What is the primary purpose of the internal overtone control ring?

The internal overtone control ring is designed to limit unwanted high frequencies and overtones. This ensures the bass drum produces a focused, punchy sound with a short decay.

Does this head come with a pre-cut microphone port?

No, this specific model is a 'No Port' version. It features a solid 22-inch surface to maximise resonance and air pressure within the drum.

What is the typical price for this bass drum head?

The Evans EQ3 Resonant Coated White 22-inch head typically retails for approximately GBP 75.

How does the white coating affect the sound compared to a clear head?

The coating adds a small amount of mass and texture to the film. This results in a slightly warmer tone and more controlled sustain compared to a clear resonant head.

Is this drum head suitable for studio recording?

Yes, it is designed for both studio and live performances. Its punchy sound and controlled overtones make it easier to manage during the mixing process.

Can I use this head on the batter side of the drum?

While technically possible, this is a 'Resonant' head specifically designed for the front of the bass drum. Using a resonant head on the batter side may not provide the durability or feel required for impact.

How does the EQ3 compare to the Evans 56 Calftone series?

The EQ3 is a modern design with an internal control ring for a punchy sound. The 56 Calftone series is designed to emulate the look and warm, vintage sound of natural calfskin.

What size drum does this head fit?

This specific model is designed to fit a standard 22-inch diameter bass drum.

Will the lack of a port hole affect the feel of my bass drum pedal?

Yes, a non-ported head increases the air resistance inside the drum. This usually results in a more pronounced 'bounce' or rebound for the bass drum beater.

What is the difference between the EQ3 Coated White and the EQ3 Smooth White?

The Coated White version provides a warmer, slightly more dampened tone due to the texture of the coating. The Smooth White version typically has a bit more brightness and attack.

Is the overtone control ring removable?

No, the internal overtone control ring is a fixed component of the EQ3 Resonant series design and is not intended to be removed.

How does this head compare to the Remo Silentstroke?

The Evans EQ3 is a standard resonant head designed for full tonal projection. The Remo Silentstroke is a mesh head designed specifically for low-volume practice, offering very little acoustic output.

Gear article

Evans EQ3 Resonant Coated White Bass Drum Head

The Evans EQ3 Resonant Coated White is a 22-inch bass drum head designed specifically for the resonant side of the drum without a pre-cut microphone port. It features an internal overtone control ring to produce a short, punchy decay suitable for both live performance and studio recording.

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Overview

The Evans EQ3 Resonant Coated White is a professional-grade 22-inch drum head intended for use on the front of a bass drum. Unlike many modern resonant heads, this specific model features a solid surface without a microphone port hole. This design choice prioritises the natural air pressure and resonance of the drum shell, providing a traditional feel and sound profile that is increasingly popular for specific genres and recording techniques.

Key Features and Construction

The defining technical feature of the EQ3 Resonant is its internal overtone control ring. This fixed ring is mounted on the underside of the film to dampen high-frequency ring and unwanted overtones before they reach the edge of the head. The white coating adds a layer of subtle texture and mass, which further aids in focusing the pitch and providing a warm aesthetic.

Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head

Sonic Character

In terms of audio performance, the EQ3 Resonant Coated White is characterised by a short, punchy decay. The combination of the internal dampening and the coated finish results in a warm fundamental tone. Because it lacks a port, the head creates more 'rebound' for the beater on the batter side and produces a fuller, more resonant low-end response compared to ported alternatives.

Applications

This head is engineered to be versatile enough for both live and studio environments. It is particularly well-suited for drummers seeking a 'wide-open' sound that still remains controlled. In the studio, the lack of a port allows for different microphone placements—such as miking the edge of the head or the centre—to capture the full resonance of the instrument.

Market Comparison

Within the EVANS catalogue, the EQ3 Resonant Coated White sits alongside the Smooth White version and specialized vintage-style options like the 56 Calftone series. Compared to the Attack ProFlex1 or Remo Silentstroke, the EQ3 focuses on controlled resonance rather than complete volume reduction or raw, undampened projection. It offers a more modern, 'pre-EQed' sound than a standard single-ply head like the DW AA Coated series.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the internal overtone control ring?: The internal overtone control ring is designed to limit unwanted high frequencies and overtones. This ensures the bass drum produces a focused, punchy sound with a short decay.
Does this head come with a pre-cut microphone port?: No, this specific model is a 'No Port' version. It features a solid 22-inch surface to maximise resonance and air pressure within the drum.
What is the typical price for this bass drum head?: The Evans EQ3 Resonant Coated White 22-inch head typically retails for approximately GBP 75.
How does the white coating affect the sound compared to a clear head?: The coating adds a small amount of mass and texture to the film. This results in a slightly warmer tone and more controlled sustain compared to a clear resonant head.
Is this drum head suitable for studio recording?: Yes, it is designed for both studio and live performances. Its punchy sound and controlled overtones make it easier to manage during the mixing process.
Can I use this head on the batter side of the drum?: While technically possible, this is a 'Resonant' head specifically designed for the front of the bass drum. Using a resonant head on the batter side may not provide the durability or feel required for impact.
How does the EQ3 compare to the Evans 56 Calftone series?: The EQ3 is a modern design with an internal control ring for a punchy sound. The 56 Calftone series is designed to emulate the look and warm, vintage sound of natural calfskin.
What size drum does this head fit?: This specific model is designed to fit a standard 22-inch diameter bass drum.
Will the lack of a port hole affect the feel of my bass drum pedal?: Yes, a non-ported head increases the air resistance inside the drum. This usually results in a more pronounced 'bounce' or rebound for the bass drum beater.
What is the difference between the EQ3 Coated White and the EQ3 Smooth White?: The Coated White version provides a warmer, slightly more dampened tone due to the texture of the coating. The Smooth White version typically has a bit more brightness and attack.
Is the overtone control ring removable?: No, the internal overtone control ring is a fixed component of the EQ3 Resonant series design and is not intended to be removed.
How does this head compare to the Remo Silentstroke?: The Evans EQ3 is a standard resonant head designed for full tonal projection. The Remo Silentstroke is a mesh head designed specifically for low-volume practice, offering very little acoustic output.