What is the main benefit of the coated/clear hybrid design?

The design offers the bright attack and quick response of a clear head combined with the controlled resonance and focused tone typically found in coated heads.

What is the purpose of the white sprayed-on ring?

The ring serves as a damping mechanism that reduces harsh overtones and helps focus the drum's fundamental pitch.

Is this head compatible with non-DW drums?

Yes, this is a standard 18-inch bass drum head that will fit any manufacturer's 18-inch bass drum hoop.

What genres of music is this head best suited for?

DW describes this head as ideal for any style, ranging from jazz and fusion to rock, due to its versatile tonal balance.

How does the 18-inch version compare to the 24-inch version?

While they share the same coated/clear construction and damping ring, the 18-inch version is designed for the higher pitch and faster response of smaller kick drums.

Does this head require additional pillows or muffling?

Because it includes a sprayed-on damping ring, it offers a more focused tone out of the box, though drummers can still add internal muffling if a drier sound is desired.

What is the typical price for this model?

The typical price for the DW Bass Drum Head Coated Clear 18" is approximately £37.00.

How does the finish affect the feel of the drum?

The smooth finish provides a consistent response across the surface, while the clear section ensures the stick or beater impact remains defined.

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

Based on its manufacturer description as a coated/clear head with a sprayed-on ring, it functions as a focused single-ply style head for maximum resonance and clarity.

Can this be used as a resonant head?

While primarily used as a batter head due to the damping ring, it can be used as a resonant head if a very controlled, non-ported sound is required.

How does it compare to the Evans 56 Calftone 18"?

The Evans Calftone is designed for a vintage, warm aesthetic and sound, whereas the DW Coated Clear is designed for modern clarity and focused punch.

Is the damping ring visible?

Yes, the white sprayed-on damping ring is visible against the transparent clear film of the drumhead.

Gear article

DW Drums Coated Clear 18" Bass Drum Head

The DW Drums Coated Clear 18" Bass Drum Head is a specialist hybrid drumhead designed for compact kick drums, featuring a transparent construction with a white sprayed-on damping ring. It is engineered to combine the attack of a clear head with the controlled resonance typically associated with coated finishes.

See live prices

Background and Design

DW Drums, primarily known for their high-end hardware and custom drum kits, provides a range of proprietary heads designed to complement their shell technology. The Coated Clear series represents a specific approach to tone control, utilizing a 18-inch diameter format that is common in jazz kits and compact portable setups. The head is manufactured to balance durability with tonal flexibility.

Technical Features

The primary design feature of this head is its dual-texture surface. While the majority of the head is transparent (clear) to ensure a sharp, bright attack, it features a white sprayed-on damping ring located around the perimeter. This internal ring acts as a built-in muffling system, reducing unwanted overtones and focusing the fundamental pitch of the drum without the need for additional external dampening.

Tonal Characteristics

This head provides the immediate response and 'snap' of a standard clear head, but the smooth finish and damping ring provide a more focused and polished tone. The result is a 'pre-equalised' sound that retains enough resonance for live acoustic playing while being controlled enough for studio recording environments.

User Suitability

The DW Coated Clear 18" is marketed as a versatile component suitable for any musical style. Its 18-inch size makes it a direct fit for bop-style kits or 'jungle' kits. Because of its balanced profile, it is recommended for drummers at all experience levels, from beginners seeking an easy-to-tune head to professionals requiring specific resonance control.

Market Comparisons

Within the 18-inch category, this head competes with vintage-style alternatives like the Evans 56 Calftone, which offers a warmer, synthetic calfskin sound. Compared to the Remo Silentstroke series, which is designed for low-volume practice, the DW Coated Clear is a full-volume performance head. It offers a more focused alternative to standard single-ply heads like the Attack ProFlex1, due to its integrated damping ring.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the main benefit of the coated/clear hybrid design?: The design offers the bright attack and quick response of a clear head combined with the controlled resonance and focused tone typically found in coated heads.
What is the purpose of the white sprayed-on ring?: The ring serves as a damping mechanism that reduces harsh overtones and helps focus the drum's fundamental pitch.
Is this head compatible with non-DW drums?: Yes, this is a standard 18-inch bass drum head that will fit any manufacturer's 18-inch bass drum hoop.
What genres of music is this head best suited for?: DW describes this head as ideal for any style, ranging from jazz and fusion to rock, due to its versatile tonal balance.
How does the 18-inch version compare to the 24-inch version?: While they share the same coated/clear construction and damping ring, the 18-inch version is designed for the higher pitch and faster response of smaller kick drums.
Does this head require additional pillows or muffling?: Because it includes a sprayed-on damping ring, it offers a more focused tone out of the box, though drummers can still add internal muffling if a drier sound is desired.
What is the typical price for this model?: The typical price for the DW Bass Drum Head Coated Clear 18" is approximately £37.00.
How does the finish affect the feel of the drum?: The smooth finish provides a consistent response across the surface, while the clear section ensures the stick or beater impact remains defined.
Is this a single-ply or double-ply head?: Based on its manufacturer description as a coated/clear head with a sprayed-on ring, it functions as a focused single-ply style head for maximum resonance and clarity.
Can this be used as a resonant head?: While primarily used as a batter head due to the damping ring, it can be used as a resonant head if a very controlled, non-ported sound is required.
How does it compare to the Evans 56 Calftone 18"?: The Evans Calftone is designed for a vintage, warm aesthetic and sound, whereas the DW Coated Clear is designed for modern clarity and focused punch.
Is the damping ring visible?: Yes, the white sprayed-on damping ring is visible against the transparent clear film of the drumhead.