What is the thickness of the Evans Black Chrome drum head?

The Evans Black Chrome head is constructed using two plies of 7.5mil film, resulting in a total thickness of 15mil.

Is the 8-inch Black Chrome suitable for snare drums?

While it is 8 inches in diameter, this head is primarily designed for small rack toms; 8-inch snare drums are rare, and the film is voiced for tom response.

Does the black finish on the head flake off?

The finish is part of the black film construction rather than a surface coating, meaning it maintains its mirror-like appearance during regular play.

How does the sustain compare to a clear G2 head?

The Black Chrome has a shorter sustain than a standard clear G2 due to the specific properties of the black film, which emphasizes low-end punch.

What genre of music is this head best for?

It is ideally suited for rock, metal, and progressive styles where a deep, punchy tone and durability are required.

Can I use this head on a 14-inch snare side?

No, this specific model is an 8-inch head. For a 14-inch snare side, a product like the EVANS MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side would be appropriate.

What is the typical price range for this 8-inch head?

The Evans Black Chrome 8-inch drum head typically retails for approximately £25 in the UK market.

Does this head come with a coating?

No, it features a smooth mirror-like black film rather than a traditional white or sand-textured coating.

How does this head affect the tuning range?

The heavy two-ply design excels at lower tunings, helping small 8-inch drums achieve a deeper 'thump' while controlling high-frequency ring.

Is this head used for the resonant side of the drum?

No, the Black Chrome is a batter head intended to be struck. Using it as a resonant head would significantly choke the drum's vibrations.

What kind of sticks should be used with this head?

It can be used with any standard sticks, such as Pear4Music 5A Wood Tip Maple sticks, though it is durable enough for much heavier hickory models.

Does Evans offer this head in larger sizes?

Yes, the Black Chrome series is a full line of tom heads, though this specific article focuses on the 8-inch diameter version.

Gear article

Evans Black Chrome Drum Head 8 Inch

The Evans Black Chrome Drum Head is a two-ply drumhead designed for high-intensity drumming, featuring a distinctive mirror-black finish. Constructed with two layers of 7.5mil film, it is engineered to provide enhanced durability and a punchy, low-frequency response specifically suited for rock and metal genres.

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Overview

The Evans Black Chrome 8-inch drum head is a specialised replacement part for acoustic drums, typically utilized on rack toms. It is distinguished by its unique aesthetic and heavy-duty construction, catering to drummers who require both visual impact and long-term reliability under heavy playing conditions.

Design and Key Features

The primary design feature of the Black Chrome series is the use of two plies of 7.5mil black film. This 15mil total thickness makes the head significantly more robust than standard single-ply or thinner two-ply options. The sleek, mirror-like aesthetic is achieved through the specific black film used, which provides a 'chrome' reflection while remaining opaque.

Key technical features include: * Two-Ply Construction: Offers increased resistance to denting and stretching. * Shorter Sustain: The dual-ply design naturally dampens overtones. * Stick Response: Engineered to provide a balanced rebound suitable for fast fills and heavy hits.

Sonics and Character

The sonic signature of the Evans Black Chrome head is defined by its punchy, compressed nature. By utilizing two plies of film, the head effectively shortens the sustain of the drum, focusing the energy into the attack. It is specifically designed to accentuate the mid-to-low level frequencies, which allows an 8-inch tom to sound deeper and more powerful than it might with a traditional clear head.

Target Audience

This drum head is primarily aimed at rock and metal drummers who exert significant force and require a 'robust' tone. Because it tames higher overtones, it is also suitable for studio recording environments where controlled decay is preferred. It is an ideal choice for players looking to match their drum hardware with a sleek, dark aesthetic.

Comparisons and Alternatives

Compared to single-ply heads like the Evans G1, the Black Chrome offers significantly more durability and a much darker tone. In the context of other EVANS products, such as the Evans MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side Drum Head, the Black Chrome is strictly for batter-side use on toms rather than snare resonant applications. While accessories like the Tama CB900PS Accu-Strike Beater or Gibraltar G5 affect the bass drum, the Black Chrome focuses on refining the high-tom response within a kit.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Evans Black Chrome drum head?: The Evans Black Chrome head is constructed using two plies of 7.5mil film, resulting in a total thickness of 15mil.
Is the 8-inch Black Chrome suitable for snare drums?: While it is 8 inches in diameter, this head is primarily designed for small rack toms; 8-inch snare drums are rare, and the film is voiced for tom response.
Does the black finish on the head flake off?: The finish is part of the black film construction rather than a surface coating, meaning it maintains its mirror-like appearance during regular play.
How does the sustain compare to a clear G2 head?: The Black Chrome has a shorter sustain than a standard clear G2 due to the specific properties of the black film, which emphasizes low-end punch.
What genre of music is this head best for?: It is ideally suited for rock, metal, and progressive styles where a deep, punchy tone and durability are required.
Can I use this head on a 14-inch snare side?: No, this specific model is an 8-inch head. For a 14-inch snare side, a product like the EVANS MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side would be appropriate.
What is the typical price range for this 8-inch head?: The Evans Black Chrome 8-inch drum head typically retails for approximately £25 in the UK market.
Does this head come with a coating?: No, it features a smooth mirror-like black film rather than a traditional white or sand-textured coating.
How does this head affect the tuning range?: The heavy two-ply design excels at lower tunings, helping small 8-inch drums achieve a deeper 'thump' while controlling high-frequency ring.
Is this head used for the resonant side of the drum?: No, the Black Chrome is a batter head intended to be struck. Using it as a resonant head would significantly choke the drum's vibrations.
What kind of sticks should be used with this head?: It can be used with any standard sticks, such as Pear4Music 5A Wood Tip Maple sticks, though it is durable enough for much heavier hickory models.
Does Evans offer this head in larger sizes?: Yes, the Black Chrome series is a full line of tom heads, though this specific article focuses on the 8-inch diameter version.