Gear article
DW Drums 20" White Coated Bass Drum Head
The DW Drums 20" White Coated Bass Drum Head is a medium-weight, Remo-manufactured drumhead designed to provide clear and powerful tones. It serves as a durable, high-quality replacement or upgrade for standard 20-inch bass drums, combining DW's design specifications with Remo's construction standards.

Overview and Construction
The DW Drums 20" White Coated Bass Drum Head is a professional-grade drumhead developed through a partnership between DW Drums and Remo. Designed to fit standard 20-inch bass drum hoops, this head features a white coated finish that adds a layer of texture and warmth to the drum's natural resonance.
As a medium-weight head, it offers a balance between sensitivity and durability. The construction is handled by Remo, one of the world's leading drumhead manufacturers, ensuring that the materials and assembly meet high industrial standards for consistency and longevity under regular playing conditions.
Sound Character and Performance
This drumhead is engineered to deliver a clear and powerful tone. The white coating serves a dual purpose: it slightly dampens high-frequency overtones compared to clear heads, and it provides a more focused fundamental pitch.
The medium-weight film allows the head to vibrate freely enough to produce a full-bodied sound while maintaining the structural integrity needed for powerful kick drum strokes. It is particularly effective for drummers seeking a traditional aesthetic combined with a punchy, modern sonic profile.

Target Audience
The DW 20" White Coated head is suitable for a wide range of drummers, particularly those who play DW kits or those looking to achieve the specific 'DW sound.' Its versatility makes it appropriate for various genres, from jazz and fusion to rock, depending on how it is tuned and muffled. Because it is a 20-inch head, it is designed for smaller-to-medium bass drum configurations that prioritise punch and control over the deep sub-frequencies found in larger 24-inch or 26-inch diameters.
Comparison to Alternatives
Within the DW range, this head offers a more controlled sound than the DW Coated Clear series, which retains more brightness. When compared to market alternatives:
- EVANS 56 Calftone: Offers a vintage, synthetic calfskin warmth compared to the modern, clear power of the DW White Coated.
- EVANS EQ3 Resonant: A dedicated resonant head option, whereas the DW White Coated is versatile enough for either side depending on the drummer's preference for a non-ported front.
- Attack ProFlex1: Provides a single-ply alternative without overtones, whereas the DW head focuses on a balanced, clear tone.
- Remo Silentstroke: A mesh alternative for low-volume practice, contrasting with the DW head's full-volume performance design.
Related gear
£50.68 ($64)EVANS
Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head
£79.99 ($102)EVANS
Evans EQ3 Resonant Smooth White Bass Drum Head No Port 20"
£62.97 ($80)EVANS
Evans 56 Calftone 26" Bass Drum Head
£32.99 ($42)Attack Drumheads
Attack 24" ProFlex1 1Ply No Overtone Clear Bass Drum Head
£99.99 ($127)Eden Amplification
Eden Atlas Mini Bass Amplifier Head
£35.88 ($46)Remo
Remo Silentstroke 16 Bass Drum Head
£50.00 ($64)DW Drums
DW AA Coated Bass Drum Head 22
£59.00 ($75)DW Drums
DW Bass Drum Head Coated Clear 24"
Frequently asked questions
- Who manufactures the DW 20" White Coated Bass Drum Head?
- This drumhead is manufactured by Remo on behalf of DW Drums. This ensures the product meets Remo's global standards for durability and quality control.
- What is the weight of this bass drum head?
- The DW White Coated head is classified as a medium-weight drumhead. This provides a balance between the responsiveness of thin heads and the durability of heavy-duty heads.
- What size bass drum is this head compatible with?
- It is designed specifically for 20-inch bass drums. It will fit any standard 20-inch kick drum hoop regardless of the drum's brand.
- What kind of tone does the white coating produce?
- The white coating produces a clear and powerful tone. It helps to slightly warm the sound and control excessive high-end overtones compared to a clear film head.
- Can this head be used as both a batter and resonant head?
- Yes, its medium-weight construction and coated finish make it suitable for use as either the striking side (batter) or the front side (resonant) of the drum.
- Is the DW 20" White Coated head durable?
- Yes, it is described by the manufacturer as extremely durable. The combination of Remo's manufacturing process and medium-weight film makes it resilient for regular use.
- How does this compare to the DW AA Coated 22" head?
- The 20" version is smaller in diameter and designed for 20-inch drums, whereas the AA Coated 22" is intended for larger kits. The smaller size typically results in a higher fundamental pitch and faster response.
- What is the typical price for this drumhead in the UK?
- The typical price range for the DW Bass drum head White coated 20" is approximately £50. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer.
- Does this head come with a pre-cut port hole?
- Based on the standard manufacturer description for this specific white coated model, it does not come with a pre-cut port hole. This allows for maximum resonance or custom porting by the user.
- How does it differ from the Evans 56 Calftone?
- The Evans 56 Calftone is designed to emulate vintage calfskin with a specific textured look and mellow sound. The DW White Coated is a more modern, standard coated head focused on clarity and power.
- Is this head suitable for heavy rock drumming?
- Yes, its powerful tone and durable medium-weight construction make it capable of handling the high-impact demands of rock drumming.
- Can I use this on an Eden Atlas Mini Bass Amplifier Head?
- No, the DW 20" White Coated head is a physical drumhead for an acoustic drum. The Eden Atlas Mini is an electronic bass guitar amplifier; they are completely different categories of musical equipment.
