Drum skins, also known as drumheads, are the part of the drum that you strike to produce sound. They are a key component in shaping the unique tone of each drum. Over time, the materials used for drum skins have evolved, with both natural and synthetic options available.
Natural Materials
Animal Skins
Cowhide
Popularity and Usage: Cowhide is one of the most commonly used natural materials for drum skins. In particular, the skins from cows are highly valued for their durability and the rich, warm sound they produce. Many traditional and high – end drums, such as large bass drums in orchestras or classic rock – style snare drums, often feature cowhide drumheads. For example, in a symphonic setting, the large bass drum’s deep, resonant sound is enhanced by a thick cowhide skin.
Processing: The cowhide is carefully processed. First, the hair is removed, and then the skin is treated to make it suitable for use as a drum skin. This may involve soaking the skin in special solutions to soften it and make it more pliable. After that, it is stretched and dried to the right tension. Professional drum – makers pay close attention to the thickness and quality of the cowhide. Thicker cowhide is often used for bass drums as it can handle the powerful strikes and produce a deep, booming sound. Thinner cowhide might be used for smaller drums like tom – toms, where a more articulate and higher – pitched sound is desired.
Sheepskin
Sound Characteristics: Sheepskin has a unique sound quality. It tends to produce a warmer, more mellow tone compared to some other materials. Sheepskin is often used for hand drums, such as certain types of African or Middle Eastern drums. In these regions, the use of sheepskin is deeply rooted in traditional drumming cultures. For instance, in North African music, some hand – held frame drums are covered with sheepskin. The softness of the sheepskin allows for a more sensitive response when the drum is played with the hands, enabling drummers to create a wide range of subtle sounds.
Advantages and Disadvantages: One advantage of sheepskin is its ability to produce a very natural – sounding tone. It can also be relatively easy to work with when making drums. However, like all animal skins, it is sensitive to humidity. Changes in humidity can cause the sheepskin to expand or contract, which may affect the tuning of the drum.
Goatskin
Traditional Applications: Goatskin has a long history of use in drum – making, especially in traditional drums from various cultures around the world. In some African and Asian cultures, goatskin is preferred for its unique sound and texture. For example, in West African djembe drums, goatskin is the traditional choice. The djembe’s ability to produce a wide range of sounds, from deep bass tones to sharp slaps, is closely related to the properties of the goatskin.
Durability and Tone: Goatskin is known for its durability. It can withstand repeated striking and maintain its shape well. The tone produced by goatskin is often bright and articulate. When a drummer strikes a goatskin – covered drum, the sound has a distinct clarity, making it suitable for styles of music that require precise and sharp – sounding percussion, such as certain types of folk and traditional music.
Synthetic Materials
Mylar (Polyester Film)
Development and Popularity: Mylar is a synthetic material developed by the American chemical company DuPont. It has become extremely popular in the world of drum – making. Mylar is a type of polyester film that offers several advantages over natural materials. It is highly resistant to changes in humidity and temperature, which means that drums with Mylar skins are less likely to go out of tune due to environmental factors. This makes it a great choice for drummers who perform in different climates or in areas with inconsistent humidity levels.
Sound and Performance: In terms of sound, Mylar skins can produce a bright, clear tone. They are often used in modern drum kits, especially in genres like rock, pop, and metal. The high – tension capabilities of Mylar allow for a tight, responsive feel when playing. Drummers can achieve fast, precise strokes on Mylar – covered drums. For example, in a fast – paced rock song, the quick – response of a Mylar – skinned snare drum can help drive the rhythm forward.
Kevlar
Strength and Durability: Kevlar is another synthetic material used in drum skins. It is famous for its exceptional strength and durability. Kevlar is the same material used in bullet – proof vests, which gives you an idea of how tough it is. Drums with Kevlar skins are extremely resistant to wear and tear, making them ideal for drummers who play with a lot of force or in demanding performance situations.
