Evans

EVANS drum heads and drum accessories at Kirstein

EVANS is one of the established names in modern drum heads. The brands history dates back to 1956, when Marion “Chick” Evans developed synthetic, weather-resistant drum heads. EVANS has been part of DAddario since 1995. Today, the brand combines classic drum head concepts with technologies that allow drummers to fine-tune attack, sustain, overtones and response. At Kirstein, you can find EVANS products in the Drum Heads and Drum Accessories categories.

EMAD – controllable sound for the bass drum

One of the defining EVANS product ranges is EMAD. The abbreviation stands for “Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping” and describes a damping system mounted externally on the batter head. Interchangeable damping rings make it possible to adjust the character of the bass drum without having to position pillows or similar damping materials inside the shell. This helps create a focused, powerful bass drum sound with controlled sustain.

When choosing a model, it is worth considering the construction of the drum head. Single-ply EMAD heads offer a different response from two-ply versions such as EMAD2. The latter combine two film plies with the external damping system and are suited to drummers looking for a controlled bass drum sound with a more robust head construction. The product range also includes matching resonant head solutions.

EVANS drum head series for different sound preferences

The EVANS range extends far beyond EMAD. G1 stands for an open, resonant character and direct response, while the two-ply G2 series provides greater control and durability. EC2S is aimed at drummers who want to reduce overtones and sustain more noticeably. The Hydraulic series has a particularly distinctive character: a thin layer of oil between two plies produces strongly controlled overtones, short sustain and a deep sound reminiscent of classic 1970s drums.

EVANS also offers concepts specifically designed for snare drums. Dry models reduce unwanted overtones and support a focused attack. Depending on the desired sound, playing style and drum, it therefore makes sense to consider not only the correct diameter but also the number of plies, coating and integrated damping.

UV and Level 360 – an overview of EVANS technologies

With the UV series, EVANS takes a distinctive approach to coated drum heads. The UV-cured coating is designed for high durability while allowing the head to respond freely. UV1 uses a single-ply construction, while UV2 uses two plies. Level 360 technology, meanwhile, focuses on how the drum head fits onto the shell and is designed to support even seating and consistent tuning.

Damping and practice pads for sound control and training

Not every sound adjustment requires a drum head change. E-Rings, EQ Pods and other solutions can be used to alter overtone control on an existing setup. Suitable products can be found under Damper & Pads. EVANS also offers EQ Patches for bass drum heads, which are applied at the point where the beater contacts the head.

RealFeel practice pads extend the range into technique training. They allow stickings and movement patterns to be practised independently of a complete acoustic drum kit. EVANS therefore covers not only sound shaping but also practical solutions for regular practice.

Which EVANS product suits your setup?

When choosing a product, the first consideration is which drum and sound character you want to focus on. If you are looking for a bass drum with flexibly controllable sustain, the EMAD family is worth considering. For snare drums and toms, factors such as single- or two-ply construction, coating and the desired level of overtone control play an important role. Dampers can be useful if you like the fundamental sound of your existing drum head and simply want to reduce individual resonances. If you have questions about drum head type, size or damping, Kirsteins expert advice can help you make the right choice.