What is the thickness of the Aquarian Modern Vintage II?

The head is constructed from two plies of 7mil film, giving it a total thickness of 14mil. This thickness provides a balance between durability and a warm, resonant tone.

How does the vintage coating affect the sound?

The vintage coating is designed to mimic the feel of calfskin. It adds a layer of dampening that rounds off harsh high frequencies and provides a textured surface excellent for brush playing.

Is this drum head suitable for heavy rock drumming?

While its two-ply construction offers good durability, it is primarily voiced for warm, classic tones. Rock drummers seeking a bright, aggressive attack might find it too dark, though it is durable enough for moderate hitting.

What size is this specific model?

This specific model is designed for a 13-inch diameter drum. It is typically used as a rack tom or a small floor tom head.

How does it compare to the standard single-ply Modern Vintage?

The Modern Vintage II is stronger and more durable due to its second 7mil ply. Sonically, it is slightly deeper and more controlled than the single-ply version.

Can I use this as a snare drum head?

While it can technically fit a 13-inch snare, it is primarily designed as a tom head. Its 14mil thickness and vintage coating may result in a very dry, dark snare sound with reduced snap.

Does this head require special tuning?

No, it tunes like any other modern two-ply synthetic head. However, its vintage voicing often sounds best at medium to low-medium tensions to bring out the warmth.

Is the coating prone to chipping?

Aquarian's vintage coating is known for its durability. It is designed to adhere well to the film and resist the premature flaking sometimes seen on lower-quality coated heads.

What genres is the Modern Vintage II best for?

It is particularly well-suited for jazz, fusion, blues, and traditional swing. Its warm, organic character complements acoustic settings and vintage-style drum kits.

Does it sound exactly like a real calfskin head?

It is designed to be a modern equivalent, offering the warm tone and look of calfskin without the tuning issues caused by weather. While not identical, it is one of the closest synthetic approximations available.

What is the typical price for this 13-inch head?

The typical retail price for this specific 13-inch model is approximately £29.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.

Can I use brushes on this head?

Yes, the vintage coating provides a unique texture that is highly responsive to wire and nylon brushes. It offers a smooth, traditional 'sand' sound preferred by jazz drummers.

Gear article

Aquarian Modern Vintage II 13-inch Drum Head

The Aquarian Modern Vintage II 13-inch Drum Head is a premium two-ply tom-tom head designed to replicate the aesthetic, feel, and sonic characteristics of traditional calfskin. It combines a 14mil total film thickness with a specialised vintage coating to provide a warm, classic tone with enhanced durability. This head is particularly suited for genres requiring a natural, organic resonance, such as jazz and fusion.

See live prices

Background and Design

The Aquarian Modern Vintage series was developed to bridge the gap between historical drumhead materials and modern manufacturing reliability. Historically, drumheads were crafted from animal hides (calfskin), which offered a distinct warmth but suffered from tuning instability due to humidity changes. The Modern Vintage II utilizes a two-ply 7mil film construction to provide the structural integrity expected of contemporary synthetic heads while maintaining a specific focus on the tactile and tonal qualities of the past.

Technical Specifications

The 'II' designation in this model refers to its dual-layer construction. It consists of two plies of 7mil film, resulting in a total thickness of 14mil. This added mass contributes to a deeper fundamental pitch and increased longevity compared to single-ply alternatives. A key feature is the specialized 'Vintage' coating, which is slightly thicker and textured differently than standard white coatings, contributing to the head's unique dampening properties and responsiveness to brushes.

Sonic Character

The Modern Vintage II is characterised by its classic warm tone. The two-ply construction naturally suppresses some of the high-frequency overtones found in thinner heads, resulting in a focused, round sound with a controlled decay. This makes it an ideal choice for drummers seeking a 'retro' or 'organic' sound profile. The head is highly responsive to dynamics, making it a staple for jazz, fusion, and studio recording where a natural drum timbre is required.

Durability and Resilience

Compared to the standard single-ply Modern Vintage heads, the II series offers significantly enhanced durability. The extra ply makes it more resistant to denting and stretching over time, even under heavier playing. While it retains the sensitivity needed for light jazz work, its robust construction allows it to handle the higher tension and physical demands of fusion and session playing without losing its tuning stability.

Comparison and Suitability

When compared to standard clear or coated two-ply heads like the Evans G2 or Remo Emperor, the Aquarian Modern Vintage II offers a darker, more muted character. It is less aggressive than modern clear heads, prioritising mid-range warmth over high-end 'click'. It is most suitable for drummers who find modern synthetic heads too bright or 'plastic' in their response. For those using 13-inch toms, this head provides a reliable way to achieve a vintage aesthetic without the maintenance difficulties of real skin.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Aquarian Modern Vintage II?: The head is constructed from two plies of 7mil film, giving it a total thickness of 14mil. This thickness provides a balance between durability and a warm, resonant tone.
How does the vintage coating affect the sound?: The vintage coating is designed to mimic the feel of calfskin. It adds a layer of dampening that rounds off harsh high frequencies and provides a textured surface excellent for brush playing.
Is this drum head suitable for heavy rock drumming?: While its two-ply construction offers good durability, it is primarily voiced for warm, classic tones. Rock drummers seeking a bright, aggressive attack might find it too dark, though it is durable enough for moderate hitting.
What size is this specific model?: This specific model is designed for a 13-inch diameter drum. It is typically used as a rack tom or a small floor tom head.
How does it compare to the standard single-ply Modern Vintage?: The Modern Vintage II is stronger and more durable due to its second 7mil ply. Sonically, it is slightly deeper and more controlled than the single-ply version.
Can I use this as a snare drum head?: While it can technically fit a 13-inch snare, it is primarily designed as a tom head. Its 14mil thickness and vintage coating may result in a very dry, dark snare sound with reduced snap.
Does this head require special tuning?: No, it tunes like any other modern two-ply synthetic head. However, its vintage voicing often sounds best at medium to low-medium tensions to bring out the warmth.
Is the coating prone to chipping?: Aquarian's vintage coating is known for its durability. It is designed to adhere well to the film and resist the premature flaking sometimes seen on lower-quality coated heads.
What genres is the Modern Vintage II best for?: It is particularly well-suited for jazz, fusion, blues, and traditional swing. Its warm, organic character complements acoustic settings and vintage-style drum kits.
Does it sound exactly like a real calfskin head?: It is designed to be a modern equivalent, offering the warm tone and look of calfskin without the tuning issues caused by weather. While not identical, it is one of the closest synthetic approximations available.
What is the typical price for this 13-inch head?: The typical retail price for this specific 13-inch model is approximately £29.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and regional taxes.
Can I use brushes on this head?: Yes, the vintage coating provides a unique texture that is highly responsive to wire and nylon brushes. It offers a smooth, traditional 'sand' sound preferred by jazz drummers.