What is the primary benefit of the oil layer in the Evans Hydraulic Blue head?

The thin layer of oil between the two plies acts as a dampener to suppress unwanted overtones. This results in a shorter sustain and a deeper, fatter sound compared to non-oil-filled heads.

Is the Evans Hydraulic Blue 8" head difficult to tune?

No, it is specifically designed for effortless tuning. The internal oil layer makes it easier to achieve a consistent sound even if the tension across the lugs is not perfectly balanced.

What kind of sound should I expect from this drum head?

Expect a very dry, punchy sound with a short decay. It emphasises the low-end frequencies, giving the drum a 'fat' character that is popular in classic rock and studio recordings.

Can I use this head on an 8-inch snare drum?

While it is primarily designed as a tom head, it can be used on any 8-inch drum. However, its high dampening factor may significantly reduce the sensitivity and 'crack' of a snare.

Is this drum head durable?

Yes, because it is a two-ply head, it offers more durability than a standard single-ply head. The construction is robust enough for heavy hitters.

Does the blue colour affect the sound?

The blue tint is largely aesthetic. The sound characteristics are derived from the two-ply construction and the internal oil layer, though the film used for the Blue series is slightly different from the Clear or Black versions.

Is this head suitable for jazz drumming?

Generally, no. Jazz drummers typically prefer heads with more sustain and harmonic complexity, whereas the Hydraulic series is designed to be dry and controlled.

How does this compare to an Evans G2 head?

The G2 is a standard two-ply head that offers more sustain and brightness. The Hydraulic Blue is much more dampened and sounds 'deader' and deeper by comparison.

Will this head help with a drum that is hard to tune?

Yes, the Hydraulic series is often recommended for 'troublesome' drums. The dampening effect masks imperfections in the drum's bearing edges or shell resonance.

Do I need to add extra muffling like gels or rings?

In most cases, no. The Hydraulic head is self-muffled due to the oil layer, so additional dampening products are usually unnecessary.

What genres is the Evans Hydraulic Blue best for?

It is ideal for rock, funk, and R&B where a punchy, deep tom sound is desired. It is also excellent for 70s-style vintage drum tones.

What is the typical price for the 8-inch version?

The typical price range for this specific 8-inch head is approximately GBP 23.

Gear article

Evans Hydraulic Blue Drum Head 8"

The Evans Hydraulic Blue Drum Head 8" is a two-ply drum skin featuring a thin layer of oil between the layers to provide maximum dampening and a classic deep, fat sound. Designed for ease of tuning, this head is specifically engineered to suppress unwanted overtones and provide a short sustain, making it a reliable choice for both novice drummers and professional studio applications.

See live prices

Overview

The Evans Hydraulic Blue Drum Head is a specialty 8-inch batter head belonging to the renowned Evans Hydraulic series. The defining characteristic of this model is the inclusion of a thin layer of oil sandwiched between two plies of film. This unique construction serves to physically dampen the head's vibrations, resulting in a sound that is distinct from standard single or double-ply heads. Visually, the blue translucent finish provides a striking aesthetic that has become a signature look for the series since its inception.

Functionality and Tuning

One of the primary design goals of the Hydraulic Blue series is ease of maintenance. The oil layer significantly reduces the complexity of tuning by suppressing the dissonant overtones that often occur when tension is uneven across the lugs.

Key functional benefits include: * Effortless Tuning: Ideal for players who find it difficult to clear the head or for drums with slight bearing edge imperfections. * Short Sustain: The dampening effect ensures a quick decay, preventing the drum from ringing excessively. * Durability: The two-ply construction offers increased longevity compared to thinner single-ply alternatives.

Sonic Character

The sound profile of the Evans Hydraulic Blue 8" head is frequently described as 'fat' and 'deep'. Because the oil layer absorbs high-frequency transients, the head emphasises the lower frequencies of the drum shell. This creates a dry, punchy response with minimal sustain. It is particularly effective on smaller 8-inch toms, which can sometimes produce piercing or overly resonant high-pitched tones that are difficult to control in a mix.

Target Audience

This drum head is particularly suited for two types of drummers. Firstly, it is an excellent tool for beginners or those with little tuning experience, as it delivers a consistent, high-quality sound with minimal adjustment. Secondly, it is favoured by drummers seeking a 'vintage' 70s drum sound or those working in studio environments where a dry, pre-muffled tone is required to simplify the miking and mixing process. It is also a practical solution for 'troublesome' drums that are otherwise difficult to tune.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard clear 2-ply heads, such as the Evans G2 or Remo Emperor, the Hydraulic series offers significantly more dampening and a much shorter decay. While a G2 provides more sustain and brightness, the Hydraulic Blue focuses on fundamental pitch and control. In the broader context of drum accessories, it serves a different purpose than specialised marching heads like the Evans MS3, which are built for extreme tension and outdoor projection, or standard resonant side heads.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the oil layer in the Evans Hydraulic Blue head?: The thin layer of oil between the two plies acts as a dampener to suppress unwanted overtones. This results in a shorter sustain and a deeper, fatter sound compared to non-oil-filled heads.
Is the Evans Hydraulic Blue 8" head difficult to tune?: No, it is specifically designed for effortless tuning. The internal oil layer makes it easier to achieve a consistent sound even if the tension across the lugs is not perfectly balanced.
What kind of sound should I expect from this drum head?: Expect a very dry, punchy sound with a short decay. It emphasises the low-end frequencies, giving the drum a 'fat' character that is popular in classic rock and studio recordings.
Can I use this head on an 8-inch snare drum?: While it is primarily designed as a tom head, it can be used on any 8-inch drum. However, its high dampening factor may significantly reduce the sensitivity and 'crack' of a snare.
Is this drum head durable?: Yes, because it is a two-ply head, it offers more durability than a standard single-ply head. The construction is robust enough for heavy hitters.
Does the blue colour affect the sound?: The blue tint is largely aesthetic. The sound characteristics are derived from the two-ply construction and the internal oil layer, though the film used for the Blue series is slightly different from the Clear or Black versions.
Is this head suitable for jazz drumming?: Generally, no. Jazz drummers typically prefer heads with more sustain and harmonic complexity, whereas the Hydraulic series is designed to be dry and controlled.
How does this compare to an Evans G2 head?: The G2 is a standard two-ply head that offers more sustain and brightness. The Hydraulic Blue is much more dampened and sounds 'deader' and deeper by comparison.
Will this head help with a drum that is hard to tune?: Yes, the Hydraulic series is often recommended for 'troublesome' drums. The dampening effect masks imperfections in the drum's bearing edges or shell resonance.
Do I need to add extra muffling like gels or rings?: In most cases, no. The Hydraulic head is self-muffled due to the oil layer, so additional dampening products are usually unnecessary.
What genres is the Evans Hydraulic Blue best for?: It is ideal for rock, funk, and R&B where a punchy, deep tom sound is desired. It is also excellent for 70s-style vintage drum tones.
What is the typical price for the 8-inch version?: The typical price range for this specific 8-inch head is approximately GBP 23.