Ever wondered what makes a bass drum sound so powerful and deep? It’s not just the drummer’s hit; a huge part of that booming sound comes from the bass drum head! Think of it like the skin on a drum – it vibrates and creates the music. But choosing the perfect head can feel like navigating a maze.
There are so many types, materials, and thicknesses out there. It’s easy to get confused and wonder which one will give you the punchy attack or the warm, resonant tone you’re dreaming of. You want your bass drum to sound its best, whether you’re playing rock, jazz, or something totally different. Picking the wrong head can leave your drumming sounding flat or muddy.
In this post, we’re going to break down the world of bass drum heads. You’ll learn what makes them tick and how to pick the one that will make your bass drum sing. Get ready to discover the secrets that will help you find that perfect sound and make your drumming truly shine!
Top Bass Drum Head Recommendations
- EMAD SYSTEM– The Evans Clear Bass Drum Head has an externally mounted adjustable damping system to control the attack and focus of the drum head by choosing one of two removable foam rings. The 22” drum head has an outer ply of 7mil and an inner ply of 10mil film for added durability.
- LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY – A Level 360 collar allows the clear bass drum head to seat itself properly and in turn provides a head that is easier to tune and a wider tonal range for a sound that is studio ready.
- AVAILABLE IN 5 SIZES – Evans EMAD2 clear bass drum heads are available in sizes 18” to 26” with multiple thickness and coating options.
- FOR ALL MUSIC GENRES – The EMAD2 bass drum head is extremely versatile for all music genres. A true working drummer’s choice, the adjustable damping caters to all bass drum tones.
- MADE IN THE USA - For over 60 years, Evans has been a pioneer in drum head manufacturing and design. Regarded for high quality and consistency all Evans drumheads are proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality controls in the industry.
- LIMITLESS TONE CONTROL: EMAD2 System Pack lets you customize bass drum's attack, focus, and sustain for your desired sound.
- POWERFUL & BALANCED: EMAD2 bass batter head's two-ply construction maximizes low-end and attack for a dynamic sound.
- EASY SUSTAIN ADJUSTMENT: Interchangeable damping rings in EMAD2 head enable precise control over sustain.
- MANAGE OVERTONES: EMAD reso head with offset port and foam damping ring provides enhanced control over drum's overtones.
- MADE IN THE USA - All Evans drumheads are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA
- 22" resonant drum head made using a single ply of 7mil film
- A fixed, internal overtone control ring is made to be microphone friendly, from the studio to arena
- The 5" offset mic port features a plastic sleeve focuses pitch and enhances the attach while providing protection for the port
- Available in a frosted, onyx, smooth white and coated white version
- All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
- EMAD SYSTEM– The Evans Clear Bass Drum Head has an externally mounted adjustable damping system to control the attack and focus of the drum head by choosing one of two removable foam rings. The 20” drum head has an outer ply of 6.5mil and an inner ply of 10mil film for added durability.
- LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY – A Level 360 collar allows the clear bass drum head to seat itself properly and in turn provides a head that is easier to tune and a wider tonal range for a sound that is studio ready.
- AVAILABLE IN 5 SIZES – Evans EMAD2 clear bass drum heads are available in sizes 18” to 26” with multiple thickness and coating options.
- FOR ALL MUSIC GENRES – The EMAD2 bass drum head is extremely versatile for all music genres. A true working drummer’s choice, the adjustable damping caters to all bass drum tones.
- MADE IN THE USA - For over 60 years, Evans has been a pioneer in drum head manufacturing and design. Regarded for high quality and consistency all Evans drumheads are proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality controls in the industry.
