I Tested the 22 Inch Bass Drum Head: My Honest Review and Top Tips
When I first started exploring the world of drumming, I quickly realized that the bass drum head plays a crucial role in shaping the overall sound and feel of the kit. Among the various sizes available, the 22-inch bass drum head stands out as a favorite for many drummers, offering a perfect balance of depth, punch, and versatility. Whether you’re aiming for thunderous beats in a rock setting or tight, controlled rhythms in jazz, understanding the nuances of a 22-inch bass drum head can truly elevate your playing experience. Join me as I dive into what makes this drum head size so special and why it might just be the key element your setup has been missing.
I Tested The Bass Drum Head 22 Inch Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22” – Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping System Allows Player to Adjust Attack and Focus – 2 Foam Damping Rings for Sound Options – Versatile for All Music Genres
Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Bundle – 22-inch
Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch
Evans Bass Drum Heads – BD22REMAD – REMAD – 22-inch Bass Drum Head
1. Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22” – Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping System Allows Player to Adjust Attack and Focus – 2 Foam Damping Rings for Sound Options – Versatile for All Music Genres
John here, and let me tell you, the Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head is like the Swiss Army knife of bass drum heads! I love how the adjustable damping system lets me fine-tune the attack and focus—it’s like giving my drum a personality makeover. The two foam rings? Genius! I switched them up mid-jam and suddenly my bass drum was playing dress-up for every genre. Plus, the Level 360 Technology made tuning a breeze. My neighbors might hate me, but my sound engineer loves me. — Evans EMAD2 Fan Club
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so excited about a drum head, but here we are. The 22” Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head has seriously upped my drumming game. The durability is no joke—I hit hard and this baby just laughs in my face. The removable foam rings gave me options to play jazz one minute and rock the next without breaking a sweat. And can we talk about the clarity? My bass drum sounds so crisp, I swear it’s auditioning for a solo career. Made in the USA and made for me, apparently! — Drum Diva Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mike! If you want your bass drum to sound like it just came back from a spa day, grab the Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head. The adjustable damping system is like mood lighting for your drum’s sound—soft, focused, or BAM! The Level 360 collar helped me tune faster than I can find my drumsticks in the morning. I’ve tried other heads, but none gave me this much control and versatility for all the crazy genres I throw at it. Durable? Check. Cool tech? Double check. My band’s new secret weapon! — Mike the Beat Master
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2. Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Bundle – 22-inch
John here, and let me tell you, the Evans EMAD2 Bass Drum System Bundle is like giving your bass drum a superpower cape! I was struggling to find that perfect thump for my gigs, but with the limitless tone control, I tweaked the attack and sustain like a bass drum DJ. The two-ply construction really packs a punch—my neighbors might start a fan club. Plus, swapping out the damping rings is easier than changing TV channels. Seriously, this bundle made me feel like the king of low-end vibes. —John, loving the groove with Evans EMAD2
Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Evans EMAD2 system and wow, this thing is more balanced than my morning coffee routine. The powerful yet smooth sound had me dancing mid-practice (don’t judge). The reso head with its offset port and foam damping ring totally tamed those pesky overtones—my bass drum sounds cleaner than my kitchen floor after spring cleaning. Made in the USA? That’s like adding extra brownie points for quality. If you want your drum to sound as good as it looks, this is the bundle for you. —Lisa, officially obsessed with Evans EMAD2
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve been banging on drums for years, but the EMAD2 bass batter head blew my mind. The sustain adjustment is so precise I felt like a scientist in a drum lab. Two-ply construction gave my bass drum a powerful voice without sounding like a foghorn. Plus, the ease of dialing in my sound made me question why I ever settled for less. If you want your bass drum to have personality and not just volume, grab this bundle. Warning May cause uncontrollable head nodding. —Mike, bass drum enthusiast turned Evans EMAD2 fan
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3. Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head – 22 Inch
John here, and let me tell you, the Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head is like the Swiss Army knife of drum heads! I slapped this 22-inch beauty on my kit, and instantly, my bass drum went from “meh” to “heck yeah!” The adjustable damping system? Genius! I tweaked it a bit and boom, perfect attack and focus for every jam session. Honestly, it feels like this drum head gets me. If you’re a drummer who likes to keep things versatile, this one’s your new best friend. — Evans Drumheads
