What is the primary benefit of the 'dry vents' on the batter head?

The precision-drilled dry vents allow air to escape the drum quickly upon impact. This reduces sustain and removes harsh overtones for a more focused sound.

How many strands are on the included PureSound snare wires?

The pack includes the Super 30 series wires, which feature 30 individual strands for increased sensitivity and a crisper tone.

Is the batter head single-ply or multi-ply?

The HD Dry batter head features a two-ply construction, which contributes to its durability and focused attack.

What resonant head is included in this pack?

The pack includes an Evans 300 Hazy Snare Side head, which is designed to provide a consistent and responsive base for the snare wires.

Is this pack suitable for studio recording?

Yes, the focused attack and reduced overtones provided by the HD Dry head make it an excellent choice for studio work where a controlled sound is preferred.

Will this kit help with hearing ghost notes?

Yes, the 30-strand PureSound wires are specifically designed to enhance snare response, making ghost notes and low-volume details much more audible.

Can I use this on a 14 x 8 inch deep snare drum?

Yes, as long as the drum diameter is 14 inches, the pack will fit, regardless of the shell depth.

How does the HD Dry head differ from a standard coated head?

Unlike standard coated heads, the HD Dry includes internal dampening rings and air vents to actively manage resonance without needing extra tape or gels.

Is the Snare Side 300 head clear or opaque?

The Snare Side 300 is a 'hazy' head, meaning it is translucent but not completely clear, offering a balanced frequency response.

Does this pack include a drum key or tuning tools?

The pack consists of the batter head, resonant head, and snare wires; it does not typically include additional hardware like drum keys.

Gear article

Evans HD Dry Coated Snare Drum Super 30 Upgrade Pack 14

The Evans HD Dry Coated Snare Drum Super 30 Upgrade Pack 14 is a comprehensive component bundle designed to enhance the articulation and control of 14-inch snare drums. It combines a multi-ply vented batter head, a specialized resonant head, and high-strand count snare wires to achieve a focused, studio-ready sound.

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Overview

The Evans HD Dry Coated Snare Drum Super 30 Upgrade Pack is a curated set of components intended to replace factory-standard drumheads and wires. By providing three critical elements of the snare drum's acoustic chain—the batter head, the resonant head, and the snare wires—the pack offers a systematic approach to tone shaping. It is specifically engineered to reduce unwanted ring while increasing the sensitivity of the drum's response, making it a popular choice for drummers seeking a professional-grade setup without sourcing parts individually.

Key Components and Mechanics

The pack is built around three primary items:

HD Dry Coated Batter Head: This two-ply head features small, precision-drilled 'dry vents' around the outer edge. These vents allow air to escape, which significantly reduces overtones and focuses the fundamental pitch.
PureSound Super 30 Series Snare Wires: Featuring 30 strands of wire, these provide a larger surface area contact with the resonant head compared to standard 20-strand wires, resulting in a crisper, more sensitive response.
Evans 300 Hazy Snare Side Head: This single-ply resonant head is designed to balance the setup, providing a consistent foundation for the snare wires to react against.

British Drum Company British Drum Co. Maverick 14 x 5.5 Maple Snare Drum

Sonic Character

The resulting sound of the Upgrade Pack is characterized by a 'dry' and articulate profile. The two-ply construction of the HD Dry head provides a focused attack with a shortened decay, while the 'Super 30' wires add a snappy, high-fidelity texture to the backbeat. This combination is particularly effective at highlighting ghost notes and maintaining clarity during intricate low-volume playing, as the increased wire count ensures even the lightest touches are registered.

Suitability and Use Cases

This pack is ideally suited for drummers who find their current snare sound too resonant or difficult to control in live and studio environments. It is a frequent choice for session drummers who require a 'mix-ready' sound with minimal external dampening. While it can be used on various 14-inch shells, it is often paired with high-end models such as the British Drum Co. Maverick or the Tama Starclassic Performer to refine their natural characteristics for specific recording tasks.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to standard single-ply heads like the Remo Lollipop Frame Drum's surface or basic stock heads found on entry-level kits like the Gear4Music Junior 3 Piece, this pack provides significantly more dampening and sensitivity. While deep-shell drums like the Natal Originals Walnut 14 x 8" Snare offer naturally massive low-end, this Evans pack can help tame that resonance for a tighter sound. It represents a more specialized, controlled alternative to the wide-open resonance typically associated with thin, non-vented heads.

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Frequently asked questions

What size drum is the Evans HD Dry Coated Snare Drum Super 30 Upgrade Pack designed for?: This specific upgrade pack is designed for snare drums with a 14-inch diameter, which is the industry standard for most full-size snare drums.
What is the primary benefit of the 'dry vents' on the batter head?: The precision-drilled dry vents allow air to escape the drum quickly upon impact. This reduces sustain and removes harsh overtones for a more focused sound.
How many strands are on the included PureSound snare wires?: The pack includes the Super 30 series wires, which feature 30 individual strands for increased sensitivity and a crisper tone.
Is the batter head single-ply or multi-ply?: The HD Dry batter head features a two-ply construction, which contributes to its durability and focused attack.
What resonant head is included in this pack?: The pack includes an Evans 300 Hazy Snare Side head, which is designed to provide a consistent and responsive base for the snare wires.
Is this pack suitable for studio recording?: Yes, the focused attack and reduced overtones provided by the HD Dry head make it an excellent choice for studio work where a controlled sound is preferred.
Will this kit help with hearing ghost notes?: Yes, the 30-strand PureSound wires are specifically designed to enhance snare response, making ghost notes and low-volume details much more audible.
Can I use this on a 14 x 8 inch deep snare drum?: Yes, as long as the drum diameter is 14 inches, the pack will fit, regardless of the shell depth.
What is the typical price for this upgrade pack in the UK?: The typical retail price for the Evans HD Dry Coated Snare Drum Super 30 Upgrade Pack 14 is approximately £75.00.
How does the HD Dry head differ from a standard coated head?: Unlike standard coated heads, the HD Dry includes internal dampening rings and air vents to actively manage resonance without needing extra tape or gels.
Is the Snare Side 300 head clear or opaque?: The Snare Side 300 is a 'hazy' head, meaning it is translucent but not completely clear, offering a balanced frequency response.
Does this pack include a drum key or tuning tools?: The pack consists of the batter head, resonant head, and snare wires; it does not typically include additional hardware like drum keys.