Roland MH2 PowerPly 18" Mesh Bass Drum Head

Overview

The Roland MH2 PowerPly 18" Mesh Bass Drum Head is a specialised percussion accessory designed to convert standard 18-inch acoustic kick drums into low-volume practice tools or hybrid instruments. Unlike traditional plastic or calfskin heads, the MH2 uses a porous mesh material that allows air to pass through, resulting in a drastically reduced acoustic volume.

This specific model is part of Roland's PowerPly series, which was developed to bridge the gap between acoustic feel and electronic functionality. It is primarily used by musicians who need to practice in noise-sensitive environments, such as apartments or shared houses, without sacrificing the physical footprint and feel of their acoustic drum kit.

Construction and Key Features

The MH2 18-inch head features a dual-ply design. This double-layered construction is critical for two reasons:

• Durability: The extra layer provides increased resistance against the high impact of a bass drum beater.
• Tension Consistency: The 2-ply structure offers a consistently tight response that requires less frequent retuning compared to single-ply mesh alternatives.

The head is engineered to react organically to the beater's impact, ensuring that the rebound and dynamics feel familiar to drummers used to acoustic setups. It is specifically sized for 18-inch diameter kick drums, a size common in jazz kits or compact travel sets.

Triggering and Hybrid Use

While the MH2 functions as a standalone practice head, it is also designed for use with electronic triggers. By installing a trigger onto the hoop of the drum, the vibration of the mesh can be converted into a digital signal for a drum module. This allows a musician to play a full-sized acoustic kick drum while hearing high-quality samples through headphones or a PA system. The 2-ply mesh provides a stable surface for triggers to track accurately, reducing misfires and latency issues often found with thinner mesh heads.

Sound and Character

In terms of acoustic output, the MH2 is nearly silent. The sound produced is a soft, muffled 'thud' that lacks the resonance and projection of a standard drum head. However, the 'feel' is described as fully dynamic. It retains the sensitivity required for ghost notes and varying strike velocities, allowing the drummer to practice nuance and technique that would be lost on a solid rubber practice pad.

Comparisons and Alternatives

When compared to traditional heads like the EVANS 56 Calftone 18" or the DW AA Coated Bass Drum Head, the MH2 is entirely different in purpose; the former are designed for acoustic resonance, while the MH2 is designed for silence.

Within the category of low-volume heads, it competes with the Remo Silentstroke 16" (though the MH2 is sized for 18" drums) and other mesh variants. The primary advantage of the Roland PowerPly series over budget single-ply mesh heads is the increased tension stability and the specific 2-ply thickness which closer mimics the resistance of a standard head.