What is the total thickness of the Aquarian Deep Vintage II?

The head consists of two plies of 10mil film, resulting in a total thickness of 20mil. This makes it one of the thicker vintage-style heads on the market, providing extra durability.

Does this drum head require a pillow inside the bass drum?

No, it features a Super Kick felt ring on the back side. This ring provides built-in muffling that controls overtones, often removing the need for additional internal dampening.

What kind of finish does this head have?

It features a unique vintage coating. This coating is designed to give the head the classic look, feel, and warm sound of traditional calfskin drumheads.

Is the 24-inch version suitable for jazz?

Yes, despite its size and thickness, the vintage coating and warm tone complement a wide range of styles including jazz and fusion where an organic sound is preferred.

How does the Deep Vintage II differ from the regular Vintage series?

The Deep Vintage II uses thicker plies than the regular two-ply vintage heads. This design choice is intended to provide added durability and a deeper overall tone.

Can I use this head as a resonant head?

While primarily designed as a batter (striking) head due to the felt muffle ring and 20mil thickness, it can be used as a resonant head if a very dry, controlled bass drum sound is desired.

How does the felt ring affect the drum's feel?

The Super Kick felt ring helps focus the energy of the stroke. It allows the head to move naturally while quickly suppressing high-frequency ring, resulting in a solid feel.

Is this head durable enough for heavy rock playing?

Yes, the two-ply 10mil construction is very robust. It is designed to withstand heavy hitting while maintaining its deep, warm sonic characteristics.

What is the typical price for the 24" model?

Based on current market data, this specific 24-inch bass drum head typically retails for approximately £84.

Does the vintage coating chip off easily?

Aquarian uses modern manufacturing quality to ensure the coating is durable. It is designed to provide long-lasting performance without the premature wear seen on some traditional coated heads.

How does it compare to the Evans Calftone 26"?

The Aquarian Deep Vintage II is thicker (20mil total) and includes a built-in felt muffle ring, whereas the Calftone aims for a more singular synthetic calfskin experience with different dampening options.

What size bass drum is this specific model for?

This specific model is designed for a 24-inch diameter bass drum. It is important to match the head size exactly to the drum shell diameter for proper seating.

Gear article

Aquarian Deep Vintage II 24" Bass Drum Head with Muffle Ring

The Aquarian Deep Vintage II 24" Bass Drum Head is a heavy-duty, two-ply drumhead designed to replicate the warm tone and organic feel of traditional calfskin. Featuring a Super Kick felt muffle ring, it provides a controlled, deep resonance without the need for additional internal dampening.

Aquarian Deep Vintage II 24" Bass Drum Head w/Muffle Ring

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Overview and Design

The Aquarian Deep Vintage II 24" Bass Drum Head is engineered to bridge the gap between historical aesthetics and modern durability. It is constructed from two plies of 10mil film, making it significantly thicker than standard two-ply heads. This increased mass contributes to a deeper fundamental pitch and enhanced durability for heavy hitters.

A key design element is the 'Super Kick' felt ring adhered to the backside of the head. This integrated muffling system moves with the head to dampen unwanted overtones and focus the low-end frequencies. The exterior is finished with a specialised vintage coating that simulates the texture and sonic response of authentic calfskin.

Sound Character and Performance

The primary sonic characteristic of the Deep Vintage II is warmth and depth. Because of the 20mil total thickness, the head produces a punchy 'thud' with a reduced high-frequency attack compared to clear or single-ply heads. The vintage coating further softens the stick (or beater) impact, resulting in a rounder, more musical tone.

While the head is designed for depth, the integrated muffle ring ensures that the sustain is controlled. This makes it particularly effective for drummers who prefer a 'plug-and-play' setup where no pillows or blankets are required inside the bass drum shell to achieve a studio-ready sound.

Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head

Applications and Genre Suitability

Though the 'Vintage' moniker suggests older styles, the Deep Vintage II is versatile enough for several genres:

Jazz and Fusion: Offers the organic, breathy response required for acoustic settings.
Rock and Blues: The double 10mil plies provide the durability and low-end punch necessary for amplified music.
Studio Recording: The pre-muffled design simplifies the engineering process by providing a consistent, focused bass drum note.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other vintage-style heads like the Evans '56 Calftone series, the Deep Vintage II is notably heavier. While the Calftone (available in various sizes including 18" and 26") aims for a sensitive, traditional response, the Aquarian Deep Vintage II focuses on maximum depth and durability due to its 20mil construction.

Compared to modern muffled heads like the Evans EQ4 or the DW Coated Clear series, the Aquarian head offers a darker, less aggressive high-end. It provides a more traditional aesthetic and a softer feel under the beater than typical clear plastic heads.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the total thickness of the Aquarian Deep Vintage II?: The head consists of two plies of 10mil film, resulting in a total thickness of 20mil. This makes it one of the thicker vintage-style heads on the market, providing extra durability.
Does this drum head require a pillow inside the bass drum?: No, it features a Super Kick felt ring on the back side. This ring provides built-in muffling that controls overtones, often removing the need for additional internal dampening.
What kind of finish does this head have?: It features a unique vintage coating. This coating is designed to give the head the classic look, feel, and warm sound of traditional calfskin drumheads.
Is the 24-inch version suitable for jazz?: Yes, despite its size and thickness, the vintage coating and warm tone complement a wide range of styles including jazz and fusion where an organic sound is preferred.
How does the Deep Vintage II differ from the regular Vintage series?: The Deep Vintage II uses thicker plies than the regular two-ply vintage heads. This design choice is intended to provide added durability and a deeper overall tone.
Can I use this head as a resonant head?: While primarily designed as a batter (striking) head due to the felt muffle ring and 20mil thickness, it can be used as a resonant head if a very dry, controlled bass drum sound is desired.
How does the felt ring affect the drum's feel?: The Super Kick felt ring helps focus the energy of the stroke. It allows the head to move naturally while quickly suppressing high-frequency ring, resulting in a solid feel.
Is this head durable enough for heavy rock playing?: Yes, the two-ply 10mil construction is very robust. It is designed to withstand heavy hitting while maintaining its deep, warm sonic characteristics.
What is the typical price for the 24" model?: Based on current market data, this specific 24-inch bass drum head typically retails for approximately £84.
Does the vintage coating chip off easily?: Aquarian uses modern manufacturing quality to ensure the coating is durable. It is designed to provide long-lasting performance without the premature wear seen on some traditional coated heads.
How does it compare to the Evans Calftone 26"?: The Aquarian Deep Vintage II is thicker (20mil total) and includes a built-in felt muffle ring, whereas the Calftone aims for a more singular synthetic calfskin experience with different dampening options.
What size bass drum is this specific model for?: This specific model is designed for a 24-inch diameter bass drum. It is important to match the head size exactly to the drum shell diameter for proper seating.