What is the primary material used in this drum head?

The head is made from a single ply of 10-mil high-quality film. This material is chosen for its durability and balanced acoustic resonance.

What does the 'Smoke' designation mean?

Smoke refers to the specific translucent grey tint applied to the drumhead. This is part of the Colortone series, which offers various colours for visual customisation.

What size drum is this head compatible with?

This specific model is designed for a 20-inch diameter bass drum. It is compatible with standard bass drum hoops of that size.

Does this head require additional internal muffling?

Because it includes a 10-mil underlay dampening ring, it already provides significant tonal control. Many drummers find it needs less additional muffling than a standard single-ply head.

How many plies does the Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone have?

It is a single-ply drumhead. The 10-mil thickness provides a good balance between the resonance of a thin head and the durability of a thicker one.

What is the purpose of the underlay ring?

The 10-mil underlay ring functions as a dampener to reduce high-frequency overtones. This results in a more focused sound with a prominent low-end response.

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

Yes, while typically used as a batter head for its attack, it can be used as a resonant head to achieve a specific aesthetic and controlled sustain. However, it does not come pre-ported.

How does the Colortone finish affect the sound compared to a clear head?

Remo states that the Colortone technology allows for customisation while providing the same high-level, class-leading performance as the standard Powerstroke 3. The sonic difference compared to a standard clear P3 is minimal.

Is the Colortone finish prone to chipping or peeling?

The Colortone process is designed to be durable and integrated into the film. It is built to withstand regular playing without the colour flaking off.

What kind of attack does this head provide?

The head provides a well-defined attack. This makes it suitable for genres where the bass drum needs to be punchy and articulate.

What is the typical price for this bass drum head?

The typical price for the 20-inch Smoke version is approximately GBP 69. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.

How does this compare to the Remo Silentstroke?

The Silentstroke is a mesh head designed for low-volume practice. The Powerstroke 3 Colortone is a standard film head designed for full-volume musical performance.

Gear article

Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Smoke 20 Bass Drum Head

The Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Smoke 20 Bass Drum Head is a 20-inch single-ply drumhead that integrates Remo's established Powerstroke 3 design with Colortone aesthetic technology. It features a 10-mil film construction and a 10-mil underlay dampening ring to deliver a balance of focused mid-to-low tones and defined attack.

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Overview

The Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Smoke 20 Bass Drum Head represents a fusion of visual customisation and professional-grade performance. Based on the widely successful Powerstroke 3 platform, this head is designed specifically for 20-inch bass drums. The 'Smoke' designation refers to the specific grey-tinted translucent finish, which allows for a unique aesthetic without compromising the acoustic properties of the 10-mil Mylar film. It is positioned as a high-quality component for drummers seeking to match their gear's appearance with a specific sonic profile.

Construction and Key Features

The head is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil film, which provides the sensitivity and sustain typically associated with thinner heads. However, to control unwanted overtones, Remo includes a 10-mil underlay dampening ring fixed to the outer edge of the head's underside. Key features include:

Colortone Technology: A proprietary process that adds vibrant, translucent colour to the film while maintaining durability.
Integrated Dampening: The internal ring focuses the sound, reducing the need for excessive internal muffling inside the drum shell.
Precision Hoop: Designed to fit standard 20-inch bass drum hoops, ensuring stable tuning and seating.

Sound Profile and Character

Sonically, the Powerstroke 3 Colortone Smoke is characterised by focused mid and low-end frequencies. The 10-mil single-ply construction ensures a well-defined attack, allowing the drum to cut through a mix with clarity. The underlay ring serves to truncate high-frequency ring, resulting in a 'punchy' sound that emphasizes the fundamental note of the drum. Unlike thicker two-ply heads, this model retains a degree of responsiveness that suits various dynamic playing styles.

Suitability and Comparisons

This head is suited for drummers who require both a modern aesthetic and a controlled, 'studio-ready' sound. In comparison to alternatives like the Evans 56 Calftone, which offers a vintage-style synthetic hide look and warmth, the Colortone Smoke is more focused on modern attack and visual transparency. While products like the Remo Silentstroke are designed specifically for low-volume practice, the Powerstroke 3 Colortone is a full-volume performance head. It offers a similar level of control to the Evans EQ3 series but with the distinct visual appeal of the Colortone smoke tint.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in this drum head?: The head is made from a single ply of 10-mil high-quality film. This material is chosen for its durability and balanced acoustic resonance.
What does the 'Smoke' designation mean?: Smoke refers to the specific translucent grey tint applied to the drumhead. This is part of the Colortone series, which offers various colours for visual customisation.
What size drum is this head compatible with?: This specific model is designed for a 20-inch diameter bass drum. It is compatible with standard bass drum hoops of that size.
Does this head require additional internal muffling?: Because it includes a 10-mil underlay dampening ring, it already provides significant tonal control. Many drummers find it needs less additional muffling than a standard single-ply head.
How many plies does the Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone have?: It is a single-ply drumhead. The 10-mil thickness provides a good balance between the resonance of a thin head and the durability of a thicker one.
What is the purpose of the underlay ring?: The 10-mil underlay ring functions as a dampener to reduce high-frequency overtones. This results in a more focused sound with a prominent low-end response.
Can this head be used as both a batter and resonant head?: Yes, while typically used as a batter head for its attack, it can be used as a resonant head to achieve a specific aesthetic and controlled sustain. However, it does not come pre-ported.
How does the Colortone finish affect the sound compared to a clear head?: Remo states that the Colortone technology allows for customisation while providing the same high-level, class-leading performance as the standard Powerstroke 3. The sonic difference compared to a standard clear P3 is minimal.
Is the Colortone finish prone to chipping or peeling?: The Colortone process is designed to be durable and integrated into the film. It is built to withstand regular playing without the colour flaking off.
What kind of attack does this head provide?: The head provides a well-defined attack. This makes it suitable for genres where the bass drum needs to be punchy and articulate.
What is the typical price for this bass drum head?: The typical price for the 20-inch Smoke version is approximately GBP 69. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer.
How does this compare to the Remo Silentstroke?: The Silentstroke is a mesh head designed for low-volume practice. The Powerstroke 3 Colortone is a standard film head designed for full-volume musical performance.