DW Hosts VIP Event to Celebrate 50 Years

Kicking off a multi-day celebration open to the entire community, Drum Workshop (DW) honored 50 years of drum making with a VIP event in Santa Monica, California, last week. Artists, celebrities and VIPs attended the company’s celebration and DW artist Sheila E., best known for her longstanding collaboration with Prince, provided the entertainment.

Revealed at the event was DWe, a wireless acoustic electronic convertible drum set. Under development for several years, DWe is designed to blur the lines between acoustic and electronic drums and deliver a natural playing experience. DWe adds innovative, patented technology to the artisan, hand-crafted acoustic drum shells that DW is known for.

Launching in 2023 and manufactured in DW’s California custom shop, DWe will deliver industry advances in electronic drums with features including true acoustic-to-electronic convertibility, wireless connectivity, three zone metal cymbals and a premium sample library.

“We have always looked to improve the tools that drummers have at their disposal, and that is what we’ll continue to do in the years ahead,” said Don Lombardi, chief product officer and co-founder of Drum Workshop. “Looking back to 1972 when John and I started the company right here in Santa Monica, we could not be more proud of what the team has accomplished together, and in close partnership with the entire drumming community.”

“DWe will deliver the most authentic playing experience in the market for drummers whether played acoustically or electronically,” said John Good, senior executive vice president and co-founder of Drum Workshop. “Our focus has always been helping drummers elevate their craft by delivering new innovation, and DWe is no exception.”

Lombardi added, “Including technology in the drummer’s toolkit will enable them to introduce new creative ways to express themselves. DWe solves the issue of having to choose between electronic or acoustic drums and gives drummers the ability to add new sounds to their set up.”

In addition to the reveal of DWe and to celebrate the 50-year milestone, DW Drums has released a 50th Anniversary Limited-Edition suite of products available globally beginning Nov. 4. These include DW Collector’s Series 50th Anniversary Limited Edition Drums and a limited-edition version of the company’s 5000 pedal.

Drum Workshop was acquired by Roland earlier this year. DW will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary, with both organizations benefiting from their shared areas of expertise.

The multi-day event ran through Nov. 7.

dwdrums.com