DW Collector's Series 5pc Sonicply Maple Kit - Black Ice with Black Nickel Hardware

"With SonicPly we found that the aluminum's vibration actually excites the other materials, making the surrounding wood more lively. - John Good"

This hybrid shell combines the warmth and musicality of North American hard rock maple with the bright attack and dry presence of an aluminum core. Here’s the typical configuration:

Outer plies: Maple
Center ply: Single aluminum ply (typically 1mm thick)
Inner plies: Maple
Total plies: Usually 7-ply shell with the aluminum as the central ply

Sound Characteristics:

The aluminum adds cut, articulation, and dryness, especially useful for snare drums and toms.
Maple balances it out with warmth and body, keeping the drums musical rather than sterile.
It’s ideal for players who want studio clarity with live punch — you get a dry, controlled tone that doesn’t sacrifice dynamic range.