Evans B14HBG Hydraulic Black Coated 14" Snare Batter

Evans Hydraulic Series: The Classic 70s Sound with Modern Durability

The Hydraulic series is unique in the drumhead market due to its oil-filled construction. This design inherently controls overtones and shortens sustain, delivering a distinct, vintage-inspired sound with modern reliability.

14-inch Diameter for Snare Drum Batter

The "14" in "B14HBG" indicates a 14-inch diameter drumhead. This is the standard size for the batter head (the top head you strike) of most snare drums.

Double-Ply Construction with a Thin Layer of Oil

The core of the Hydraulic's distinctive sound and durability lies in its construction:

• Two Plies of Film: The Black Hydraulic heads typically feature two plies of film: a 6.5 mil (0.165 mm) outer ply and a 7.5 mil (0.19 mm) inner ply, resulting in a robust 14 mil total thickness. This double-ply design provides exceptional durability and a deep fundamental tone.

• Thin Layer of Oil: What truly sets the Hydraulic series apart is the thin layer of oil sandwiched between the two plies. This oil actively suppresses unwanted overtones and ringing, resulting in the series' characteristic short sustain and controlled sound. It also contributes to the head's "fat" tone.

Black Coated Finish

The "HBG" indicates "Hydraulic Black Coated" or "Hydraulic Black Glass" referring to its translucent black appearance.

• Unique Black Appearance: The head has a distinct, translucent black finish, which looks incredibly sleek and gives a powerful visual statement to any drum kit.

• Warmth and Focus: The coating (often described as "frosted" or "translucent coated") contributes to additional warmth, focus, and depth in the sound. It also slightly dampens the attack compared to a clear head.

Level 360 Technology for Optimal Fit and Tuning

Like all modern Evans drumheads, the B14HBG incorporates Level 360 Technology. This innovative collar design ensures:

• Perfect Seating: The head sits evenly and completely flush with the drum's bearing edge, simplifying installation and maximizing contact for optimal resonance.

• Effortless Tuning: The improved contact and consistent collar profile allow for quicker, easier, and more stable tuning across the entire head's surface. Hydraulic heads are particularly famous for being "easy to tune," making them a great solution for problematic drums or for drummers new to tuning.

• Extended Pitch Range: Drummers can achieve a wider array of usable pitches from their snare drum, despite the inherent dampening.

• Optimized Sound Quality: Ensures full and consistent contact with the drum shell, which is crucial for maximizing the drum's fundamental tone and articulation.

Sound Characteristics

The Evans B14HBG Hydraulic Coated drumhead delivers a very specific and sought-after sound:

• Fat, Deep, and Short: This is the signature Hydraulic sound. It provides a powerful, low-end punch with minimal sustain.

• Controlled Overtone Suppression: The oil layer is highly effective at eliminating unwanted ringing and high-frequency overtones, giving a very "dry" and focused sound.

• Defined Attack: A clear, robust stick impact, often described as a "thump" or "thwack."

• Warm Tone: The combination of the oil, double plies, and coating contributes to a warm, full-bodied sound.

• Easy to Tune: Due to the inherent dampening, these heads are forgiving and can make even difficult-to-tune drums sound good.

• Excellent for Reflective Rooms: The short sustain makes it ideal for live venues or recording spaces with excessive natural reverb, helping to create a tighter drum sound.

Intended Use

The B14HBG is primarily a snare drum batter head (the head you strike). Its characteristics make it highly suitable for:

• Classic Rock (especially 70s/80s style): It's the go-to head for achieving that iconic, "wet blanket" drum sound without actually using blankets.

• Funk, R&B, Pop: Excellent for styles where a tight, punchy, and controlled snare sound is desired.

• Heavy Rock, Metal: Its durability and focused power can stand up to aggressive playing.

• Studio Recording: The pre-dampened nature significantly reduces the need for post-production EQ or gating, saving time and simplifying the mixing process.

• Live Performance: Cuts through the mix without excessive ringing, providing a consistent and controlled tone.

• Drummers who struggle with tuning: Its forgiving nature makes it a "fix" for troublesome drums.

• Anyone seeking extreme durability: The two plies and oil layer make it highly robust.