Pacific by DW Black Wax Maple Snare Drum Review

Pacific by DW Black Wax Maple Snare Drum

Great sound, but the look is hit-or-miss.

Pacific by DW Black Wax Maple Snare are part of the Concept Series that combines upscale sound and a sensible price for hobbyists. What’s worth noting is that professionals play this snare too, and drummers like Cobus Potgeiter and Jordan Nuanez don’t put their reputation on the line if the sound isn’t there to back up their endorsement.

Great Choice of Sizes

The Concept Series Black Wax maple snares are built in six sizes like most top-shelf lines, and that shows the investment Pacific Drum has made in this series. The sizes are:

5.5”x13” with crispness that really pops
5.5”x14” with classic snare sound
6”x10” with versatile sound for any style and genre
6”x12” with stout, beefy sound
6.5”x14” with deep lows but some pop too
7”x13” with the ability to rumble with the best of them

How’s The Finish?

The finish is what makes or breaks these snares. It is, “Hand-applied wax sealer that protects its maple exterior and provides an earthy matte finish.” While called “Black,” the finish is dark gray.

Our take is that it is a very handsome finish, and few would disagree. However, so many drum kits are built with glossy components that a matte finish will stand out – or get lost in the gleam. To some, that will be a distinguishing feature for the snare, and they’ll appreciate it. Others will want finish-harmony with the rest of the kit. If we seem to be belaboring the point, it is only for awareness. There’s no right answer; It’s what you like. There are glossy-finished snares in the Concept Series too.

Let’s move on to Pacific by DW Black Wax maple snare pros and cons to assist you in deciding if this is a snare you’ve got to have.

Likes

This drum is designed by professionals that know exactly what they are doing because they have decades of playing and drum-making experience. There is no substitute for that combination.

The broad size range of these snares will allow you to find the sound you want. With snares on or off, the range delivers what you expect from bright, sharp and responsive in the shallower drums to fat, rich and earthy in the deeper models. The hard maple shell is the foundation of the delicious sounds emanating from all DW Concept Series snares!

PDP built this series with equipment that is top of the line including DW MAG throw-offs, PDP dual-turret lugs, True-Pitch tension rods and Remo Drum Heads heads. The 90-degree angle of the strainer projection results in quick, easy adjustment.

Finally, and possibly the most compelling reason to buy one of these, the price of the Black Wax Concept Series drums combined with the very good sound makes them an attractive value.

Dislikes

The Black Wax finish is unique, but more drummers dislike it than like it by a 60/40 ratio.

The butt-plate is good, but a few more dollars in cost to you could have resulted in a far better snare. DW went with the nylon snare strap instead of the better 3P butt-plate. You can switch it out for less than $50, but it adds to the total cost.

Overall – 3.5 Stars

These drums have good sound and excellent, though not exceptional, quality on their side. What holds them back is the nylon butt-plate and that black wax finish. If you like the look, this drum is a 4.0 or 4.5 stars drum, and you shouldn’t give a rip about the rating. Buy it, and play it like you stole it.

Now for sound. If you play classical or jazz gigs where the audience listens quietly, or if you are a recording drummer, then the DW Performance Series is a better choice at a higher cost. For better value and a sound difference few will ever detect, the Concept Series Black Wax snare will serve your purposes admirably.