What material is used in the Evans 56 Calftone?

The head is constructed from an advanced 12mil synthetic blend combined with Mylar. This combination is designed to simulate the physical and acoustic properties of natural calfskin while providing modern reliability.

Is the Evans 56 Calftone more durable than real calfskin?

Yes, because it is made from synthetic materials, it is significantly more durable and resistant to environmental changes than natural hide. It does not stretch or loosen as easily when exposed to humidity.

What is Evans Level 360 Technology?

Level 360 is an enhanced vertical collar design that ensures the drumhead fits level on the shell. This allows for easier tuning, a wider tuning range, and better resonance between the head and the drum.

What musical genres suit this drumhead best?

It is ideally suited for Jazz and 'Golden Era' Rock. Its warm, full tone is designed to replicate the sounds heard on classic recordings from the 1950s and 60s.

How does a 26-inch head differ from smaller sizes like 18 or 20 inches?

A 26-inch head moves more air and produces a deeper, more resonant fundamental pitch. It provides a larger surface area for the 'calfskin' texture to influence the overall sound of the kit.

Does this product include the drum itself?

No, this product is the replacement drumhead only. The drum shell and hardware must be purchased separately.

Can this head be used as both a batter and a resonant head?

Yes, the Evans 56 Calftone can be used on either side of the bass drum. Using it as a resonant head provides a vintage look, while using it as a batter head defines the feel and attack.

What is the typical price for the 26-inch version?

The typical retail price for the Evans 56 Calftone 26" Bass Drum Head is approximately GBP 63. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock.

How does the sound of the Calftone compare to a clear bass drum head?

A clear head typically has a sharper, brighter attack with more 'click.' The Calftone is much warmer and rounder, with a focus on rich mid-range frequencies and a softer feel.

Does the 56 Calftone feature internal dampening?

The standard 56 Calftone is a single-ply head without built-in internal muffling rings. This allows for maximum resonance, though players can add external dampening if a shorter decay is required.

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

The '56' refers to the year 1956, marking the era of classic drum sounds that Evans aims to replicate with this specific synthetic blend. It serves as a tribute to the heritage of the brand and the industry.

Is the tuning process easier on this head than on older designs?

Yes, the Level 360 technology allows the head to seat itself properly on the bearing edge immediately. This reduces the amount of effort needed to find a balanced tension across the entire diameter.

Gear article

Evans 56 Calftone 26" Bass Drum Head

The Evans 56 Calftone 26" Bass Drum Head is a synthetic drumhead designed to replicate the warm, full-bodied tone of traditional calfskin. Utilising a 12mil synthetic blend and Level 360 Technology, it offers the vintage aesthetic and sonic character of the Jazz and Golden Era Rock periods with modern durability and tuning stability.

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Background and Design

The Evans 56 Calftone series was developed to bridge the gap between historical aesthetics and contemporary manufacturing reliability. During the 'Golden Era' of recording, drummers relied on natural calfskin, which provided a unique warmth but suffered from significant tuning instability caused by changes in temperature and humidity. The 56 Calftone employs a 12mil advanced synthetic blend integrated with Mylar to mimic the fibrous texture and frequency response of organic hide without the inherent fragility of natural materials.

Key Features and Construction

A primary innovation of this 26-inch head is the implementation of Level 360 Technology. This design features an enhanced vertical collar that ensures the head sits perfectly level against the drum shell's bearing edge. By providing a consistent contact point, the head can resonate more freely and interact more effectively with the shell's natural properties. The single-ply 12mil construction is specifically balanced to provide enough mass for low-end punch while remaining sensitive enough for light Jazz playing.

Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head

Sonics and Performance

The sound profile of the Calftone is characterised by a rich, sonically full tone with a focus on mid-to-low frequencies. Unlike modern clear heads that emphasise a sharp 'click' or attack, the Calftone produces a softer, rounder impact. This makes it particularly suitable for large 26-inch bass drums where a resonant, 'woody' character is desired. The synthetic material provides a level of durability and consistency that allows it to maintain its tonal integrity even under heavier playing conditions associated with classic rock styles.

User Suitability

This drumhead is primarily aimed at drummers seeking a vintage sound for Jazz, Big Band, or 1960s-style Rock and Roll. The 26-inch diameter is a common choice for those looking for maximum air movement and a deep, orchestral-style bass drum presence. It is an ideal solution for players who appreciate the look and feel of calfskin but require a drumhead that will stay in tune throughout a performance in varying environments.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other options in the Evans catalogue, such as the EQ3 Resonant or the EQ4 Calftone variants, the standard Calftone focuses more on raw resonance and traditional feel. In contrast to mesh heads like the Roland MH2 or Remo Silentstroke, which are designed for volume reduction, the Calftone is a full-volume acoustic head. Compared to heavy-duty options like the DW Coated Clear or Attack ProFlex1, the Calftone offers a warmer, less aggressive attack, prioritising tonal depth over modern percussive snap.

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Frequently asked questions

What material is used in the Evans 56 Calftone?: The head is constructed from an advanced 12mil synthetic blend combined with Mylar. This combination is designed to simulate the physical and acoustic properties of natural calfskin while providing modern reliability.
Is the Evans 56 Calftone more durable than real calfskin?: Yes, because it is made from synthetic materials, it is significantly more durable and resistant to environmental changes than natural hide. It does not stretch or loosen as easily when exposed to humidity.
What is Evans Level 360 Technology?: Level 360 is an enhanced vertical collar design that ensures the drumhead fits level on the shell. This allows for easier tuning, a wider tuning range, and better resonance between the head and the drum.
What musical genres suit this drumhead best?: It is ideally suited for Jazz and 'Golden Era' Rock. Its warm, full tone is designed to replicate the sounds heard on classic recordings from the 1950s and 60s.
How does a 26-inch head differ from smaller sizes like 18 or 20 inches?: A 26-inch head moves more air and produces a deeper, more resonant fundamental pitch. It provides a larger surface area for the 'calfskin' texture to influence the overall sound of the kit.
Does this product include the drum itself?: No, this product is the replacement drumhead only. The drum shell and hardware must be purchased separately.
Can this head be used as both a batter and a resonant head?: Yes, the Evans 56 Calftone can be used on either side of the bass drum. Using it as a resonant head provides a vintage look, while using it as a batter head defines the feel and attack.
What is the typical price for the 26-inch version?: The typical retail price for the Evans 56 Calftone 26" Bass Drum Head is approximately GBP 63. Prices may vary slightly depending on the specific retailer and current stock.
How does the sound of the Calftone compare to a clear bass drum head?: A clear head typically has a sharper, brighter attack with more 'click.' The Calftone is much warmer and rounder, with a focus on rich mid-range frequencies and a softer feel.
Does the 56 Calftone feature internal dampening?: The standard 56 Calftone is a single-ply head without built-in internal muffling rings. This allows for maximum resonance, though players can add external dampening if a shorter decay is required.
What does the '56' in the product name represent?: The '56' refers to the year 1956, marking the era of classic drum sounds that Evans aims to replicate with this specific synthetic blend. It serves as a tribute to the heritage of the brand and the industry.
Is the tuning process easier on this head than on older designs?: Yes, the Level 360 technology allows the head to seat itself properly on the bearing edge immediately. This reduces the amount of effort needed to find a balanced tension across the entire diameter.