Gear article
Evans G1 Clear 22-inch Bass Drum Head
The Evans G1 Clear 22" is a professional-grade single-ply bass drum head designed for use as either a batter or a resonant head. Featuring a 10mil film and proprietary Level 360 Technology, it is engineered for high sensitivity and a resonant, open sound profile.
See live pricesOverview and Construction
The Evans G1 Clear Bass Drum Head is a versatile 22-inch component constructed from a single ply of 10mil film. This thickness provides a balance between the durability required for a kick drum batter head and the flexibility needed for a resonant head. The clear finish allows for maximum projection and a bright, focused attack compared to coated alternatives.
A defining feature of this model is the Evans Level 360 Technology. This design incorporates a vertically enhanced collar that ensures the head sits perfectly flat against the drum shell's bearing edge. This leads to more consistent contact around the entire circumference, simplifying the tuning process and ensuring the head vibrates freely for a more rounded tone.
Sonic Characteristics
The G1 Clear is characterised by its open and expressive nature. Because it is a single-ply head without internal dampening rings, it allows the natural resonance of the 22-inch shell to sustain longer. This results in what is described as a 'cavernous rumble' with a low-frequency emphasis.
The sensitivity of the 10mil film makes it highly responsive to different velocities, capturing the nuances of a drummer's footwork. Its sonic profile is bright and articulate, providing a clear snap at the point of impact followed by a full, singing decay.
Applications and Genres
Due to its high sustain and sensitivity, the Evans G1 Clear is particularly well-suited for genres where the tone of the drum is meant to be heard clearly rather than muffled. Key applications include:
- Jazz: Where a high degree of sensitivity and 'wide open' tuning is required.
- Pop: Providing a clean, punchy foundation that fits well in modern mixes.
- Rock: Offering a deep, resonant thump that can be further dampened if necessary.
It is an ideal choice for drummers who prefer an organic, acoustic sound over a highly compressed or pre-muffled studio tone.
Comparison and Alternatives
Within the Evans catalogue, the G1 Clear stands as a more traditional, open-sounding alternative to the EQ series or the 56 Calftone heads, which are designed for specific vintage aesthetics or integrated overtone control. Compared to the Attack 24" ProFlex1, the G1's 22-inch diameter offers a tighter, more standard footprint for modern kits.
While products like the Remo Silentstroke 16" focus on volume reduction for practice, the G1 is designed for full-volume performance. Furthermore, it differs from specific resonant heads like the EQ3 Smooth White by offering a thinner 10mil single-ply construction that prioritises maximum vibration and sustain.
Related gear
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£32.99 ($42)Attack Drumheads
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Frequently asked questions
- What is the thickness of the Evans G1 Clear Bass Drum Head?
- The head is constructed from a single ply of 10mil film. This thickness is considered a standard for balancing durability with high sensitivity and resonance.
- Can this head be used on the front of the bass drum?
- Yes, the G1 Clear is designed to be versatile and can be used as either a batter head (the side you hit) or a resonant head (the front side). Its 10mil construction allows it to project effectively in either position.
- What is Evans Level 360 Technology?
- Level 360 Technology features a vertically enhanced collar design. This ensures the drum head makes even contact with the shell's bearing edge, providing easier tuning and a more rounded, consistent tone.
- What kind of sound does the G1 Clear produce?
- It produces a bright, open sound with significant sustain and a 'cavernous' low-end rumble. Because it is a clear, single-ply head, it accents the natural tone of the drum shell.
- Is the drum included with the Evans G1 Clear 22" head?
- No, the purchase includes only the 22-inch drum head. The bass drum shell and hardware must be provided separately.
- Which musical genres are best suited for the Evans G1 Clear?
- It is highly adaptable but is particularly ideal for Rock, Jazz, and Pop. Its sensitivity makes it excellent for styles requiring dynamic range and sustain.
- How does this head compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?
- The G1 Clear is a modern, transparent 10mil film head that provides a bright attack. The 56 Calftone is designed to mimic the look and warm sound of traditional calfskin.
- Does this head feature any built-in muffling?
- No, the G1 Clear is a wide-open single-ply head without internal rings or dampening. This allows for maximum sustain, though external muffling can be added if desired.
- What is the typical price for an Evans G1 22" Bass Drum Head?
- The typical price for this specific model is approximately £57.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and region.
- What is the difference between this and an Attack ProFlex1?
- While both are single-ply clear heads, the G1 features Evans-specific Level 360 technology for shell seating. The Attack ProFlex1 mentioned is also a different size at 24 inches.
- Will this head fit a standard 22-inch bass drum?
- Yes, it is designed specifically for 22-inch diameter bass drums. The Level 360 collar ensures it fits a wide variety of shell brands with that diameter.
- Is the G1 Clear more resonant than a coated head?
- Generally, yes. Clear heads like the G1 tend to have a brighter attack and more sustain than coated versions, which typically sound slightly warmer and more controlled.
