What is the thickness of the Evans Resonant Black Bass Drum Head?

This drum head is constructed from a single ply of 7.5mil film. This specific thickness is chosen to balance durability with maximum resonance and frequency response.

Does this head come with a pre-cut microphone port?

No, this specific model is unvented and does not include a port hole. This design choice maintains maximum air pressure and resonance within the drum shell.

What genres of music is this head best suited for?

It is ideal for genres that benefit from high resonance and a deep, open sound, such as jazz and bop. It allows the bass drum to ring out more than dampened heads.

Are there any internal control rings on this model?

No, this head is designed without control rings or overtone muffling. This allows the drum to produce a more 'meaningful' and sustained sound.

What is the diameter of this specific Evans head?

This specific model has a diameter of 20 inches, making it compatible with standard 20-inch bass drum shells.

How does the black finish affect the sound?

While the black finish is largely aesthetic, the dyes used in the film can subtly influence the vibration compared to clear heads, though the 7.5mil single-ply construction remains the primary factor in its resonant character.

Can I use this as a batter (beater-side) head?

While technically possible, this head is specifically designed as a 'Resonant' head. A 7.5mil ply is quite thin for a batter head and may not withstand heavy foot technique or provide the desired rebound.

How does this compare to the Evans EQ3 Resonant head?

The EQ3 Resonant typically features an internal overtone control ring and a port hole, whereas the Resonant Black is a 'wide open' head with no rings or vents.

Is this head suitable for rock music?

It can be used for rock if a very resonant, vintage sound is desired. However, most modern rock drummers prefer ported and dampened heads for a shorter, punchier sound.

What is the typical price for this 20-inch head?

The typical price range for this model is approximately £70.00 in the UK market.

Does this head help with low-end response?

Yes, the 7.5mil single-ply design is specifically engineered to maximise frequency response, particularly the deep low-end frequencies of the drum.

How does this head compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?

The Evans 56 Calftone is designed to emulate natural calfskin with a warmer, vintage tone and look, while the Resonant Black uses standard 7.5mil film for a more contemporary, clear resonance.

Gear article

Evans Resonant Black Bass Drum Head 20"

The Evans Resonant Black Bass Drum Head is a 20-inch single-ply resonant head designed to maximise the natural frequency response of a bass drum. Constructed from a 7.5mil film, it omits internal control rings or vents to provide a deep, sustained sound suitable for genres requiring high resonance.

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Overview

The Evans Resonant Black series is engineered specifically for the front (resonant) side of the bass drum. Unlike many modern resonant heads that include internal dampening or pre-cut ports, this 20-inch model features a clean, unvented design. By utilising a single ply of 7.5mil film, Evans aims to provide a head that allows the drum shell to vibrate with minimal restriction.

Technical Features

The primary technical characteristic of this head is its 7.5mil thickness. This gauge is relatively thin for a bass drum application, which facilitates a rapid response and high sensitivity to air movement within the drum.

Key features include: * Single-ply construction: Maximises the fundamental tone of the drum. * No internal control rings: Allows for natural overtones and maximum sustain. * Unvented surface: Maintains full air pressure within the drum for a consistent feel on the batter head. * Black finish: Provides a classic aesthetic while slightly affecting the vibration profile compared to clear or coated equivalents.

Sound Character

The sound profile of the Evans Resonant Black is defined by its 'meaningful' depth and resonance. Because it lacks vents or dampening rings, it produces a long decay and a rich harmonic content. It is designed to enhance the low-end frequencies of a 20-inch shell, providing a boomier, more traditional character rather than the short, punchy 'thud' associated with heavily dampened rock heads.

Application and Suitability

This drum head is particularly well-suited for drummers performing jazz, bop, or acoustic styles where the bass drum is treated as a melodic, resonant instrument. It is ideal for players who prefer a wide-open sound and do not require a microphone port. While it can be used in other genres, its high resonance may require external muffling if used in high-volume rock settings.

Comparison to Alternatives

Within the Evans catalogue, this head differs significantly from the EQ3 Resonant Smooth White, which typically features internal control rings and ports for easier microphone placement. For those seeking a vintage aesthetic and different tonal texture, the Evans 56 Calftone series offers a synthetic calfskin alternative.

When compared to other brands, the Attack 24" ProFlex1 offers a similar single-ply, no-overtone-control philosophy but in a larger diameter, while the Remo Silentstroke serves a completely different purpose as a low-volume mesh head. The Evans Resonant Black remains a specialist choice for those prioritising maximum sustain in a standard 20-inch format.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the thickness of the Evans Resonant Black Bass Drum Head?: This drum head is constructed from a single ply of 7.5mil film. This specific thickness is chosen to balance durability with maximum resonance and frequency response.
Does this head come with a pre-cut microphone port?: No, this specific model is unvented and does not include a port hole. This design choice maintains maximum air pressure and resonance within the drum shell.
What genres of music is this head best suited for?: It is ideal for genres that benefit from high resonance and a deep, open sound, such as jazz and bop. It allows the bass drum to ring out more than dampened heads.
Are there any internal control rings on this model?: No, this head is designed without control rings or overtone muffling. This allows the drum to produce a more 'meaningful' and sustained sound.
What is the diameter of this specific Evans head?: This specific model has a diameter of 20 inches, making it compatible with standard 20-inch bass drum shells.
How does the black finish affect the sound?: While the black finish is largely aesthetic, the dyes used in the film can subtly influence the vibration compared to clear heads, though the 7.5mil single-ply construction remains the primary factor in its resonant character.
Can I use this as a batter (beater-side) head?: While technically possible, this head is specifically designed as a 'Resonant' head. A 7.5mil ply is quite thin for a batter head and may not withstand heavy foot technique or provide the desired rebound.
How does this compare to the Evans EQ3 Resonant head?: The EQ3 Resonant typically features an internal overtone control ring and a port hole, whereas the Resonant Black is a 'wide open' head with no rings or vents.
Is this head suitable for rock music?: It can be used for rock if a very resonant, vintage sound is desired. However, most modern rock drummers prefer ported and dampened heads for a shorter, punchier sound.
What is the typical price for this 20-inch head?: The typical price range for this model is approximately £70.00 in the UK market.
Does this head help with low-end response?: Yes, the 7.5mil single-ply design is specifically engineered to maximise frequency response, particularly the deep low-end frequencies of the drum.
How does this head compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?: The Evans 56 Calftone is designed to emulate natural calfskin with a warmer, vintage tone and look, while the Resonant Black uses standard 7.5mil film for a more contemporary, clear resonance.