Opinions: DW-Collectors Series vs. Classics Series vs. Jazz Series?

DW-Collectors Series vs. Classics Series vs. Jazz Series?

Which is best for live, studio, or all around?

Rob G..

And you're positive that you want DW? Not that they're bad, but you might also want to consider Yamaha, Gretsch, etc. for comparable kits for less money.

If you got the money go for it:thu:

I own 2 collectors kits. If there is any way to get to CA you can go to the factory and try them all out in the show room. I did this to decide what shell options I wanted on my last kit. They offer a tour on Fridays this is when I did it.

Collectors Series covers everything.

the difference is not which sounds best, its the sound you want. for all around kind of stuff where youre playing many different genres then i would go with the collectors series. they can be tuned up, down, anything in between. the classics series are best for a vintage sound. the jazz series are best for...well...jazz. very open sounding.

Wait wait wait!!! you forgot x-shells!

Collectors:

Maple shells with reinforcing hoops have a longer, slower sustain ratio while birch shells without reinforcing hoops have a shorter and faster sustain. Maple produces a warmer, lower fundamental tone than birch. The outer face, or veneer, has very little influence on sound. The core plies and inner ply have the most influence and significant influence on sound, respectively.

VLT

In experimenting with different exotic woods as alternate shell making materials, DW's Custom Shell Shop discovered that in addition to the different tonal qualities inherent in every unique type of wood, slight alterations in the shell's construction can also greatly influence sound. Some of the woods sampled possessed a vertical grain pattern that when tested, dramatically lowered the pitch of the shell. Thus, VLT (Vertical Low Timbre) was born. For those players who prefer a lower overall tone while still maintaining maximum resonance and attack, VLT can be ordered as an option on all Collector's Series Maple Drums.

VLT consists of arranging the grain pattern of the plies in the shell so the outermost and innermost plies run vertically, and not the traditional horizontal. The vertical grain places less tension on the shell, allowing it to vibrate more freely, resulting in the lowered fundamental pitch.

Built in bottom:

So, what's the difference between VLT and Built-In Bottom? In a nutshell, the optional VLT feature utilizes vertical plies on the inside and outside of the shell, while Built-In Bottom only has vertical plies inside the shell. It provides a more low-end response. While optional on all Collector's Series drums, Built-In Bottom comes standard on Collector's Series bass drums and tom-toms 14" and greater.

X-men...err shells

It all started with our foray into VLT

FWIW, I've listened to the differences in standard collectors, VLT, and XLT shells side by side. When you tap on the raw shell, you can easily hear a significant difference in the depth of the fundamental pitch as you go from one to the next. If you like to tune your toms low (as I do) and still want them to resonate strongly at low pitch, then VLT are probably worth checking out. XLT would be nice for a kick drum.

I have VLT toms and when compared side by side to my last kit, I can tune them lower, and they sound a bit "fatter" and fuller at low tuning than the old shells did.

Insightful/intuitive replies. Any other opinions?

Rob G..

No Series. DW is extortionately over-priced. If you want Birch go Yamaha or Premier or Tama. If you want Maple go Yamaha or Spaun.

There's a DW kit with a free rack for $3000 at my local dealer. Spaun quoted $3750 for a similar kit. How much better is Spaun for the extra $750?

None... it's just yet another case of somebody believing the myth that DW has the most overpriced drums. People hear this and just blindly repeat it without really knowing the truth.

Brand new/but used at GC Phoenix,az $1500 6 piece Kit and looks new....gold badge blue sparkle fade...guy had to move out of the country and can't take them....great deal!

I sold drums for a long time and I didn't say they are the most-expensive, I said they were over-priced for how they sound. SPAUN drums sound way better, that's my only point. The dealer, by the way, can create any sales promotion they choose.