Some innovations don't just refine drum design—they redefine it. That's the story behind the DW Collector's SonicPly Satin Oil 4-piece shell pack with 22" bass drum, a result of two years of experimentation led by DW's resident Woodologist, John Good. By combining North American maple with a precision-engineered 0.6 mm aluminum core, SonicPly shells deliver the projection, attack and clarity of metal fused with the warmth and resonance of wood. Finished in satin oil to showcase the maple's natural grain, each shell reflects DW's obsessive approach to detail and sound. Built in the company's California Custom Shop, SonicPly stands as the latest proof of why the Collector's name remains a benchmark in professional drum craftsmanship.
DW SonicPly Hybrid Shells With Maple and Aluminum
Every drummer knows maple's voice—but DW SonicPly takes it further by integrating a 0.6 mm layer of aircraft-grade aluminum into each shell. The result is a construction that blends projection and attack with resonance and depth. Toms and bass drums use eight plies of North American maple fused with the aluminum core, while snare drums feature twelve plies with two aluminum layers for heightened definition. Fully rounded bearing edges ensure sustain and accurate head seating. By combining wood's warmth with metal's edge, DW created a shell design that expands the vocabulary of modern drums while honoring its California Custom Shop roots.
DW Collector's Series Hardware Ensures Stability
Great shells demand equally great hardware, and DW equips SonicPly with the proven details of its Collector's Series. Suspended Tom Mounts (STM) let the toms resonate freely, while full-size turret lugs provide consistent tuning strength. True Hoops support even head seating, and heavy-duty spurs keep the bass drum locked in place under forceful playing. Bass drum T-rods make adjustments precise and repeatable. Each component reflects DW's touring pedigree, designed for drummers who need hardware that is as reliable as the shells it supports. This combination reinforces the SonicPly identity and underscores the quality that makes Collector's Series a benchmark.
DW SonicPly Configuration and Drum Sizes
Every kit layout tells a story, and the DW SonicPly shell pack is built to speak clearly across genres. This 4-piece configuration features a 10x7" tom, 12x8" tom, 16x16" floor tom and a 22x18" bass drum. The smaller toms deliver quick attack, the floor tom adds weight and depth, and the bass drum projects with authority. Together, they form a balanced range of voices that adapts to rock, jazz, pop or studio work. Each size is chosen to highlight the strengths of SonicPly shells, ensuring definition and presence in any mix. It's a setup designed the DW way—precise, versatile and dependable.
Satin Oil Finish and DW Build Quality
A great shell is only as lasting as its finish, and DW's Satin Oil treatment shows why the brand's attention to detail is unmatched. Each coat is applied by hand to bring out the natural grain of North American maple, with careful sanding between layers for a smooth, touchable surface. Beyond the finish, precision ply bonding and reinforcement hoops maintain shell integrity under tension. True Pitch tension rods hold tuning accurately, while dual-action truss systems ensure consistency across the kit. From finish to fittings, every element reflects DW's Collector's Series legacy, proving once again why the company's builds remain a standard for professional drums worldwide.
DW SonicPly Sound and Performance
Playing the DW Collector's SonicPly Satin Oil 4-piece shell pack with 22" bass drum feels like unlocking DW's next evolution in drum design. The hybrid maple-and-aluminum shells respond with strength when pushed and with sensitivity when played softly, offering clarity that records cleanly and projects live. Engineers appreciate their focus in the studio, while performers value their cut on stage. Paired with Collector's Series hardware, the kit delivers stability as well as sonic power. For drummers who expect innovation built on decades of craft, SonicPly stands as DW's latest contribution to a legacy of instruments that shape the sound of modern music.