What is the primary material of the Evans 56 Calftone?

The head is constructed from a 7mil Mylar film base which is blended with specialized synthetic fibres to replicate the feel and sound of calfskin.

Is the 16-inch Calftone head suitable for use as a floor tom head?

Yes, it is designed as a tom batter head, and the 16-inch size is standard for most floor toms, providing the warmth and depth required for that position.

What is Evans Level 360 Technology?

It is a collar design that ensures the head makes consistent contact with the drum shell's bearing edge, making it easier to tune and improving overall resonance.

How does this head handle changes in humidity?

Unlike real calfskin, which expands and contracts with moisture, the synthetic Calftone remains stable and keeps its tuning in varying environmental conditions.

What genres is the Evans Calftone best suited for?

It is ideal for jazz, big band, and orchestral styles where drummers seek a vintage, warm tone and balanced attack.

What is the thickness of the Evans 56 Calftone?

The head features a single-ply construction with a thickness of 7mil, providing a sensitive and articulate response.

Does this drum head require extra muffling?

Generally no, as the synthetic fibre blend provides a moderate sustain that helps control overtones naturally compared to standard single-ply heads.

Can I use brushes on the Evans Calftone head?

Yes, the textured surface created by the fibre blend is excellent for brush play, offering a classic sweep sound similar to coated heads or real hide.

Is this head manufactured in the USA?

Yes, Evans produces these heads in the USA to ensure high standards of quality and consistency.

How does the attack of the Calftone compare to a clear head?

The Calftone has a more balanced and rounded attack compared to the sharp, aggressive 'click' often associated with clear Mylar heads.

What is the typical price for a 16-inch Calftone tom head?

The typical price range for this specific 16-inch model is approximately £30 in the UK market.

Does the Evans 56 Calftone come in other sizes?

While this specific model is 16 inches, the Calftone series is produced in various sizes to accommodate complete drum kits, including snare and bass drums.

Gear article

Evans 56 Calftone 16-inch Tom Drum Head

The Evans 56 Calftone 16" Tom Drum Head is a synthetic batter head designed to replicate the sonic profile and aesthetic of traditional calfskin. Built on a 7mil Mylar base blended with specialised fibres, it provides the warmth of vintage materials with the stability of modern manufacturing.

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Overview and Construction

The Evans 56 Calftone series is engineered as a modern alternative to natural animal hide drum heads. The 16-inch tom batter version is constructed using a 7mil Mylar film base. This base is integrated with a unique blend of specialised fibres that mimic the texture and density of organic calfskin. Unlike natural hide, which is susceptible to stretching and detuning due to humidity or temperature changes, the Calftone maintains the physical stability of a synthetic head while delivering a vintage appearance.

A key structural feature is the implementation of Level 360 Technology. This design ensures that the head sits evenly and flush against the bearing edge of the drum shell. This precise fit facilitates a wider tuning range and simplifies the seating process during initial installation.

Sound Character

The sonic profile of the 16-inch Calftone is defined by its rich, full-bodied warmth. It possesses a medium-bright character with a balanced attack, allowing it to remain articulate during complex sticking patterns. The sustain is described as moderate, providing enough resonance for a natural decay without becoming overly resonant or 'ringing' in a way that requires heavy external muffling. This balance ensures the drum head remains controlled within a mix, whether in a live environment or a recording studio.

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Target Applications

Due to its vintage-inspired voicing, the Calftone 56 is primarily intended for drummers operating in traditional genres. It is particularly suited for:

Jazz: Where articulation and warmth are paramount for subtle brushwork and dynamic play.
Orchestral Percussion: Providing the required depth and controlled decay for concert toms.
Big Band: Offering the volume and punch needed for large ensembles without sacrificing the classic 'round' tone of early 20th-century drumming.

While versatile, it is designed for those who prioritise tone and feel over the aggressive durability required for heavy rock or metal genres.

Comparison and Reliability

When compared to authentic calfskin, the Evans 56 Calftone offers significantly lower maintenance. It does not require constant retuning when moving between different environments, making it a reliable choice for touring musicians. Compared to standard clear or coated Mylar heads, the Calftone offers a softer feel and a more pronounced low-end warmth, though it typically has less 'snap' than a clear single-ply head. The product is manufactured in the USA, ensuring high quality control standards.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material of the Evans 56 Calftone?: The head is constructed from a 7mil Mylar film base which is blended with specialized synthetic fibres to replicate the feel and sound of calfskin.
Is the 16-inch Calftone head suitable for use as a floor tom head?: Yes, it is designed as a tom batter head, and the 16-inch size is standard for most floor toms, providing the warmth and depth required for that position.
What is Evans Level 360 Technology?: It is a collar design that ensures the head makes consistent contact with the drum shell's bearing edge, making it easier to tune and improving overall resonance.
How does this head handle changes in humidity?: Unlike real calfskin, which expands and contracts with moisture, the synthetic Calftone remains stable and keeps its tuning in varying environmental conditions.
What genres is the Evans Calftone best suited for?: It is ideal for jazz, big band, and orchestral styles where drummers seek a vintage, warm tone and balanced attack.
What is the thickness of the Evans 56 Calftone?: The head features a single-ply construction with a thickness of 7mil, providing a sensitive and articulate response.
Does this drum head require extra muffling?: Generally no, as the synthetic fibre blend provides a moderate sustain that helps control overtones naturally compared to standard single-ply heads.
Can I use brushes on the Evans Calftone head?: Yes, the textured surface created by the fibre blend is excellent for brush play, offering a classic sweep sound similar to coated heads or real hide.
Is this head manufactured in the USA?: Yes, Evans produces these heads in the USA to ensure high standards of quality and consistency.
How does the attack of the Calftone compare to a clear head?: The Calftone has a more balanced and rounded attack compared to the sharp, aggressive 'click' often associated with clear Mylar heads.
What is the typical price for a 16-inch Calftone tom head?: The typical price range for this specific 16-inch model is approximately £30 in the UK market.
Does the Evans 56 Calftone come in other sizes?: While this specific model is 16 inches, the Calftone series is produced in various sizes to accommodate complete drum kits, including snare and bass drums.