What is the primary purpose of the Roland MH2 20" Mesh Head?

It is designed to reduce the volume of a 20-inch acoustic bass drum for quiet practice. It also serves as a high-quality surface for mounting electronic triggers to convert an acoustic drum into a hybrid or electronic kit component.

How many plies does the MH2 mesh head have?

The MH2 features a 2-ply design. This dual-layer construction is intended to provide better durability and a more realistic rebound compared to single-ply mesh heads.

Does this mesh head fit all bass drums?

No, this specific model is designed exclusively for 20-inch diameter bass drums. You must ensure your drum shell matches this diameter for proper installation.

Can I use a standard bass drum beater with the MH2?

Yes, the MH2 is designed to react organically to a standard drum beater. However, to extend the life of the mesh, some players prefer using plastic or wood beaters rather than felt, though the 2-ply design is built for standard use.

Does the MH2 require frequent retuning?

No, the 2-ply PowerPly design is specifically engineered for a consistently tight response. It is designed to hold its tension well over time, minimizing the need for regular maintenance.

Is the MH2 completely silent?

While it is described as nearly silent, it still produces a very low-volume 'thud' upon impact. It is significantly quieter than a standard acoustic head, making it ideal for home use.

Can this head be used for live performances?

On its own, it does not produce enough acoustic volume for a standard performance. However, it is excellent for live use if you are using triggers to send a signal to a sound module and PA system.

How does the MH2 feel compared to a standard plastic drum head?

It retains a fully dynamic feel, though it lacks the air-resistance 'push-back' of a solid head. The 2-ply mesh is designed to mimic the tension and response of an acoustic head as closely as possible.

Can I install this on the resonant side of the drum?

Yes, it can be installed on either the batter side or the resonant side. For maximum noise reduction, it is typically used on the batter side where the beater strikes.

Is the Roland MH2 compatible with other brands of triggers?

Yes, while designed by Roland, the mesh surface is compatible with most standard acoustic drum triggers from various manufacturers.

What is the typical price for the 20-inch model?

The typical price range for the Roland MH2 20-inch model is approximately GBP 87. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.

How does the MH2 compare to the Remo Silentstroke?

The Remo Silentstroke is a popular single-ply alternative, whereas the Roland MH2 uses a 2-ply design. The Roland version is generally considered to offer a firmer response and higher durability due to the extra layer.

Gear article

Roland MH2 PowerPly 20" Mesh Bass Drum Head

The Roland MH2 PowerPly 20" is a dual-ply mesh drum head designed to replace traditional acoustic bass drum heads for low-volume practice and electronic triggering. It provides a quiet, organic response for 20-inch kick drums while maintaining the physical feel of a standard drum.

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Overview

The Roland MH2 PowerPly 20" Mesh Head is a specialized drum skin engineered to bridge the gap between acoustic percussion and electronic performance. By replacing a standard resonant or batter head with this mesh alternative, drummers can significantly reduce the acoustic volume of their instrument without sacrificing the tactile dynamics of their playing style. It is specifically sized for 20-inch bass drums, a common size for compact and standard acoustic kits.

Construction and Design

The primary feature of the MH2 series is its 2-ply design. Unlike single-ply mesh heads which can sometimes feel overly 'bouncy' or lose tension quickly, the dual-ply construction offers a consistently tight response. This design ensures that the head requires infrequent retuning once set to the desired tension. The mesh is woven to be durable enough to withstand the direct impact of a bass drum beater while allowing air to pass through freely, which eliminates the loud acoustic projection associated with solid plastic heads.

Functionality and Triggering

While the MH2 serves as an excellent tool for silent practice, it is also designed for hybrid drumming setups. When paired with external drum triggers, the PowerPly head can send signals to a drum module, allowing the acoustic shell to produce electronic sounds. Because the head reacts organically to the beater, the dynamics of the player's footwork are preserved, providing a more authentic experience than many dedicated electronic kick pads.

Comparison to Alternatives

When compared to standard acoustic heads like the Evans EQ3 Resonant or the DW AA Coated series, the MH2 is significantly quieter but lacks the natural acoustic resonance required for unamplified performances. In the realm of low-volume solutions, it competes directly with the Remo Silentstroke series. The Roland MH2 differentiates itself through its specific 2-ply construction, which is often cited as providing a more stable surface for trigger mounting and a more 'acoustic-like' tension compared to thinner single-ply alternatives.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary purpose of the Roland MH2 20" Mesh Head?: It is designed to reduce the volume of a 20-inch acoustic bass drum for quiet practice. It also serves as a high-quality surface for mounting electronic triggers to convert an acoustic drum into a hybrid or electronic kit component.
How many plies does the MH2 mesh head have?: The MH2 features a 2-ply design. This dual-layer construction is intended to provide better durability and a more realistic rebound compared to single-ply mesh heads.
Does this mesh head fit all bass drums?: No, this specific model is designed exclusively for 20-inch diameter bass drums. You must ensure your drum shell matches this diameter for proper installation.
Can I use a standard bass drum beater with the MH2?: Yes, the MH2 is designed to react organically to a standard drum beater. However, to extend the life of the mesh, some players prefer using plastic or wood beaters rather than felt, though the 2-ply design is built for standard use.
Does the MH2 require frequent retuning?: No, the 2-ply PowerPly design is specifically engineered for a consistently tight response. It is designed to hold its tension well over time, minimizing the need for regular maintenance.
Is the MH2 completely silent?: While it is described as nearly silent, it still produces a very low-volume 'thud' upon impact. It is significantly quieter than a standard acoustic head, making it ideal for home use.
Can this head be used for live performances?: On its own, it does not produce enough acoustic volume for a standard performance. However, it is excellent for live use if you are using triggers to send a signal to a sound module and PA system.
How does the MH2 feel compared to a standard plastic drum head?: It retains a fully dynamic feel, though it lacks the air-resistance 'push-back' of a solid head. The 2-ply mesh is designed to mimic the tension and response of an acoustic head as closely as possible.
Can I install this on the resonant side of the drum?: Yes, it can be installed on either the batter side or the resonant side. For maximum noise reduction, it is typically used on the batter side where the beater strikes.
Is the Roland MH2 compatible with other brands of triggers?: Yes, while designed by Roland, the mesh surface is compatible with most standard acoustic drum triggers from various manufacturers.
What is the typical price for the 20-inch model?: The typical price range for the Roland MH2 20-inch model is approximately GBP 87. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and shipping costs.
How does the MH2 compare to the Remo Silentstroke?: The Remo Silentstroke is a popular single-ply alternative, whereas the Roland MH2 uses a 2-ply design. The Roland version is generally considered to offer a firmer response and higher durability due to the extra layer.