Best Drum Heads for Every Sound and Style

Drum heads determine the fundamental tone, attack, and sustain of every drum. Quality heads transform average drums into professional-sounding instruments while affecting playing feel and durability. Selecting appropriate heads for each drum and application shapes the overall kit sound significantly.

Best Snare Drum Heads

The Remo Ambassador Coated ($19) provides the industry standard snare sound. The single-ply design delivers open, responsive tone with warm attack.

The Evans HD Dry ($22) offers controlled sustain with dry attack. The vented design reduces overtones for focused snare sound.

The Aquarian Hi-Velocity ($25) delivers power and projection. The coating and dampening ring provide controlled attack.

The Remo Emperor Coated ($24) offers increased durability with warmer tone. The two-ply design handles heavy hitting while maintaining sensitivity.

Best Tom Heads

The Remo Pinstripe ($21) provides controlled, punchy tom sound. The two-ply design with dampening ring reduces overtones effectively.

The Evans G2 Coated ($19) delivers balanced warmth and attack. The two-ply construction offers durability with musical sustain.

The Aquarian Performance II ($20) offers focused attack with controlled decay. The two-ply design suits live sound applications.

The Remo Emperor Clear ($21) provides bright, open tom tone. The two-ply construction balances attack and sustain.

Best Bass Drum Heads

The Evans EMAD ($49) delivers the modern kick drum sound. The adjustable dampening system customizes attack and resonance.

The Remo Powerstroke P3 ($45) provides classic bass drum tone. The internal dampening ring controls overtones effectively.

The Aquarian Super-Kick 10 ($45) offers powerful, focused attack. The floating muffling system provides adjustable control.

The Evans EQ4 ($45) delivers clear attack with controlled sustain. The four-ply edge provides durability under heavy playing.

Single-Ply vs Two-Ply Heads

Single-ply heads produce brighter, more open sound. The thinner construction responds to light playing dynamics. Durability suffers under heavy hitting.

Two-ply heads offer warmer, more controlled tone. The thicker construction handles aggressive playing while reducing overtones.

Coated vs Clear Heads

Coated heads provide warmer attack with reduced brightness. The textured surface enables brush playing on snares.

Clear heads deliver brighter, more open sound. The smooth surface produces sharp, defined attack.

Resonant Heads

Snare-side heads affect snare wire response and sensitivity. Thinner heads provide increased snare wire activation.

Tom resonant heads influence sustain and pitch. Thinner heads produce longer sustain while thicker heads control decay.

Bass drum resonant heads shape overall kick sound. Ported heads allow internal microphone placement and dampening access.

Head Maintenance

Regular replacement maintains optimal sound. Worn heads lose tone quality and playing feel.

Proper seating ensures even tension. New heads benefit from stretching and retuning after initial installation.

Cleaning extends head life. Removing stick marks and dirt maintains appearance and performance.

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All drum heads are available at Guitar Center, Musician’s Friend, and Amazon.