What is the thickness of the Evans MX Black Marching Tenor head?

The head is constructed from two plies of 7.5mil film, providing a total thickness of 15mil. This thickness is designed to offer a balance of durability and a focused, warm tone.

What is Level 360 Technology?

Level 360 is an Evans-exclusive collar design that ensures the drum head sits flat and even on the bearing edge. This leads to easier tuning, a wider tuning range, and better contact between the head and the drum shell.

Does this 13" drum head include the drum shell?

No, this product is the drum head only. The drum shell and hardware must be purchased separately.

How does the hoop design prevent pull-out?

The MX series features advanced hoops that are specifically reinforced to stay secure under high tension. This prevents the film from slipping or pulling out of the hoop during aggressive play or high-pitch tuning.

What kind of sound does the MX Black produce?

The MX Black is known for a focused and warm tone. The two-ply construction helps to suppress harsh overtones while maintaining a strong, punchy fundamental note suitable for marching ensembles.

Can this head be used on a standard 13" snare drum?

While it is a 13" head, it is specifically designed for marching tenors and high-tension use. Using it on a standard drum kit snare may result in a very dry, muffled sound due to the heavy two-ply construction.

What is the typical price for this drum head?

The typical price for the 13" Evans MX Black Marching Tenor Drum Head is approximately £30. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Is this head suitable for outdoor marching?

Yes, the durable two-ply 7.5mil design and reinforced hoops make it highly suitable for outdoor use. It is built to withstand varied weather conditions and high-impact playing.

How does the MX Black differ from the MX White?

Both models share the 2-ply 7.5mil construction and Level 360 Technology. The primary difference is the black finish, which provides a different visual aesthetic and a slightly different tonal character compared to the white version.

What other sizes are available in the MX series?

The Evans MX series is available in various sizes to fit full tenor sets, including 8" and 10" variants, ensuring a consistent tone across the entire instrument.

Are these heads compatible with Stagg marching drums?

Yes, as long as the drum is a standard 13" marching tenor, such as the Stagg 13" x 10" Marching Tenor Drum, this head will fit. The Level 360 technology helps it conform to various shell types.

Does the 2-ply design affect tuning range?

The 2-ply design combined with Level 360 Technology actually extends the effective tuning range. It allows the head to remain musical and resonant even when tuned to the high tensions common in marching percussion.

Gear article

Evans MX Black Marching Tenor Drum Head 13"

The Evans MX Black Marching Tenor Drum Head 13" is a high-performance drum head designed specifically for the rigours of marching percussion. Featuring a two-ply 7.5mil construction and Level 360 Technology, it provides a focused, warm tone with enhanced durability for outdoor and indoor performance environments.

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Overview and Construction

The Evans MX Black Marching Tenor series is engineered to withstand the high-tension requirements of modern marching ensembles. The 13" variant is constructed using two plies of 7.5mil film, creating a total thickness of 15mil. This dual-layer design is intentionally selected to provide a balance between sonic warmth and physical resilience.

A critical structural component is the advanced hoop design. These hoops are specifically reinforced to prevent 'pull-out', a common failure point in marching heads where the film detaches from the hoop under extreme tension. This ensures that the head maintains its integrity throughout a competitive season.

Level 360 Technology

A defining feature of the MX Black series is the integration of Evans Level 360 Technology. This design involves an enhanced collar shape that ensures the drum head sits perfectly flat against the bearing edge of the shell.

This improved head-to-shell contact offers several functional benefits for the percussionist: * Ease of Tuning: The head responds more predictably to lug adjustments. * Extended Tuning Range: Users can achieve both very low and very high pitches without losing tonal quality. * Optimised Resonance: By seating properly, the head allows the drum shell to vibrate more naturally, achieving 'peak tone' across the entire surface.

Sound Profile

The MX Black 13" is characterised by a focused and warm sonic profile. Unlike single-ply heads that may produce excessive overtones, the two-ply 7.5mil construction naturally dampens unwanted high frequencies, resulting in a punchy fundamental note. This focus is essential in a marching context, where clarity and projection are required for complex rhythmic passages to be heard over brass and woodwind sections.

Target Audience and Application

This drum head is suited for intermediate to professional marching tenors (often referred to as 'quads' or 'quints'). It is an ideal choice for ensembles looking for a darker, warmer aesthetic both visually and sonically compared to standard white or clear heads. It is particularly effective for outdoor stadium performances where durability and projection are the primary concerns.

Comparative Analysis

Within the Evans product line, the MX Black 13" is often compared to the MX White series. While both share the same 2-ply 7.5mil construction and Level 360 Technology, the Black variant offers a distinct aesthetic and a subtly different tonal focus. For players requiring specific overtone control, the Evans System Blue SST (Sound Shaping Technology) series serves as a more specialised alternative, whereas the MX Black remains a versatile, all-purpose standard for durability and warmth.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Evans MX Black Marching Tenor head?: The head is constructed from two plies of 7.5mil film, providing a total thickness of 15mil. This thickness is designed to offer a balance of durability and a focused, warm tone.
What is Level 360 Technology?: Level 360 is an Evans-exclusive collar design that ensures the drum head sits flat and even on the bearing edge. This leads to easier tuning, a wider tuning range, and better contact between the head and the drum shell.
Does this 13" drum head include the drum shell?: No, this product is the drum head only. The drum shell and hardware must be purchased separately.
How does the hoop design prevent pull-out?: The MX series features advanced hoops that are specifically reinforced to stay secure under high tension. This prevents the film from slipping or pulling out of the hoop during aggressive play or high-pitch tuning.
What kind of sound does the MX Black produce?: The MX Black is known for a focused and warm tone. The two-ply construction helps to suppress harsh overtones while maintaining a strong, punchy fundamental note suitable for marching ensembles.
Can this head be used on a standard 13" snare drum?: While it is a 13" head, it is specifically designed for marching tenors and high-tension use. Using it on a standard drum kit snare may result in a very dry, muffled sound due to the heavy two-ply construction.
What is the typical price for this drum head?: The typical price for the 13" Evans MX Black Marching Tenor Drum Head is approximately £30. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Is this head suitable for outdoor marching?: Yes, the durable two-ply 7.5mil design and reinforced hoops make it highly suitable for outdoor use. It is built to withstand varied weather conditions and high-impact playing.
How does the MX Black differ from the MX White?: Both models share the 2-ply 7.5mil construction and Level 360 Technology. The primary difference is the black finish, which provides a different visual aesthetic and a slightly different tonal character compared to the white version.
What other sizes are available in the MX series?: The Evans MX series is available in various sizes to fit full tenor sets, including 8" and 10" variants, ensuring a consistent tone across the entire instrument.
Are these heads compatible with Stagg marching drums?: Yes, as long as the drum is a standard 13" marching tenor, such as the Stagg 13" x 10" Marching Tenor Drum, this head will fit. The Level 360 technology helps it conform to various shell types.
Does the 2-ply design affect tuning range?: The 2-ply design combined with Level 360 Technology actually extends the effective tuning range. It allows the head to remain musical and resonant even when tuned to the high tensions common in marching percussion.