What is the thickness of the Aquarian Response 2?

The head is constructed from two plies of 7mil film, giving it a total thickness of 14mil, which contributes to its durability.

Can this 13" head be used on a snare drum?

Yes, it is designed to be used on any 13-inch rack tom or snare drum, providing reliable performance for both.

How does the black coating affect the sound?

The black texture coating provides the same durability, resonance, and projection as Aquarian's standard white coated heads, offering a versatile tone.

Is the Response 2 available in other finishes?

Yes, the Response 2 series is available in both clear and coated versions, and in either black or white finishes.

What is the primary benefit of the two-ply design?

The two-ply design offers a more powerful attack and increased durability compared to single-ply heads, making it ideal for heavy hitting.

Does the black coating peel off easily?

No, Aquarian's texture coating is designed for long-lasting durability, ensuring a consistent performance throughout many sessions.

What is the typical price for this drum head in the UK?

The typical price range for the Aquarian Response 2 Texture Coated Black 13" is approximately GBP 27.

Is this head suitable for jazz drumming?

While it is very versatile, the two-ply construction and coating lean towards a more focused, powerful tone often preferred in rock or pop.

How does the projection of this head compare to clear heads?

It offers similar projection to clear heads but with a slightly warmer, more controlled tonal character due to the texture coating.

What size shell does this specific model fit?

This specific model is designed to fit 13-inch diameter drum shells, such as rack toms or small snares.

Is this a good choice for recording sessions?

Yes, its consistent and reliable performance makes it a perfect choice for both live gigging and studio recording sessions.

Does the black finish impact the resonance?

No, manufacturer specifications state that the black coating offers the same resonance as the standard white coated versions.

Gear article

Aquarian Response 2 Texture Coated Black 13" Drum Head

The Aquarian Response 2 Texture Coated Black 13" is a professional-grade, two-ply drum head designed for rack toms and snare drums. Constructed from two layers of 7mil film, it provides a balance of powerful attack and controlled resonance, finished in a distinctive black texture coating.

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Overview

The Aquarian Response 2 Texture Coated Black 13" is a dual-ply drum head engineered for durability and sonic consistency. It is specifically designed to fit 13-inch shells, making it suitable for larger rack toms or specialized snare drums. The head utilizes two plies of 7mil film, a configuration that has become a standard for drummers seeking a robust, reliable surface that can withstand frequent performance use.

Design and Construction

This model features Aquarian's vacuum-moulding process, which ensures that the two 7mil plies act as a single unit, eliminating air pockets and inconsistent vibrations. The 'Texture Coated' finish is applied in a sleek black, providing a modern aesthetic compared to traditional white coated heads. This coating is designed to maintain its integrity over time, resisting the chipping or premature wear often associated with lower-quality finishes.

Sonic Characteristics

The primary tonal characteristic of the Response 2 series is its powerful attack and significant projection. Because of the two-ply construction, the head naturally dampens some of the higher overtones found in single-ply heads, resulting in a more focused and versatile tone. Despite the dampening effect of the coating, the head retains sufficient resonance to ensure the drum sounds full and supported across different tuning ranges.

Suitability and Application

While primarily marketed toward the everyday gigging drummer, the Response 2 is versatile enough for a variety of genres, including rock, pop, and metal. It is particularly effective for musicians who require a consistent performance through long sessions. The black finish offers a unique visual alternative for drummers looking to customise the appearance of their drum kit without sacrificing the durability or resonance found in standard white versions.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to the clear version of the Response 2, the Texture Coated Black model offers a slightly warmer tone with more controlled sustain. When compared to single-ply alternatives, it provides increased durability and a thicker sound profile. In the wider market of 13-inch heads, it competes with other multi-ply options but distinguishes itself through Aquarian’s specific coating technology and the aesthetic appeal of the black finish.

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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, giving it a total thickness of 14mil, which contributes to its durability.
Can this 13" head be used on a snare drum?: Yes, it is designed to be used on any 13-inch rack tom or snare drum, providing reliable performance for both.
How does the black coating affect the sound?: The black texture coating provides the same durability, resonance, and projection as Aquarian's standard white coated heads, offering a versatile tone.
Is the Response 2 available in other finishes?: Yes, the Response 2 series is available in both clear and coated versions, and in either black or white finishes.
What is the primary benefit of the two-ply design?: The two-ply design offers a more powerful attack and increased durability compared to single-ply heads, making it ideal for heavy hitting.
Does the black coating peel off easily?: No, Aquarian's texture coating is designed for long-lasting durability, ensuring a consistent performance throughout many sessions.
What is the typical price for this drum head in the UK?: The typical price range for the Aquarian Response 2 Texture Coated Black 13" is approximately GBP 27.
Is this head suitable for jazz drumming?: While it is very versatile, the two-ply construction and coating lean towards a more focused, powerful tone often preferred in rock or pop.
How does the projection of this head compare to clear heads?: It offers similar projection to clear heads but with a slightly warmer, more controlled tonal character due to the texture coating.
What size shell does this specific model fit?: This specific model is designed to fit 13-inch diameter drum shells, such as rack toms or small snares.
Is this a good choice for recording sessions?: Yes, its consistent and reliable performance makes it a perfect choice for both live gigging and studio recording sessions.
Does the black finish impact the resonance?: No, manufacturer specifications state that the black coating offers the same resonance as the standard white coated versions.