What is the primary material used in the Remo Silentstroke 16"?

The head is constructed from a high-quality, single-ply mesh film. This material is designed to be durable while allowing for maximum volume reduction.

How much does the 16" Silentstroke Bass Drum Head typically cost?

The typical price range for this specific drumhead is approximately £35. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

Can I use a regular bass drum beater on this mesh head?

Yes, you can use a regular beater, though many drummers prefer felt beaters to further reduce noise. It is important to ensure the beater is clean to prevent wear on the mesh surface.

Is this head suitable for use with electronic drum triggers?

Yes, the Remo Silentstroke is described as offering ideal functionality for external electronic drum triggers. The mesh material provides a stable surface for accurate trigger tracking.

Does the Silentstroke 16" provide a realistic rebound?

Remo designed the head to offer a soft spring-like feel that mimics the response of an acoustic head. It provides a more natural rebound than practicing on pads or muffled surfaces.

How much volume reduction can I expect?

The head is designed for 'incredibly low volumes,' making it significantly quieter than standard mylar heads. It is specifically intended for practice in environments where noise is a concern.

What size bass drums will this head fit?

This specific model is 16 inches in diameter. It is suitable for 16" bass drums or for drummers who have converted a 16" floor tom into a bass drum.

Does the Silentstroke produce any tone at all?

Yes, it offers increased warmth compared to some other mesh options. While very quiet, it still allows the drummer to perceive the acoustic character and pitch of the drum.

Is the Silentstroke 16" a double-ply or single-ply head?

It features a single ply of mesh film. This design helps maintain the lightweight feel and high-frequency transparency required for quiet practice.

How does the Silentstroke compare to a Roland PowerPly?

Both are mesh heads designed for quiet play and triggering. The Silentstroke is Remo's specific solution, known for its soft spring-like feel and warmth, while the Roland MH2 is a competing mesh product.

Can I use this head on a 16" floor tom?

While marketed as a bass drum head in this context, the 16" diameter is compatible with 16" floor toms. It is useful for reducing the volume of the entire kit.

Does this head come in other sizes?

Yes, Remo Silentstroke Bass Drum Heads are available in a wide range of sizes. This allows drummers to select the appropriate heads for various kit configurations.

Gear article

Remo Silentstroke 16" Bass Drum Head

The Remo Silentstroke 16" Bass Drum Head is a low-volume mesh drumhead designed for quiet practice and electronic trigger integration. Constructed from a single ply of high-quality mesh film, it provides an acoustic feel with significantly reduced decibel output compared to standard mylar heads.

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Overview

The Remo Silentstroke 16" Bass Drum Head is engineered for drummers who require a reduced-volume solution for practice in noise-sensitive environments. It is part of Remo's broader Silentstroke line, which offers mesh alternatives for various drum sizes. The 16-inch variant is specifically sized for smaller bass drums, common in 'jungle' kits, bop kits, or converted floor toms.

Construction and Feel

The head features a single-ply mesh film design. This construction is intended to mimic the response of a traditional acoustic drumhead, offering a 'soft spring-like feel.' Unlike solid plastic heads, the mesh allows air to pass through freely, which dissipates the energy of the strike rather than compressing it into a loud sound wave. This provides the drummer with a realistic rebound while maintaining incredibly low volume levels.

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Sound Character

While the primary goal of the Silentstroke is volume reduction, the head is noted for offering increased warmth compared to some other mesh alternatives. It retains enough acoustic tone to allow the player to hear the pitch and rhythm of their playing, albeit at a level that is significantly quieter than a standard bass drum setup. This makes it suitable for late-night practice or apartment use.

Functionality and Compatibility

Beyond quiet practice, the Remo Silentstroke is highly functional for use with external electronic drum triggers. The mesh surface provides a reliable interface for triggers to pick up vibrations, allowing drummers to convert an acoustic 16" bass drum into a digital pad. It serves as a versatile bridge between traditional acoustic playing and electronic percussion setups.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to high-volume alternatives like the Evans 56 Calftone or the Attack ProFlex1, the Silentstroke serves a fundamentally different purpose focused on stealth. While the Roland MH2 PowerPly offers a similar mesh experience, the Silentstroke is widely recognised for its accessibility and range of available sizes. For those seeking traditional resonance, products like the Evans EQ3 or DW Coated heads would be more appropriate, whereas the Silentstroke is strictly for noise reduction.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used in the Remo Silentstroke 16"?: The head is constructed from a high-quality, single-ply mesh film. This material is designed to be durable while allowing for maximum volume reduction.
How much does the 16" Silentstroke Bass Drum Head typically cost?: The typical price range for this specific drumhead is approximately £35. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
Can I use a regular bass drum beater on this mesh head?: Yes, you can use a regular beater, though many drummers prefer felt beaters to further reduce noise. It is important to ensure the beater is clean to prevent wear on the mesh surface.
Is this head suitable for use with electronic drum triggers?: Yes, the Remo Silentstroke is described as offering ideal functionality for external electronic drum triggers. The mesh material provides a stable surface for accurate trigger tracking.
Does the Silentstroke 16" provide a realistic rebound?: Remo designed the head to offer a soft spring-like feel that mimics the response of an acoustic head. It provides a more natural rebound than practicing on pads or muffled surfaces.
How much volume reduction can I expect?: The head is designed for 'incredibly low volumes,' making it significantly quieter than standard mylar heads. It is specifically intended for practice in environments where noise is a concern.
What size bass drums will this head fit?: This specific model is 16 inches in diameter. It is suitable for 16" bass drums or for drummers who have converted a 16" floor tom into a bass drum.
Does the Silentstroke produce any tone at all?: Yes, it offers increased warmth compared to some other mesh options. While very quiet, it still allows the drummer to perceive the acoustic character and pitch of the drum.
Is the Silentstroke 16" a double-ply or single-ply head?: It features a single ply of mesh film. This design helps maintain the lightweight feel and high-frequency transparency required for quiet practice.
How does the Silentstroke compare to a Roland PowerPly?: Both are mesh heads designed for quiet play and triggering. The Silentstroke is Remo's specific solution, known for its soft spring-like feel and warmth, while the Roland MH2 is a competing mesh product.
Can I use this head on a 16" floor tom?: While marketed as a bass drum head in this context, the 16" diameter is compatible with 16" floor toms. It is useful for reducing the volume of the entire kit.
Does this head come in other sizes?: Yes, Remo Silentstroke Bass Drum Heads are available in a wide range of sizes. This allows drummers to select the appropriate heads for various kit configurations.