Drum Knowledge
Drumhead Brands: Remo vs Evans vs Aquarian
Three companies dominate the drumhead market, and each brings a distinct philosophy to head design. Remo, Evans, and Aquarian all make excellent products, but their construction methods and tonal characteristics differ in ways that matter. This guide helps you choose the right brand for your sound.
Remo: The Industry Standard
Remo Belli revolutionized drumming in 1957 by developing the first commercially viable synthetic drumhead. Before Remo, drumheads were made from animal hide, which changed pitch with humidity and temperature. Remo's Weatherking film heads solved this problem and became the industry standard.
Remo organizes heads into clearly defined product lines:
- Diplomat: Single-ply, thin heads with maximum resonance and sustain. Ideal for jazz and light playing.
- Ambassador: Single-ply, medium-weight heads. The benchmark for balanced tone, versatile across all genres.
- Emperor: Double-ply heads with durability and a focused, warm tone. Great for rock and heavy hitting.
- Pinstripe: Double-ply with a dampening strip between layers. Produces a fat, wet tone with reduced overtones.
Remo heads are known for consistent quality, wide availability, and a warm, familiar sound. They are the default choice for many manufacturers and the head most drummers learn on.
Evans: Innovation and Technology
Evans has built its reputation on engineering innovation. Their Level 360 technology, which extends the collar of the head to provide a better fit on the drum shell, was a major advancement that improved seating and tuning stability across all drum sizes.
Key Evans product lines include:
- G1: Single-ply heads with an open, resonant tone. Comparable to Remo Ambassador.
- G2: Double-ply heads with warmth and durability. Comparable to Remo Emperor.
- G14: Fourteen-mil single-ply heads, extremely durable for hard hitters who want single-ply tone.
- HD: Double-ply heads with a controlled overtone ring for focused sound.
- EMAD: Bass drum heads with an externally mounted dampening system that lets you adjust tone without opening the drum.
Evans heads tend to produce a slightly brighter, more modern sound than Remo. The EMAD bass drum head is particularly popular for its adjustable dampening, which gives drummers control over their kick tone without extra accessories.
Aquarian: Modern Features and Value
Aquarian is the newest of the three brands and has carved out a loyal following through innovative design and competitive pricing. Their Safe-T-Loc hoop system prevents heads from slipping, and their vacuum-sealed manufacturing process ensures consistent bonding between film layers.
Notable Aquarian lines include:
- Response 1 and 2: Single and double-ply heads with a warm, full tone. The Response series is known for excellent sensitivity.
- Super 2: Two-ply heads with a special textured coating that produces a dry, controlled sound on snare drums.
- Hi-Energy: Snare head designed for heavy hitters, combining durability with a powerful crack.
- Modern Vintage: Heads designed to replicate the warm, fat tone of classic calfskin heads.
Aquarian heads are often priced below Remo and Evans while offering comparable or superior performance. Their bass drum heads, particularly the Super Kick series, are highly regarded for their punch and controlled low end.
Comparison: Durability, Sound, and Price
When it comes to durability, all three brands produce heads that can withstand professional use. Evans G14 and Aquarian Hi-Energy are particularly tough, making them favorites among hard-hitting drummers. Remo Emperors have a long track record of reliability and remain the benchmark others are measured against.
Sound is subjective, but general tendencies exist. Remo tends toward warmth and tradition, Evans toward brightness and modernity, and Aquarian toward value and innovation. Price-wise, Aquarian is usually the most affordable, with Remo and Evans priced similarly at the mid to high end.
Which Brand for Your Style?
- Rock: Remo Emperor or Evans G2 on toms, Evans EMAD or Aquarian Super Kick on bass drum. Durability and punch are priorities.
- Jazz: Remo Ambassador or Evans G1 on toms, coated single-ply on snare. Open tone and sensitivity matter most.
- Metal: Evans G14 or HD on toms, Evans EMAD Heavy on bass drum. Maximum durability and focused attack.
- Studio: Remo Ambassador for versatility, or Aquarian Modern Vintage for a warm, classic tone that records well.
Ultimately, there is no wrong choice among these three brands. The best approach is to experiment with heads from each manufacturer and trust your ears. Many professional drummers mix brands, using Remo on toms and Evans on the snare, for example.