What is the primary sound profile of the Code DNA Clear 16?

It provides a bright and open sound. This allows the natural body of the drum to vibrate freely without the muffling effect found in dampened or coated heads.

Can this head be used on the bottom of a drum?

Yes, it is designed to be used as either a batter (top) or resonant (bottom) head. When used as a resonant head, it helps provide a clean, clear sustain.

What drum size is this head compatible with?

This specific model is designed for drums with a 16-inch diameter. It is most commonly used on floor toms.

Does the Code DNA Clear 16 feature any built-in dampening?

No, it features no dampening effects. This design choice is intended to allow the drum's natural resonance to be fully expressed.

Is this drumhead suitable for heavy hitters?

The manufacturer describes these heads as ideal for medium to heavy use. The construction is durable enough to withstand regular play while maintaining sonic consistency.

What is the typical price range for this drumhead?

The typical price for a single Code DNA Clear 16 head is approximately GBP 17. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

How does the attack of this head feel?

The head offers a punchy and focused attack. This ensures that the initial strike is well-defined before the sustain takes over.

Is the DNA Clear 16 transparent or opaque?

It is completely transparent. This aesthetic allows the interior of the drum shell to be visible.

Can this be used on a 16-inch marching snare?

While it is best used on tom drums, it can be used on other 16-inch drums if desired. However, users should note it is different in construction from specialised heads like the Evans MS3 marching snare side head.

What does 'natural body breathing' mean in the product description?

It refers to the head's ability to let the drum shell vibrate at its natural frequency. Without dampening, the air inside the drum moves more freely, resulting in a fuller sound.

How does this head compare to coated versions?

The clear DNA head is brighter and has more 'ping' than a coated head. Coated heads generally offer a warmer, more muted tone compared to the DNA Clear's open resonance.

Who is the manufacturer of this drumhead?

The head is manufactured by Code Drumheads, a brand known for providing a variety of drum skins and percussion accessories.

Gear article

Code Drumheads CODE DNA Clear 16 Drum Head

The Code Drumheads DNA Clear 16 is a single-ply transparent drumhead designed for use as either a batter or resonant head on 16-inch drums. It is engineered to provide a bright, open sound that emphasises the natural resonance and body of the drum shell without the use of internal dampening.

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Overview

The Code DNA Clear 16 is a versatile 16-inch drumhead that sits within the 'Parts & Spares' category of percussion accessories. Manufactured by Code Drumheads, this model is specifically designed to offer a balance between a punchy attack and sustained resonance. Because it is completely transparent and lacks built-in dampening rings or coatings, it allows the drum to 'breathe,' ensuring that the natural characteristics of the wood or metal shell are prominent in the overall sound.

Design and Construction

The DNA series represents a fundamental approach to drumhead design. The 16-inch clear variant is constructed to be robust enough for medium to heavy use, making it suitable for a variety of playing styles. Its single-ply, clear construction is the primary driver behind its sonic profile, offering a focused attack that is immediately followed by a clean sustain. The head can be installed as a top (batter) head to receive stick impacts or as a bottom (resonant) head to control the decay and tone of the drum.

Sonic Character

The primary characteristic of the DNA Clear head is its brightness. Unlike coated heads which can soften the high-end frequencies, the clear film provides a sharp, defined 'crack' upon impact. This is balanced by a consistent sustain that does not feel choked. The lack of dampening ensures a full frequency response, which is particularly beneficial for 16-inch floor toms that require a deep, resonant body to complement their large diameter.

Application and Compatibility

While primarily marketed as a tom-tom head, the 16-inch diameter makes it compatible with any 16-inch drum, including floor toms or smaller auxiliary bass drums. It is particularly effective for drummers who prefer a lively, energetic sound rather than a dry, 'thuddy' tone. It is often paired with high-quality hardware, such as Tama Accu-Strike beaters or specialized bridges from brands like Gotoh, to ensure a high-standard percussion setup.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary sound profile of the Code DNA Clear 16?: It provides a bright and open sound. This allows the natural body of the drum to vibrate freely without the muffling effect found in dampened or coated heads.
Can this head be used on the bottom of a drum?: Yes, it is designed to be used as either a batter (top) or resonant (bottom) head. When used as a resonant head, it helps provide a clean, clear sustain.
What drum size is this head compatible with?: This specific model is designed for drums with a 16-inch diameter. It is most commonly used on floor toms.
Does the Code DNA Clear 16 feature any built-in dampening?: No, it features no dampening effects. This design choice is intended to allow the drum's natural resonance to be fully expressed.
Is this drumhead suitable for heavy hitters?: The manufacturer describes these heads as ideal for medium to heavy use. The construction is durable enough to withstand regular play while maintaining sonic consistency.
What is the typical price range for this drumhead?: The typical price for a single Code DNA Clear 16 head is approximately GBP 17. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
How does the attack of this head feel?: The head offers a punchy and focused attack. This ensures that the initial strike is well-defined before the sustain takes over.
Is the DNA Clear 16 transparent or opaque?: It is completely transparent. This aesthetic allows the interior of the drum shell to be visible.
Can this be used on a 16-inch marching snare?: While it is best used on tom drums, it can be used on other 16-inch drums if desired. However, users should note it is different in construction from specialised heads like the Evans MS3 marching snare side head.
What does 'natural body breathing' mean in the product description?: It refers to the head's ability to let the drum shell vibrate at its natural frequency. Without dampening, the air inside the drum moves more freely, resulting in a fuller sound.
How does this head compare to coated versions?: The clear DNA head is brighter and has more 'ping' than a coated head. Coated heads generally offer a warmer, more muted tone compared to the DNA Clear's open resonance.
Who is the manufacturer of this drumhead?: The head is manufactured by Code Drumheads, a brand known for providing a variety of drum skins and percussion accessories.