What is the primary material used in the Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone?

The head is constructed from a single ply of high-quality 10-mil film. This material is designed to offer a balance of durability and sensitive response.

How does the 'Smoke' finish affect the sound of the drum head?

The Colortone series is designed to provide the same high-level performance as standard Powerstroke 3 heads. The smoke finish provides a unique aesthetic without significantly altering the focused tonal characteristics.

What size bass drums is this specific head designed for?

This model is an 18-inch drum head. It is specifically intended for bass drums with an 18-inch diameter, typically found in jazz or compact drum kits.

Does the head include any built-in dampening?

Yes, it features a 10-mil underlay dampening ring. This ring is positioned at the outer edge to help control overtones and focus the sound.

What kind of attack does the Powerstroke 3 Colortone Smoke provide?

The head provides a well-defined attack. This ensures that each bass drum stroke is clear and punchy, even with the focused low-end frequencies.

Is this drum head suitable for recording purposes?

Yes, it is highly suitable for recording due to its focused mid and low tones. The pre-dampened design helps engineers achieve a controlled sound with minimal external muffling.

How many plies does the Powerstroke 3 Colortone have?

It is a single-ply drum head. The ply is 10-mil thick, which is standard for providing a versatile balance of resonance and strength.

Can this head be used as both a batter and resonant head?

While primarily designed as a batter head for its focused attack and control, some drummers may use it as a resonant head for a specific aesthetic and controlled sustain. However, it is most commonly installed on the striking side.

What is the typical price for this 18-inch bass drum head?

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

How does this head compare to the Remo Silentstroke series?

The Powerstroke 3 Colortone is a standard acoustic drum head designed for full volume and tone. The Silentstroke series is a mesh head designed specifically for low-volume practice.

Are other colours available in the Colortone series?

Yes, Remo produces the Colortone series in a variety of colours and sizes. This allows drummers to choose the specific look that best matches their drum kit.

Does the smoke colour wear off with heavy playing?

The Colortone technology is integrated into the film to ensure durability. The colour is designed to maintain its appearance throughout the standard lifespan of the drum head.

Gear article

Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Smoke 18 Bass Drum Head

The Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Smoke 18 is a high-quality, single-ply bass drum head designed to combine the performance characteristics of the Powerstroke 3 series with a vibrant visual aesthetic. It features a 10-mil film construction and a 10-mil underlay dampening ring to deliver focused mid and low tones with a well-defined attack. Part of the Colortone series, this 18-inch head offers drummers a custom smoke-coloured design without compromising the tonal control and response associated with Remo's class-leading products.

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Background and Design

The Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone series represents an evolution of the industry-standard Powerstroke 3 design. By integrating Remo's proprietary Colortone technology, the manufacturer allows for a high level of visual customisation through a translucent smoke finish. This specific 18-inch model is tailored for smaller bass drum shells, commonly found in jazz, bop, or portable percussion setups, offering a balance between aesthetic appeal and professional-grade durability.

Technical Specifications

The head is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil film. To manage overtones and focus the fundamental pitch, Remo incorporates a 10-mil underlay dampening ring around the outer edge of the head. This design is engineered to provide a specific balance of response and tonal control, ensuring that the head remains sensitive to different velocities while maintaining a disciplined decay.

Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4 Bass Drum Head

Sound Character and Performance

Sonically, the Powerstroke 3 Colortone Smoke delivers a punchy performance characterised by focused mid and low-range frequencies. The attack is well-defined, providing enough clarity to cut through a mix without becoming overly harsh. The internal dampening ring effectively suppresses unwanted high-frequency overtones, resulting in a 'pre-equallised' sound that is popular for both recording and live performance applications.

Target User and Suitability

This drum head is suited for drummers seeking a modern, sleek aesthetic to match their drum kit's finish or stage lighting. Because it is an 18-inch head, it is ideal for players using compact bass drums who require a controlled, punchy tone. It provides the same reliability as a standard Powerstroke 3, making it a viable choice for professionals and hobbyists alike who demand high-level tonal consistency.

Market Comparison

When compared to alternatives such as the Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4, the Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone offers a more contemporary aesthetic and a brighter, more focused attack compared to the vintage-style warmth of the Calftone. While other options like the Attack ProFlex1 or the Remo Silentstroke series serve niche needs for open resonance or volume reduction, the Powerstroke 3 Colortone occupies a middle ground, providing balanced control and customisable visual flair.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone?: The head is constructed from a single ply of high-quality 10-mil film. This material is designed to offer a balance of durability and sensitive response.
How does the 'Smoke' finish affect the sound of the drum head?: The Colortone series is designed to provide the same high-level performance as standard Powerstroke 3 heads. The smoke finish provides a unique aesthetic without significantly altering the focused tonal characteristics.
What size bass drums is this specific head designed for?: This model is an 18-inch drum head. It is specifically intended for bass drums with an 18-inch diameter, typically found in jazz or compact drum kits.
Does the head include any built-in dampening?: Yes, it features a 10-mil underlay dampening ring. This ring is positioned at the outer edge to help control overtones and focus the sound.
What kind of attack does the Powerstroke 3 Colortone Smoke provide?: The head provides a well-defined attack. This ensures that each bass drum stroke is clear and punchy, even with the focused low-end frequencies.
Is this drum head suitable for recording purposes?: Yes, it is highly suitable for recording due to its focused mid and low tones. The pre-dampened design helps engineers achieve a controlled sound with minimal external muffling.
How many plies does the Powerstroke 3 Colortone have?: It is a single-ply drum head. The ply is 10-mil thick, which is standard for providing a versatile balance of resonance and strength.
Can this head be used as both a batter and resonant head?: While primarily designed as a batter head for its focused attack and control, some drummers may use it as a resonant head for a specific aesthetic and controlled sustain. However, it is most commonly installed on the striking side.
What is the typical price for this 18-inch bass drum head?: The typical price for the Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Smoke 18 Bass Drum Head is approximately GBP 67. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
How does this head compare to the Remo Silentstroke series?: The Powerstroke 3 Colortone is a standard acoustic drum head designed for full volume and tone. The Silentstroke series is a mesh head designed specifically for low-volume practice.
Are other colours available in the Colortone series?: Yes, Remo produces the Colortone series in a variety of colours and sizes. This allows drummers to choose the specific look that best matches their drum kit.
Does the smoke colour wear off with heavy playing?: The Colortone technology is integrated into the film to ensure durability. The colour is designed to maintain its appearance throughout the standard lifespan of the drum head.