What is the total thickness of the Aquarian Reflector 14 drum head?

The drum head has a total thickness of 17mil. This is achieved by combining a 10mil black bottom ply with a 7mil clear top ply.

What is the 'Black Mirror' finish?

It is a visual effect created by the hybrid construction. Light passes through the clear top film and reflects off the black film underneath, resulting in a dark, reflective appearance.

How does the sound change at lower volumes?

When played at lower volumes, the Reflector drum head delivers a warm and musical tone. This makes it suitable for genres requiring a softer touch or more traditional resonance.

How does the sound change at higher volumes?

Increasing the volume enhances the stick response and produces a brighter, more articulate sound. This helps the drum cut through loud environments.

Is the Aquarian Reflector suitable for heavy hitters?

Yes, the head is extremely durable due to its 17mil dual-ply construction. It is specifically designed to withstand the impact of hard-hitting drummers across various genres.

What size is this specific drum head?

This specific model is 14 inches in diameter. It is commonly used for snare drums or floor toms depending on the kit configuration.

What plies are used in the construction?

The head uses two plies: a bottom ply of 10mil black film and a top ply of 7mil Classic Clear film. This differs from standard heads that often use identical plies.

Does the Reflector head provide good stick response?

Yes, the construction is designed to enhance stick response, particularly at higher volumes. This provides the drummer with better tactile feedback and articulation.

Can this head be used for snare drums?

While described as a tom head, its 14-inch size and durable construction make it a viable option for snare drums where a deep, controlled, and reflective sound is desired.

What is the typical price range for this drum head?

In the UK market, the Aquarian Reflector 14-inch drum head typically retails for approximately £29.

How does it compare to a standard clear dual-ply head?

The Reflector is thicker (17mil vs the standard 14mil) and uses two different film types. This results in more durability and a more adaptive tonal range compared to standard clear heads.

Is the black film on the top or bottom?

The black film is the 10mil bottom ply. The top ply is the 7mil Classic Clear film, which allows the black layer to be visible and reflective.

Gear article

Aquarian Reflector 14-inch Drum Head

The Aquarian Reflector 14-inch Drum Head is a dual-ply hybrid drum head featuring a unique 17mil total thickness construction. It is designed to offer a balance between warm musicality at lower volumes and bright, articulate projection when played with greater force.

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Overview and Design

The Aquarian Reflector 14-inch Drum Head is a high-performance component situated within the 'Parts & Spares' category for percussion. It is distinguished by its 'Black Mirror' finish and hybrid material construction. The head utilizes two distinct layers of film: a 10mil black film ply on the bottom and a 7mil Classic Clear film ply on the top. This combination creates a total thickness of 17mil, providing significant mass and durability compared to standard single-ply or lighter dual-ply heads.

Acoustic Characteristics

The acoustic profile of the Reflector head is notably adaptive to the drummer's dynamics. At lower volume levels, the head produces a warm and musical tone suitable for nuanced playing. However, as the intensity of the stroke increases, the head responds by enhancing stick definition and producing a brighter, more articulate sound. This dual-nature allows it to cut through dense musical mixes when necessary without losing tonal depth during quieter passages.

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Durability and Visual Appeal

Constructed to withstand heavy usage, the Reflector is specifically marketed toward hard-hitting drummers. The 17mil total thickness provides high resistance to denting and fatigue. Visually, the head features a reflective property where light passes through the transparent top layer and reflects off the opaque black bottom layer, creating a distinctive aesthetic effect under stage lighting.

Applications and Compatibility

While primarily intended for tom drums, the 14-inch size makes it compatible with many snare drums or floor toms. It is designed to be versatile across genres, from jazz and fusion to rock and metal. The head works effectively with various stick types, including maple models such as Gear4Music 5A Wood Tip sticks, and can be used in conjunction with high-impact bass drum beaters like the Tama Accu-Strike Iron Cobra Beater to create a cohesive, modern drum kit sound.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the total thickness of the Aquarian Reflector 14 drum head?: The drum head has a total thickness of 17mil. This is achieved by combining a 10mil black bottom ply with a 7mil clear top ply.
What is the 'Black Mirror' finish?: It is a visual effect created by the hybrid construction. Light passes through the clear top film and reflects off the black film underneath, resulting in a dark, reflective appearance.
How does the sound change at lower volumes?: When played at lower volumes, the Reflector drum head delivers a warm and musical tone. This makes it suitable for genres requiring a softer touch or more traditional resonance.
How does the sound change at higher volumes?: Increasing the volume enhances the stick response and produces a brighter, more articulate sound. This helps the drum cut through loud environments.
Is the Aquarian Reflector suitable for heavy hitters?: Yes, the head is extremely durable due to its 17mil dual-ply construction. It is specifically designed to withstand the impact of hard-hitting drummers across various genres.
What size is this specific drum head?: This specific model is 14 inches in diameter. It is commonly used for snare drums or floor toms depending on the kit configuration.
What plies are used in the construction?: The head uses two plies: a bottom ply of 10mil black film and a top ply of 7mil Classic Clear film. This differs from standard heads that often use identical plies.
Does the Reflector head provide good stick response?: Yes, the construction is designed to enhance stick response, particularly at higher volumes. This provides the drummer with better tactile feedback and articulation.
Can this head be used for snare drums?: While described as a tom head, its 14-inch size and durable construction make it a viable option for snare drums where a deep, controlled, and reflective sound is desired.
What is the typical price range for this drum head?: In the UK market, the Aquarian Reflector 14-inch drum head typically retails for approximately £29.
How does it compare to a standard clear dual-ply head?: The Reflector is thicker (17mil vs the standard 14mil) and uses two different film types. This results in more durability and a more adaptive tonal range compared to standard clear heads.
Is the black film on the top or bottom?: The black film is the 10mil bottom ply. The top ply is the 7mil Classic Clear film, which allows the black layer to be visible and reflective.