What is the primary material of the Evans 56 Calftone?

It is made from a 12mil Mylar base blended with unique synthetic materials to emulate traditional calfskin. This provides the warmth of skin with the durability of plastic.

How does the EMAD system work on this head?

The Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping system uses a foam ring to allow drummers to adjust the focus and damping of the head. It helps in achieving a specific tonal response without removing the head from the drum.

Can this head be used as a resonant head?

Yes, the Evans 56 Calftone 26" EMAD is designed with versatility in mind. It can be utilized as either a batter head or a resonant head depending on the drummer's needs.

What is Level 360 Technology?

Level 360 is an Evans technology that ensures the drumhead fits consistently and sits flat on the bearing edge. This results in an easier tuning process and a wider overall tuning range.

Does this head sound different from real calfskin?

According to the manufacturer, despite being an artificial alternative, the sound remains the same as traditional calfskin. It provides the same warm, full, and rich tones associated with organic materials.

What is the thickness of the 56 Calftone 26" EMAD?

The head features a 12mil Mylar base. This thickness contributes to its durability and its ability to produce deep, rich frequencies.

How does this compare to the Evans EQ3 Resonant head?

The Calftone focuses on a vintage, warm calfskin imitation, whereas the EQ3 Resonant Smooth White is a more modern resonant head. The Calftone 26" EMAD offers more specific overtone control through its damping ring.

What is the purpose of the internal overtone control ring?

The internal overtone control ring is fitted to help focus the tonal response of the drum. It works in conjunction with the EMAD system to eliminate unwanted frequencies.

Is this head suitable for modern music styles?

While it has a vintage sound character, the Level 360 technology and EMAD damping make it versatile for any style. It is particularly effective whenever a warm, focused bass drum sound is required.

How does the price of the Calftone 26" EMAD compare to other sizes?

The 26" version typically retails around £79. Smaller versions, such as the 18" EQ4 Calftone, are generally available as part of the same series but may vary in specific damping features.

What size drum does this head fit?

This specific model is designed for a 26-inch bass drum. It is important to match the head size exactly to the drum shell diameter for proper fit.

Why choose the EMAD version over the standard Calftone?

The EMAD version includes the external damping ring for increased focus and adjustable tone. The standard 56 Calftone 26" head lacks this specific adjustable damping system, offering a more open sound.

Gear article

Evans 56 Calftone 26" EMAD Bass Drum Head

The Evans 56 Calftone 26" EMAD is a synthetic bass drum head designed to replicate the warm, rich tonal characteristics of traditional calfskin. Built with a 12mil Mylar base and Level 360 Technology, it incorporates the Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system for enhanced overtone control.

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Background and Construction

The Evans 56 Calftone series is a tribute to the year Evans was founded and represents a modern solution for drummers seeking the aesthetic and sonic qualities of vintage animal skin heads without the tuning instability associated with organic materials. The 26" EMAD version is specifically engineered for large-format bass drums.

The head is constructed from a 12mil Mylar base blended with unique synthetic materials. This hybrid approach ensures the durability of modern plastics while achieving the textured feel and frequency response of natural calfskin. The inclusion of Level 360 Technology ensures a consistent fit across the bearing edge, providing a wider tuning range and easier seating of the head.

Features and Functionality

A primary feature of this model is the EMAD (Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping) system. This consists of an adjustable foam ring that allows the player to control the focus and attack of the drum without having to remove the head.

Key functional elements include: * Internal Overtone Control Ring: Helps focus the tonal response and reduces unwanted high-frequency ring. * Versatility: The design is robust enough to be used as a batter (striking) head but also functions effectively as a resonant head. * Level 360 Collar: A proprietary hoop design that ensures the head sits flat and balanced on the drum shell.

Sound Character

The sound of the Evans 56 Calftone is defined by its warmth and richness. Unlike standard clear or coated Mylar heads that may produce sharp, bright overtones, the Calftone blend provides a shorter decay and a deeper fundamental note.

When applied to a 26" drum, the large surface area combined with the 12mil thickness results in a full-bodied 'thump' that is particularly suited for genres requiring a vintage or jazz-influenced aesthetic. The EMAD system further refines this by providing a focused high-quality tone that tames the massive resonance typical of 26-inch shells.

Comparison and Suitability

Compared to standard heads like the DW AA Coated or the Attack ProFlex1, the Calftone offers a significantly more 'vintage' profile. While the Remo Silentstroke is designed for volume reduction, the Calftone is a full-volume performance head.

Within the Evans range, this 26" EMAD model offers more control than the standard 56 Calftone 26" without the EMAD system. It is ideal for drummers using large vintage kits or those seeking a 'classic' look with modern reliability. It suits studio recording where overtone control is paramount, as well as live performances where a warm, traditional bass drum sound is desired.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material of the Evans 56 Calftone?: It is made from a 12mil Mylar base blended with unique synthetic materials to emulate traditional calfskin. This provides the warmth of skin with the durability of plastic.
How does the EMAD system work on this head?: The Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping system uses a foam ring to allow drummers to adjust the focus and damping of the head. It helps in achieving a specific tonal response without removing the head from the drum.
Can this head be used as a resonant head?: Yes, the Evans 56 Calftone 26" EMAD is designed with versatility in mind. It can be utilized as either a batter head or a resonant head depending on the drummer's needs.
What is Level 360 Technology?: Level 360 is an Evans technology that ensures the drumhead fits consistently and sits flat on the bearing edge. This results in an easier tuning process and a wider overall tuning range.
Does this head sound different from real calfskin?: According to the manufacturer, despite being an artificial alternative, the sound remains the same as traditional calfskin. It provides the same warm, full, and rich tones associated with organic materials.
What is the thickness of the 56 Calftone 26" EMAD?: The head features a 12mil Mylar base. This thickness contributes to its durability and its ability to produce deep, rich frequencies.
How does this compare to the Evans EQ3 Resonant head?: The Calftone focuses on a vintage, warm calfskin imitation, whereas the EQ3 Resonant Smooth White is a more modern resonant head. The Calftone 26" EMAD offers more specific overtone control through its damping ring.
What is the purpose of the internal overtone control ring?: The internal overtone control ring is fitted to help focus the tonal response of the drum. It works in conjunction with the EMAD system to eliminate unwanted frequencies.
Is this head suitable for modern music styles?: While it has a vintage sound character, the Level 360 technology and EMAD damping make it versatile for any style. It is particularly effective whenever a warm, focused bass drum sound is required.
How does the price of the Calftone 26" EMAD compare to other sizes?: The 26" version typically retails around £79. Smaller versions, such as the 18" EQ4 Calftone, are generally available as part of the same series but may vary in specific damping features.
What size drum does this head fit?: This specific model is designed for a 26-inch bass drum. It is important to match the head size exactly to the drum shell diameter for proper fit.
Why choose the EMAD version over the standard Calftone?: The EMAD version includes the external damping ring for increased focus and adjustable tone. The standard 56 Calftone 26" head lacks this specific adjustable damping system, offering a more open sound.