Evans Strata 1400 Power Center Reverse Review: Warm Concert Bass on a Budget

Who Should Buy It

Key Specifications

Overview

The Evans Strata 1400 Power Center Reverse is a 40 inch concert bass drum head positioned in the budget tier. The product listing presents it as a single ply head made from 14mil film with a Strata coating and a reverse dot at the center. This combination is designed to give concert bass drums a balanced attack while adding low end and warmth. On paper, it targets orchestral, wind ensemble, and school percussion settings where a large, resonant bass drum sound is needed.

The reverse dot is the main point of difference. According to the listed description, it increases attack and low end for a larger, deeper sound. The Strata coating is advertised to provide a warmth similar to calf skin while avoiding the papery sound quality that some synthetic concert bass heads exhibit. These features suggest a head that supports a round, projecting tone rather than a thin or overly bright one.

Because no in-person testing was performed, this review relies on the published details and general knowledge of drum head construction. The listing does not state tuning range, exact film polymer, or included accessories, so those areas remain open. Still, the available information is enough to assess the likely strengths and trade offs of this 40 inch Evans head.

Sound and Tone

Sound begins with the single ply of 14mil film. A 14mil film is on the thicker side for a single ply head, which the listing says produces full bodied sustain and a balanced attack. In concert bass drum use, sustain matters because the instrument often provides the low frequency foundation of an ensemble. The published spec suggests the head will ring clearly without an overly tight or choked response.

The Strata coating is the tonal centerpiece. Evans states that it offers a warmth of tone similar to calf skin. Calf skin has long been a reference for warm, organic concert bass sounds, but natural skin is sensitive to humidity and cost. The coating on this synthetic head aims to give some of that character without the maintenance. The listing explicitly notes that this head lacks the papery sound quality of other synthetic concert bass heads, which is a meaningful claim for players who dislike the dry, crinkly sound of some coated or uncoated heads.

The reverse dot adds a focused center to the sound. According to the listing, it increases attack and low end for a larger, deeper sound. That should give the mallet strike more definition, which can help in large halls or when the bass drum needs to cut through a full ensemble. The overall voice on paper is warm, sustained, and slightly fronted in the low frequencies, without being overtly muffled.

Build and Materials

The head is described as a single ply of 14mil film. The listing does not identify the exact polymer, so the material cannot be confirmed without additional specification from Evans. In drum head construction, 14mil is a common thickness for concert and orchestral bass heads, offering a balance of durability and resonance. A single ply design is usually lighter and more open than a two ply head, which can be an advantage for concert playing where the drum needs to breathe.

The Strata coating is applied to the film to produce the calf skin like warmth. The reverse dot is a separate circular patch, typically applied to the center of the head, that adds mass and stiffness to the striking area. The listing states the reverse dot increases attack and low end, which is consistent with the general function of center dots. The coating and dot together create a two zone surface: a reinforced center for articulation and a coated outer area for warmth.

Playability and Technique

Playability for a concert bass drum head depends on how it responds to different mallets and playing zones. The published 14mil single ply should provide a responsive surface that activates easily with a soft or medium mallet. The reverse dot gives the center more mass, which may require a slightly firmer stroke to get the fullest sound, but it also rewards that stroke with a more defined attack. The listing does not specify a tuning range, so players will need to rely on the drum's own hardware and their ear.

The Strata coating changes the feel under the mallet. Coated heads generally have a slightly textured surface that can produce a subtle brush or mallet drag sound, though this listing does not mention brushes. Concert bass drum technique often involves rolling from the edge toward the center to change tone and articulation. The reverse dot creates an obvious center target and may encourage a more consistent striking point for students and less experienced players.

• Single ply 14mil film offers an open, responsive feel
• Reverse dot provides a defined center for mallet targeting
• Strata coating adds a slightly textured surface
• No published tuning range means ear and drum hardware guide tension

Versatility and Styles

This is a concert bass drum head, not a drum set kick head. Its 40 inch diameter is designed for orchestral and wind band bass drums, where the instrument is often mounted on a stand and struck with a large mallet. The warm, calf like tone from the Strata coating suits classical, symphonic, and concert band repertoire. The reverse dot adds enough attack for contemporary or rhythmic passages without turning the drum into a rock kick.

