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NOT QUITE SOMETHING old, something new and something borrowed, but this wrap-up includes a couple we overlooked, an updated model and a new offering from the land of the Samba. Testing was done on the same rig used in the original test – a heavyweight drumstick pivoting on a nail on a vertical rod. Noise measurement was done via the same Realistic Sound Level Meter, with a brand new Hart mesh head used to calibrate the measurements against those obtained last time. The rebound measurement was done, again, by connecting the snare to a Roland TD-20 module and taking a line recording from the module. The recordings were loaded into Nero Wave Editor and the waves measured until they fell below a minimum value. The duration to that zero point is noted in the table. Again, there were two noise level measurements: one from a controlled drop and the second in free play, at maximum velocity. The results, in alphabetical order, were as follows:
682Drums Dutch company 682Drums includes dual-ply mesh heads in its range of DIY products. The PRO-XS mesh heads come in a range of sizes, with the 12” version well-priced at €14,95. The heads come in black only, emblazoned with a white “682DRUMS” logo. It looks very well made and feels robust and solid. Mounting is easy with a snugfitting hoop, and a generous amount of give in the mesh allows you to really tighten this guy down. The mesh is very fine, indicating a strong, durable product. The heads, when tightened, had a realistic feel, good rebound and excellent positional sensing. So, is there any compromise with a head that’s right at the bottom of the two-ply price list, coming in considerably cheaper than its nearest rival? It appears that there’s no deficiency in the feel or performance, and even on the sonic side, the heads certainly hold their own. Among the quietest of the dual-ply heads, the 682Drums product gave a dull thudding tone accented by the two-ply buzz when struck. digitalDRUMMER, AUGUST 2011
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