What is the primary material of the Evans Strata 1000?

The Evans Strata 1000 is a synthetic drumhead designed with a unique coating to emulate the texture and sound of natural calfskin. It provides the warmth of organic hide with the weather-resistance of modern film.

What size is this specific drumhead?

This specific model is 32 inches in diameter. It is designed for large-format concert bass drums typically found in orchestras and wind ensembles.

How does the sound compare to a standard clear head?

The Strata 1000 produces a much warmer, darker tone than a standard clear head. It focuses on mid-range attack and open sustain rather than bright, high-pitched overtones.

Is this head suitable for a standard drum kit?

No, this is a 32-inch head designed for concert bass drums. Most standard drum kits use bass drums between 18 and 24 inches, making this head too large for consumer kits.

What is the benefit of 'open sustain' in a concert setting?

Open sustain allows the concert bass drum to resonate naturally, filling the concert hall with sound. It ensures the instrument contributes to the overall orchestral texture rather than sounding like a short, dead thud.

How does the Strata 1000 handle mid-range attack?

The head is engineered to provide a clear mid-range presence. This ensures that even in loud orchestral passages, the rhythm of the bass drum remains audible and defined.

What is the typical price for the 32" model?

The typical retail price for the 32" Evans Strata 1000 Concert Bass Drum Head is approximately GBP 158. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Does this head require special maintenance like real calfskin?

No, because it is synthetic, it does not require the constant tension adjustments or humidity control that natural calfskin demands. It stays in tune better across different environments.

Is the Strata 1000 a single-ply or dual-ply head?

The Strata 1000 is a single-ply head. The 1000 designation typically refers to the 10-mil thickness of the film used, providing a balance of durability and resonance.

Can I use this head as a resonant head?

Yes, the Strata 1000 is frequently used as both a batter (striking) head and a resonant (front) head to achieve a consistent, warm orchestral sound.

How does this compare to the Evans '56 Calftone?

While both aim for a calfskin sound, the Strata series is specifically voiced for the larger dimensions and lower frequencies of concert bass drums. The Calftone series is generally marketed toward vintage-style drum kits.

What beaters work best with the Strata 1000?

It works best with large, soft felt concert bass drum mallets. The surface texture is designed to respond well to the soft impact, producing a deep fundamental note.

Gear article

Evans Strata 1000 Concert Bass Drum Head (32")

The Evans Strata 1000 Concert Bass Drum Head is a 32-inch professional-grade drumhead designed to replicate the acoustic properties of traditional calfskin. It is specifically engineered for concert percussion applications, offering a warm tonal profile with a distinct mid-range attack and open sustain.

See live prices

Overview

The Evans Strata 1000 series is a staple in orchestral and concert percussion, designed to bridge the gap between historical organic materials and modern synthetic durability. The 32" variant is a large-format head intended for full-sized concert bass drums. Its primary design goal is to provide the sonic warmth associated with calfskin while maintaining the consistency and tuning stability of a synthetic film.

Technical Features and Performance

The Strata 1000 is constructed to produce a balanced frequency response. Key performance characteristics include:

Mid-range Attack: The head provides enough clarity to ensure that the initial stroke is defined, which is essential for rhythmic precision in an ensemble setting.
Open Sustain: Unlike muffled heads, the Strata 1000 allows the drum's shell to resonate fully, providing a natural decay.
Synthetic Coating: The unique texture of the Strata series mimics the friction and response of natural hide, making it responsive to both traditional mallets and specialty beaters.

Tonal Character

The sound of the 32" Evans Strata 1000 is described as warm and dark. By emulating calfskin, it avoids the harsh high-frequency overtones often found in standard clear or coated plastic heads. This makes it particularly suited for symphonic literature where a deep, fundamental 'thump' is required without excessive 'slap' or metallic ring.

Comparison and Market Context

Within the Evans product line, the Strata 1000 sits alongside the '56 Calftone series, though the Strata is specifically voiced for concert environments rather than drum kits. Compared to alternative heads like the Remo Silentstroke (designed for volume reduction) or the Attack ProFlex1 (designed for contemporary punch), the Strata 1000 prioritizes orchestral warmth and sustain. At a price point of roughly £158, it is a specialist investment for professional percussionists and educational institutions.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material of the Evans Strata 1000?: The Evans Strata 1000 is a synthetic drumhead designed with a unique coating to emulate the texture and sound of natural calfskin. It provides the warmth of organic hide with the weather-resistance of modern film.
What size is this specific drumhead?: This specific model is 32 inches in diameter. It is designed for large-format concert bass drums typically found in orchestras and wind ensembles.
How does the sound compare to a standard clear head?: The Strata 1000 produces a much warmer, darker tone than a standard clear head. It focuses on mid-range attack and open sustain rather than bright, high-pitched overtones.
Is this head suitable for a standard drum kit?: No, this is a 32-inch head designed for concert bass drums. Most standard drum kits use bass drums between 18 and 24 inches, making this head too large for consumer kits.
What is the benefit of 'open sustain' in a concert setting?: Open sustain allows the concert bass drum to resonate naturally, filling the concert hall with sound. It ensures the instrument contributes to the overall orchestral texture rather than sounding like a short, dead thud.
How does the Strata 1000 handle mid-range attack?: The head is engineered to provide a clear mid-range presence. This ensures that even in loud orchestral passages, the rhythm of the bass drum remains audible and defined.
What is the typical price for the 32" model?: The typical retail price for the 32" Evans Strata 1000 Concert Bass Drum Head is approximately GBP 158. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Does this head require special maintenance like real calfskin?: No, because it is synthetic, it does not require the constant tension adjustments or humidity control that natural calfskin demands. It stays in tune better across different environments.
Is the Strata 1000 a single-ply or dual-ply head?: The Strata 1000 is a single-ply head. The 1000 designation typically refers to the 10-mil thickness of the film used, providing a balance of durability and resonance.
Can I use this head as a resonant head?: Yes, the Strata 1000 is frequently used as both a batter (striking) head and a resonant (front) head to achieve a consistent, warm orchestral sound.
How does this compare to the Evans '56 Calftone?: While both aim for a calfskin sound, the Strata series is specifically voiced for the larger dimensions and lower frequencies of concert bass drums. The Calftone series is generally marketed toward vintage-style drum kits.
What beaters work best with the Strata 1000?: It works best with large, soft felt concert bass drum mallets. The surface texture is designed to respond well to the soft impact, producing a deep fundamental note.