The head may also work for outdoor field percussion or indoor drumline front ensembles if the drum accepts a 40 inch head, but the listing does not state a specific shell depth or hoop style. The full bodied sustain and low end could support a wide dynamic range from pianissimo rolls to fortissimo accents. However, players who need a very dry, controlled sound for close miking or recording might find the single ply openness too resonant, though they can add external muffling.

Portability and Care

A 40 inch drum head is large but relatively light and flexible. The listing does not publish a weight, but single ply film heads of this size are generally easy to move and store when not mounted. Because it is a head and not a full drum, portability is mostly about protecting the film from punctures and creases. A head of this diameter should be carried flat or in a suitable bag when transported.

Care for a coated head requires some attention. The Strata coating can show stick or mallet marks over time, which is normal and does not necessarily affect sound. The listing does not provide cleaning instructions, so users should avoid harsh chemicals and wipe with a dry or slightly damp cloth if needed. The reverse dot area may accumulate more visible wear because it is the primary striking zone.

Setup and Daily Use

Installing a 40 inch concert bass head is straightforward for someone with basic percussion experience. The head is placed on the shell, the hoop is set over it, and the tension rods are brought up evenly in a star pattern. The listing does not publish a recommended tuning note or tension range, so users should bring the head to a smooth, wrinkle free point and then adjust by ear. A single ply head of 14mil film should seat with moderate tension.

Because the reverse dot adds mass, the center may feel slightly stiffer than the outer area. This is not a defect, but it means the head may need a little more time to settle after initial tuning. The Strata coating may feel slightly textured and can produce a faint swish with soft mallets, though the listing does not make specific claims about that. Daily use in a school or rehearsal setting should be fine if the head is struck with appropriate concert bass drum mallets.

Who Should Buy It

This head is a natural fit for concert band and orchestra percussionists who use a 40 inch bass drum. The listed warmth and balanced attack make it suitable for schools, community ensembles, and youth orchestras where budgets are limited but tone is still important. The reverse dot adds a little more definition for passages that need a clear front edge.

Players who have been frustrated by the papery sound of some synthetic concert heads will likely find the Strata coating appealing. The claim that it is similar to calf skin is significant for those who want that organic warmth without the instability of natural skin. It is also a good choice for anyone who wants a single ply head with a reinforced center rather than a completely flat surface.

Alternatives Worth Considering

Remo offers concert bass drum heads with fiber coatings that aim for a similar warm, calf like tone. Those heads may be available in a wider range of sizes and with different muffling options. Without exact specs, buyers should compare the coating type and ply count to see which suits their drum.

Evans itself produces other concert bass heads with different center treatments or no dot. A player who wants a more traditional, even response across the head might prefer a non-dot version. A player who wants maximum attack might look for a head with an even larger reinforcement patch, but that would likely change the sustain.

Verdict

The Evans Strata 1400 Power Center Reverse is a purpose built 40 inch concert bass drum head that combines warmth, sustain, and added low end at a budget price. The published 14mil single ply and Strata coating are likely to produce the calf skin like tone many concert players want, while the reverse dot adds definition. On paper, it addresses common complaints about synthetic heads sounding papery or thin.

The main unknowns are tuning range, exact polymer, weight, and included accessories, none of which are stated in the listing. This does not undermine the product's likely performance, but it does mean buyers who need full documentation will have to seek additional details. The build and finish descriptions are sufficient for most purchasing decisions.

Given the price tier and the Evans reputation, this head represents strong value for schools, orchestras, and individual percussionists. It is not the most advanced or heavily damped option, but it does what it claims: warm, balanced, and deeper sounding with a focused attack. For a 40 inch concert bass drum on a budget, it deserves serious consideration.

Strengths and Limitations

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Questions Buyers Ask