What is the thickness of the Aquarian Performance II 20" head?

The head is constructed from two plies of 7mil film, resulting in a durable 14mil total thickness. This design is intended to handle high-impact playing while providing a deep tone.

How does the 'Vacuum Process' affect the drumhead performance?

The vacuum process removes air trapped between the two plies during manufacturing. This prevents wrinkles and air bubbles, leading to more consistent vibration, better sensitivity, and a clearer fundamental tone.

Is this head suitable for jazz or light playing?

While it can be used for any style, it is specifically designed for a 'loose' tuning and a punchy rock sound. Jazz drummers typically prefer thinner, single-ply heads for higher tension and more resonance.

What kind of sound does the 'Texture Coated' finish provide?

The coating adds warmth to the sound and slightly dampens high-end frequencies. It provides a more 'rounded' attack compared to the sharper, more 'clicky' sound of a clear bass drum head.

Can I use this on a 22" or 24" bass drum?

This specific model is sized for a 20" bass drum. However, Aquarian produces the Performance II series in a wide range of sizes to fit larger bass drums, such as 22" or 24" models.

Do I need to add extra muffling (like a pillow) inside the drum?

The two-ply construction and vacuum seal provide significant natural dampening. Many users find they need less internal muffling than they would with a standard single-ply head to achieve a punchy sound.

How does it compare to the EVANS EQ3 Resonant head?

The EVANS EQ3 Resonant is a single-ply front head often used for its aesthetic and specific porting options. The Aquarian Performance II is a two-ply batter head designed for impact and tone shaping.

What is the typical price for this bass drum head?

The typical retail price for the 20" Texture Coated version is approximately £47. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

Is the Aquarian Performance II durable?

Yes, its two-ply 7mil construction makes it one of the more durable heads in Aquarian's catalogue. It is built to withstand the heavy footwork associated with rock and roll drumming.

Does this head come in a clear version?

Yes, Aquarian offers the Performance II in both clear and texture-coated versions. The clear version typically offers a bit more attack and 'crack' compared to the coated version.

What tuning range is recommended for this head?

It is specifically designed for 'loose' or low-tension tuning. This enhances the tonal depth and creates the 'fat' punch characteristic of classic rock recordings.

How does it differ from a Remo Powerstroke head?

While both are designed for controlled bass tones, the Performance II uses a vacuum-sealed two-ply design to achieve its sound, whereas many other heads use internal dampening rings or single-ply construction.

Gear article

Aquarian Performance II Texture Coated 20" Bass Drum Head

The Aquarian Performance II Texture Coated 20" Bass Drum Head is a heavy-duty two-ply drumhead designed for classic rock and roll applications. Utilising a proprietary vacuum sealing process, it is engineered for low-tension tuning to provide deep tonal characteristics and enhanced punch.

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Overview and Construction

The Aquarian Performance II Texture Coated 20" is a professional-grade bass drum head built for durability and controlled resonance. It is constructed using two plies of 7mil film, providing a total thickness that accommodates aggressive playing styles. A defining feature of this model is the 'Texture Coated' surface, which adds a degree of warmth and dampens high-frequency overtones compared to clear alternatives.

Aquarian employs a unique 'Vacuum Process' during manufacturing. This technique is designed to eliminate wrinkles and air bubbles between the two plies of film. By ensuring the plies are perfectly sealed together, the head achieves a more consistent response across the entire surface and improved sensitivity, even when the head is tuned to very low tensions.

Sound Profile and Tuning

This drumhead is specifically engineered for drummers who prefer a 'loose' tuning. When tuned down, the Performance II enhances the natural tonal depth and punch of a 20" bass drum. The result is a 'fat' and controlled sound that avoids the 'pingy' overtones often associated with thinner, single-ply heads.

The sound character is heavily rooted in the classic rock and roll aesthetic of the 1970s and 80s. It delivers a significant low-end thump with a quick decay, making it suitable for both live performances and studio recording where a pre-dampened, focused sound is required.

Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head

User Suitability

The Performance II is primarily aimed at rock, hard rock, and metal drummers who require a head that can withstand heavy hitting while maintaining a deep, consistent pitch. Because it is designed to sound best when slack, it is an excellent choice for players who do not want to spend significant time managing internal muffling or external dampening accessories.

While this specific model is sized for 20" bass drums, the Performance II series is available in various sizes and in both clear and coated versions, allowing drummers to match the tonal profile across their entire kit if desired.

Market Comparisons

When compared to other options in the market, the Performance II stands out for its specific two-ply construction and vacuum seal.

Versus Remo Silentstroke: Unlike the Silentstroke 16", which is a mesh head designed for quiet practice, the Performance II is a full-volume performance head.
Versus EVANS 56 Calftone: The Calftone series (available in 18" and 26") offers a vintage aesthetic and sound meant to mimic calfskin, whereas the Performance II uses modern films for a more aggressive rock sound.
Versus Attack ProFlex1: The Attack ProFlex1 is a single-ply clear head, offering more brightness and sustain than the muffled, punchy profile of the Performance II.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Aquarian Performance II 20" head?: The head is constructed from two plies of 7mil film, resulting in a durable 14mil total thickness. This design is intended to handle high-impact playing while providing a deep tone.
How does the 'Vacuum Process' affect the drumhead performance?: The vacuum process removes air trapped between the two plies during manufacturing. This prevents wrinkles and air bubbles, leading to more consistent vibration, better sensitivity, and a clearer fundamental tone.
Is this head suitable for jazz or light playing?: While it can be used for any style, it is specifically designed for a 'loose' tuning and a punchy rock sound. Jazz drummers typically prefer thinner, single-ply heads for higher tension and more resonance.
What kind of sound does the 'Texture Coated' finish provide?: The coating adds warmth to the sound and slightly dampens high-end frequencies. It provides a more 'rounded' attack compared to the sharper, more 'clicky' sound of a clear bass drum head.
Can I use this on a 22" or 24" bass drum?: This specific model is sized for a 20" bass drum. However, Aquarian produces the Performance II series in a wide range of sizes to fit larger bass drums, such as 22" or 24" models.
Do I need to add extra muffling (like a pillow) inside the drum?: The two-ply construction and vacuum seal provide significant natural dampening. Many users find they need less internal muffling than they would with a standard single-ply head to achieve a punchy sound.
How does it compare to the EVANS EQ3 Resonant head?: The EVANS EQ3 Resonant is a single-ply front head often used for its aesthetic and specific porting options. The Aquarian Performance II is a two-ply batter head designed for impact and tone shaping.
What is the typical price for this bass drum head?: The typical retail price for the 20" Texture Coated version is approximately £47. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
Is the Aquarian Performance II durable?: Yes, its two-ply 7mil construction makes it one of the more durable heads in Aquarian's catalogue. It is built to withstand the heavy footwork associated with rock and roll drumming.
Does this head come in a clear version?: Yes, Aquarian offers the Performance II in both clear and texture-coated versions. The clear version typically offers a bit more attack and 'crack' compared to the coated version.
What tuning range is recommended for this head?: It is specifically designed for 'loose' or low-tension tuning. This enhances the tonal depth and creates the 'fat' punch characteristic of classic rock recordings.
How does it differ from a Remo Powerstroke head?: While both are designed for controlled bass tones, the Performance II uses a vacuum-sealed two-ply design to achieve its sound, whereas many other heads use internal dampening rings or single-ply construction.