What is the construction of the Evans System Blue SST head?

The head is a double-ply construction, featuring two layers of 7.5mil film. This design provides increased durability and a stronger attack compared to single-ply heads.

What does SST stand for in this drum head?

SST stands for Sound Shaping Technology. This is an exclusive Evans feature that uses a damping pattern to control resonance opposite the playing zone.

Who helped develop the System Blue series?

The series was developed in conjunction with the Blue Devils, a DCI World Championship-winning drum and bugle corps. Their input ensured the head meets professional competitive standards.

What is the primary benefit of the double-ply design?

The double-ply design offers excellent durability and longevity for high-tension marching applications. It also provides a more pronounced attack and a fuller tone than thinner heads.

How does the SST feature affect the sound?

SST controls unwanted overtones and resonance. This results in greater tonal clarity and projection, allowing the fundamental pitch of the 10-inch drum to be heard clearly.

Is this head suitable for outdoor marching?

Yes, it is specifically designed for marching percussion. Its projection and durability make it ideal for the loud environments and high-impact playing associated with outdoor stadiums.

What size is this specific model?

This specific model is 10 inches in diameter. It is designed to fit standard 10-inch marching tenor or quad drums.

How does this head compare to the Evans MX White series?

While both are for marching, the System Blue SST features specific resonance control technology developed with the Blue Devils. The MX White offers a different tonal profile and damping system.

What is the typical price for this 10-inch head?

The typical price range for the Evans System Blue SST 10-inch head is approximately GBP 29. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

Does this head offer good longevity?

Yes, Evans describes the head as having good durability and longevity. The 15mil total thickness (two 7.5mil plies) is specifically built to withstand rigorous use.

Can this be used on a standard snare drum?

While it is 10 inches in diameter, it is specifically designed for marching tenors. Using it on other drums may not yield the intended acoustic results due to its specific damping and ply thickness.

What kind of attack should I expect from this head?

Users should expect an increased attack with high clarity. The two-ply construction and SST damping work together to ensure the strike is articulate and well-defined.

Gear article

Evans System Blue SST Marching Tenor Drum Head 10"

The Evans System Blue SST Marching Tenor Drum Head is a premium 10-inch double-ply drum head designed specifically for the rigours of competitive marching percussion. Developed in collaboration with the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, it features Sound Shaping Technology (SST) to control resonance and enhance projection.

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Background and Development

The Evans System Blue series represents a collaboration between D'Addario's Evans brand and the System Blue organisation, most notably the DCI World Championship-winning group, the Blue Devils. The goal of this development was to create a marching head that could withstand the high-tension requirements of modern drum corps while maintaining a clear, musical tone across all drums in a tenor set.

Technical Specifications and SST

The head is constructed from two plies of 7.5mil film, providing a robust total thickness that ensures durability under heavy impact. A defining feature is the Evans Sound Shaping Technology (SST). This involves a specific damping pattern applied to the underside of the head to control unwanted overtones and resonance in the area opposite the primary playing zone, leading to a more focused sound.

Acoustic Characteristics

Designed for maximum projection, the System Blue SST offers a high level of attack and tonal clarity. The two-ply construction provides a thicker sound profile compared to single-ply alternatives, ensuring that the 10-inch drum can be heard clearly within a full marching ensemble. The controlled resonance allows for distinct articulation during fast, technical passages.

Usage and Suitability

This head is primarily suited for competitive marching ensembles, including DCI, DCA, and high-level indoor percussion groups. Its durability makes it an appropriate choice for players who require longevity throughout a long season of rehearsals and performances. While it is designed for the 10-inch position in a tenor configuration, it is part of a wider series intended to provide a unified sound across the entire drum array.

Comparative Analysis

When compared to other Evans products like the MX White or MX Black series, the System Blue SST prioritises a specific balance of resonance control and projection tuned for the 'System Blue' aesthetic. The MX White series generally offers a different overtone profile, whereas the System Blue SST utilizes its specific damping pattern to provide a more tailored 'dry' sound without sacrificing the volume needed for outdoor stadiums.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the construction of the Evans System Blue SST head?: The head is a double-ply construction, featuring two layers of 7.5mil film. This design provides increased durability and a stronger attack compared to single-ply heads.
What does SST stand for in this drum head?: SST stands for Sound Shaping Technology. This is an exclusive Evans feature that uses a damping pattern to control resonance opposite the playing zone.
Who helped develop the System Blue series?: The series was developed in conjunction with the Blue Devils, a DCI World Championship-winning drum and bugle corps. Their input ensured the head meets professional competitive standards.
What is the primary benefit of the double-ply design?: The double-ply design offers excellent durability and longevity for high-tension marching applications. It also provides a more pronounced attack and a fuller tone than thinner heads.
How does the SST feature affect the sound?: SST controls unwanted overtones and resonance. This results in greater tonal clarity and projection, allowing the fundamental pitch of the 10-inch drum to be heard clearly.
Is this head suitable for outdoor marching?: Yes, it is specifically designed for marching percussion. Its projection and durability make it ideal for the loud environments and high-impact playing associated with outdoor stadiums.
What size is this specific model?: This specific model is 10 inches in diameter. It is designed to fit standard 10-inch marching tenor or quad drums.
How does this head compare to the Evans MX White series?: While both are for marching, the System Blue SST features specific resonance control technology developed with the Blue Devils. The MX White offers a different tonal profile and damping system.
What is the typical price for this 10-inch head?: The typical price range for the Evans System Blue SST 10-inch head is approximately GBP 29. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
Does this head offer good longevity?: Yes, Evans describes the head as having good durability and longevity. The 15mil total thickness (two 7.5mil plies) is specifically built to withstand rigorous use.
Can this be used on a standard snare drum?: While it is 10 inches in diameter, it is specifically designed for marching tenors. Using it on other drums may not yield the intended acoustic results due to its specific damping and ply thickness.
What kind of attack should I expect from this head?: Users should expect an increased attack with high clarity. The two-ply construction and SST damping work together to ensure the strike is articulate and well-defined.