Drum Head Types Explained: Complete Guide to Options

Drum head types explained reveals how construction differences create vastly different sounds from the same drums. The head affects tone more than any other single factor—more than shell material, bearing edges, or hardware. Understanding head types enables transforming drum sound through informed selection rather than trial and error.

Construction Fundamentals

All modern drum heads use polyester film (Mylar) as the primary material. The thickness, number of layers, coatings, and dampening additions create the variety of available options.

Film thickness is measured in mils (thousandths of an inch). Standard single-ply heads use 10-mil film. Thicker films (12-mil, 14-mil) produce more focused sound with reduced sustain.

Plies refer to the number of film layers. Single-ply heads use one layer; double-ply heads bond two layers together. Each additional ply affects resonance, sustain, and durability.

Coatings and additions modify base characteristics. Spray coatings, dot reinforcements, dampening rings, and other features customize response for specific applications.

Single-Ply Heads

Single-ply heads (Remo Ambassador, Evans G1, Aquarian Texture Coated) provide maximum resonance and sensitivity. The single layer vibrates freely, producing full tone with extended sustain.

The open character captures drum shell resonance effectively. Single-ply heads reveal the drum’s natural voice more than dampened alternatives.

The sensitivity responds to light playing dynamics. Ghost notes and brush work speak clearly. The nuance suits jazz, acoustic music, and dynamic playing.

The durability is lower than multi-ply options. Heavy hitters may break single-ply heads regularly. The trade-off between tone and durability requires consideration.

Double-Ply Heads

Double-ply heads (Remo Emperor, Evans G2, Aquarian Response 2) provide controlled resonance with enhanced durability. The two layers dampen each other slightly, reducing sustain and overtones.

The focused character sits in mixes easily. The controlled sustain requires less external dampening. Recording and live sound applications often prefer double-ply response.

The attack gains emphasis as sustain decreases. The relative punch helps drums cut through dense arrangements. Rock, pop, and louder music often favor double-ply character.

The durability exceeds single-ply significantly. Heavy players can use double-ply heads without constant replacement. The practical advantage matters for working drummers.

Clear vs Coated

Clear heads produce brighter sound with more attack definition. The smooth surface creates sharp stick response. The high-frequency content projects clearly.

Coated heads produce warmer sound with slightly softened attack. The coating absorbs some high frequencies. The texture also enables brush playing on snare drums.

The choice between clear and coated affects tone significantly. Clear heads suit cutting, articulate sound; coated heads suit warmer, fuller tone.

Tom drums often use clear heads for attack clarity. Snare drums often use coated heads for warmth and brush compatibility. However, these conventions are starting points, not rules.

Dot Reinforcements

Center dots (Remo Controlled Sound, Evans Power Center) add material to the playing area. The reinforcement affects attack and sustain differently than full double-ply construction.

The dot focuses attack in the center while maintaining some edge resonance. The combination creates controlled response without completely dampening tone.

Snare drums commonly use dot reinforcements. The focused backbeat attack suits rock applications. The partial dampening maintains some musical sustain.

Reverse dots (underneath the head) provide similar reinforcement with smoother playing surface. The Evans Heavyweight uses this approach for snare applications.

Hydraulic and Dampened Heads

Hydraulic heads (Evans Hydraulic, Aquarian Super-Kick) contain thin oil layers between plies. The liquid dampens resonance dramatically, creating very controlled, focused sound.

The fat, punchy character suits specific applications. The dead response requires minimal additional dampening. The sound is distinctive rather than general-purpose.

Built-in dampening rings (Evans EMAD, Remo Powerstroke) provide adjustable control. The rings can often be modified or removed to customize response. The flexibility addresses varied needs.

Specialty Heads

Fiber-infused heads (Remo Fiberskyn, Evans Calftone) emulate vintage calfskin sound. The warm, complex tone suits jazz and vintage applications. The texture provides brush response.

Kevlar-reinforced heads (Remo Falam) provide extreme durability for heavy playing. The material handles abuse that would destroy standard heads. The tone differs from traditional heads.

Mesh heads enable silent practice with electronic conversion. The trigger response works with drum modules. The practice application differs from acoustic performance.

Resonant Head Considerations

Resonant (bottom) heads affect tone significantly despite not being struck directly. The resonant head interacts with batter head vibrations.

Thinner resonant heads allow more resonance. Standard 10-mil or thinner resonant heads produce full tone with maximum sustain.

Thicker resonant heads control resonance. Some applications benefit from reduced sustain and more focused sound.

Resonant heads last longer than batter heads since they’re not struck. However, they still age and should be replaced periodically.

Matching Batter and Resonant

Matching head weights (similar thickness batter and resonant) produces balanced, resonant tone. The equal mass creates sympathetic vibration.

Heavier batter with lighter resonant produces more attack emphasis with full sustain. The combination balances control and resonance.

Lighter batter with heavier resonant produces unusual response better suited to specific applications than general use.

Head Selection Process

Consider the musical context first. Loud music often benefits from controlled heads; dynamic music often benefits from open heads.

Consider the drum’s natural character. Bright drums may benefit from warmer heads; dark drums may benefit from brighter heads.

Consider practical requirements. Durability matters for heavy players; sensitivity matters for light players.

Experimentation reveals personal preferences. The same heads sound different on different drums, with different players, in different rooms. Testing provides information that specifications cannot convey.