Evans Drums
Bananas at Large® is proud to carry Evans drum heads in our San Rafael, Santa Rosa and online stores. Read on to learn more, or visit us in person today!
Brand History
The name Evans is synonymous with quality when it comes to drum heads. Company founder Chick Evans was the first, in 1956, to use synthetic materials, resulting in a product that lasts longer and is more consistent in tone. As times changed, the Evans brand continued to innovate, introducing new products that further cemented their place in this important niche market.
In 1995, D'Addario acquired Evans and moved its operations from Kansas to Farmingdale, New York. Today, the company works in a state-of-the-art facility, where it produces a high volume of heads for drummers all around the world — without sacrificing quality.
Available Products
Evans is best-known as a manufacturer of world-class bass, tom and snare drum heads, offering a range of products in all standard sizes. You'll find all these and more in the Bananas online store. We also carry conga, bongo and timbale heads for Latin percussion enthusiasts, marching tenor heads for the drumline team and keys, accessories and sound control rings.
No matter what style of music you play, your choice of drum head will have an impact on your sound. Check out individual product pages for more information and suggested applications for all Evans heads.
Drum Head Basics
Before buying any drum head, it helps to have a basic understanding of how they're constructed and what to look for — you'd be surprised how many drummers, even experienced ones, don't fully understand the nuances of these essential components of their kit. Here are a few things you should know:
- Ply: Evans makes drumheads from one or two sheets of material (single- or double-ply). Single-ply heads are generally more resonant but, for obvious reasons, less durable. Double-ply heads are stronger and have a more audible attack and faster decay.
- Finish: Drumheads are either clear or finished, and the differences between them aren't solely aesthetic. Clear heads are more defined, with a sharper attack, whereas frosted heads are warmer and take better to brushes. Most drummers use a clear head on the bottom portion of a drum, as the differences are less pronounced there, and use either coated or clear for the top depending on their preference and playing style.
While it's possible to alter the tone of a drumhead using dampers, sound rings or duct tape, it's always better to have a sound you like to begin with. Ultimately, the best way to do this is to try several different heads, experiment with different tunings and tensions and gain an understanding of what works best for you.
If you'd like assistance with getting started or refining your sound, a Bananas representative would be happy to help by going over your options and recommending the right combination of products for your goals. We have one of the best selections of Evans drumheads for sale in the San Francisco area, and there's no better place to explore your options.
