What is the primary material used in the Deep Vintage II?

It is made from two plies of 10mil synthetic film, finished with a specialised vintage coating to simulate calfskin.

How does the thickness compare to standard drum heads?

At 20mil total thickness (two 10mil plies), it is thicker and heavier than standard two-ply heads which are typically 14mil total.

What size is this specific drum head?

This specific model is 16 inches in diameter, making it ideal for standard floor toms.

Does this head require a lot of external dampening?

Generally no; the heavy two-ply construction and vintage coating provide natural muffling that controls unwanted overtones.

Is this head suitable for jazz drumming?

Yes, it is designed to complement jazz and fusion styles by providing the warm, classic tone associated with those genres.

What is the benefit of the 'Vintage' coating?

The coating adds warmth to the tone and provides a texture that mimics the feel and sound of traditional calfskin heads.

Can I use brushes on the Deep Vintage II?

Yes, the vintage coating provides the necessary surface texture for effective brush play, similar to a traditional coated head.

Is the Deep Vintage II more durable than a standard single-ply head?

Yes, the two 10mil plies provide significantly more durability and resistance to heavy hitting than single-ply or thinner two-ply models.

What kind of sustain should I expect?

Expect a relatively short to medium sustain with a focus on the fundamental note, rather than long, ringing overtones.

How does this head affect the tuning range of a 16-inch tom?

Because of its weight, it excels at lower to medium tunings, providing a deep 'thump' while remaining stable.

Is this head intended for the resonant side of the drum?

While it could be used as a resonant head for specific sounds, it is primarily designed as a batter (striking) head.

What is the typical price for this 16-inch model?

The typical price for the Aquarian Deep Vintage II 16" drum head is approximately GBP 38.

Gear article

Aquarian Deep Vintage II 16" Drum Head

The Aquarian Deep Vintage II 16" is a premium two-ply drum head designed to replicate the warm, organic response of traditional calfskin. It features two 10mil plies with a specialised vintage coating, providing increased durability and depth compared to standard vintage-style heads.

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Background and Design

The Aquarian Deep Vintage II series is engineered to provide modern drummers with the aesthetic and sonic properties of historical calfskin drumheads without the tuning instability associated with natural materials. While standard vintage-style heads often prioritise thinness for sensitivity, the 'Deep' variant utilises a thicker construction to enhance low-end resonance and physical longevity.

This specific 16-inch model is typically utilised for floor toms, where its high-mass construction can fully interact with the larger air volume of the drum shell. It serves as a bridge between early 20th-century percussion sounds and contemporary manufacturing standards.

Technical Specifications

The head is constructed from two layers of 10mil vacuum-moulded film. This 20mil total thickness is significantly heavier than industry-standard two-ply heads (which often use two 7mil plies), resulting in a head that is highly resistant to denting and stretching.

The surface is treated with Aquarian's proprietary 'Vintage' coating. This textured finish is slightly thicker and more porous than standard white coatings, contributing to the dampening of harsh overtones and providing a tactile surface suitable for both sticks and brushes.

Tonal Profile

The Deep Vintage II is characterised by a dark, warm, and focused tone. The thick dual-ply construction naturally filters out high-frequency 'ping' and glassiness, leaving a prominent fundamental note with a short-to-medium decay.

Key sonic attributes include: * Warmth: Mimics the soft attack of natural skin. * Depth: The 20mil thickness emphasises the lower-mid frequencies. * Control: The internal friction between the two plies acts as a natural muffler, reducing the need for external dampening gels or rings.

Target Applications

Due to its controlled sustain and warm character, the Deep Vintage II is particularly well-suited for genres that require a 'classic' or 'woody' drum sound, such as jazz, fusion, and traditional blues. It is also an excellent choice for studio recording where engineers often prefer heads that do not produce excessive ringing.

For heavy hitters, the added thickness provides the durability needed for rock applications, though its primary voicing remains rooted in the vintage aesthetic.

Comparative Analysis

Compared to standard Aquarian Vintage heads, the Deep Vintage II offers more low-end punch and a slower response due to the increased mass. Compared to competitors like the Evans MS3 marching heads, which are designed for high-tension projection, the Deep Vintage II focuses on harmonic richness and feel. While products like the Tama Accu-Strike beater focus on the point of impact at the bass drum, the Deep Vintage II focuses on the resonant body of the tom-tom.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Deep Vintage II?: It is made from two plies of 10mil synthetic film, finished with a specialised vintage coating to simulate calfskin.
How does the thickness compare to standard drum heads?: At 20mil total thickness (two 10mil plies), it is thicker and heavier than standard two-ply heads which are typically 14mil total.
What size is this specific drum head?: This specific model is 16 inches in diameter, making it ideal for standard floor toms.
Does this head require a lot of external dampening?: Generally no; the heavy two-ply construction and vintage coating provide natural muffling that controls unwanted overtones.
Is this head suitable for jazz drumming?: Yes, it is designed to complement jazz and fusion styles by providing the warm, classic tone associated with those genres.
What is the benefit of the 'Vintage' coating?: The coating adds warmth to the tone and provides a texture that mimics the feel and sound of traditional calfskin heads.
Can I use brushes on the Deep Vintage II?: Yes, the vintage coating provides the necessary surface texture for effective brush play, similar to a traditional coated head.
Is the Deep Vintage II more durable than a standard single-ply head?: Yes, the two 10mil plies provide significantly more durability and resistance to heavy hitting than single-ply or thinner two-ply models.
What kind of sustain should I expect?: Expect a relatively short to medium sustain with a focus on the fundamental note, rather than long, ringing overtones.
How does this head affect the tuning range of a 16-inch tom?: Because of its weight, it excels at lower to medium tunings, providing a deep 'thump' while remaining stable.
Is this head intended for the resonant side of the drum?: While it could be used as a resonant head for specific sounds, it is primarily designed as a batter (striking) head.
What is the typical price for this 16-inch model?: The typical price for the Aquarian Deep Vintage II 16" drum head is approximately GBP 38.