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 drum heads, offering a balance of sensitivity and durability.

What size bass drum is this head compatible with?

This specific model is designed for 18-inch diameter bass drums. It will not fit larger or smaller drums, such as 20-inch or 16-inch models.

Does the yellow colour affect the sound quality?

Remo utilises Colortone technology to ensure the yellow design provides a new level of customisation without sacrificing sound quality. It is designed to provide the same class-leading performance as the standard Powerstroke 3.

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

The underlay ring acts as a dampening agent to control overtones. It focuses the mid and low tones of the drum for a more defined and punchy sound.

How large is the microphone port on this head?

The head features a 5-inch offset microphone hole. This pre-cut port allows for easy microphone placement and helps manage the air pressure inside the drum.

Is this head intended for the batter side or resonant side?

While Powerstroke 3 heads can be used as batter heads, the inclusion of a 5-inch microphone port typically designates this as a resonant (front) head for the bass drum.

How does the attack of this head compare to others?

The Powerstroke 3 Colortone is described as providing a well-defined attack. The combination of 10-mil film and the dampening ring ensures the strike is clear rather than muddy.

Can I get this head in other colours or sizes?

Yes, Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone heads are available in a variety of sizes and colours. This allows drummers to select the specific aesthetic and diameter required for their kit.

How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone series?

The Evans 56 Calftone focuses on a vintage look and warm, traditional sound. The Remo Colortone Yellow is focused on modern visual customisation and the specific 'focused' sound characteristic of the Powerstroke 3 line.

What is the typical price for this drum head?

The typical price range for this specific 18-inch ported yellow head is approximately GBP 67. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock levels.

Is the microphone hole centered or offset?

The microphone hole is offset, which is standard for modern bass drum heads. This placement allows for easier internal mic positioning while leaving the centre of the head available for visual designs.

Does this head come with a protective patch for the beater?

As this is a ported resonant head, it is not primarily intended for beater contact. If used as a batter head, a separate impact patch would typically be recommended, though the 10-mil film is inherently durable.

Gear article

Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Yellow 18 Ported Bass Drum Head

The Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Yellow 18 Ported Bass Drum Head is a 10-mil single-ply resonant head designed for 18-inch bass drums. It integrates Remo's established Powerstroke 3 dampening technology with Colortone aesthetic customisation and a pre-cut 5-inch microphone port. The head is engineered to provide a balance of focused mid-to-low frequencies and controlled sustain.

See live prices

Overview

The Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone Yellow 18 Ported Bass Drum Head represents a fusion of functional acoustic engineering and visual customisation. Based on the widely adopted Powerstroke 3 template, this head utilizes Remo's Skyndeep imaging technology to achieve a vibrant yellow hue without compromising the sonic integrity of the 10-mil Mylar film. It is specifically sized for 18-inch bass drums, a common choice for jazz kits or compact bop setups.

Design and Construction

The head is constructed from a single ply of 10-mil high-quality film, ensuring a responsive feel and durability. A key structural feature is the 10-mil underlay dampening ring located on the outer edge of the head's profile. This ring serves to attenuate unwanted overtones, focusing the drum's fundamental pitch. Additionally, the head includes a factory-cut 5-inch offset microphone hole, which simplifies internal drum mic placement and manages air displacement during the stroke.

Sound Character

In terms of sonics, the Powerstroke 3 Colortone Yellow delivers a well-defined attack with focused mid and low-range tones. The internal dampening ring provides a specific balance of response and tonal control, reducing the 'ring' typically associated with un-dampened single-ply heads. The result is a punchy, controlled sound that maintains the natural resonance of the drum shell while providing the clarity needed for both live performance and studio recording.

Target Audience

This head is suited for drummers seeking a combination of professional-grade sound control and high-impact visual aesthetics. Because it is a 18-inch ported head, it is particularly useful for players using smaller bass drums who require a modern, pre-dampened sound for genres ranging from pop to fusion. It appeals to those who wish to match their drum kit's appearance to their branding or stage lighting via the yellow Colortone finish.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to other premium drum heads, the Powerstroke 3 Colortone offers unique visual properties not found in traditional heads like the Evans 56 Calftone 18" EQ4, which focuses on a vintage aesthetic and warm tone. While the Evans EQ3 Resonant provides similar internal dampening, the Remo Colortone series allows for specific colour customisation. For players seeking maximum volume reduction rather than tonal control, alternatives like the Remo Silentstroke 16 (in its respective size) would be more appropriate.

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 drum heads, offering a balance of sensitivity and durability.
What size bass drum is this head compatible with?: This specific model is designed for 18-inch diameter bass drums. It will not fit larger or smaller drums, such as 20-inch or 16-inch models.
Does the yellow colour affect the sound quality?: Remo utilises Colortone technology to ensure the yellow design provides a new level of customisation without sacrificing sound quality. It is designed to provide the same class-leading performance as the standard Powerstroke 3.
What is the purpose of the 10-mil underlay ring?: The underlay ring acts as a dampening agent to control overtones. It focuses the mid and low tones of the drum for a more defined and punchy sound.
How large is the microphone port on this head?: The head features a 5-inch offset microphone hole. This pre-cut port allows for easy microphone placement and helps manage the air pressure inside the drum.
Is this head intended for the batter side or resonant side?: While Powerstroke 3 heads can be used as batter heads, the inclusion of a 5-inch microphone port typically designates this as a resonant (front) head for the bass drum.
How does the attack of this head compare to others?: The Powerstroke 3 Colortone is described as providing a well-defined attack. The combination of 10-mil film and the dampening ring ensures the strike is clear rather than muddy.
Can I get this head in other colours or sizes?: Yes, Remo Powerstroke 3 Colortone heads are available in a variety of sizes and colours. This allows drummers to select the specific aesthetic and diameter required for their kit.
How does this compare to the Evans 56 Calftone series?: The Evans 56 Calftone focuses on a vintage look and warm, traditional sound. The Remo Colortone Yellow is focused on modern visual customisation and the specific 'focused' sound characteristic of the Powerstroke 3 line.
What is the typical price for this drum head?: The typical price range for this specific 18-inch ported yellow head is approximately GBP 67. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current stock levels.
Is the microphone hole centered or offset?: The microphone hole is offset, which is standard for modern bass drum heads. This placement allows for easier internal mic positioning while leaving the centre of the head available for visual designs.
Does this head come with a protective patch for the beater?: As this is a ported resonant head, it is not primarily intended for beater contact. If used as a batter head, a separate impact patch would typically be recommended, though the 10-mil film is inherently durable.