What is the thickness of the Aquarian Modern Vintage II?

The head is constructed from two plies of 7mil film, resulting in a total thickness of 14mil. This provides a robust striking surface that balances durability with tonal warmth.

How does the 'Vintage Coating' affect the sound?

The vintage coating is slightly thicker and more textured than standard white coatings. It helps dampen high-end frequencies and provides a warmer, more rounded tone that mimics natural calfskin.

Is this 16-inch head suitable for a floor tom?

Yes, the 16-inch diameter is a standard size for floor toms. The two-ply construction is particularly effective at bringing out the deep, warm low-end frequencies associated with larger drums.

How does the Modern Vintage II differ from the standard Modern Vintage?

The primary difference is the ply count. The Modern Vintage II is a two-ply head, offering increased strength and a more controlled sustain compared to the thinner single-ply version.

Can I use brushes on this drum head?

Yes, the textured vintage coating is excellent for brush play. It provides the necessary friction and acoustic response required for traditional jazz brush techniques.

Which musical genres best suit this drum head?

It is most commonly used in jazz, fusion, and blues. However, its durability also makes it suitable for classic rock or any genre where a warm, retro drum sound is desired.

Does this head come in other sizes?

While this specific model is 16 inches, Aquarian produces the Modern Vintage II series in various standard drum diameters to accommodate full kit setups.

Is the Modern Vintage II more durable than a clear head?

Generally, yes. The two-ply 7mil construction combined with the protective coating makes it more resistant to denting and stretching than many standard single-ply clear heads.

Does the head require special tuning?

No special tools are required, though the two-ply design typically performs best at low-to-medium tensions to maximize the 'calfskin' warmth and thud.

How does it compare to the Evans MS3 Marching head?

The Evans MS3 is a specialized 14-inch marching snare head, whereas the Modern Vintage II is a 16-inch head designed for kit toms. The Aquarian head focuses on a traditional kit aesthetic rather than marching projection.

What is the typical price for this drum head?

The Aquarian Modern Vintage II 16-inch drum head typically retails for approximately £38, depending on the specific retailer and current availability.

Will this head fit any 16-inch drum?

It is designed to fit standard 16-inch acoustic drum hoops. It is compatible with most major drum brands, including Tama and Fender-style percussion setups, provided the shell diameter is 16 inches.

Gear article

Aquarian Modern Vintage II 16" Drum Head

The Aquarian Modern Vintage II 16" is a professional-grade two-ply drum head designed to replicate the aesthetic and sonic qualities of traditional calfskin. It utilizes modern 7mil film construction with a specialized vintage coating to provide a warm, classic tone with enhanced durability. This head is particularly suited for tom-toms in genres such as jazz and fusion where a resonant, heritage sound is desired.

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Background and Design

The Aquarian Modern Vintage series was developed to bridge the gap between historical percussion aesthetics and contemporary manufacturing standards. While original calfskin heads were prone to tuning instability due to weather and humidity, the Modern Vintage II uses synthetic materials to provide a consistent performance. This specific 16-inch model is tailored for larger toms, offering the depth required for floor tom applications while maintaining the 'old-school' look of aged parchment.

Construction and Key Features

The 'II' designation in the product name indicates a two-ply construction. The head consists of two layers of 7mil vacuum-moulded film. This dual-layer approach significantly increases the strength of the head compared to single-ply alternatives.

Key technical features include: * Vintage Coating: A proprietary finish that adds mass and dampening, mimicking the texture of natural skin. * 7mil Dual Plies: Provides a thicker striking surface for improved longevity. * 16-inch Diameter: Sized for standard floor toms or large rack toms.

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Sound Character

The sonic profile of the Modern Vintage II is defined by warmth and controlled resonance. The combination of the two-ply construction and the thick vintage coating filters out harsh high-frequency overtones, resulting in a focused fundamental pitch. It produces a soft, musical 'thud' that is reminiscent of mid-20th-century recordings, making it a staple for drummers seeking a darker, more organic sound than clear or standard coated heads provide.

User Suitability

This drum head is primarily aimed at drummers playing jazz, fusion, and blues, where nuance and tonal warmth are prioritized over sheer volume. However, due to the added durability of the two-ply design, it is also a viable option for rock drummers who want a 'vintage' studio sound without sacrificing the lifespan of the head. It is an ideal choice for players who find single-ply heads too thin or bright for their 16-inch floor toms.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to the standard Aquarian Modern Vintage (single-ply), the Modern Vintage II offers more durability and a slightly shorter sustain, which helps in controlling the resonance of a large 16-inch shell. While it competes with other vintage-style heads like the Evans MS3 in terms of specialized coatings, the Modern Vintage II focuses specifically on the calfskin feel for kit drumming rather than marching applications. It provides a more traditional frequency response compared to modern clear heads like those found in the Tama or Fender hardware ecosystems.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Aquarian Modern Vintage II?: The head is constructed from two plies of 7mil film, resulting in a total thickness of 14mil. This provides a robust striking surface that balances durability with tonal warmth.
How does the 'Vintage Coating' affect the sound?: The vintage coating is slightly thicker and more textured than standard white coatings. It helps dampen high-end frequencies and provides a warmer, more rounded tone that mimics natural calfskin.
Is this 16-inch head suitable for a floor tom?: Yes, the 16-inch diameter is a standard size for floor toms. The two-ply construction is particularly effective at bringing out the deep, warm low-end frequencies associated with larger drums.
How does the Modern Vintage II differ from the standard Modern Vintage?: The primary difference is the ply count. The Modern Vintage II is a two-ply head, offering increased strength and a more controlled sustain compared to the thinner single-ply version.
Can I use brushes on this drum head?: Yes, the textured vintage coating is excellent for brush play. It provides the necessary friction and acoustic response required for traditional jazz brush techniques.
Which musical genres best suit this drum head?: It is most commonly used in jazz, fusion, and blues. However, its durability also makes it suitable for classic rock or any genre where a warm, retro drum sound is desired.
Does this head come in other sizes?: While this specific model is 16 inches, Aquarian produces the Modern Vintage II series in various standard drum diameters to accommodate full kit setups.
Is the Modern Vintage II more durable than a clear head?: Generally, yes. The two-ply 7mil construction combined with the protective coating makes it more resistant to denting and stretching than many standard single-ply clear heads.
Does the head require special tuning?: No special tools are required, though the two-ply design typically performs best at low-to-medium tensions to maximize the 'calfskin' warmth and thud.
How does it compare to the Evans MS3 Marching head?: The Evans MS3 is a specialized 14-inch marching snare head, whereas the Modern Vintage II is a 16-inch head designed for kit toms. The Aquarian head focuses on a traditional kit aesthetic rather than marching projection.
What is the typical price for this drum head?: The Aquarian Modern Vintage II 16-inch drum head typically retails for approximately £38, depending on the specific retailer and current availability.
Will this head fit any 16-inch drum?: It is designed to fit standard 16-inch acoustic drum hoops. It is compatible with most major drum brands, including Tama and Fender-style percussion setups, provided the shell diameter is 16 inches.