Who manufactures the DW AA Coated Bass Drum Head?

The head is manufactured in the United States by Remo specifically for DW Drums.

What material is used for the film?

It is constructed using durable 2-ply Dupont AA film, known for its resilience and tonal consistency.

What is the benefit of the Crimplock collar?

The Crimplock collar uses both glue and a crimped flesh hoop to provide superior rigidity and prevent the film from slipping under high tension.

What size drum is this specific head designed for?

This specific model is designed to fit a standard 22-inch diameter bass drum.

How does the coating affect the sound?

The white coating provides a warmer tone and a slightly softer attack compared to clear drumheads, helping to control unwanted overtones.

Is this a single-ply or double-ply drumhead?

It is a 2-ply drumhead, which offers more durability and a more focused sound than single-ply versions.

What is the typical price for this drumhead?

The typical price range for the 22-inch version is approximately £50.

Can this head be used for high-tension tuning?

Yes, the combination of the Dupont AA film and the Crimplock collar makes it ideal for high-tension applications.

Does this head include an integrated internal muffling ring?

The manufacturer description does not specify an integrated muffling ring; it relies on its 2-ply construction and coating for tone control.

How does it compare to the DW Coated Clear bass drum head?

While the Coated Clear version offers a mix of brightness and warmth, the full AA Coated version typically provides a warmer, more muted attack.

Is the DW AA head suitable for jazz drumming?

Yes, its warm tones and ability to handle various tunings make it versatile enough for jazz, especially when a more focused bass drum sound is desired.

Where is the DW AA Coated Bass Drum Head produced?

It is made in the USA, ensuring high manufacturing standards and material quality.

Gear article

DW AA Coated Bass Drum Head (22-inch)

The DW AA Coated Bass Drum Head is a premium 2-ply drumhead manufactured in the United States by Remo for DW Drums. Utilising a specialized Dupont AA film and a patented Crimplock collar, it is designed to provide professional-grade durability and a warm, punchy sonic profile for 22-inch bass drums.

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Overview and Construction

The DW AA Coated Bass Drum Head is a heavy-duty percussion accessory developed through a partnership between Drum Workshop (DW) and Remo. Specifically sized for standard 22-inch bass drums, this head is built using two plies of durable Dupont AA film. The use of a double-ply configuration ensures a higher level of structural integrity and a shorter decay compared to single-ply alternatives.

A primary technical feature is the inclusion of Remo's patented Crimplock high-tension collar. This design combines a traditional glue channel with a crimped metal flesh hoop. The resulting assembly provides increased rigidity and prevents the film from pulling out under high tension, making it suitable for aggressive playing styles and high-impact environments.

Sound Character and Performance

Sonically, the DW AA series is characterised by a balance of warmth and definition. The two-ply construction naturally dampens higher-frequency overtones, leading to a focused low-end response with a distinct 'thud'. The white coating adds a layer of texture to the attack, softening the initial impact compared to clear heads while maintaining enough 'click' to cut through a dense mix. Its versatility allows it to be tuned low for modern rock and metal applications, or medium-high for classic rock and fusion contexts.

Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head

Target User and Application

This drumhead is primarily intended for drummers who require consistent performance and long-term durability. Because of the Crimplock collar, it is particularly well-suited for players who prefer high-tension tuning or those who play with significant physical force. Its neutral but warm tonal profile makes it a viable choice for session musicians who need a reliable bass drum sound that adapts to various genres without excessive ringing.

Comparative Analysis

Within the market, the DW AA Coated head occupies a space between vintage-style heads and modern dampened heads. Compared to the Evans 56 Calftone series, which aims for a synthetic calfskin warmth, the DW AA is more focused on modern durability and punch. Unlike the Remo Silentstroke, which is designed for near-silent practice, the AA Coated is a full-volume performance head. It offers more rigidity than standard single-ply heads like the Attack ProFlex1, thanks to its hybrid glued and crimped hoop construction.

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Frequently asked questions

Who manufactures the DW AA Coated Bass Drum Head?: The head is manufactured in the United States by Remo specifically for DW Drums.
What material is used for the film?: It is constructed using durable 2-ply Dupont AA film, known for its resilience and tonal consistency.
What is the benefit of the Crimplock collar?: The Crimplock collar uses both glue and a crimped flesh hoop to provide superior rigidity and prevent the film from slipping under high tension.
What size drum is this specific head designed for?: This specific model is designed to fit a standard 22-inch diameter bass drum.
How does the coating affect the sound?: The white coating provides a warmer tone and a slightly softer attack compared to clear drumheads, helping to control unwanted overtones.
Is this a single-ply or double-ply drumhead?: It is a 2-ply drumhead, which offers more durability and a more focused sound than single-ply versions.
What is the typical price for this drumhead?: The typical price range for the 22-inch version is approximately £50.
Can this head be used for high-tension tuning?: Yes, the combination of the Dupont AA film and the Crimplock collar makes it ideal for high-tension applications.
Does this head include an integrated internal muffling ring?: The manufacturer description does not specify an integrated muffling ring; it relies on its 2-ply construction and coating for tone control.
How does it compare to the DW Coated Clear bass drum head?: While the Coated Clear version offers a mix of brightness and warmth, the full AA Coated version typically provides a warmer, more muted attack.
Is the DW AA head suitable for jazz drumming?: Yes, its warm tones and ability to handle various tunings make it versatile enough for jazz, especially when a more focused bass drum sound is desired.
Where is the DW AA Coated Bass Drum Head produced?: It is made in the USA, ensuring high manufacturing standards and material quality.