What is the primary material used in this drum head?

The head is constructed from two plies of 7-mil high-quality clear film. This dual-layer design provides the foundation for its durability and warm tonal response.

What does the 'Colortone' feature provide?

Colortone is a visual technology from Remo that adds a vibrant colour (in this case, blue) to the head. It allows for aesthetic customisation while maintaining the sound quality of a standard clear head.

What size is this specific Remo drum head?

This specific model is designed for 14-inch drums. It is most commonly used as a batter-side head for standard 14-inch snare drums.

How does the top dot affect the sound?

The 5-mil top dot increases the durability of the head where the sticks strike most frequently. Sonically, it helps to focus the attack and adds a slight emphasis to the fundamental tone.

Does this head require a lot of extra dampening?

No, the Powerstroke 77 is designed to be self-dampening. The internal 7-mil inlay ring specifically targets and reduces overtones, providing a controlled sound out of the box.

Is this head suitable for heavy hitters?

Yes, it is highly durable. The combination of two 7-mil plies and the additional 5-mil dot makes it one of the more robust options for drummers with a heavy playing style.

What is the tonal character of the Powerstroke 77 Colortone Blue?

It is described as warm, crisp, and controlled. It emphasizes the mid-range and low-end frequencies while suppressing harsh high-frequency ringing.

Can I use this head on a tom-tom?

While primarily designed for snare drums to provide 'crack' and control, it can be used on 14-inch toms if a very dry, short, and focused sound is desired.

How much does the Remo Powerstroke 77 Colortone Blue typically cost?

The typical price range for this drum head is approximately £30.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

What is the purpose of the 7-mil inlay ring?

The 7-mil inlay ring is positioned on the underside of the head to dampen high-frequency overtones. This results in a 'cleaner' sound with less sustain.

Does the blue colour flake off or affect the sticks?

No, the Colortone process is integrated into the film. It does not flake off like a coated head might, and it will not leave blue residue on your drumsticks.

How does this compare to a single-ply head?

Compared to a single-ply head, the Powerstroke 77 is much more durable and has a shorter sustain. Single-ply heads are generally brighter and more resonant, whereas this head is focused and warm.

Gear article

Remo Powerstroke 77 Colortone Blue 14" Drum Head

The Remo Powerstroke 77 Colortone Blue 14" is a high-performance snare drum head constructed from two plies of 7-mil clear film. It features Colortone technology for a vibrant aesthetic while maintaining the warm, crisp, and controlled tonal characteristics associated with the Powerstroke 77 series.

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Overview and Design

The Remo Powerstroke 77 Colortone Blue 14" Drum Head is a specialist snare drum head designed to offer both visual customisation and high-level sonic control. Part of Remo's Colortone series, this head utilizes a clear film that is treated with a blue finish, allowing the drum to stand out visually without sacrificing the professional build quality expected from the brand.

Structurally, the head is built for durability and focus. It consists of two plies of 7-mil film, which provides a thick, sturdy striking surface suitable for high-impact playing. To further refine the sound, Remo integrates a 7-mil internal dampening ring and a 5-mil central top dot.

Technical Features

The technical specifications of the Powerstroke 77 Colortone focus heavily on overtone management and longevity:

Double Ply Construction: Two layers of 7-mil film create a resilient surface that can withstand heavy hitters.
5-mil Top Dot: Positioned in the center of the head, this additional film layer increases the durability of the primary impact zone and adds a specific focus to the fundamental pitch.
7-mil Inlay Ring: This internal ring reduces unwanted high-frequency overtones, resulting in a more 'controlled' snare sound that requires less external muffling.
Colortone Technology: Provides a deep blue transparent aesthetic while maintaining the projection and resonance of clear film.

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Sonic Character

The sound profile of this drum head is defined as warm, crisp, and highly controlled. Because of the dual plies and the internal inlay ring, the 'ring' or 'wash' typically associated with thinner heads is significantly curtailed. This produces a shorter sustain and a more pronounced 'crack' when hit. The 5-mil dot adds a touch of brightness and definition to the attack, ensuring that the snare cuts through a mix even with the controlled overtones.

User Suitability and Comparisons

This drum head is particularly suited for drummers who prefer a 'pre-EQ'd' sound with minimal resonance. It is ideal for genres such as rock, metal, and pop where a consistent, punchy snare sound is required. Compared to single-ply alternatives, the Powerstroke 77 offers significantly more durability and a darker tone.

While alternatives like the Evans MS3 Clear Marching Snare Side head focus on the bottom-end response for marching applications, the Powerstroke 77 is designed as a batter-side head for standard drum kit snares. It provides a balance of control that reduces the need for additional accessories like dampening gels or tape.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in this drum head?: The head is constructed from two plies of 7-mil high-quality clear film. This dual-layer design provides the foundation for its durability and warm tonal response.
What does the 'Colortone' feature provide?: Colortone is a visual technology from Remo that adds a vibrant colour (in this case, blue) to the head. It allows for aesthetic customisation while maintaining the sound quality of a standard clear head.
What size is this specific Remo drum head?: This specific model is designed for 14-inch drums. It is most commonly used as a batter-side head for standard 14-inch snare drums.
How does the top dot affect the sound?: The 5-mil top dot increases the durability of the head where the sticks strike most frequently. Sonically, it helps to focus the attack and adds a slight emphasis to the fundamental tone.
Does this head require a lot of extra dampening?: No, the Powerstroke 77 is designed to be self-dampening. The internal 7-mil inlay ring specifically targets and reduces overtones, providing a controlled sound out of the box.
Is this head suitable for heavy hitters?: Yes, it is highly durable. The combination of two 7-mil plies and the additional 5-mil dot makes it one of the more robust options for drummers with a heavy playing style.
What is the tonal character of the Powerstroke 77 Colortone Blue?: It is described as warm, crisp, and controlled. It emphasizes the mid-range and low-end frequencies while suppressing harsh high-frequency ringing.
Can I use this head on a tom-tom?: While primarily designed for snare drums to provide 'crack' and control, it can be used on 14-inch toms if a very dry, short, and focused sound is desired.
How much does the Remo Powerstroke 77 Colortone Blue typically cost?: The typical price range for this drum head is approximately £30.00. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
What is the purpose of the 7-mil inlay ring?: The 7-mil inlay ring is positioned on the underside of the head to dampen high-frequency overtones. This results in a 'cleaner' sound with less sustain.
Does the blue colour flake off or affect the sticks?: No, the Colortone process is integrated into the film. It does not flake off like a coated head might, and it will not leave blue residue on your drumsticks.
How does this compare to a single-ply head?: Compared to a single-ply head, the Powerstroke 77 is much more durable and has a shorter sustain. Single-ply heads are generally brighter and more resonant, whereas this head is focused and warm.