Evans Resonant Black Bass Drum Head 22 in - Open, Resonant Tone

In this review of the Evans Resonant Black bass drum head 22 in the bottom line is simple: this head is for drummers who want a wide-open, sustaining low-end and classic vintage character. Our review found the 7.5mil single-ply construction and lack of control rings or vents produce a lively, freely resonant tone that shines at higher tunings and in jazz, bop, and arena-style contexts. It is engineered for players who prioritize sustain and full frequency response over dampening or extreme attack control.

Key Features

• Single-ply 7.5mil film: Delivers a bright, open tone with long sustain and clear midrange that responds well to stick and beater articulation.
• No control rings or vents: Maximizes resonance and allows the shell and room to shape the bass response rather than internal dampening.
• Optimized for higher tunings: Provides focused pitch and clarity when tuned above very low settings, ideal for styles that demand definition.
• 22 in diameter: Matches standard concert and kit bass drums and keeps the low fundamental full-bodied without excessive boom.
• Made in USA: Designed, engineered and manufactured in the United States with consistent quality control and materials.

Who It's For

The Evans Resonant Black 22 in is aimed at jazz and bop drummers, studio players, and anyone chasing vintage arena rock or open orchestral bass tones. Players who like a freely singing head that lets the shell and room breathe will find this resonant head especially rewarding when paired with a dry batter or controlled beater choice.

Drummers seeking heavily damped, muted, or ultra-controlled low-end should look elsewhere; the lack of overtone control rings and vents means this head does not sculpt overtones for a dry, modern pop sound. If you need instant, deadened attack with minimal sustain, a different Evans model with built-in control would be a better fit.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very open, natural sustain that enhances shell resonance and room interaction.
• Clear pitch and frequency response, especially when tuned higher.
• Simple single-ply construction keeps feel and response immediate and musical.
• Manufactured in the USA with consistent build quality.

Cons

• Not suited for players who want heavily damped or controlled overtones.
• Single-ply film can show more wear over time than multi-ply, depending on use.

Specifications

Product	Resonant Black bass drum head
Diameter	22 in
Film construction	Single ply, 7.5mil
Overtone control	None (no rings or vents)
Best tuning range	Higher tunings for optimal resonance
Manufacture	Designed and made in the USA

Our Verdict

The Evans Resonant Black 22 in is a focused, well-built resonant head that excels for jazz, bop, and any player wanting a full, open bass tone with long sustain. Its single-ply 7.5mil film and lack of dampening make it a strong value for drummers who prioritize natural resonance and frequency response over built-in control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will this head work on any 22 in bass drum?
The head fits standard 22 in shells; compatibility depends on rim depth and mounting but it is designed for common 22 in bass drum hoops.

Is this head suitable for recording?
Yes, when you want an open, resonant low end on recordings; it may require external dampening if a tighter, more controlled sound is desired.

Does it come factory dampened?
No, the Resonant Black series omits control rings and vents to maximize sustain and frequency response.