Roland Powerply Heads

104
| APRIL 2016 WWW.MUSICRADAR.COM/RHYTHM
GEAR REVIEW
U
p until recently Roland’s mesh
heads were only available as
a ‘spare part’ and from Roland
themselves. Now the range has
increased to allow acoustic drummers to ‘go
mesh’, transforming their kits into electro/
acoustic hybrids by dropping into their local
music store. V-Drum owners, too, can now
purchase replacement heads for their e-kits.
There are nine models available, in the
most popular drum sizes – 8” to 22”. These
are the same type as found on V-Drum kits,
where the new examples are also dual-ply
and made by Remo. Not to be confused with
Remo’s own SilentStrokes, as these are
single-ply. Roland says its dual-ply mesh
heads produce the most accurate results
when used with their RT-30 triggers.
While the heads are resilient and extremely
hard-wearing, it is best not to use metal
brushes or felt beaters with them. Roland
recommend you use wood or plastic beaters,
and I would advise using plastic brushes.
Hands On
For the purposes of the review, Roland has
kindly loaned us a pair of RT-30 triggers, a
TM-2 trigger/sound module and a selection of
From £25 Roland’s new MH-2 mesh heads are now
available off-the-peg for easy conversion of any acoustic kit
R OLAND
POWERPLY HEADS
WORDS: DAVE HOLMES
the new heads. We are swapping some of the
batters on the kit including three toms, snare
and kick. As with any acoustic head, it is
important to apply tension evenly – tightening
up quarter of a key turn until it becomes hard
to make a thumb impression at the edge.
Unlike with standard acoustic heads we are
not tensioning for pitch but for how they feel
under the sticks. This has an advantage over
acoustic heads, especially on the lower
pitched drums such as the lower toms and
kick drum – we don’t have to retain any slack
in order to achieve a low pitch – we’ll let the
TM-2 deal with that!
With the triggers clamped in position
we can begin to introduce some electronic
sounds. At fi rst, the rebound can be a little
unnerving for those in unfamiliar mesh
territory – the heads act as a real
springboard. This is especially noticeable
on the larger toms as I would normally have
these fairly slack to give them a little more
oomph. As a predominantly acoustic player,
it’s a case of remembering, when turning
that key, it won’t affect pitch, just tension.
This level of taut tension may also be
applied to the bass drum and here the
beaters become turbo charged. However, this
PRICES
8", £25; 10", £25; 12",
£29; 13", £35; 14", £35;
16", £55; 18" bass drum,
£55; 20" bass drum, £65:
22" bass drum, £65
SIZES AVAILABLE
8 ", 10", 12", 13", 14", 16",
18", 20" 22"
HEAD MATERIAL
Mylar
CONSTRUCTION
Dual mesh
CONTACT
Roland (UK) Ltd
Tel: [phone]
www.roland.co.uk
Essential spec
MESH HEADS
Nine models are available in the
most popular sizes, from 8" to
22" in diameter
has the effect of losing the apparent physical
low-end – here Roland’s Jules Tabberer-
Stewart helps out. He suggests placing a felt
strip behind the head – a bit like a dampening
strip. With this in place it works a treat, giving
the real impression of more bottom end and
ultimately giving a punchier feel. Without any
adjustment necessary to the RT-30s the
response is instant and accurate. Picking up
the tiniest ghosted strikes, hard whacks and
everything in between. Headphones off, there
is still a slight ring from the resonant heads
which acts as an unexpected monitor. As
the ultimate sound doesn’t depend on the
material the kit is made of, the heads could
easily convert any acoustic kit.
VERDICT: Roland gives any drummer
the choice of easy hybrid conversion
which, at fi rst glance could be viewed
as pricey. However, when you consider
the longevity offered by the dual-ply
heads, they’re competitively priced.
BUILD QUALITY
PLAYABILITY
VALUE FOR MONEY
RATING
RHY253.gear_roland.indd 104 2/23/16 4:32 PM