Drum Heads & Skins

About Drum Heads & Skins

Drum heads - also known as drum skins - play a crucial role in determining the tone and feel of the drums. There are various types of drum heads available to drummers, each with unique characteristics.

One of the most popular materials for drum heads is mylar, which is a type of plastic material. It is durable, easy to tune, and produces a bright and focused sound. Other materials include animal hides, such as calf or goat skin. These skins provide a warmer and more natural tone, but require more maintenance and tuning due to their delicate nature.

In addition to various materials and sizes, drummers can also choose from a range of colours to customise the look of their drum set. This is a great way to portray your band's style and focused genre. Drummers can also take advantage of logo drumheads to represent their favourite drum brands, as well as pre-ported resonant bass drum heads for microphone placement.

Marching band drummers are also covered with a range of specifically designed, high-tension marching drumheads. With the majority of the marching drumheads available being Evans drumheads, you're in safe hands knowing you're getting the very best for your marching performances.

Hydraulic drum heads are another type of drum head that feature a thin layer of oil between two head plies. This layer of oil creates a compressed sound and increases the sustain of the drum. Hydraulic heads are particularly popular for rock and heavy metal music, where a deep and powerful sound is desired.

FAQs

What are drum skins called?

A drumhead, also known as a drum skin, is a single layer or multiple layers stretched across one or both ends of a drum. When the drumhead is struck with sticks, mallets, or hands, it creates vibrations that resonate through the drum shell and produce sound.

How much does it cost to reskin drums?

The average cost for reskinning a single drum can range from £30 to £150, with the cost based on the condition & material makeup of the drum. It's essential to note that the cost can quickly add up when multiple drums need reskinning at once. For this reason, there are wide ranges of drumhead packs that include the essential drumheads for a full drum kit and typically offer the best value for money.

How often should you change drum skins?

Experts suggest changing drum heads before recording to achieve the desired sound quality. However, for regular rehearsing and playing, it's recommended to replace the drum heads every six months or so. While this timeline isn't a strict rule, waiting longer could be risky for some drummers in terms of sound and performance and also increases the risk of splitting your drumhead.