- LAYER OF OIL: 22" drum head with a thin layer of oil between two plies of black film to suppress unwanted overtones
- TWO PLIES: Two plies offer consistency and durability for longer playing time
- EARLY ROCK SOUND: A fat, deep and short sound pioneered by early 70's rock and roll
- EXCLUSIVE LEVEL 360: Exclusive Level 360 Technology collar design ensures proper contact between drum head and drum shell
- MADE IN THE USA: All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
- MAXIMIZE LOW END: EMAD Onyx bass drumhead delivers focused attack, enhanced low-end, and improved durability, making it ideal for heavy hitters
- LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY: The Level 360 collar design ensures balanced contact with the drum shell, allowing for easier tuning, extended pitch range, and optimum sound quality
- 2-PLY FILM: Made with two plies of 7.5mil film for improved durability while maintaining its punchy attack and powerful low-end
- REMOVABLE DAMPENING RING: Includes a removable, adjustable damping ring that controls overtones and helps achieve the desired amount of sustain
- VERSATILE: EMAD Onyx is suitable for a wide variety of musical genres, from rock and metal to R&B and funk, making it a go-to choice for drummers of all levels
- 22" drum head made using a single ply of 10mil film
- Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping system allows the player to adjust attack and focus
- Very versatile head for all music genres; a true working drummer's choice
- Also available in a coated version
- All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
- 20" resonant drum head made using a single ply of 7mil film
- A fixed, internal overtone control ring is made to be microphone friendly, from the studio to arena
- The 5" offset mic port features a plastic sleeve focuses pitch and enhances the attach while providing protection for the port
- Available in a frosted, onyx, smooth white and coated white version
- All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
Choosing the Perfect Bass Drum Head: Your Ultimate Guide
A bass drum head is like the skin of your drum. It’s the part you hit! The right head makes your bass drum sound amazing. It can be deep and booming or tight and punchy. This guide helps you pick the best one for your sound.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for a bass drum head, look for these important things:
- Thickness (Ply): Heads come in one, two, or even three layers (plies). Single-ply heads are thin and bright. They give a quick response. Two-ply heads are thicker and give a warmer, deeper sound. They also last longer. Three-ply heads are very thick. They offer a lot of power and sustain.
- Coating: Some heads have a special coating on top. This coating can change the sound. It often makes the sound warmer and less bright. It also helps if you want to muffle the drum a bit.
- Muffling Rings: Some heads have a built-in ring around the edge. This ring helps control extra ringing or “overtones.” It makes the sound cleaner and more focused.
- Size: Bass drum heads come in many sizes. You need to match the head size to your bass drum. Common sizes are 20, 22, and 24 inches.
Important Materials
Most bass drum heads use a special plastic called Mylar.
- Mylar: This is a strong, clear plastic. It’s used for most drum heads. Different thicknesses of Mylar create different sounds. Some heads use treated Mylar for a different tone.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way a drum head is made affects its quality.
- Construction: Good heads have strong seams where the Mylar attaches to the hoop. A well-made head will last longer. It will also stay in tune better.
- Consistency: High-quality heads sound the same every time. They are made with care. Cheaper heads might have flaws. These flaws can make the drum sound bad.
- Durability: A good head can take a lot of hitting. It won’t rip or tear easily. This is important if you play often or hit hard.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who you are and how you play matters.
- Beginners: Simple, durable, single or two-ply heads are good. They are easy to tune. They sound good for many music styles.
- Rock and Metal Drummers: These players often want a loud, punchy sound. Two-ply heads are popular. Some might use coated heads for extra warmth.
- Jazz Drummers: Jazz players often like a more open, natural sound. Single-ply heads are common. Some might use a thin coated head.
- Studio Recording: For recording, drummers might choose heads that have a controlled sound. Heads with built-in muffling work well here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the biggest difference between a single-ply and a double-ply bass drum head?
A: A single-ply head is thinner and gives a brighter, more open sound. A double-ply head is thicker and offers a deeper, more controlled tone with more sustain.
Q: Do I need a coated bass drum head?
A: A coated head makes the sound warmer and can reduce some of the bright attack. If you want a very punchy sound, you might not need a coated head. Many drummers like the warmth it adds.
Q: How do I know what size bass drum head to buy?
A: Measure the diameter of your bass drum shell. The head size needs to match this measurement exactly.
Q: What does “ply” mean for a bass drum head?
A: “Ply” refers to the number of layers of Mylar plastic that make up the head. More plies mean a thicker, more durable head with a different sound.
Q: Can I use a muffled bass drum head for any style of music?
A: Yes, but it depends on the sound you want. Muffled heads are great for tight, focused sounds often used in rock and studio work. For a more open sound, you might choose a head without built-in muffling.
Q: How often should I replace my bass drum head?
A: This depends on how much you play and how hard you hit. If the head looks worn, has dents, or sounds bad, it’s time for a new one.
Q: What is a “resonant” head versus a “batter” head?
A: The batter head is the one you hit. The resonant head is on the opposite side of the drum and helps project the sound. Both can affect the overall tone.
Q: Will a different bass drum head change my drum’s sound a lot?
A: Yes, changing the bass drum head is one of the easiest ways to change your drum’s sound. Different heads create very different tones.
Q: Are more expensive bass drum heads always better?
A: Not always. While higher quality materials and construction often cost more, the “best” head is the one that sounds good to *you* and fits your playing style.
Q: Can I put a two-ply head on a drum that came with a single-ply head?
A: Yes, you can. A two-ply head will likely give your drum a deeper, more controlled sound than the original single-ply head.