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

The thin layer of oil between the two 7mil plies acts as a natural dampener. It suppresses unwanted overtones and controls the sustain, creating a shorter, deeper sound without external accessories.

How does this head help with tuning difficulties?

The Hydraulic head is engineered to be robust in holding its tuning. This makes it an excellent choice for drums that struggle to stay in tune or for drummers with limited experience in the tuning process.

Can I use brushes with the Evans Hydraulic Blue Snare head?

Yes, the head features a roughened surface on the film. This texture provides the necessary friction for brush playing while also adding warmth to standard stick strokes.

What kind of tone should I expect from this drumhead?

It produces a 'fat', deep, and short tone inspired by 1970s recordings. The sound is focused and warm, designed to cut through a mix while remaining controlled.

What is the thickness of the plies used in this head?

The Evans Hydraulic Blue Snare head is constructed using two plies of 7mil film. This total thickness provides durability and contributes to the head's low-end response.

Is this head suitable for high-volume rock music?

Yes, its focused tone and dual-ply construction allow it to cut through a mix. The translucent films ensure that despite the dampening, the snare retains enough presence for louder genres.

Does the blue colour affect the sound of the drumhead?

The blue colour comes from the translucent film itself. While the primary function of the film is to focus the tone, the aesthetic is a secondary benefit for drummers wanting a specific look.

How does the Hydraulic Blue compare to a standard coated two-ply head?

Standard two-ply heads rely on the air between plies, whereas the Hydraulic uses oil to drastically reduce sustain. The Hydraulic will sound much 'drier' and 'fatter' than a standard coated head.

What size is this specific model?

This specific model is a 14-inch diameter head, which is the standard size for the majority of snare drums. It is intended for use as a batter (top) side head.

Does this head require additional dampening like Moongel or O-rings?

The Hydraulic design is intended to work without any extras. The internal oil layer provides sufficient muffling to achieve a vintage sound without the need for tape or gels.

What is the typical price for this snare head in the UK?

The Evans Hydraulic Blue Snare Batter Drum Head 14 typically retails for approximately £27. This price point reflects its specialised construction and professional-grade materials.

Gear article

Evans Hydraulic Blue Snare Batter Drum Head 14"

The Evans Hydraulic Blue Snare Batter Drum Head is a 14-inch dual-ply drumhead featuring a thin layer of oil between two 7mil films. Designed to replicate the 'fat' and 'deep' snare tones of the 1970s, it is specifically engineered to suppress overtones and control sustain without the need for additional muffling.

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Background and Design

The Evans Hydraulic series is defined by its unique construction method, which involves sandwiching a thin layer of oil between two plies of 7mil film. This specific 14-inch blue variant is designed for snare drums, offering a visual and sonic tribute to the dampening techniques popular in the 1970s. The translucent film provides a distinctive aesthetic while contributing to a focused tonal response.

Technical Features

The dual-ply 7mil construction ensures durability and a shorter decay. By trapping oil between the layers, Evans effectively creates a natural dampening system that eliminates harsh overtones. The surface of the head is roughened, which serves a dual purpose: it adds warmth to the initial stroke and provides the necessary texture for drummers who utilize brushes. Furthermore, the head is noted for its ability to hold tuning securely, even on drums that typically suffer from stability issues.

Sonic Characteristics

The sound of the Hydraulic Blue is characterised by a 'fat' and deep quality. The oil layer reduces the ring and sustain that can often clutter a mix, resulting in a controlled sound that remains musical. Despite its dampening properties, the translucent film adds enough focus and clarity to ensure the snare 'cuts' through the music. It is particularly effective for drummers seeking a dry, vintage-inspired sound without using external gels or tape.

User Profile and Artist Associations

This head is highly suitable for beginners or those who find drum tuning challenging, as its robust design maintains pitch well. It is also a preferred choice for professional musicians seeking specific textures, such as Larnell Lewis of Snarky Puppy and Robert 'Sput' Searight of Ghost-Note. Its versatility makes it a viable option for genres ranging from funk and fusion to rock.

Comparison to Alternatives

Compared to single-ply heads or standard untreated double-ply heads, the Hydraulic Blue offers significantly more internal dampening. While heads like the Evans MS3 are designed for marching applications with high tension, the Hydraulic series focuses on a lower, warmer, and more controlled studio-friendly tone. Unlike smooth-surfaced heads, the roughened finish on this model allows for brushwork, making it more versatile for traditional jazz or textured acoustic playing.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary benefit of the oil layer in the Evans Hydraulic head?: The thin layer of oil between the two 7mil plies acts as a natural dampener. It suppresses unwanted overtones and controls the sustain, creating a shorter, deeper sound without external accessories.
How does this head help with tuning difficulties?: The Hydraulic head is engineered to be robust in holding its tuning. This makes it an excellent choice for drums that struggle to stay in tune or for drummers with limited experience in the tuning process.
Can I use brushes with the Evans Hydraulic Blue Snare head?: Yes, the head features a roughened surface on the film. This texture provides the necessary friction for brush playing while also adding warmth to standard stick strokes.
What kind of tone should I expect from this drumhead?: It produces a 'fat', deep, and short tone inspired by 1970s recordings. The sound is focused and warm, designed to cut through a mix while remaining controlled.
What is the thickness of the plies used in this head?: The Evans Hydraulic Blue Snare head is constructed using two plies of 7mil film. This total thickness provides durability and contributes to the head's low-end response.
Is this head suitable for high-volume rock music?: Yes, its focused tone and dual-ply construction allow it to cut through a mix. The translucent films ensure that despite the dampening, the snare retains enough presence for louder genres.
Which notable artists use Evans Hydraulic drumheads?: Famous users of the Hydraulic series include Larnell Lewis of Snarky Puppy and Robert 'Sput' Searight of Ghost-Note. They utilise the head for its warm and controlled sonic properties.
Does the blue colour affect the sound of the drumhead?: The blue colour comes from the translucent film itself. While the primary function of the film is to focus the tone, the aesthetic is a secondary benefit for drummers wanting a specific look.
How does the Hydraulic Blue compare to a standard coated two-ply head?: Standard two-ply heads rely on the air between plies, whereas the Hydraulic uses oil to drastically reduce sustain. The Hydraulic will sound much 'drier' and 'fatter' than a standard coated head.
What size is this specific model?: This specific model is a 14-inch diameter head, which is the standard size for the majority of snare drums. It is intended for use as a batter (top) side head.
Does this head require additional dampening like Moongel or O-rings?: The Hydraulic design is intended to work without any extras. The internal oil layer provides sufficient muffling to achieve a vintage sound without the need for tape or gels.
What is the typical price for this snare head in the UK?: The Evans Hydraulic Blue Snare Batter Drum Head 14 typically retails for approximately £27. This price point reflects its specialised construction and professional-grade materials.