Evans UB14GEN Uno Coated Snare Batter 14"

Evans Genera Series: Balanced Snare Tone and Control

The Genera series is specifically crafted for snare drums, aiming to deliver a sound that is both articulate and controlled. They achieve this by combining the responsiveness of a single-ply head with built-in overtone management.

14-inch Diameter for Snare Drum Batter

The "14" in "UB14GEN" indicates a 14-inch diameter drumhead, which is the standard size for the batter head (the top head you strike) of most snare drums.

Single-Ply Construction with Overtone Control Ring

The B14GEN's sound control comes from its thoughtful single-ply design:

• Single Ply of 10 mil Film: The head is made from a single layer of 10 mil (0.25 mm) thick Mylar film. This provides the sensitivity, responsiveness, and open feel typically associated with single-ply heads. It allows for good articulation of stick work and snare wire response.

• 2 mil Overtone Control Ring: Crucially, a 2 mil (0.05 mm) overtone control ring is integrated on the underside of the head. This ring "floats" with the head's vibration, working to:

  • Eliminate Excessive High-Frequency Overtones: It effectively dampens unwanted ringing and high-pitched frequencies that can make a snare drum sound harsh or uncontrolled.

  • Control Sustain: The ring helps to shorten the decay of the drum sound, providing a more focused and articulate "pop" or "crack" without choking the drum's fundamental tone.

Coated Finish for Warmth and Brush Response

The "GEN" typically refers to the "Genera" series, and for this model, it specifies a coated finish.

• Textured Coating: The surface features Evans' signature white textured coating. This coating adds a subtle warmth to the sound, slightly softens the initial stick attack, and contributes to a fatter tone.

• Excellent Brush Playability: The textured surface is ideal for playing with brushes, providing a smooth and consistent "swish" sound, making it a versatile choice for jazz, blues, and other styles where brushes are common.

• Added Durability: The coating also contributes to the head's overall durability and extended playing life compared to an uncoated head.

Level 360 Technology (Likely Included in Modern Versions)

While the "U" historically meant "Uno" (pre-Level 360), modern Evans Genera heads, including those designated "GEN," typically incorporate 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.

• Extended Pitch Range: Drummers can achieve a wider array of usable pitches from their snare drum.

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

Sound Characteristics

The Evans UB14GEN (or B14GEN) Coated drumhead typically produces a sound that is:

• Crisp and Focused: Delivers a clear, articulate stick attack with excellent control over ring and unwanted frequencies.

• Balanced Attack and Sustain: Provides a good initial pop, followed by a relatively short and controlled sustain.

• Moderately Dark Tone: The combination of the 10 mil single ply, control ring, and coating gives it a full, slightly dark, and natural snare drum voice.

• Sensitive and Responsive: Maintains the feel and dynamic sensitivity of a single-ply head, allowing for nuanced ghost notes and articulation.

• Versatile: Offers a natural, versatile snare sound suitable for many styles.

Intended Use

The UB14GEN (or B14GEN) is a highly versatile snare drum batter head suitable for:

• General Purpose: A fantastic all-around snare head for drummers who want a controlled yet natural and responsive sound.

• Pop, Rock, Jazz, Funk, R&B, Blues: Its balanced characteristics make it adaptable to a wide range of musical genres.

• Studio and Live Applications: The built-in overtone control is beneficial in both recording and live sound settings, minimizing the need for external dampening.

• Brush Playing: Excellent for drummers who frequently use brushes due to its coated surface.

• Drummers preferring single-ply feel with control: Ideal for those who appreciate the responsiveness of a single-ply but need to manage overtones effectively.