What is the diameter of this drum head?

The Evans MX Black Marching Tenor Drum Head is 8 inches in diameter. It is designed to fit standard 8-inch marching tenor drums.

How many plies does the MX Black head have?

This head features a two-ply construction. Each ply is made from 7.5mil film, providing a combined thickness for enhanced durability and tone control.

What is Level 360 Technology?

Level 360 is a proprietary Evans design that ensures the head has better contact with the drum shell's bearing edge. This results in easier tuning and a more consistent tone across the drum's surface.

Does this drum head include the drum shell?

No, this product is a replacement drum head only. The drum, hardware, and mallets must be purchased separately.

What kind of tone can I expect from the MX Black series?

The MX Black series is known for a warm and focused tone. The two-ply design helps reduce harsh overtones, resulting in a cleaner fundamental pitch for marching applications.

Can I use this on a standard concert tom?

While it fits 8-inch drums, it is specifically designed for high-tension marching tenors. It may be too thick and muffled for standard low-tension concert or drum kit applications.

How does the hoop design prevent pull-out?

Evans uses advanced hoops in the MX series that are specifically engineered to grip the film securely. This prevents the head from detaching from the rim even under the extreme tension of marching tuning.

What is the typical price for this item?

The typical price for an Evans MX Black Marching Tenor Drum Head 8" is approximately GBP 27. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Is there a difference in sound between the MX Black and MX White series?

Both share the two-ply 7.5mil construction, but many percussionists find the Black version offers a slightly darker, more focused tone compared to the White version. The primary difference for most users is the visual aesthetic.

Is this head suitable for outdoor use?

Yes, Evans MX heads are specifically designed for the demands of marching percussion, including outdoor performances in various weather conditions and temperatures.

What size sticks or mallets should be used with this head?

It is designed to be used with marching tenor mallets or marching snare sticks, such as hickory barrel-tip sticks. These provide the necessary weight to activate the two-ply film.

Does this head come in other sizes for a full tenor set?

Yes, the MX Black series is available in other sizes, such as 10" and 13", to allow a matching set for all drums in a marching tenor configuration.

Gear article

Evans MX Black Marching Tenor Drum Head 8"

The Evans MX Black Marching Tenor Drum Head is a heavy-duty, 8-inch two-ply head designed specifically for the rigours of outdoor marching percussion. It features a unique black film construction that provides a warm tonal profile and enhanced durability compared to single-ply alternatives.

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Overview

The Evans MX Black Marching Tenor Drum Head 8" is a professional-grade replacement head engineered for marching tenor configurations (often referred to as 'quads' or 'quints'). This specific model is designed for the smallest standard drum in the tenor array, measuring 8 inches in diameter. Evans, a prominent manufacturer in the percussion industry, focuses the MX series on balancing the demands of high-tension tuning with the need for a musical, non-percussive tone.

Construction and Durability

This drum head is constructed from two plies of 7.5mil film, resulting in a total thickness of 15mil. This dual-layer approach serves two primary purposes: it reinforces the head against the high-velocity impact of marching sticks and mallets, and it naturally dampens unwanted high-frequency overtones.

To ensure structural integrity under the extreme tension required for marching sets, Evans incorporates advanced hoops designed to prevent 'pull-out', a common failure where the film slips from the metal rim. This is paired with Level 360 Technology, a collar design that ensures the head sits perfectly flat on the bearing edge of the shell.

Sound Character

The MX Black series is characterized by a warmer, more focused tone compared to the brighter attack of clear or white marching heads. The two-ply design effectively compresses the sound, providing a clear fundamental pitch that allows the 8-inch drum to cut through a brass ensemble without sounding overly brittle. The advanced collar design also extends the tuning range, allowing the head to maintain its resonance even at the very high pitches typical of lead tenor drums.

Target Audience

This head is primarily intended for marching percussionists in drum corps, university marching bands, and high school ensembles. It is particularly suited for players who prefer a darker aesthetic on their instruments to match modern corps uniforms or drum finishes. Because of its 8-inch size, it is used specifically for the high-tom positions in a multi-drum set-up. It is an ideal choice for ensembles looking for a consistent, durable head that requires less frequent retuning during a performance season.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Evans catalogue, the MX Black 8" is often compared to the MX White 8", which offers similar durability but with a slightly different visual appeal and minor tonal variations. For those seeking even more specialized control, the System Blue SST series (often seen in 10" and larger sizes) provides alternative damping profiles. Compared to single-ply marching heads, the MX Black offers significantly more longevity and a shorter, more controlled sustain, which is vital for the fast rhythmic passages typically played on tenors.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the diameter of this drum head?: The Evans MX Black Marching Tenor Drum Head is 8 inches in diameter. It is designed to fit standard 8-inch marching tenor drums.
How many plies does the MX Black head have?: This head features a two-ply construction. Each ply is made from 7.5mil film, providing a combined thickness for enhanced durability and tone control.
What is Level 360 Technology?: Level 360 is a proprietary Evans design that ensures the head has better contact with the drum shell's bearing edge. This results in easier tuning and a more consistent tone across the drum's surface.
Does this drum head include the drum shell?: No, this product is a replacement drum head only. The drum, hardware, and mallets must be purchased separately.
What kind of tone can I expect from the MX Black series?: The MX Black series is known for a warm and focused tone. The two-ply design helps reduce harsh overtones, resulting in a cleaner fundamental pitch for marching applications.
Can I use this on a standard concert tom?: While it fits 8-inch drums, it is specifically designed for high-tension marching tenors. It may be too thick and muffled for standard low-tension concert or drum kit applications.
How does the hoop design prevent pull-out?: Evans uses advanced hoops in the MX series that are specifically engineered to grip the film securely. This prevents the head from detaching from the rim even under the extreme tension of marching tuning.
What is the typical price for this item?: The typical price for an Evans MX Black Marching Tenor Drum Head 8" is approximately GBP 27. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Is there a difference in sound between the MX Black and MX White series?: Both share the two-ply 7.5mil construction, but many percussionists find the Black version offers a slightly darker, more focused tone compared to the White version. The primary difference for most users is the visual aesthetic.
Is this head suitable for outdoor use?: Yes, Evans MX heads are specifically designed for the demands of marching percussion, including outdoor performances in various weather conditions and temperatures.
What size sticks or mallets should be used with this head?: It is designed to be used with marching tenor mallets or marching snare sticks, such as hickory barrel-tip sticks. These provide the necessary weight to activate the two-ply film.
Does this head come in other sizes for a full tenor set?: Yes, the MX Black series is available in other sizes, such as 10" and 13", to allow a matching set for all drums in a marching tenor configuration.