked int the shop and heard the salesman playing it and I bought it best kick drum ever half the price of DW and twice the sound I think all the top brands are awesome pearl Ludwig sonor Dw tama Yamaha and so on you got to buy good skins and no how to tune your drums that more important cheers
Robert
How come you never bring up Pearl Masters Custom line of drums. If they were included in the reviews I have no doubt that they would be listed as the top rated drum set. This is truly the best drum set Pearl has to offer…quality, sound, craftsmanship. There is no current drum manufacturer that comes close to this line from Pearl. Let’s quit with the affordability complex. When it comes to the best drums to offer musicians don’t care about price.
Tedslist
Fantastic drum set review Nick. With a little bit of a controversial first pick, It is certainly true that ‘DW’ products lean on the expensive side. However, The consistency of DW, surely correlates with its popularity. Nick, your guide was a pleasure to read though, I was wondering, what type of shell finishes do you get a bang out of?
Declan O Shaughnessy
Hi my name is Declan O Shaughnessy here is my story my dear father may he rest in peace played with the Tulla ceili band for 15 years and highlight were in Carnage hall in New York and London and all over Ireland my father played violin I am his only son and always was into music at a young age even without drum lessons I could play the hi hat to the snare drum and switch to ride cymbal with top cymbals with either single or double bass drums to pedal just by listening and hold the beat to my music which is rock metal or pop it is like my dear father gave me a great gift to use any ideas out there my dear friends when I go out and buy a drumkit cheers Declan O Shaughnessy ???????????? best wishes and best of health to all ????????
shawn
I get whole push back against pearl. I compare pearl to another company from another hobby of mine. In mountain biking specialized is the biggest and best most innovative company and there’s of course they get push back against them too. Pearl is superior to most the companies and the comment about the hardware, should be stated just the opposite. pearls hardware is far superior as well. nothing against the other brands and models but I doubt very seriously there is a better sounding kit than the masters music city custom. The other masters are incredible as well, the new masters wood combos So my suggestion is to not to exclude a brand just because it’s the biggest. Other drum companies use pearls hardware exclusively especially the racks. thanks for the review and keep on jammin out
Nick Cesarz
Totally your own preference! I love Pearl’s shells. They make great drums. Over the years, I’ve just preferred Yamaha and DW’s hardware over Pearl’s.
Bill Bennett
I appreciate the time it can take to research the drums you researched in your article. But time and time again Odery Drums seem to come up in the argument for great drums and hardware. Why does Odery seem to be left out of the conversation when kits are reviewed?
Thanks
Bill