Sound Properties: The sound produced by Kevlar – skinned drums is unique. It has a very focused and punchy tone. Kevlar skins are often used in situations where a powerful, cutting – through sound is needed, such as in heavy metal or hard – hitting punk music. The stiffness of Kevlar helps to project the sound clearly, even in a loud, crowded musical setting.
Silicone – Coated Skins
Special Features: Silicone – coated drum skins are a more recent innovation. These skins have a layer of silicone applied to the surface, which provides some interesting properties. The silicone coating can reduce the amount of friction between the drumstick and the skin, allowing for smoother playing. It also gives the skin a bit of a self – lubricating quality.
Sound Modification: In terms of sound, the silicone coating can slightly modify the tone of the drum. It can add a bit of sustain to the sound and also reduce the harshness that might be present in some other types of skins. This makes silicone – coated skins suitable for drummers who want to experiment with a different sound texture, perhaps in more experimental or ambient music styles.
Hybrid Materials
Combinations of Natural and Synthetic
Blending the Best of Both Worlds: Some drum skins are made by combining natural and synthetic materials. For example, there are skins that have a base layer of Mylar for stability and durability, but with a thin layer of natural material, like a very fine layer of cowhide or sheepskin, on the surface. This combination aims to capture the warm, natural tone of the animal skin while also benefiting from the stability and weather – resistance of the synthetic material.
Custom – Tuned Sounds: By blending materials in this way, drum – makers can create custom – tuned sounds. They can adjust the ratio of natural to synthetic materials to achieve different tonal qualities. This allows drummers to have more options when it comes to finding the perfect sound for their specific musical needs. For instance, a drummer who plays a mix of acoustic and electric music might prefer a hybrid – skinned drum that can produce a warm, organic sound in an acoustic setting but also hold up well to the high – volume demands of an electric performance.
The Impact of Material on Sound and Playability
Sound
Tone Color: Different materials produce different tone colors. Natural materials like cowhide offer a rich, warm tone color that is often associated with traditional and acoustic music. Synthetic materials such as Mylar, on the other hand, produce a brighter, more modern – sounding tone color. The choice of material can significantly affect the overall mood and character of the music being played. For example, in a jazz band, a warm – toned cowhide – skinned snare drum might be preferred to add a classic, smooth feel to the music. In an electronic dance music (EDM) production, a bright – toned Mylar – skinned drum could be used to cut through the mix and add a sharp, energetic element.
Pitch and Resonance: The material of the drum skin also impacts the pitch and resonance of the drum. Thicker skins, whether natural or synthetic, generally produce lower – pitched sounds with more resonance. Thinner skins produce higher – pitched sounds with less resonance. For example, a thick cowhide bass drum skin will produce a deep, booming low – pitch sound with a long resonance, while a thin Mylar tom – tom skin will produce a higher – pitched, more staccato sound.
Playability
Responsiveness: The responsiveness of a drum skin refers to how quickly it reacts to a strike. Synthetic materials like Kevlar and Mylar are known for their high responsiveness. Drummers can play fast, intricate patterns with ease on drums covered with these skins. Natural materials, while also responsive, may have a slightly different feel. For example, a goatskin – covered djembe has a more tactile and sensitive response, which is well – suited for the complex hand – drumming techniques used in African music.
Durability and Maintenance: Durability is an important factor in playability. Synthetic materials are generally more durable than natural materials. Kevlar skins can withstand a lot of abuse without breaking, which is great for drummers who play aggressively. Natural skins, however, require more maintenance. They need to be kept at the right humidity level to avoid warping or losing their tuning. For example, if a cowhide – skinned drum is exposed to high humidity, the skin may stretch and the drum will go out of tune.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the materials used to make drum skins are diverse, each with its own set of advantages and characteristics. Whether you prefer the warm, natural sound of animal skins or the modern, stable qualities of synthetic materials, there is a drum skin out there to suit your musical style and needs. As drumming techniques and musical styles continue to evolve, we can expect to see even more innovative materials and combinations being used in the world of drum – making.
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