What is the thickness of the Aquarian Response 2?

The head is constructed from two plies of 7mil film, creating a total thickness of 14mil.

Is this head suitable for a 20-inch bass drum?

Yes, this specific model is designed to fit any standard 20-inch bass drum.

What is the difference between the coated and clear versions?

The coated version offers a warmer tone and more controlled overtones, while the clear version provides a sharper attack.

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

While primarily a batter head, it can be used as a resonant head if a very controlled, dampened sound is desired.

How does the texture coating affect the sound?

The coating adds warmth and slightly reduces the high-frequency 'snap' compared to an uncoated head.

Is the Response 2 durable enough for heavy metal?

Yes, the two-ply 7mil construction is designed for high-impact playing and longevity.

Does this head come with a built-in muffling ring?

The Response 2 relies on its two-ply construction for natural muffling and does not feature an internal floating ring like some other models.

What genres is the Response 2 Texture Coated best for?

It is highly versatile but excels in rock, pop, and fusion due to its projection and attack.

How does it compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?

The Calftone is designed for a vintage look and sound, whereas the Response 2 is a modern, high-projection multi-ply head.

What is the typical price for this 20-inch head?

The typical retail price is approximately £47 in the UK market.

Does the coating flake off easily?

Aquarian's texture coating is designed for reliability and consistency throughout everyday gigging use.

Is this head available in other sizes?

Yes, Aquarian produces the Response 2 series in a wide range of sizes to fit various drum kits.

Gear article

Aquarian Response 2 Texture Coated 20" Bass Drum Head

The Aquarian Response 2 Texture Coated is a professional-grade 20-inch bass drum head featuring a dual-ply construction. Designed for high-output environments, it combines two plies of 7mil film with a specialized texture coating to provide a balance of durability, attack, and projection.

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Overview

The Aquarian Response 2 Texture Coated 20" Bass Drum Head is a heavy-duty drumhead engineered for drummers seeking a consistent, high-projection sound. It is built using two plies of 7mil film, a configuration that offers significantly more durability than single-ply alternatives. The 'Texture Coated' surface adds a layer of warmth and control to the head's naturally powerful output.

While Aquarian offers this series in various formats, the 20-inch version is specifically tailored for standard medium-sized kick drums. The series is also available in clear versions for those preferring a sharper attack with less overtone control.

Design and Construction

The primary design feature of the Response 2 is its dual-ply 7mil film construction. This total thickness of 14mil provides a robust striking surface capable of withstanding heavy play without sacrificing sensitivity.

The 'Texture Coated' application is a proprietary finish that adheres to the top ply. This coating serves two purposes: it dampens some of the higher-frequency overtones inherent in synthetic films and provides a slightly more 'vintage' or rounded feel to the stick or beater impact. The head is designed to fit any standard 20-inch bass drum hoop, ensuring a reliable seal and consistent tension across the bearing edge.

Sound Character

The sound of the Response 2 Texture Coated is characterised by a powerful attack and a full-bodied low-end resonance. Because of the two-ply construction, the head has a shorter decay than thin single-ply heads, making it easier to control in live sound environments.

Key sonic attributes include: * Projection: Excellent volume for unmiked performances. * Warmth: The coating softens the 'click' of the beater for a more musical thump. * Consistency: The dual-ply film resists stretching, maintaining its tuning over long sessions.

User Profile

This drumhead is primarily intended for the 'everyday gigging drummer.' Its durability makes it suitable for genres requiring high volume and physical play, such as rock, pop, and metal. However, the added warmth from the coating also makes it a viable choice for session musicians who need a versatile kick drum sound that can be easily EQ'd in a studio setting.

Comparisons and Alternatives

When compared to other bass drum heads, the Response 2 sits between ultra-thin jazz heads and heavy-duty dampened heads.

Versus EVANS EQ3: The Evans EQ3 Resonant is a specialized front-side head, whereas the Response 2 is primarily used as a batter head for impact.
Versus EVANS 56 Calftone: The Calftone series (available in 18" or 26") focuses on a vintage calfskin aesthetic and warmth, whereas the Response 2 is more focused on modern projection and durability.
Versus Remo Silentstroke: The Remo Silentstroke is a mesh head for low-volume practice, offering none of the projection or tonal body found in the Aquarian Response 2.
Versus DW AA Coated: The DW AA is a standard professional coated head, but the Response 2’s specific 7mil dual-ply architecture offers a distinct feel compared to DW's standard OEM offerings.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Aquarian Response 2?: The head is constructed from two plies of 7mil film, creating a total thickness of 14mil.
Is this head suitable for a 20-inch bass drum?: Yes, this specific model is designed to fit any standard 20-inch bass drum.
What is the difference between the coated and clear versions?: The coated version offers a warmer tone and more controlled overtones, while the clear version provides a sharper attack.
Can this be used as a resonant (front) head?: While primarily a batter head, it can be used as a resonant head if a very controlled, dampened sound is desired.
How does the texture coating affect the sound?: The coating adds warmth and slightly reduces the high-frequency 'snap' compared to an uncoated head.
Is the Response 2 durable enough for heavy metal?: Yes, the two-ply 7mil construction is designed for high-impact playing and longevity.
Does this head come with a built-in muffling ring?: The Response 2 relies on its two-ply construction for natural muffling and does not feature an internal floating ring like some other models.
What genres is the Response 2 Texture Coated best for?: It is highly versatile but excels in rock, pop, and fusion due to its projection and attack.
How does it compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?: The Calftone is designed for a vintage look and sound, whereas the Response 2 is a modern, high-projection multi-ply head.
What is the typical price for this 20-inch head?: The typical retail price is approximately £47 in the UK market.
Does the coating flake off easily?: Aquarian's texture coating is designed for reliability and consistency throughout everyday gigging use.
Is this head available in other sizes?: Yes, Aquarian produces the Response 2 series in a wide range of sizes to fit various drum kits.