Best Drum Heads for Every Style: Our Top 26 Picks

Get ready to hit the right notes with our roundup of the top drum heads! In this article, we’ll put the spotlight on the best drum heads available on the market, making it easier for you to find the perfect fit for your drumming style and preferences. From resonant bass drum heads to clear-sounding snare drum heads, discover the best options for creating stunning sound, right here.

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Reviews

Gretsch Permatone 14” Clear Drum Head

Elevate your drum setup with the Gretsch Permatone 14” Clear Head, which brings that legendary “That Great Gretsch Sound” to your gear. Crafted by Remo USA, this premier drumhead boasts a single ply Remo Ambassador drumhead, proudly displaying the iconic Gretsch logo. With its timeless clear finish, it’s the ideal choice for drum kits aiming to capture that distinctively recognizable tone.

Gretsch Fiberskyn 20-inch Bass Drum Head with Logo

Experience the perfect blend of sound and style with the Fiberskyn 20-inch Gretsch bass drum head. Crafted by Remo USA for professionals, advanced, and beginner bass drummers alike, this stunning single ply head boasts a sleek black Gretsch center logo, a resonant drum head with Fiberskyn technology. Elevate your drumming experience with that iconic Gretsch touch.

Custom Drum Head 16” 73SLEX for Enhanced Sound

Bring your Samba band to life with these custom drum heads, featuring top-quality transfer prints of your logo. Our innovative printing technique ensures vibrant colors that won’t fade, maintaining the sound quality and authentic look of Rio and Salvador. Choose from sizes 12”, 14”, 16”, 20”, 22”, and 24”, and select the perfect type of nylon single-ply, custom head to complete your ensemble.

High-Quality Attack 1-Ply No Overtone Black Bass Drum Head

Get ready to make an impact with the Proflex1 22” No Overtone Bass Drum Head. With its bright, crisp attack and long decay, it’s perfect for those moments when you need a little extra projection. The built-in muffle ring on the underside ensures just the right amount of tone control, making this baby a versatile powerhouse for any genre. Made with Attack’s popular 10-mil Dynaflex film and boasting a sleek black finish, the Proflex1 is the “jack of all trades” for drummers everywhere.

Braincerebro Silentstroke Premium Quiet Drum Head Set for Complete Drum Kit

Experience the ultimate in quiet drumming with Braincerebro’s Silentstroke Drum Head Set. Designed specifically for low volume practice, each drumhead is crafted from 1-ply mesh material for a soft, spring-like feel at minimal decibel levels. Perfect for keeping the noise down during late-night sessions, these drumheads will have your full drum kit sounding great while maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.

Low-Volume Mesh Drum Head for Quiet Practice

Experience the magic of silent drumming with RTOM Mesh Drum Heads. Perfect for late-night practice sessions in apartments, bedrooms, or studios, these versatile heads provide a realistic and audible response while keeping your volume in check. Designed with heavy-duty mesh for ultimate durability, these heads are available in various sizes and even as a bundle for convenience. Try them today and take your drumming game to the next level.

DW Coated Drum Head - 12 inch, Coated Single Ply Snare

Experience the superior sound quality of DW’s 12” Coated Drum Head, featuring a coated single ply Snare head with a conveniently printed tuning sequence. Crafted by Remo USA, this drum head is designed to offer rigidity and durability, thanks to its high tension Crimplock collar and Dupont A film construction. As a made in the USA product, you can trust its premium quality and reliability.

Premium White Bass Drum O with 6” Black Port

Experience the ultimate bass drum sound with the Bass Drum O 22” pre-cut drum head. Crafted in smooth white with a 6” black bass drum hole, this innovative drum head significantly reduces excess “ring” and “boominess” for a tighter and more controlled sound. Its user-friendly design allows for easy muffling and microphone placement adjustments, making it the perfect addition to your drum setup.

Pearl 10” Mesh Drum Head: Perfect for Custom Drumming Experience

These mesh drum heads are a game-changer for those who need to practice in quiet settings without sacrificing their drumming experience. The durable mesh fabric allows for a silent practice while providing the feel of a standard drum head. With a 4.6-star rating and 79 reviews, these heads are a favorite among those who value the convenience and feel of a quiet practice.

