Gear article

Evans HD Dry Coated Snare Drum Blaster Upgrade Pack 13"

The Evans HD Dry Coated Snare Drum Blaster Upgrade Pack 13" is a comprehensive maintenance and performance bundle designed to revitalise a snare drum's sonic characteristics. It combines a high-performance batter head featuring precision-drilled vents with a responsive resonant head and professional-grade steel snare wires.

Evans HD Dry Coated Snare Drum Blaster Upgrade Pack 13"
Evans HD Dry Coated Snare Drum Blaster Upgrade Pack 13"
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Overview

The Evans HD Dry Coated Snare Drum Blaster Upgrade Pack is an all-in-one solution for drummers looking to improve their snare drum's clarity and response. While categorized within electronic drum kit accessories in some inventories, this pack is designed for 13-inch acoustic snare drums. The bundle focuses on eliminating unwanted overtones and providing a controlled, professional sound suitable for both studio recording and live performance.

Component Breakdown

The pack is built around three core components:

  • Evans HD Dry Coated Snare Head: A batter head featuring precision-drilled dry vents around the perimeter. These vents reduce overtones and control sustain, making it easier to achieve a focused sound.
  • Evans Snare Side Hazy 300: A thin, single-ply resonant head that provides a wide dynamic range and accurate response to the snare wires.
  • PureSound Blaster Series Snare Wire: High-quality wires featuring 20 strands of coiled steel and copper end plates, designed for increased volume and projection.
British Drum Company British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 Maple Snare Drum
British Drum Company British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 Maple Snare Drum

Sound Character

The primary sonic objective of this pack is control and precision. The HD Dry head effectively 'dries out' the snare sound by physical venting, which removes the metallic ring often found in untreated drums. When paired with the Hazy 300 and PureSound Blaster wires, the resulting sound is described as precise and clear, with the copper-ended wires projecting volume exactly where needed.

Application and Suitability

This upgrade pack is particularly well-suited for drummers who find their current 13-inch snare too resonant or difficult to mix. It is an ideal choice for recording environments where excessive sustain can cause issues in the mix. While it fits standard 13-inch drums, those using different sized shells, such as the Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8" or the Sonor AQ2 14 x 6", would require the 14-inch equivalent of this pack.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to purchasing individual components, the Upgrade Pack provides a curated ecosystem where the heads and wires are specifically chosen to complement one another. While other brands like Remo offer lollipop frame drums or standard coated heads, the Evans HD Dry stands out due to its integrated venting system. For drummers using high-end snares like the British Drum Co. Maverick or DW Collector's Series, this pack serves as a premium maintenance tool to preserve the instrument's professional output.

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Frequently asked questions

What size drum is this pack compatible with?
This specific pack is designed for 13-inch snare drums. It will not fit standard 14-inch snares or smaller auxiliary drums.
What is the purpose of the holes in the HD Dry head?
The precision-drilled dry vents are designed to reduce overtones and control sustain. This results in a more focused, 'dry' sound that is highly beneficial for recording.
What type of resonant head is included?
The pack includes the Evans Snare Side Hazy 300. It features a single-ply construction that offers an accurate and controlled response.
What are the PureSound Blaster snare wires made of?
The wires feature 20 strands of coiled steel wire. They are finished with copper end plates to ensure volume is projected clearly.
Is this pack suitable for studio recording?
Yes, the manufacturer describes it as 'great for recording' because the dry vents control the sustain and overtones. This makes the drum easier to capture with microphones.
Can I use this pack on a 14-inch snare drum?
No, this pack is specifically sized at 13 inches. For larger drums like the Tama Starclassic 14-inch, you would need the 14-inch version of the pack.
Does the batter head have a coating?
Yes, the Evans HD Dry batter head is a coated head. This coating contributes to the warmth and durability of the drum sound.
What are the benefits of the PureSound copper end plates?
The copper end plates on the Blaster Series wires help to project volume precisely. This ensures that the snare's snap is clear even in louder musical settings.
How does this pack compare to a standard drum head?
Unlike a standard head, this pack includes a vented batter head and high-end snare wires. It is designed to 'transform' the overall snare sound rather than just replace a single part.
Is this pack compatible with a Natal Originals Walnut 14x8 snare?
No, the Natal Originals Walnut 14x8 is a 14-inch drum. This upgrade pack is only compatible with 13-inch diameter snares.
What is the typical price for this upgrade pack?
The typical price range for this Evans Snare Drum Upgrade Pack is approximately £70.00. Prices may vary slightly by retailer.
Why should I use the Hazy 300 with the HD Dry head?
The manufacturer states that these two heads work particularly well together. The single-ply Hazy 300 complements the vented HD Dry batter head for a more controlled overall response.