Marking a first for DW's Design Series, the limited-offering Exotic Mapa Burl 4-piece shell pack brings a premium exotic wood finish to a versatile birch drum configuration. Built around 8-ply European birch shells, the kit features DW's patented HVLT (Horizontal Vertical Low Timbre) grain-orientation technology, delivering ample attack, a punchy, warm fundamental and controlled resonance. The configuration includes 10x7" and 12x8" mounted toms, a 16x16" floor tom and a 22x16" bass drum, providing a balanced foundation for a variety of playing styles. Highly figured mapa burl veneers beneath a natural matte lacquer finish give each shell distinctive visual character, while professional-grade hardware—including low-mass mini turret lugs, STM suspension mounts, graduated triple-flange hoops and True-Pitch tuning—supports consistent performance. Together, these features bring DW's specialized shell construction and refined appointments to a limited Design Series offering.
European Birch Shells Deliver Punchy, Warm Drum Tone
At the heart of this shell pack are 8-ply European birch shells incorporating DW's patented HVLT grain-orientation technology. By combining horizontal and vertical grain orientations, this construction helps shape the shells' tonal response, producing a warm, focused fundamental with pronounced attack and controlled resonance. The 10" and 12" mounted toms provide complementary voices for articulate fills, while the 16" floor tom adds depth and body to the kit's overall sound. Anchoring the configuration, the 22" bass drum supplies a substantial low-end foundation. This combination of birch construction and HVLT technology gives the shell pack a cohesive tonal character suited to both live performance and studio recording.
Professional DW Hardware Supports Resonance and Tuning Stability
DW equips the Design Series Exotic shell pack with professional hardware designed to support shell response, reliable tuning and practical setup. Low-mass mini turret lugs complement the shells' streamlined appearance, while graduated triple-flange hoops provide a balance of structural support and open resonance. The mounted toms feature DW's STM (Suspension Tom Mounts) system, which minimizes direct contact with the shells to help preserve their natural vibration. True-Pitch tuning allows precise tension adjustments across the kit, and factory-equipped Remo drumheads complete the playing setup. Together, these components provide a dependable hardware foundation that complements the shells' focused tonal character.
Exotic Mapa Burl Styling Meets Versatile Birch Performance
A highly figured mapa burl veneer distinguishes this limited Design Series shell pack, with a natural matte lacquer finish highlighting the wood's intricate grain patterns. Beneath the exotic exterior, the European birch shells and HVLT construction provide a balanced combination of attack, warmth and controlled resonance across the four-piece configuration. Professional DW hardware further supports consistent tuning and responsive playing, making the kit adaptable to different musical settings. A matching 10-ply Exotic Mapa Burl snare drum is available separately for drummers seeking a coordinated setup. Combining distinctive aesthetics with focused birch tone and performance-oriented construction, the DW Design Series Exotic Mapa Burl 4-piece shell pack offers a versatile foundation for stage and studio.