Choosing the right black bass drum head can dramatically affect tone, attack, and sustain across genres from rock to gospel. This guide highlights five Evans black bass drum heads designed for modern stages and studios, emphasizing resonance control, durability, and ease of mic placement. Each option offers a distinct balance of warmth, punch, and sustain to help you dial in a powerful low end.
Summary of selected products:
| Product | Size | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head | 22 Inch | Internal overtone control ring; mic-friendly |
| Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head | 20 Inch | Mic-friendly ring; stable performance across tunings |
| Evans Black Hydraulic Bass Drum Head | 22 Inch | Oil layer for overtone suppression; deep rock voice |
| Evans BD22REMAD REMAD | 22 Inch | EMAD compatibility; foam damping with fixed ring |
| Evans Resonant Black Bass Drum Head | 22 Inch | Single ply for maximum resonance |
Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch
This 22″ resonant head uses a single 7mil film to deliver a tight response with a fixed internal overtone control ring. The design is microphone-friendly, enabling clear capture in both studio and live settings. A 5″ offset mic port features a plastic sleeve to focus pitch, enhance stability, and protect the port during heavy playing sessions. Ideal for players seeking controlled overtones without sacrificing resonance.
Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 20 Inch
A 20″ version of the same EQ3 concept, featuring a single 7mil ply and a fixed internal overtone control ring. The head remains microphone-friendly and shares the same 5″ mic port with protective sleeve, offering consistent pitch focus and durability across sizes from studio to arena performances.
Evans Black Hydraulic Bass Drum Head – 22 Inch
The Hydraulic line adds a thin oil layer between two plies, actively suppressing unwanted overtones for a cleaner, deeper kick. This 22″ head provides two plies of durability and a tone associated with early rock and roll—fat, deep, and short. It remains a strong choice for players seeking maximum focus with reduced ring while maintaining dynamic sensitivity.
Evans Bass Drum Heads – BD22REMAD – REMAD – 22-inch Bass Drum Head
This resonant head uses a single ply with a fixed black plastic control ring, paired with a foam damping ring to manage overtones and enhance pitch. It’s designed to complement EMAD batter heads by delivering precise control over sustain and projection, making it well-suited to rock and gospel contexts where punch and clarity are essential.
Evans Drum Heads – Hydraulic Black Tom Drumhead, 20 Inch
Evans Hydraulic Tom heads in a 20″ size feature the same oil-between-plies concept for overtone suppression, delivering a balanced, controlled tone with strong attack. Two plies maximize durability, making this a practical choice for heavy-handed playing styles and touring setups where consistent performance is crucial.
Evans Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch
This 22″ resonant head uses a single 7.5mil film without control rings or vents to maximize resonance. Its architecture favors higher tunings, making it suitable for players who want maximum sustain and airiness in the low end, particularly in jazz-fusion and modern rock setups.
Evans Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 20 Inch
A 20″ variant of the resonant line, featuring a single 7.5mil ply and no control rings or vents. It provides strong resonance at higher tunings with a focus on sustain, making it suitable for players seeking a bright, open low end without artificial damping.
Evans Heads BD22RB-NP 22-Inch EQ3 Resonant Bass Drum Heads – Black
This 22″ EQ3 resonant head uses a single 7mil film with an internal overtone control ring, optimized for studio and live settings. Notably, it comes without a mic port, highlighting focus on natural resonance and microphone placement simplicity across high-tidelity applications.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations
- Tone goals: Decide between maximum resonance, controlled overtones, or a tight, punchy response. Single-ply heads favor openness; oil-filled hydraulics suppress overtones for a darker, focused sound.
- Size compatibility: Ensure the head size matches your bass drum diameter (20″, 22″, etc.). Some models are optimized for specific kits or mic setups.
- Overtone control: Heads with fixed internal rings offer consistent pitch and easier mic separation; those without rings may resonate more freely at higher tunings.
- Mic positioning: Ported heads with mic ports can aid mic placement and pitch focus, while unported heads rely on accurate mic technique to avoid phase issues.
- Durability vs. performance: Hydraulic two-ply constructions provide durability and controlled overtones; single-ply heads emphasize resonance but may require careful tuning to manage cymbal wash and bleed.
- Setup and maintenance: Consider compatibility with existing batter heads (e.g., EMAD) and ease of replacement, especially for touring configurations.
When selecting a black bass drum head, weigh the desired balance of resonance, control, and durability against your playing style and live environment. The options above cover a spectrum from highly resonant to overtone-controlled, suitable for American venues and studio rooms alike. For most players, pairing a resonant head with a well-chosen batter head yields a consistent, powerful low end that translates well to PA systems and recordings.