Drum heads are a crucial part of your drum kit. They’re the part that you hit, and they have a huge effect on the sound your drums make. Picking the right drum heads can be tricky, especially if you’re new to drumming or if you want to change the sound of your kit. In this article, we’ll go through all the things you need to think about when buying drum heads, like the material, thickness, and type of drum they’re for.
Drum Head Materials
Mylar
Mylar is a kind of plastic that’s used a lot in modern drum heads. It’s strong, not too expensive, and not affected by changes in temperature or humidity. Mylar drum heads are great for drummers who play different kinds of music. They come in different thicknesses. Thin Mylar heads, like Remo’s Diplomat series, give a bright and clear sound. They’re perfect for styles like jazz or pop, where you want a quick and responsive sound. Thick Mylar heads, such as Remo’s Emperor series, are better for rock and metal. They can handle hard hitting and give a deep, full sound.
Kevlar
Kevlar is the same material used in bulletproof vests, so you know it’s tough. Drum heads made with Kevlar are super strong and can take a lot of punishment. They’re great for drummers who play really hard, like in metal or punk. Evans makes a line of Kevlar – reinforced drum heads. These heads have a unique sound. They have a lot of attack, which means the initial hit is very sharp, and they also have a good amount of sustain. But they can be a bit more expensive than regular Mylar heads.
Animal Skins
Before Mylar became popular, animal skins were the go – to for drum heads. Cow, goat, and even buffalo skins were used. Animal skin heads give a warm, natural sound that some drummers really love. They’re often used in traditional or ethnic music. For example, African djembes and Middle Eastern darbukas usually have animal skin heads. However, they need more care. They can be affected by humidity. If it’s too wet, the skin can stretch and the sound can change. Also, some people don’t like using animal products for ethical reasons.
Drum Head Thickness
Thin Drum Heads
Thin drum heads are usually less than 1 mil (a unit of thickness) thick. They’re very responsive. When you hit a thin – headed drum, the head moves easily, which gives a bright, articulate sound. Thin heads are great for drums where you want a lot of clarity, like a snare drum in a jazz band. They’re also good for playing fast, intricate patterns because they bounce back quickly after being hit. But they’re not as durable as thicker heads, so if you play very hard, they might not last as long.
Medium – Thickness Drum Heads
Medium – thickness drum heads are around 1.5 – 2 mils thick. They’re a good balance between durability and sound. They can handle a bit more force than thin heads, so they’re suitable for a wider range of playing styles. In a rock band, a medium – thickness tom – tom head can give a nice, full sound with enough attack to cut through the mix. They also have a bit more sustain than thin heads, which can add some richness to the sound.
Thick Drum Heads
Thick drum heads are 2 mils or thicker. These are the toughest drum heads. They can take a lot of abuse, making them perfect for hard – hitting drummers in genres like metal or heavy rock. A thick bass drum head, for example, can produce a deep, powerful sound. The extra thickness helps to control the resonance, giving a more focused and punchy bass sound. But they’re not as responsive as thinner heads, so they might not be the best choice for playing delicate, fast – paced patterns.
Types of Drum Heads for Different Drums
Bass Drum Heads
For a bass drum, you want a head that can produce a big, powerful sound. A single – ply, medium – to – thick Mylar head is a popular choice. Many drummers like to use a head with a built – in dampening ring. This helps to control the overtones and gives a more focused sound. Some bass drum heads also have a special texture on the inside to reduce unwanted vibrations. If you want a really deep, booming sound, you might consider a double – ply bass drum head. But keep in mind that double – ply heads can be a bit heavier and might require more effort to play.
Snare Drum Heads
Snare drum heads need to be able to produce a sharp, clear sound. A thin or medium – thickness head is usually best. A single – ply Mylar head with a good amount of tension can give a bright, cutting sound. Some snare drum heads have a special coating on them to add durability and change the sound slightly. For example, a coated snare head can give a warmer, more vintage – like sound. If you play a lot of different styles on the snare, you might want to have a few different heads to choose from. A thin head for jazz and a medium – thickness head for rock, for instance.
Tom – Tom Heads
Tom – tom heads come in a variety of thicknesses and materials. For a brighter, more articulate sound, a thin or medium – thickness head is a good choice. If you want a warmer, more mellow sound, you might go for a slightly thicker head or an animal skin head (if you’re willing to deal with the maintenance). Some drummers like to use different thicknesses for their rack toms and floor toms. A thinner head on a rack tom can give a higher – pitched, more responsive sound, while a thicker head on a floor tom can produce a deeper, more resonant sound.
Other Considerations
Brand Reputation
There are many brands that make drum heads, but not all are created equal. Brands like Remo, Evans, and Aquarian have been around for a long time and have a good reputation. They spend a lot of time researching and developing their products to make sure they sound good and last. When you buy from a well – known brand, you’re more likely to get a quality product. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore smaller, lesser – known brands. Sometimes, you can find a great deal and a unique – sounding head from a brand that’s not as popular.
Cost
Drum heads can range in price from very cheap to quite expensive. The cost usually depends on the material, brand, and quality. Cheaper drum heads might be made of lower – quality materials or not be as well – made. They might not sound as good or last as long. But you don’t always have to spend a fortune. There are some mid – priced drum heads that offer a great balance of sound and durability. If you’re on a budget, look for deals or sales. Sometimes, you can find good – quality heads at a discounted price.
Tuning
The type of drum head you choose can affect how easy it is to tune your drums. Some heads, like thin Mylar heads, are very easy to tune. They respond well to small adjustments in tension. Thicker heads, on the other hand, might be a bit more difficult to tune precisely. But once they’re tuned, they can hold their tuning better. If you’re new to tuning drums, you might want to start with a head that’s easy to work with. As you get more experience, you can experiment with different types of heads and see how they affect the tuning process.
Conclusion
Choosing the right drum heads is an important part of getting the sound you want from your drums. You need to think about the material, thickness, and the type of drum you’re buying the head for. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional drummer, taking the time to choose the right drum heads can really improve the sound of your kit. Don’t be afraid to try different things. You might find that a certain type of head that you didn’t expect to like ends up being your favorite. And remember, the sound you want is a personal thing, so go with what makes your drums sound the best to you.
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