DW Black Oyster Glass | Just 125 kits made

DW has a new limited run of its USA-made Performance Series, and there aren’t many to go round. Only 125 kits and 125 snares will be made worldwide.

The finish is Black Oyster Glass FinishPly, a classic look on DW’s maple shells. So what do you get, and can you still buy one? Let’s find out.

What’s in the kit?

It’s a four-piece in DW’s F.A.S.T. sizes:

• 8x10” and 9x12” mounted toms
• 14x16” floor tom
• 18x22” bass drum

The shells are HVX, made from 100% North American hard rock maple and handcrafted in Oxnard, California. You also get STM Suspension Tom Mounts, True-Pitch tension rods, quarter-sized turret lugs, triple-flange hoops and Remo heads.

And the snare?

The matching snare is a 6.5x14” with a 10-ply HVX maple shell and a 60-degree bearing edge. It has the DW MAG throw-off, triple-flange hoops and True-Pitch tension rods.

It isn’t bundled with the kit. DW lists it as sold separately, so if you want the full matching set, that’s two purchases.

How much is it?

DW’s product pages list the kit at $2,999 and the snare at $599. We haven’t seen UK or European pricing.

Can you still get one?

Possibly, but don’t wait. DW’s own online store already shows both as sold out. The pages also point you to DW dealers, so stock may still be out there in shops. Neither DW nor the announcement gives a ship date.

Final thoughts

Black Oyster Glass on a maple Performance kit is a lovely combination. With 125 of each, this run is as much for collectors as for players.

The only downside is that you’ll need to move fast, and the snare is extra on top of the kit. If it’s already gone, DW’s other recent limited run, the Design Series Mapa Burl, is worth a look. If it’s just the snare you’re after, read our snare drum buying guide first.

Full details are on DW’s pages for the 4-piece kit and the 6.5x14” snare.