Evans TT16C7 - Calftone 16
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Manufacturer Information
Evans
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Historical Context and Positioning in the Range
Why "56"? Because in 1956, Chick Evans made history by creating the first synthetic drumhead. With the Evans '56 Calftone series, the American brand celebrates this heritage by bringing it into the present: an aesthetic and tonal character inspired by traditional heads, combined with high-end synthetic materials and modern manufacturing precision. Within the Evans lineup, the Calftone is positioned as a reference for drummers seeking a vintage character without the constraints of a natural skin.
Who This Drumhead Is For
The Evans '56 Calftone is aimed equally at the intermediate drummer who wants to quickly achieve a musical and coherent sound, and the advanced musician looking for a more "old school" and organic signature. It excels in contexts where nuance matters: jazz, fusion, pop, as well as any "generalist" application requiring an expressive and easy-to-tune head. In the studio, it highlights the detail of strokes and the roundness of the tone; on stage, it maintains a warm identity that naturally blends into the mix.
Features and Innovations
Designed to deliver vintage "grain" with modern reliability, the '56 Calftone combines a 7mil single ply construction with Level 360 technology. The latter improves contact between the head and the shell, facilitating tuning, reducing irregular tension zones, and helping to quickly find the instrument's "sweet spot." The result: a more consistent feel under the stick, more intuitive tuning (useful for quick changes during concerts), and a uniform response across the entire striking surface.
Sound Characteristics
The Calftone's sound philosophy is based on a simple idea: to recapture the warmth, roundness, and richness associated with traditional heads while maintaining synthetic stability. Its attack is generally soft and musical, with a presence of midrange frequencies that add body to toms and give the snare a more "woody" character. The sustain remains natural and singing, with harmonics that evoke vintage tones rather than a too clinical sound.
The 7mil single ply directly contributes to this sensation: the head reacts quickly, lets the shell breathe, and enhances dynamic playing techniques (ghost notes, brushes, accents, rimshots). For drummers seeking an authentic sound, the Calftone offers a warm and inspiring tone without the typical variations of natural skins. It is a particularly relevant choice if you aim for a "retro" sound in jazz, fusion, or pop, while keeping a reliable and consistent head for everyday use.
Technical specifications
| Category | Tom | Diameter | 16 " |
| Head finish | Animal type | Color | Beige |
| Shaping | Single Ply | ||
| Type | synthetic drumhead with an "animal skin" appearance | Plies | single ply |
| Thickness | 7mil | Technology | Level 360 (optimized seating and easier tuning) |
Questions frequently asked
Does the Evans TT16C7 Calftone fit a 16-inch tom?
Its 16-inch diameter is designed to fit a tom of that size.
What is the thickness of the Calftone 16 drumhead?
The single-ply construction has a thickness of 7 mil. This configuration promotes a quick response and allows the shell to resonate.
What sound does a Calftone drumhead produce on a tom?
The animal skin-like finish aims for a warm tone with pronounced midrange. The sustain remains natural and ringing, with a vintage aesthetic.
Is the Calftone 16 suitable for jazz and fusion?
This model is appropriate for jazz, fusion, and pop settings, where nuance and dynamic playing are desired. The 7 mil single ply especially highlights accents and brushwork.
Does the Level 360 technology facilitate tuning?
Level 360 technology optimizes the seating of the drumhead on the shell to ease tuning and reduce uneven tension. It helps to find the desired pitch more quickly. The response remains consistent across the playing surface.
