DW Craviotto Solid Maple Snare Drum 15×6.5″ – John Craviotto

DW Craviotto Solid Maple Snare Drum 15×6.5″ – Signed by John Craviotto

This is a DW Craviotto solid maple snare drum in the rare 15×6.5″ size, built during the period when John Craviotto produced hand-crafted steam-bent shells for DW. The shell is signed by John Craviotto (1999) and stamped as completed on April 18, 2001. Serial number is #508738, and it is marked with a “G”, indicating the shell note. The drum displays all the hallmark features of the DW/Craviotto collaboration from this era: a one-piece solid maple shell, DW turret lugs, and the Craviotto badge.

The drum has been fully disassembled, cleaned, lubricated, and reassembled. A new 30-strand Bibin snare wire has been installed, which performs exceptionally well on a 15″ shell due to its wide contact area. Hoops, screws, and hardware are in excellent technical condition. There are minor signs of corrosion on a few of the internal screws, but this is purely cosmetic and does not affect function or structural integrity.

The shell itself is in outstanding condition, with a clean wood surface and no damage or deformation. Both the signature and date stamp are clearly visible inside the shell. This is an unusual instrument, valued both as a collectible and as a versatile performance snare for players seeking an alternative to the standard 14″ size. The larger diameter produces a deeper, fuller response, more overall body, and a naturally lower fundamental pitch.

Specifications

• Model: DW Craviotto Solid Maple
• Size: 15″ × 6.5″
• Shell: Solid one-piece steam-bent maple
• Signature: John Craviotto (1999)
• Completion date: April 18, 2001
• Serial number: #508738
• Shell note: G
• Badge: DW + Craviotto Solid Maple Shell
• Lugs: DW turret lugs
• Throw-off: INDe Drum Lab
• Hoops: 10-lug triple-flanged hoops
• Tension rods: Complete set of DW rods with washers
• Heads: Remo top and bottom, near-new condition
• Snare wire: New 30-strand Bibin
• Condition: Used – Excellent
• Construction: One-piece steam-bent shell
• Sound: Full and resonant low-mid character, clear attack, wide dynamic range

This drum combines documented Craviotto provenance, DW hardware, and an uncommon 15″ size—making it both a rare collector’s piece and a technically impressive instrument.

The last two images in the photo set show this DW/Craviotto 15″ snare alongside a DW 14″ snare for comparison.

The item is located in Norway and can be shipped worldwide. We have extensive experience in packing and shipping.

This item can also be seen in our webshop vintagedrumsnorway.com