Gear article
Evans EMAD UV Coated Bass Drumhead 18" Tom Hoop
The Evans EMAD UV Coated Bass Drumhead 18" Tom Hoop is a specialised drum component designed to convert standard 18-inch floor toms into bass drums. It features a durable UV-cured coating and the Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system for customisable low-end response.

Overview
The Evans EMAD UV Coated Bass Drumhead with a Tom Hoop is a unique percussion accessory engineered for drummers seeking to maximise the potential of their large-diameter toms. Specifically sized at 18 inches, this product serves as a bridge for players who wish to repurpose a floor tom into a compact kick drum. The inclusion of the 'Tom Hoop' design ensures that the head fits standard metal tom hoops rather than the wider, thicker wooden hoops typically found on dedicated bass drums.
Design and Construction
This drumhead is constructed using Evans' patented UV-cured coating technology. This process provides a consistent texture and superior durability compared to traditional sprayed-on coatings, resisting chipping and flaking even under heavy playing conditions. The hoop itself is made of a robust plastic material, designed to provide a secure and stable fit on 18-inch shells. This stability is critical for maintaining tuning accuracy when the drum is used in a horizontal bass drum configuration.

The EMAD System
A defining feature of this model is the Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system. This mechanism allows the drummer to adjust the level of attack and focus without having to remove the drumhead or reach inside the drum shell. By using interchangeable damping rings, players can tailor the amount of sustain and low-end prominence to suit different musical environments or recording requirements.
Compatibility and Limitations
It is essential to note that this specific model is designed for tom-style counterhoops. It is not suitable for 18-inch bass drums that utilise conventional, thick wooden bass drum hoops and claw hooks. This makes it a specialised tool for conversion kits or custom drum builds where a standard tom rim is the primary mounting hardware.
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary purpose of the Evans 18" Tom Hoop EMAD head?
- It is designed to allow drummers to convert an 18-inch tom drum into a bass drum while using standard tom hoops. It provides the low-end punch and damping control typical of a kick drum.
- Can I use this head on a standard 18-inch bass drum?
- No, this head is specifically designed for drums with tom-style hoops. It will not fit properly on 18-inch bass drums that use conventional thick wooden hoops and claws.
- What are the benefits of the UV coating?
- The UV-cured coating is significantly more durable than traditional coatings. It offers a consistent surface that resists wear, chipping, and flaking over long periods of heavy use.
- How does the EMAD system work?
- The EMAD system consists of an externally mounted plastic sleeve that holds a foam damping ring. This allows the player to adjust the drum's sustain and focus from the outside of the head.
- Is the hoop material metal or plastic?
- The hoop on this specific Evans drumhead model is made of a high-quality, durable plastic designed for a secure fit on 18-inch tom shells.
- Does this product include the drum shell?
- No, this is a replacement drumhead and hoop component only. It is intended to be installed on an existing 18-inch drum shell.
- What size drum is this compatible with?
- This model is exclusively compatible with 18-inch diameter drums. It is specifically tailored for those using tom-style hardware rather than bass drum hardware.
- What kind of sound character does the EMAD system provide?
- The EMAD system provides a focused, punchy sound with controlled overtones. It is ideal for achieving a modern bass drum sound from a smaller tom shell.
- Is this drumhead suitable for heavy hitters?
- Yes, the combination of the UV coating and the robust plastic hoop construction makes it highly resistant to heavy playing styles.
- Can the damping be adjusted while the head is on the drum?
- Yes, one of the main advantages of the EMAD system is that the damping rings can be changed or adjusted without removing the drumhead.
- Why is the 'Tom Hoop' designation important?
- The designation is crucial because bass drum heads and tom heads have different collar designs. Using the wrong type will result in poor seating and tuning instability.
- What is the typical price for this component?
- The typical retail price for the Evans EMAD UV Coated 18" Tom Hoop drumhead is approximately GBP 81.
