Gear article
Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Orange 20" Ported Bass Drum Head
The Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Orange 20" Ported Bass Drum Head is a single-ply resonant head designed to combine visual customisation with professional acoustic control. Constructed from a 10-mil film, it features an integrated dampening ring and a pre-cut 5-inch offset microphone hole to provide a focused, low-end response suitable for live and studio applications.

Overview
The Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone series represents a synthesis of Remo's established P3 drum head technology and contemporary aesthetic requirements. The 20-inch orange model is specifically designed for the resonant side of the bass drum, providing a distinctive vibrant finish while maintaining the sonic characteristics associated with the Powerstroke 3 line. It is built to balance responsiveness with modern tonal control.
Construction and Design
This drum head is manufactured from a single ply of 10-mil film, providing a sensitive yet durable surface. A key structural feature is the 10-mil underlay dampening ring located on the outer edge of the head. This ring is designed to reduce overtones and focus the fundamental pitch of the drum. The 'Ported' designation refers to the factory-cut 5-inch offset microphone hole, which facilitates easy internal mic placement and air movement for a faster sustain decay.

Acoustic Characteristics
Sonically, the Colortone Orange Powerstroke 3 delivers focused mid and low frequencies. The inclusion of the internal dampening ring ensures a well-defined attack with controlled sustain. By limiting high-frequency ring, the head provides a 'punchy' sound that is often required in contemporary music styles where bass drum clarity is paramount.
Comparison to Alternatives
When compared to other professional heads, the Colortone Orange offers a unique visual profile not found in standard heads like the DW AA Coated or the Evans EQ3 Resonant Smooth White. While products like the Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 focus on vintage aesthetics and warmth, the Colortone is geared toward modern aesthetics and focused projection. Its 10-mil construction provides more resonance than heavy-duty multi-ply heads but more control than undampened heads like the Attack ProFlex1.
Related gear
£50.68 ($64)EVANS
Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head
£79.99 ($102)EVANS
Evans EQ3 Resonant Smooth White Bass Drum Head No Port 20"
£62.97 ($80)EVANS
Evans 56 Calftone 26" Bass Drum Head
£32.99 ($42)Attack Drumheads
Attack 24" ProFlex1 1Ply No Overtone Clear Bass Drum Head
£99.99 ($127)Eden Amplification
Eden Atlas Mini Bass Amplifier Head
£35.88 ($46)Remo
Remo Silentstroke 16 Bass Drum Head
£50.00 ($64)DW Drums
DW AA Coated Bass Drum Head 22
£59.00 ($75)DW Drums
DW Bass Drum Head Coated Clear 24"
Frequently asked questions
- What is the primary material of the Remo Colortone Orange head?
- The head is constructed from a single ply of high-quality 10-mil film. This thickness is standard for professional resonant heads, offering a balance between durability and vibration.
- Does this drum head include any built-in dampening?
- Yes, it features a 10-mil underlay dampening ring integrated into the design. This ring helps to control overtones and focus the low-end frequencies of the bass drum.
- Is the microphone hole pre-cut?
- Yes, this model is a 'Ported' head, meaning it comes with a 5-inch offset microphone hole already cut into the film. This allows for immediate use in recording or live sound reinforcement.
- What size bass drum is this head compatible with?
- This specific model is designed for 20-inch diameter bass drums. It will not fit 18-inch or 22-inch shells, which require their respective size-matched heads.
- What is the specific colour of this Colortone head?
- This model features a vibrant orange design. The Colortone technology ensures the colour is part of the film while maintaining transparency and professional sound quality.
- What kind of sound profile does this head provide?
- The head is known for providing focused mid and low tones. It offers a well-defined attack and a controlled resonance, preventing the bass drum from sounding too 'boomy'.
- Can this be used as a batter side head?
- While Powerstroke 3 heads are used as batter heads, this specific version is 'Ported' with a microphone hole. Ported heads are almost exclusively used as resonant (front) heads to facilitate air movement and mic placement.
- How does the Colortone series differ from standard Powerstroke 3 heads?
- Acoustically, they are designed to be identical to the standard clear Powerstroke 3. The primary difference is the aesthetic customisation offered by the various Colortone tints.
- What is the typical price for this drum head in the UK?
- The typical price range for the Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Orange 20" Ported head is approximately GBP 69. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
- Does the orange tint affect the durability of the head?
- No, the Colortone process is designed to provide visual customisation without compromising the structural integrity or the class-leading performance of the 10-mil film.
- How does the offset hole affect the sound?
- The 5-inch offset hole allows air to escape quickly when the batter head is struck. This results in a shorter sustain and a more 'contained' sound compared to a non-ported head.
- Who is the target audience for the Colortone Orange head?
- It suits drummers looking for a professional, focused bass drum sound who also want to customise the visual appearance of their kit. It is particularly popular for live performances where stage aesthetics are important.