RTOM Mesh Bass Drum Head

Experience the ultimate in quiet drumming with the RTOM Mesh Bass Drum Head. This mesh head, perfect for practicing in apartments, bedrooms, and studios, offers unbeatable durability and a highly realistic response. The specially designed center sound patch delivers an enhanced audible attack, while the heavy-duty mesh material ensures unparalleled longevity.

Bnineteenteam Quiet 10-Inch Drum Mesh Heads - Performance Accessory

Experience the ultimate in silent drum practice with Bnineteenteam’s Drumhead Pack. These high-quality mesh drum heads feature double-layer nylon mesh for exceptional sound reduction, allowing you to enjoy your drumming without disturbing others. With a sleek, simple design and easy installation, you’ll be able to make the most of your drum set right at home.

No Overtone Clear Attack Bass Drum Head

Experience the ultimate versatility with the 22” Clear Proflex1 Bass Drum Head. This drum head boasts a bright, crisp attack matched with a long decay, making it perfect for enhancing your sound’s projection in any genre. With the unique “No Overtone” feature, it comes with a built-in muffle ring that provides an additional touch of tone control for unparalleled sound customization. Made using the premium 10-mil Dynaflex film, this head is the ultimate ‘jack of all trades’ for any music style you play.

Ludwig Weather Master Coated Heavy Weight Battery Drumhead

Rediscover the classic sound of Ludwig with the Weather Master Coated Heavy Weight Batter Drumhead. This 10-mil (approx. 0.254mm) single layer drumhead comes with a white coated finish, offering great sound and response for various music styles. Perfect for rock, jazz, concert, orchestra, or marching, the Weather Master is a reliable choice for any drummer seeking durability and quality.

Evans 18” EMAD Clear Batter Bass Drum Head

Discover the ultimate bass drum experience with Evans’ 18” EMAD Batter Head. This revolutionary drum head features variable and replaceable rings that guarantee solid, deep bass and attack. With two damping rings included, you can easily adjust the focus and feel of your drum, creating an ideal balance of punch, power, and low-end. Embrace the crystal-clear sound and enjoy the versatility of this premium drum head, perfect for jazz, rock, funk, and beyond.

Pearl White Logo 22” Marching Bass Drum Heads

Experience the premium sound and performance of Pearl’s white logo marching bass drum heads, featuring the iconic Remo design. With two sleek sizes, 22 inches is available to seamlessly blend sound and style for your Marching band. With Pearl’s commitment to quality, these heads will truly enhance your musical experience.

Rogers 14” Hazy Snare Side Drum Head

Experience the exceptional sound of a 14-inch Remo Hazy snare side drumhead. With a subtle Rogers and Remo logo adorning the top and bottom, this drumhead flawlessly adds a touch of professionalism to your drum setup. Picking up a high-quality drumhead has never been easier.

RMV FX Coated Drum Heads for Superior Sound Quality

Experience the rich, deep sound of the RMV FX Coated Drum Heads. These high-quality heads, with their precise criminal of aluminum rims and consistent frequency response, are a top choice for drummers seeking a heavy sound with constant dynamics. Built using genuine Mylar, these drumheads guarantee long-lasting performance and tuneability, making them an essential addition to any drummer’s setup.

Gretsch 16-inch Coated Logo Bass Drum Head

Experience the legendary sound of Gretsch drum heads with the GRDHCW16 coated 16-inch bass drum head. Perfect for your Gretsch kit, this single ply design features the iconic black Gretsch logo, delivering unmatched precision and performance.

Attack BombBeat Drum Head - Clear Bass for Overtone Focus

The Attack BombBeat No Overtone Clear Bass Drum Head, designed for the hardest hitting drummers, features 2 plies of 10mm Dynaflex film combined with a 4-inch muffling ring. This drum head offers a blend of articulation and durability, making it a reliable choice for those who demand the best.

Vintage Coating Acoustic Bass Drum Head

Experience the perfect blend of modern durability and timeless classic sound with the Aquarian Deep Vintage II Bass Drumhead. Crafted with two 10mil plies, this drum head features a vintage coating for an enhanced warm tone that pairs well with various drumming styles. Featuring a unique vertical attached Felt Muffle Strip, it offers a vintage look and feel, reminiscent of the iconic calfskin drumheads of the past. With its classic ‘Swing Era’ sound, the Aquarian Deep Vintage II Two Ply 22” Bass Drum Head is a must-have for drummers seeking a modern twist on a timeless classic.