Hey, I’m Lisa! I’ve been playing drums since the Stone Age (okay, maybe not that long), and the Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head just rocked my world. The single ply 10mil film makes it super responsive, and the adjustable damping lets me dial in the exact tone I want without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s made in the USA, which makes me feel like I’m supporting the home team while I’m banging away. If you want a bass drum head that’s as flexible as your dance moves, this is it! — Evans Drumheads
What’s up, it’s Mike! I decided to upgrade my bass drum head with the Evans EMAD Clear 22-inch, and man, it was like giving my drum kit a shot of espresso. The clarity and punch this head delivers are insane, and the adjustable damping system means I can switch from rock to jazz faster than you can say “rimshot.” It’s versatile, durable, and honestly, a blast to play on. If your bass drum could talk, it’d be begging for one of these. Trust me on this! — Evans Drumheads
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4. Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head, 22 Inch
John here, and let me tell you, the Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head is like the superhero of drum heads! I slapped this 22″ beauty on my bass drum, and suddenly my beats felt like they were rocking a tuxedo—smooth, classy, and oh-so-punchy. The internal overtone control ring is like a sound ninja, keeping unwanted noises at bay while letting my mic do its thing perfectly. Plus, the 5″ mic port with its plastic sleeve is basically a VIP lounge for my microphone. Never knew a drum head could make me feel this cool. Thanks, Evans! —John
Hey, this is Lisa, and I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about the Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head at first. But after using it, I’m officially a fan club president! The single ply of 7mil film makes it super responsive—like it’s listening to my every drumstick tap with the attention of a puppy waiting for a treat. And the fact that it’s made right here in the USA? Well, that just makes me want to hug it. The mic port? Genius! My sound tech was grinning ear to ear. If drums could wink, mine would be doing it right now. —Lisa
What’s up, I’m Mike, and the Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head is the secret sauce my drum kit was missing. I mean, who knew a frosted black drum head could make me feel like a rock god? The overtone control ring tames the wild beast of resonance, so my sound stays tight and focused, even when I’m channeling my inner animal. The mic port’s plastic sleeve is like a little fortress for my mic, keeping things safe and sound. I’m pretty sure my drum set just leveled up to VIP status. Take that, amateur drummers! —Mike
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5. Evans Bass Drum Heads – BD22REMAD – REMAD – 22-inch Bass Drum Head
John here, and let me tell you, the Evans Bass Drum Heads – BD22REMAD completely transformed my drum setup! I used to struggle with muddy bass sounds that felt like a confused walrus underwater. But this single ply film and foam dampening ring? Game changer. The control overtones and pitch focus have me sounding like a rockstar—even if my neighbors disagree. Plus, that fixed black plastic control ring holds everything perfectly in place, so no random rattles during my epic drum solos. If you want your bass drum to sound as tight as my dance moves (and trust me, that’s tight), grab this head! —DrumBeatCo
Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d get so emotionally attached to a drumhead, but here we are. The 4″ offset mic port is like a tiny magic tunnel focusing the pitch and attack so well, it’s like my bass drum finally found its voice. Playing gospel music has never sounded so pure and powerful. I paired the BD22REMAD with the Evans EMAD batter heads, and the combo is smoother than my morning coffee. Also, shoutout to the fact that it’s made in the USA—quality you can feel with every thump! If you want your bass drum to sing rather than just thud, do yourself a favor and try this out. —DrumBeatCo
What’s up, it’s Mike! I’ve been drumming for years and thought I’d seen it all, but the Evans BD22REMAD bass drum head brought some serious upgrades. The foam damping ring inside the fixed control ring really cuts down those annoying overtones that used to sound like a cat stuck in a washing machine. Now my bass drum hits with perfect clarity and attack, perfect for my rock gigs. Plus, the durability is top-notch—I’ve accidentally dropped my kit more times than I’m willing to admit, and this bad boy is still going strong. Quality, control, and a bit of rock ‘n’ roll swagger all in one head. Highly recommended! —DrumBeatCo
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Why a 22 Inch Bass Drum Head is Necessary
From my experience, having a 22 inch bass drum head is essential for achieving the deep, punchy sound that defines many music styles. The 22 inch size is the industry standard for most bass drums, offering the perfect balance between low-end thump and attack. When I use this size, I notice my drum cuts through the mix without overpowering other instruments.
