What is included in the Evans Heavyweight Dry Snare Drum Upgrade Pack 14?

The pack includes one 14-inch Heavyweight Dry batter head, one Snare Side Hazy 300 resonant head, and a set of PureSound Super 30 Series Snare Wires.

How does the 'Dry' feature work on the batter head?

The head features small vents (holes) around the edge that allow air to escape, which reduces sustain and eliminates high-frequency overtones.

Is this pack compatible with any snare drum?

It is specifically designed for 14-inch diameter snare drums, which is the industry standard size for models like the DW Collectors Series or Tama Starclassic.

What is the benefit of the two-ply construction?

The two-ply design provides increased durability and a more compressed, powerful attack compared to thinner single-ply drum heads.

What does the reinforced centre do?

The reinforced centre patch adds strength to the area of the head most frequently struck, extending the lifespan of the head under heavy use.

How many strands are in the included snare wires?

The pack includes PureSound Super 30 Series wires, which feature 30 strands for enhanced snare response and articulation.

What is the function of the Hazy 300 head?

The Snare Side Hazy 300 serves as the bottom resonant head, providing sensitivity and a balanced sustain to complement the dry batter head.

Is this pack suitable for jazz drumming?

While it can be used, its dry and heavy nature is generally better suited for louder styles like rock or metal rather than the open resonance often preferred in jazz.

Does the pack help with snare drum 'ring'?

Yes, the dry vents are specifically designed to eliminate unwanted 'ring' and overtones, resulting in a cleaner sound.

What is the typical price for this upgrade pack?

The typical retail price for this specific Evans upgrade bundle is approximately £85.

Can I use these heads on an electronic drum kit?

While the manufacturer categorises these under electronic drum kits in some listings, they are primarily designed as physical upgrades for acoustic 14-inch snare drums.

How does the PureSound wire affect the sound compared to standard wires?

The 30-strand wire provides a wider snare presence and increased sensitivity, making the drum sound crisper and more responsive to ghost notes.

Gear article

Evans Heavyweight Dry Snare Drum Upgrade Pack 14

The Evans Heavyweight Dry Snare Drum Upgrade Pack 14 is a comprehensive hardware bundle designed to enhance the durability and sonic precision of 14-inch snare drums. It combines a high-tension batter head with specialized snare wires and a resonant head to achieve a focused, dry tone with controlled overtones.

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Overview and Design

The Evans Heavyweight Dry Snare Drum Upgrade Pack 14 is engineered as an all-in-one solution for drummers seeking to refine their snare response. The centrepiece of the pack is the Heavyweight Dry batter head, which features a two-ply construction designed for extreme durability. This head includes a reinforced centre patch to withstand high-velocity impacts, making it particularly suitable for heavy hitters.

To manage resonance, the batter head incorporates 'dry vents'—precision-drilled holes around the perimeter that allow air to escape, effectively eliminating unwanted overtones and 'ring' without the need for external muffling gels or tapes.

Resonance and Snare Response

The pack includes the Evans Snare Side Hazy 300, a standard-setting resonant head known for its versatility. This component is designed to provide a wide dynamic range, offering sensitivity for soft ghost notes while maintaining enough sustain to allow the drum to breathe.

Accompanying the heads is the PureSound Super 30 Series Snare Wire. Featuring 30 strands of premium-grade wire, this component significantly increases the 'crunch' and articulation of the snare. The higher strand count ensures that the wires react to the slightest vibrations, resulting in a crisp, balanced output.

Sonic Character

The primary sonic profile of this upgrade pack is defined by power and focus. The two-ply batter head delivers a thick, punchy attack with a shortened decay. By combining the vented batter with the high-strand-count PureSound wires, the kit produces a 'dry' sound that is highly desirable in recording environments where overtone control is paramount. The result is a snare tone that remains articulate and clear even during intense, rapid-fire playing.

Suitability and Applications

This upgrade pack is primarily aimed at drummers who find single-ply heads too fragile or overly resonant. It is well-suited for high-volume genres such as rock, metal, and punk, where the durability of the reinforced centre is a functional necessity. Additionally, the dry nature of the sound makes it an excellent choice for session drummers who require a consistent, easy-to-mix snare sound across various musical contexts.

Comparative Context

When compared to standard single-head replacements, the Evans Heavyweight Dry Pack offers a more holistic approach to tone shaping by addressing both the top and bottom of the drum. While products like the Remo Lollipop Frame Drum or Sela Melody Tongue Drum serve niche percussion roles, this pack is a functional tool for standard 14-inch snares, such as the British Drum Co. Maverick or the Tama Starclassic Performer. It provides a more controlled, modern sound compared to the natural, open resonance found in walnut or maple shells like the Natal Originals or Sonor AQ2 series.

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Frequently asked questions

What is included in the Evans Heavyweight Dry Snare Drum Upgrade Pack 14?: The pack includes one 14-inch Heavyweight Dry batter head, one Snare Side Hazy 300 resonant head, and a set of PureSound Super 30 Series Snare Wires.
How does the 'Dry' feature work on the batter head?: The head features small vents (holes) around the edge that allow air to escape, which reduces sustain and eliminates high-frequency overtones.
Is this pack compatible with any snare drum?: It is specifically designed for 14-inch diameter snare drums, which is the industry standard size for models like the DW Collectors Series or Tama Starclassic.
What is the benefit of the two-ply construction?: The two-ply design provides increased durability and a more compressed, powerful attack compared to thinner single-ply drum heads.
What does the reinforced centre do?: The reinforced centre patch adds strength to the area of the head most frequently struck, extending the lifespan of the head under heavy use.
How many strands are in the included snare wires?: The pack includes PureSound Super 30 Series wires, which feature 30 strands for enhanced snare response and articulation.
What is the function of the Hazy 300 head?: The Snare Side Hazy 300 serves as the bottom resonant head, providing sensitivity and a balanced sustain to complement the dry batter head.
Is this pack suitable for jazz drumming?: While it can be used, its dry and heavy nature is generally better suited for louder styles like rock or metal rather than the open resonance often preferred in jazz.
Does the pack help with snare drum 'ring'?: Yes, the dry vents are specifically designed to eliminate unwanted 'ring' and overtones, resulting in a cleaner sound.
What is the typical price for this upgrade pack?: The typical retail price for this specific Evans upgrade bundle is approximately £85.
Can I use these heads on an electronic drum kit?: While the manufacturer categorises these under electronic drum kits in some listings, they are primarily designed as physical upgrades for acoustic 14-inch snare drums.
How does the PureSound wire affect the sound compared to standard wires?: The 30-strand wire provides a wider snare presence and increased sensitivity, making the drum sound crisper and more responsive to ghost notes.