13 in. Powerstroke 77 Clear Clear Dot Drumhead

Experience the Powerstroke 77 Clear Dot drumheads, designed to deliver warm, crisp tones with impeccable projection. Made from 2-plies of 7-mil Clear films, these heads reduce overtones while maintaining a durable 5-mil top clear dot. Ideal for both snare drum marching and drumset applications, the Powerstroke 77 Clear Dot drumheads are a must-have for any serious drummer.

Rogers Logo Coated White Drum Head - 12 inch Ambassador

The Rogers Logo Coated White is a 12-inch snare and tom drumhead offering a sleek, coated white finish. This drumhead, with a small Rogers logo and Remo logo, works marvelously as a batter side, elevating your drum sound.

Coated Evans G2 Tom Drum Head for Versatile Sound Quality

Evans G2 Drum Heads are your go-to choice for versatility and quality. Crafted with a blend of depth, sustain, and attack, these two-ply heads are perfect for the working drummer who switches between styles. Coated for added warmth and focus, they deliver an exceptional sound and are loved by both studio professionals and live performers. Say goodbye to animal skin drum heads and enjoy the benefits of synthetic options from Evans.

Evans 22” Black Hydraulic Bass Drum Head

Experience the deep, fat sound of the Evans 22” Hydraulic Black Bass Drum Head. With two plies of thin film, this drum head offers maximum durability and a rich, controlled sound reminiscent of classic rock. Perfect for live and studio performances, the Hydraulic Black is famously easy to tune, making it an ideal choice for players with little tuning experience. Available in various colors, this drum head will give your kit a powerful, punchy presence that stands out in any mix.

UV2 Coated Drum Head: Durable, Consistent, Versatile Snare Option

Introducing the Evans UV2 Coated Drum Head, a game-changer in the industry with its unmatched durability and consistency of texture. This drumhead is crafted using two layers of reinforced 7mil film, coated with the patented UV-cured technology, ensuring a long-lasting performance even with the most demanding players. With a punchier tone compared to the G2 but retaining the same depth of attack, this versatile snare head is perfect for those who seek versatility and warmth in their sound, all while experiencing the benefits of Level 360 Technology for easy tuning and a wide tonal range. Available in various sizes to cater to your specific needs, the Evans UV2 Coated Drum Head is a must-have for drum enthusiasts looking for the ultimate drumming experience.

Evans Red Hydraulic Drum Head for Enhanced Sound and Durability

The Evans Red Hydraulic Drum Head is a perfect choice for drummers seeking a vintage 70s sound with modern durability. With two layers of thin film, these drum heads deliver a fat, deep, and short tone that’s ideal for a wide range of music genres. Their Level 360 Technology ensures optimal contact between the drum head and shell, while the color options add a stylish touch to your performance. Easy to tune and capable of producing excellent volume control, this drum head makes tuning troubles a thing of the past. Whether you prefer its bold, consistent sound or the classic rock vibe it brings to your music, the Evans Red Hydraulic Drum Head is a reliable choice for any drum setup.

Buyer’s Guide

Drum heads are an essential component for any drum setup, playing a crucial role in shaping the overall sound of a drum. Choosing the right drum head can be a daunting task due to the variety of options available in the market. This buyer’s guide will provide you with key information, considerations, and general advice to make an informed decision when selecting drum heads for your needs.

Types of Drum Heads

There are several types of drum heads, each with unique characteristics that cater to different playing styles and sound preferences. The most common types include:

1. Clear or thin plastic heads, 2. Coated or single-ply heads, 3. Clear or thin metal heads, and 4. Thick or plywood heads. Each type of drum head has its own advantages and disadvantages in terms of tone, durability, and price.

Tone and Sound

The tone and sound produced by a drum head largely depend on its thickness, material, and construction. Thinner heads generally have a brighter and more open sound, while thicker heads tend to produce a heavier and fuller sound. The choice between clear and coated heads can also impact the head’s tonality. Clear heads offer a more natural sound, while coated heads provide more control and muffled sound.

