What is the total thickness of the Evans EMAD Heavyweight 26"?

The head is constructed from two plies of 10mil film, resulting in a total thickness of 20mil. This makes it significantly thicker than standard single-ply or light double-ply heads.

What does the 'EMAD' acronym stand for?

EMAD stands for Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping. It refers to the plastic tray on the front of the head that holds foam rings to control sustain.

Does the 26" EMAD Heavyweight come with damping rings?

Yes, the manufacturer includes two different foam damping rings that allow the drummer to choose the level of overtone control and attack.

How does this head affect the attack of the drum?

The 2-ply 10mil construction provides a compressed attack. This results in a punchy, focused sound that emphasizes the initial hit rather than lingering overtones.

Is this head suitable for jazz or light playing?

While it maintains a wide dynamic range, its heavy 20mil construction is primarily designed for high-volume applications and durability, making it less ideal for low-volume jazz settings.

Can this head be used as a resonant (front) head?

No, the EMAD Heavyweight is designed strictly as a batter (striking) head. For a resonant head, a product like the Evans EQ3 Resonant is more appropriate.

How durable is the 26" EMAD Heavyweight?

It is designed for maximum durability. The two 10mil plies are built to withstand heavy playing styles that would typically dent or stretch thinner heads.

What is the typical price for this 26" drum head?

The typical price range for the Evans EMAD Heavyweight 26" bass drum head is approximately GBP 75.

How does it compare to the Evans 56 Calftone 26"?

The Calftone 26" is a single-ply head designed for a vintage look and warm tone. The EMAD Heavyweight is a 2-ply head built for modern punch, durability, and adjustable damping.

Does the EMAD system require internal muffling like pillows?

Because the EMAD system provides external damping, many drummers find they do not need additional internal muffling like pillows or foam pads.

Is the film used on this head clear or coated?

The EMAD Heavyweight uses two plies of clear 10mil film, though the EMAD tray and damping rings are visible on the outer surface.

Will this head fit a standard 26-inch bass drum hoop?

Yes, it is designed to fit all standard 26-inch acoustic bass drums, including those from major manufacturers like DW, Ludwig, and Tama.

Gear article

Evans EMAD Heavyweight 26" Bass Drum Head

The Evans EMAD Heavyweight 26" is a high-durability bass drum head constructed from two identical plies of 10mil film. It features the Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system, designed to provide a compressed attack and a wide dynamic range for large-diameter kick drums.

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Overview

The Evans EMAD Heavyweight 26" bass drum head is engineered for drummers seeking maximum durability and a focused sonic profile on large-format kick drums. As part of the EMAD (Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping) line, it allows for customisation of sustain and attack without requiring internal muffling. The 26-inch variant is specifically designed for oversized bass drums often found in rock, metal, and orchestral settings where high volume and low-end projection are paramount.

Construction and Technology

This head is defined by its heavy-duty construction, featuring two identical plies of 10mil film. This 20mil total thickness makes it one of the most robust heads in the Evans catalogue. The EMAD system consists of a plastic sleeve mounted on the outer circumference of the head, which holds one of two interchangeable foam damping rings. This design ensures that the damping material remains in direct contact with the head's edge, controlling overtones while maintaining the drum's natural resonance.

Sound Character

The EMAD Heavyweight provides a distinctively compressed attack. Due to the thickness of the two 10mil plies, the head delivers a significant 'thump' with a reduced high-frequency ring. Despite its heavy construction, it is designed to maintain a wide dynamic range, responding accurately to both light strokes and heavy footwork. On a 26-inch drum, this results in a deep, punchy fundamental tone that remains controlled rather than boisterous.

Suitability

This head is primarily suited for heavy hitters and genres requiring high output and longevity, such as hard rock and metal. It is also an excellent choice for drummers who prefer the low-end resonance of a 26-inch drum but struggle with excessive sustain or 'boominess.' Because the damping is external, it is ideal for players who want to adjust their sound quickly between songs or recording takes without removing the head.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to the Evans 56 Calftone 26", which focuses on a vintage aesthetic and warmer, single-ply tone, the Heavyweight is significantly more modern and aggressive. It offers more durability than the Attack 24" ProFlex1 1Ply, which lacks the dual-ply thickness. Unlike the Remo Silentstroke 16", which is designed for low-volume practice, the EMAD Heavyweight is built for full-volume performance. For those seeking a more traditional feel on a 22" or 24" drum, options like the DW AA Coated or Evans EQ3 offer a lighter touch compared to the dense 20mil construction of the Heavyweight.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the total thickness of the Evans EMAD Heavyweight 26"?: The head is constructed from two plies of 10mil film, resulting in a total thickness of 20mil. This makes it significantly thicker than standard single-ply or light double-ply heads.
What does the 'EMAD' acronym stand for?: EMAD stands for Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping. It refers to the plastic tray on the front of the head that holds foam rings to control sustain.
Does the 26" EMAD Heavyweight come with damping rings?: Yes, the manufacturer includes two different foam damping rings that allow the drummer to choose the level of overtone control and attack.
How does this head affect the attack of the drum?: The 2-ply 10mil construction provides a compressed attack. This results in a punchy, focused sound that emphasizes the initial hit rather than lingering overtones.
Is this head suitable for jazz or light playing?: While it maintains a wide dynamic range, its heavy 20mil construction is primarily designed for high-volume applications and durability, making it less ideal for low-volume jazz settings.
Can this head be used as a resonant (front) head?: No, the EMAD Heavyweight is designed strictly as a batter (striking) head. For a resonant head, a product like the Evans EQ3 Resonant is more appropriate.
How durable is the 26" EMAD Heavyweight?: It is designed for maximum durability. The two 10mil plies are built to withstand heavy playing styles that would typically dent or stretch thinner heads.
What is the typical price for this 26" drum head?: The typical price range for the Evans EMAD Heavyweight 26" bass drum head is approximately GBP 75.
How does it compare to the Evans 56 Calftone 26"?: The Calftone 26" is a single-ply head designed for a vintage look and warm tone. The EMAD Heavyweight is a 2-ply head built for modern punch, durability, and adjustable damping.
Does the EMAD system require internal muffling like pillows?: Because the EMAD system provides external damping, many drummers find they do not need additional internal muffling like pillows or foam pads.
Is the film used on this head clear or coated?: The EMAD Heavyweight uses two plies of clear 10mil film, though the EMAD tray and damping rings are visible on the outer surface.
Will this head fit a standard 26-inch bass drum hoop?: Yes, it is designed to fit all standard 26-inch acoustic bass drums, including those from major manufacturers like DW, Ludwig, and Tama.