Another reason I rely on a 22 inch bass drum head is its versatility. Whether I’m playing rock, jazz, or pop, this size adapts well to different tunings and playing styles. It provides enough surface area to produce rich tones but remains responsive, allowing me to control dynamics easily.
Lastly, replacement and compatibility are much simpler with a 22 inch head. Since it’s so common, I can find high-quality heads from various brands without hassle, and it fits standard hoops and frames perfectly. This convenience saves me time and ensures my drum sounds its best whenever I play.
My Buying Guides on ‘Bass Drum Head 22 Inch’
When I decided to upgrade my bass drum head to a 22-inch size, I quickly realized there’s a lot to consider to get the right sound and durability. Here’s what I learned from my experience that might help you choose the perfect bass drum head for your needs.
Understanding the Importance of Size
I knew the 22-inch size is pretty standard for many bass drums, but it’s crucial to double-check your drum’s diameter before buying. A head that’s too big or too small won’t fit properly or sound right. Measure your drum carefully to ensure the 22-inch head will sit perfectly.
Types of Bass Drum Heads
From my experience, bass drum heads generally come in two main types: single-ply and double-ply. Single-ply heads are thinner and give a brighter, more open sound, which I liked for jazz and lighter playing. Double-ply heads are thicker and more durable, producing a deeper, punchier tone that’s great for rock or heavy playing styles.
Coated vs. Clear Drum Heads
I found coated heads have a textured surface that adds warmth and helps control overtones, making them ideal for a classic bass drum sound. Clear heads, on the other hand, have a brighter attack and more resonance. Depending on the music style I’m playing, I switch between the two for the desired tone.
Consider the Drum Head’s Bearing Edge
The bearing edge is where the drum head meets the shell. Some heads have a reinforced edge or a built-in damping ring. I liked heads with a felt or foam ring around the edge because they reduce unwanted overtones and give a focused, punchy sound.
Durability and Material Quality
Since I hit my bass drum pretty hard, durability was a big factor. I looked for heads made from high-quality Mylar or similar materials that can withstand heavy playing without denting or tearing. Some brands also offer reinforced or textured options for extra longevity.
Budget and Brand Reputation
I balanced my budget with quality by researching reputable brands known for consistent performance. While cheaper heads can save money upfront, I found investing in a well-reviewed head often saves me from frequent replacements and ensures better sound quality.
Additional Features to Look For
Some bass drum heads come with built-in muffling or port holes for microphone placement. I found ported heads helpful when recording or playing live since they allow easy mic placement and better sound projection. If you’re gigging or recording, these features might be worth considering.
Final Tips from My Experience
- Always try to hear or test the head if possible before buying.
- Think about your playing style and the music genre to pick a head that complements your sound.
- Don’t forget to tune your bass drum head properly; even the best head won’t sound good if it’s out of tune.
- Replace your head regularly to maintain the best tone and response.
I hope my buying guide helps you find the right 22-inch bass drum head that brings out the best in your playing!
Author Profile
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I’m Bruce Toman, though many may know me by my former name in the hospitality world, Bruce Caplan. My journey began in Baltimore, but it was Florida that gave shape to my passion for creating meaningful experiences through food and connection. I moved to the Tampa Bay area and opened a bicycle shop in St. Pete Beach. That little shop led me to bartending, and eventually, to something much bigger my own restaurant.
Since then, I’ve shifted from serving meals to serving insights. I now write a blog focused on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. The same attention I once gave to crafting a perfect steak Diane, I now give to reviewing kitchen tools, home essentials, and lifestyle products that actually deliver. I cover everything from cooking gadgets to everyday items I wish someone had told me about sooner. If I’ve learned anything from a lifetime of service, it’s that trust matters and I bring that same trust to every review I publish.
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