What is the thickness of the Aquarian Modern Vintage 22 head?

The head is constructed from a single ply of 7mil vacuum-moulded film. This thickness is designed to provide a balance between sensitivity and a warm, vintage-style resonance.

Does this drum head require additional muffling like a pillow?

Generally, no additional muffling is required. The integrated felt strip on the back of the head is designed to provide the classic muffling needed for a controlled, vintage sound.

What genres is this bass drum head best suited for?

It is ideally suited for jazz, fusion, swing, and big band music. Its warm tone and specific damping profile complement acoustic settings where a musical, resonant bass drum is preferred over a loud, aggressive one.

How does the 'Modern Vintage' coating affect the sound?

The coating adds a layer of warmth and slightly dampens higher frequencies. It creates a surface that looks and feels like calfskin, contributing to a rounder attack.

Is the felt strip removable?

The felt strip is attached to the back side of the head by the manufacturer. It is designed to be a permanent feature of this specific model to ensure consistent damping.

Can this head be used as a resonant (front) head?

Yes, it can be used as either a batter (striking) head or a resonant head. When used as a resonant head, the felt strip provides a classic 'no-port' look and sound.

Does this head come with a microphone port hole?

No, this specific model features a solid surface with no port hole. This design helps maintain the low-end resonance and the classic Swing Era appearance.

How does the Aquarian Modern Vintage compare to the Evans '56 Calftone?

Both heads aim for a vintage calfskin vibe, but the Aquarian Modern Vintage 22 with Felt Strip includes integrated damping. The Evans '56 Calftone may require separate muffling depending on the specific sub-model chosen.

What size is this drum head?

This specific model is 22 inches in diameter, which is the standard size for most modern full-sized bass drums.

Will this head fit on a vintage drum kit?

Yes, it is designed to fit standard 22-inch hoops. Its aesthetic is specifically intended to complement the look of vintage or heritage-style drum kits.

Is this head durable enough for rock music?

While it is durable due to modern manufacturing, the 7mil ply is thinner than standard rock heads. Heavy hitters may prefer a thicker double-ply head, though this model works well for lighter rock and blues.

What is the typical price for the Aquarian Modern Vintage 22?

The typical price for this bass drum head is approximately £66 in the UK market. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and shipping costs.

Gear article

Aquarian Modern Vintage 22 Bass Drum Head with Felt Strip

The Aquarian Modern Vintage 22 is a single-ply, 7mil bass drum head designed to replicate the aesthetic and sonic properties of traditional calfskin. It features a factory-installed felt strip on the underside to provide internal muffling consistent with the Swing Era sound.

Aquarian Modern Vintage 22 Bass Drum Head w/Felt Strip

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Overview and Design

The Aquarian Modern Vintage 22 Felt Strip Bass Drum Head is engineered to bridge the gap between historical drum aesthetics and contemporary manufacturing reliability. It utilizes a single ply of 7mil film, which is thinner than many standard heavy-duty bass drum heads, allowing for increased resonance and sensitivity. The surface is treated with a specialized 'Vintage' coating that gives the head a distinct tan appearance, mimicking the look of organic calfskin.

A defining feature of this model is the inclusion of a vertical felt strip attached to the backside of the film. This design choice pays homage to the 'Swing Era' drumming style, where external or internal felt strips were the primary method of controlling sustain before the advent of internal foam rings or external pillows.

Sonic Characteristics

The primary tonal profile of the Modern Vintage series is warmth. The combination of the thin 7mil ply and the porous vintage coating softens the high-end attack, resulting in a round, musical 'thump' rather than a sharp 'click.'

Because the felt strip is integrated into the head, it provides a controlled decay without completely killing the drum's natural resonance. This makes it particularly suitable for genres where a more acoustic, open sound is desired, such as: * Big Band and Swing * Traditional Jazz * Fusion * Acoustic Rock and Folk

Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the market for synthetic calfskin heads, the Aquarian Modern Vintage competes directly with the Evans '56 Calftone series and Remo's Fiberskyn or Skyntone lines. While the Evans '56 Calftone emphasizes a similar retro aesthetic, the Aquarian model is distinguished by its specific 7mil weight and the pre-installed felt strip configuration.

Compared to modern clear or heavy-duty heads, such as the Attack ProFlex1 or the DW Coated Clear series, the Modern Vintage provides significantly less punch and volume but offers a richer harmonic texture that complements vintage drum kits.

Durability and Utility

Despite its vintage sound and appearance, the head is built using Aquarian's modern manufacturing techniques. This ensures that the head remains in tune longer and resists the stretching or humidity sensitivity associated with genuine calfskin. The built-in felt strip eliminates the need for additional muffling tools like pillows or blankets, which can often stifle a bass drum's low-end response if overused.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Aquarian Modern Vintage 22 head?: The head is constructed from a single ply of 7mil vacuum-moulded film. This thickness is designed to provide a balance between sensitivity and a warm, vintage-style resonance.
Does this drum head require additional muffling like a pillow?: Generally, no additional muffling is required. The integrated felt strip on the back of the head is designed to provide the classic muffling needed for a controlled, vintage sound.
What genres is this bass drum head best suited for?: It is ideally suited for jazz, fusion, swing, and big band music. Its warm tone and specific damping profile complement acoustic settings where a musical, resonant bass drum is preferred over a loud, aggressive one.
How does the 'Modern Vintage' coating affect the sound?: The coating adds a layer of warmth and slightly dampens higher frequencies. It creates a surface that looks and feels like calfskin, contributing to a rounder attack.
Is the felt strip removable?: The felt strip is attached to the back side of the head by the manufacturer. It is designed to be a permanent feature of this specific model to ensure consistent damping.
Can this head be used as a resonant (front) head?: Yes, it can be used as either a batter (striking) head or a resonant head. When used as a resonant head, the felt strip provides a classic 'no-port' look and sound.
Does this head come with a microphone port hole?: No, this specific model features a solid surface with no port hole. This design helps maintain the low-end resonance and the classic Swing Era appearance.
How does the Aquarian Modern Vintage compare to the Evans '56 Calftone?: Both heads aim for a vintage calfskin vibe, but the Aquarian Modern Vintage 22 with Felt Strip includes integrated damping. The Evans '56 Calftone may require separate muffling depending on the specific sub-model chosen.
What size is this drum head?: This specific model is 22 inches in diameter, which is the standard size for most modern full-sized bass drums.
Will this head fit on a vintage drum kit?: Yes, it is designed to fit standard 22-inch hoops. Its aesthetic is specifically intended to complement the look of vintage or heritage-style drum kits.
Is this head durable enough for rock music?: While it is durable due to modern manufacturing, the 7mil ply is thinner than standard rock heads. Heavy hitters may prefer a thicker double-ply head, though this model works well for lighter rock and blues.
What is the typical price for the Aquarian Modern Vintage 22?: The typical price for this bass drum head is approximately £66 in the UK market. Prices may vary slightly based on the retailer and shipping costs.