What is the primary material of the Evans 56 Calftone?

The head is constructed from a 12mm Mylar base blended with unique synthetic materials. This combination is designed to replicate the characteristics of traditional calfskin while maintaining the durability of plastic.

What does the '56' in the product name represent?

The '56' refers to 1956, the year Evans was founded. The series is designed to evoke the vintage look and sound of that era.

What is the benefit of the EMAD system on this 24-inch head?

The Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system allows drummers to adjust the focus and attack of the drum. It provides a way to control overtones externally without needing internal pillows or blankets.

Can this head be used as a resonant head?

Yes, the versatility of the Evans 56 Calftone allows it to function as both a batter head and a resonant head. This is useful for drummers wanting a consistent vintage aesthetic on both sides of the drum.

How does Level 360 Technology affect tuning?

Level 360 Technology ensures the head makes better contact with the bearing edge. This results in easier tuning, a more consistent pitch, and a wider total tuning range.

Does this head sound like real calfskin?

According to the manufacturer, despite being made of artificial materials, the sound remains the same as traditional calfskin. It delivers warm, full, and rich tones characteristic of organic hides.

Is there internal overtone control in addition to the EMAD ring?

Yes, there is a built-in internal overtone control ring. This works in conjunction with the EMAD system to help focus the drum's tonal response.

What is the typical price for this specific 24" head?

The typical price range for the Evans 56 Calftone 24" EMAD Bass Drum Head is approximately GBP 73. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

How thick is the Mylar base used in this head?

The head uses a 12mm Mylar base. This thickness contributes to the warmth and durability of the overall sound profile.

What musical styles is this drum head best suited for?

The warm and rich tones make it perfect for any style requiring a vintage sound. It is commonly used in jazz, folk, and classic rock settings.

How does this compare to the Evans EQ3 Resonant head?

The EQ3 Resonant is a smooth white head often used for modern projection, whereas the Calftone 56 is a synthetic calfskin head focused on vintage warmth and adjustable damping.

Does the synthetic material react to weather like real calfskin?

No, one of the primary advantages of the artificial Calftone material is that it maintains a consistent sound regardless of temperature or humidity changes, unlike natural hide.

Gear article

Evans 56 Calftone 24" EMAD Bass Drum Head

The Evans 56 Calftone 24" EMAD is a premium synthetic bass drum head designed to replicate the sonic properties of traditional calfskin. Built on a 12mm Mylar base, it incorporates Evans' proprietary Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system and Level 360 Technology to provide a warm, vintage aesthetic with modern tuning stability.

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Background and Construction

The Evans 56 Calftone series is a tribute to the year the company was founded (1956) and aims to capture the essence of vintage drum production. The 24" EMAD variant is constructed using a 12mm Mylar base, which is significantly thicker than standard single-ply heads. This base is blended with unique synthetic materials to simulate the look, feel, and acoustic response of organic calfskin without the environmental sensitivity typically associated with animal hides.

Key Features and Technology

This drum head incorporates two of Evans' primary technical innovations:

EMAD System: An externally mounted adjustable damping ring that allows the player to focus the tonal response and adjust attack and focus without removing the head from the drum.
Level 360 Technology: A collar design that ensures the head sits flat on the bearing edge, providing a consistent fit and a wider tuning range across the 24-inch diameter.
Internal Overtone Control: An additional internal ring is fitted to further refine the drum's resonance and eliminate harsh high-frequency overtones.

Sound Profile

The sound of the 56 Calftone 24" is characterised by warm, full, and rich tones. Unlike modern clear heads that emphasise a sharp 'click' or high-end attack, this head focuses on the low-mid frequencies. The artificial calfskin material provides a softer feel under the beater and a natural decay that suits jazz, blues, and vintage rock styles.

Versatility and Application

While primarily used as a batter head due to the EMAD damping system, the Evans 56 Calftone 24" is designed with enough versatility to serve as a resonant head. In a resonant position, it provides a classic 'closed' look and contributes to a deeper, more traditional bass drum boom. It is particularly suited for drummers seeking a period-correct 1950s or 60s sound but requiring the reliability of modern synthetic materials.

Market Comparison

Compared to other products in the Evans range, such as the 18" EQ4 Calftone or the 26" variant, the 24" EMAD offers a specific balance of large-diaphragm depth and adjustable control. It competes with other vintage-style heads like the DW AA Coated series or Remo's synthetic alternatives, though the EMAD system distinguishes it by providing external dampening options that fixed-dampening heads, like the Attack ProFlex1, do not offer.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material of the Evans 56 Calftone?: The head is constructed from a 12mm Mylar base blended with unique synthetic materials. This combination is designed to replicate the characteristics of traditional calfskin while maintaining the durability of plastic.
What does the '56' in the product name represent?: The '56' refers to 1956, the year Evans was founded. The series is designed to evoke the vintage look and sound of that era.
What is the benefit of the EMAD system on this 24-inch head?: The Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system allows drummers to adjust the focus and attack of the drum. It provides a way to control overtones externally without needing internal pillows or blankets.
Can this head be used as a resonant head?: Yes, the versatility of the Evans 56 Calftone allows it to function as both a batter head and a resonant head. This is useful for drummers wanting a consistent vintage aesthetic on both sides of the drum.
How does Level 360 Technology affect tuning?: Level 360 Technology ensures the head makes better contact with the bearing edge. This results in easier tuning, a more consistent pitch, and a wider total tuning range.
Does this head sound like real calfskin?: According to the manufacturer, despite being made of artificial materials, the sound remains the same as traditional calfskin. It delivers warm, full, and rich tones characteristic of organic hides.
Is there internal overtone control in addition to the EMAD ring?: Yes, there is a built-in internal overtone control ring. This works in conjunction with the EMAD system to help focus the drum's tonal response.
What is the typical price for this specific 24" head?: The typical price range for the Evans 56 Calftone 24" EMAD Bass Drum Head is approximately GBP 73. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
How thick is the Mylar base used in this head?: The head uses a 12mm Mylar base. This thickness contributes to the warmth and durability of the overall sound profile.
What musical styles is this drum head best suited for?: The warm and rich tones make it perfect for any style requiring a vintage sound. It is commonly used in jazz, folk, and classic rock settings.
How does this compare to the Evans EQ3 Resonant head?: The EQ3 Resonant is a smooth white head often used for modern projection, whereas the Calftone 56 is a synthetic calfskin head focused on vintage warmth and adjustable damping.
Does the synthetic material react to weather like real calfskin?: No, one of the primary advantages of the artificial Calftone material is that it maintains a consistent sound regardless of temperature or humidity changes, unlike natural hide.