What is the primary material used in this drum head?

The head is constructed from a single ply of high-quality 10-mil film. This thickness is a standard for professional bass drum heads, balancing durability with tonal sensitivity.

What size drum does this specific model fit?

This specific model is designed to fit bass drums with a diameter of 18 inches. It is not compatible with larger 20-inch or 22-inch shells.

Is the microphone port pre-cut?

Yes, this model features a factory-cut 5-inch offset microphone hole. This allows for immediate use with standard drum microphones without the need for manual cutting.

Does the red colour affect the sound quality?

Remo's Colortone technology is designed to provide vibrant aesthetics without compromising the acoustic properties of the Powerstroke 3 film. The sound remains focused and consistent with the standard clear versions.

What is the purpose of the 10-mil underlay ring?

The underlay ring provides internal dampening for the drum head. It helps to focus the mid and low frequencies while reducing harsh or unwanted high-frequency overtones.

Is this head intended for the batter or resonant side?

While Powerstroke 3 heads can be used on both sides, this specific ported model is primarily designed for use as a resonant (front) head. The 5-inch port is specifically placed for microphone access and air pressure relief.

How does the 'Ported' design change the feel of the drum?

A ported resonant head allows air to escape the drum faster when the batter head is struck. This typically results in a faster beater response and a 'drier' sound with less sustain.

Can I use this for jazz drumming?

Yes, 18-inch bass drums are standard in jazz, and the Powerstroke 3 provides the focused tone many modern jazz drummers prefer. However, those seeking a very traditional, wide-open sound might prefer a non-ported head.

What is the typical price for this drum head?

The typical price for the Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Red 18 Ported Bass Drum Head is approximately GBP 67. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

Are there other colours available in this series?

Yes, Remo's Colortone series is available in a variety of colours. This allows drummers to customise the look of their kit while using the same Powerstroke 3 construction.

How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?

The Evans 56 Calftone is designed for a vintage, warm 'calfskin' sound, whereas the Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone is a modern head focused on punch and clarity. The Remo also features a bold red transparent look compared to the Calftone's tan appearance.

Is this a durable head for heavy hitters?

As a 10-mil single-ply head, it is durable enough for standard professional use. However, because it is used as a resonant head, it does not receive direct impact from the beater, which preserves its lifespan significantly.

Gear article

Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Red 18 Ported Bass Drum Head

The Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Red 18 Ported Bass Drum Head is a single-ply resonant head designed for 18-inch bass drums, featuring a distinct red aesthetic. It combines the established Powerstroke 3 construction with a 10-mil underlay dampening ring and a pre-cut 5-inch offset microphone port for integrated sound control.

See live prices

Overview

The Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Red 18 Ported Bass Drum Head is a specialised resonant head that integrates Remo's Colortone technology with the industry-standard Powerstroke 3 design. This specific model is tailored for 18-inch bass drums, common in jazz kits or compact setups, providing a bold red visual finish while maintaining professional acoustic properties. It includes a factory-installed 5-inch offset microphone port, which facilitates internal mic placement and air pressure release.

Construction and Design

The head is manufactured from a single ply of 10-mil film, ensuring a sensitive response to the strike of the beater transmitted through the drum shell. A key structural feature is the 10-mil underlay dampening ring positioned at the outer edge of the head. This ring is designed to subtly dampen high-frequency overtones without killing the natural resonance of the drum. The 'Colortone' element uses a proprietary tinting process that allows the film to be vibrant red while remaining structurally identical to a standard clear Powerstroke 3.

Sound Character

This drum head is engineered to provide focused mid and low-range tones. The combination of the single-ply film and the internal dampening ring results in a well-defined attack and a controlled sustain. By focusing the frequencies, the Powerstroke 3 Colortone reduces unwanted 'ring', making it easier to mix in live sound and recording environments. The 5-inch offset port further influences the sound by reducing the rebound feel and allowing the air to escape more rapidly, which dries out the sustain slightly compared to a non-ported head.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other professional bass drum heads, the Powerstroke 3 Colortone sits between wide-open resonant heads and heavily muffled ones.

EVANS EQ3 Resonant: Similar in focus but typically available in smooth white or black without the specific Colortone aesthetic.
EVANS 56 Calftone: Offers a vintage look and warmer, rounder tone compared to the modern, focused attack of the Remo Colortone.
Attack ProFlex1: Provides a single-ply alternative but lacks the integrated underlay dampening ring found in the Remo design.
Remo Silentstroke: A mesh alternative for low-volume practice, offering none of the tonal projection or aesthetic qualities of the Colortone series.

Related gear

Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in this drum head?: The head is constructed from a single ply of high-quality 10-mil film. This thickness is a standard for professional bass drum heads, balancing durability with tonal sensitivity.
What size drum does this specific model fit?: This specific model is designed to fit bass drums with a diameter of 18 inches. It is not compatible with larger 20-inch or 22-inch shells.
Is the microphone port pre-cut?: Yes, this model features a factory-cut 5-inch offset microphone hole. This allows for immediate use with standard drum microphones without the need for manual cutting.
Does the red colour affect the sound quality?: Remo's Colortone technology is designed to provide vibrant aesthetics without compromising the acoustic properties of the Powerstroke 3 film. The sound remains focused and consistent with the standard clear versions.
What is the purpose of the 10-mil underlay ring?: The underlay ring provides internal dampening for the drum head. It helps to focus the mid and low frequencies while reducing harsh or unwanted high-frequency overtones.
Is this head intended for the batter or resonant side?: While Powerstroke 3 heads can be used on both sides, this specific ported model is primarily designed for use as a resonant (front) head. The 5-inch port is specifically placed for microphone access and air pressure relief.
How does the 'Ported' design change the feel of the drum?: A ported resonant head allows air to escape the drum faster when the batter head is struck. This typically results in a faster beater response and a 'drier' sound with less sustain.
Can I use this for jazz drumming?: Yes, 18-inch bass drums are standard in jazz, and the Powerstroke 3 provides the focused tone many modern jazz drummers prefer. However, those seeking a very traditional, wide-open sound might prefer a non-ported head.
What is the typical price for this drum head?: The typical price for the Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Red 18 Ported Bass Drum Head is approximately GBP 67. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
Are there other colours available in this series?: Yes, Remo's Colortone series is available in a variety of colours. This allows drummers to customise the look of their kit while using the same Powerstroke 3 construction.
How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone?: The Evans 56 Calftone is designed for a vintage, warm 'calfskin' sound, whereas the Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone is a modern head focused on punch and clarity. The Remo also features a bold red transparent look compared to the Calftone's tan appearance.
Is this a durable head for heavy hitters?: As a 10-mil single-ply head, it is durable enough for standard professional use. However, because it is used as a resonant head, it does not receive direct impact from the beater, which preserves its lifespan significantly.