Durability and Longevity

The durability and longevity of a drum head can be influenced by the material, thickness, and construction. Metal heads are generally more durable, but they may affect the drum’s overall sound quality. Plywood heads, on the other hand, have a natural and warm sound, but they can be more expensive and are not as durable as metal heads. It’s crucial to consider the climate and environment in which the drum will be used, as this may impact the drum head’s longevity.

Playing Style and Genre

Different drum heads cater to various playing styles and genres. For example, rock and heavy metal musicians often choose thicker and more durable metal heads for a powerful sound, while jazz and blues musicians might opt for thinner plastic or metal heads for their bright and natural tone. It is essential to consider your playing style and genre when selecting drum heads.

FAQ

What are drum heads?

Drum heads are thin, circular membranes made of various materials such as animal skin, plastic, or metal that cover the top and bottom of a drum. They provide a surface for drumsticks to bounce and vibrate, creating sound when struck. Different drum heads have different tones and durability, making them suitable for various music styles and playing techniques.

Drum heads come in various types, including single-ply, double-ply, triply, and even exotic options like mylar, birch, and bronze. Choosing the right drum head depends on factors like the drummer’s playing style, the drum’s construction, and the desired sound for a particular performance or recording.

What materials are drum heads made of?

Traditionally, drum heads were made from animal skins, such as calfskin, goatskin, and kangaroo skin, which provided a warm and responsive sound. Today, however, most drum heads are made from synthetic materials like mylar, Evans drum heads, or Remo drum heads. These materials offer greater durability and consistency, as well as versatility in terms of sound and feel.

Some drummers still use animal skin drum heads for their unique tone and character, but they are generally more expensive and require more maintenance than synthetic options. In recent years, manufacturers have also experimented with more exotic materials like birch, bronze, and even wood, offering drummers an even wider range of sounds and textures.

How do I choose the right drum head size?

The size of a drum head can greatly impact the sound and feel of the drum. Generally, the larger the drum head, the lower and deeper the pitch. Conversely, smaller drum heads produce higher, more cutting tones. Most drum sets use 10-inch tom drum heads, but larger drums like bass drums often use 22-inch or even larger drum heads.

When selecting drum head sizes, consider the specific drum and the desired sound for that particular instrument. For example, a larger drum head on a snare drum might produce a fuller, warmer tone, while a smaller drum head on a tom could create a more focused and punchy sound. Experimenting with different sizes and materials can help you find the perfect drum heads for your playing style and setup.

What is the difference between single-ply and double-ply drum heads?

The thickness and construction of drum heads determine their durability and sound characteristics. Single-ply drum heads are constructed with a single layer of material, while double-ply drum heads have two layers glued together. This makes double-ply drum heads more resistant to damage and produce a slightly deeper, warmer tone than single-ply drum heads.

Double-ply drum heads are generally more expensive than single-ply options, but they offer greater durability and a more controlled sound. This makes them ideal for heavy-hitting drummers or for use in high-volume settings where a single-ply drum head could quickly wear out. However, if you’re looking for a brighter, more responsive sound, a single-ply drum head may be the better choice.

What are some popular drum head brands?

There are several well-known drum head brands that offer a wide range of options in terms of materials, sizes, and thicknesses. Some of the most popular drum head brands include Evans, Remo, and Pearl. These brands have been trusted by drummers for decades and continue to innovate in the drum head market.

Other notable drum head brands include Aquarian, DW, and Grover. Each brand offers its own unique line of drum heads, catering to different playing styles and drumming styles. Try different brands and models to find the drum heads that best suit your needs and preferences as a drummer. You can also consult with local drum shops or online forums for recommendations and advice on choosing the right drum heads.

Can I use animal skin drum heads in a studio setting?

While animal skin drum heads, such as calfskin or goatskin, offer a unique and warm tone, they are generally not ideal for studio use. Their natural materials make them more fragile and less consistent than synthetic drum heads like mylar or Evans drum heads. Additionally, animal skin drum heads require more maintenance to keep them in good condition and functioning properly.

For studio settings, sythetic drum heads like mylar or Evans drum heads are more practical and reliable options. They offer greater consistency and durability, allowing for seamless recording sessions and reduced downtime due to maintenance or replacements. While animal skin drum heads can still produce a great sound, they are better suited for live performances or situations where their unique sound and character are more of a priority.

As an Amazon Associate, I receive compensation through qualifying purchases!