What are Bass Drum Heads?
Bass drum heads are designed specifically for the bass drum, the largest drum in a drum set, and significantly influence its tone, attack, sustain, and overall feel. They come in single ply or two ply constructions: single ply heads are thinner, producing a brighter sound with more sustain, suitable for softer styles like jazz; two ply heads are thicker and more durable, offering focused attack and controlled sound favored in rock and metal.
Bass drum heads also come coated or clear. Coated heads have a textured surface that dampens high-frequency overtones for a warmer tone, while clear heads provide a brighter sound with more sustain and attack, ideal for cutting through mixes. The batter head is struck by the pedal beater, and the resonant head on the opposite side helps project sound, adds low-end rumble, and affects resonance.
Some heads include built-in muffling, like felt strips or internal rings, to reduce unwanted ringing. Models such as the Evans EMAD series feature adjustable damping systems, letting drummers fine-tune sustain and attack without removing the head, providing precise, durable sound control.
Types of Bass Drum Heads
Bass drum heads come in various types, each designed to cater to different playing styles, sound preferences, and durability needs. Understanding these types will help you make an informed choice when selecting the best bass drum heads for your drum set.
Single-Ply Heads
Single-ply bass drum heads consist of a single layer of Mylar or similar synthetic material. These heads are generally thinner and lighter, producing a brighter tone with more sustain and resonance. They are favored by drummers who prefer a more open and lively bass drum sound, often used in jazz, blues, and softer rock genres. However, due to their thinner construction, single-ply heads are less durable and may wear out faster under heavy playing conditions.
Two-Ply Heads
Two-ply bass drum heads feature two layers of material bonded together, making them thicker and more robust. This construction provides enhanced durability, making them ideal for heavier playing styles such as rock, metal, and punk. Two-ply heads offer a more focused attack, reduced sustain, and better control over unwanted overtones, resulting in a tighter, punchier bass drum sound. They are well-suited for drummers who hit hard and require a drumhead that can withstand aggressive playing without compromising tone.
Coated Heads
Coated bass drum heads have a textured surface applied to the outer layer, which slightly dampens high-frequency overtones. This coating produces a warmer, mellower tone with less sustain compared to clear heads. Coated heads are popular among drummers seeking a controlled sound that blends well within a mix, especially in studio or live settings where excessive ringing can be problematic. They also provide a slightly softer feel under the pedal beater.
Clear Heads
Clear bass drum heads are smooth and transparent, allowing for maximum resonance and sustain. They tend to produce a brighter sound with more attack, making them suitable for cutting through dense mixes in louder musical styles. Clear heads are often chosen by rock and metal drummers who want their bass drum to have a pronounced presence. However, they can generate more overtones and ringing, which may require additional muffling or dampening.
Heads with Built-In Muffling
Some bass drum heads come equipped with built-in muffling features such as felt strips, internal rings, or foam inserts. These elements help reduce unwanted ringing and overtones, creating a tighter, more focused bass drum sound without the need for external dampening accessories
Adjustable Damping Heads
Advanced bass drum heads like the Evans EMAD series incorporate externally mounted adjustable damping systems. These systems feature removable rings attached to the outside of the drumhead, allowing drummers to fine-tune the amount of sustain and attack on the fly. This versatility enables players to adapt their bass drum sound quickly to different musical styles, venues, or personal preferences without removing the head or reaching inside the drum.
Specialty Heads
There are also specialty bass drum heads designed for specific purposes or unique sounds. For example, some heads feature reinforced center dots or patches to increase durability and focus the attack. Others may incorporate unique materials or coatings to achieve particular tonal characteristics or visual aesthetics.
Key features of Bass Drum Heads
Bass drum heads vary widely in their construction and features, which directly impact the sound and durability of your bass drum. Here are some key features to consider when choosing the best bass drum heads for your setup:
Ply Construction
Bass drum heads typically come in single-ply or two-ply constructions. Single-ply heads are made from one layer of material, usually Mylar, and tend to produce a brighter, more resonant sound with greater sustain. They are often favored in jazz and softer music styles. Two-ply heads consist of two layers bonded together, making them thicker and more durable. These heads provide a focused attack and controlled sustain, ideal for rock, metal, and heavier playing styles where durability is crucial.
Coated vs. Clear
Coated drumheads have a textured surface that slightly mutes high-frequency overtones, resulting in a warmer, mellower tone. They are excellent for producing a controlled sound that blends well in a mix. Clear drumheads, on the other hand, have a smooth surface that allows for brighter tones with more attack and sustain, making them suitable for cutting through dense mixes in louder genres.
Built-in Muffling and Dampening
Many bass drum heads feature built-in muffling systems to reduce unwanted ringing and overtones. These can include felt strips, internal damping rings, or foam inserts. For example, the Aquarian Superkick II incorporates an internal felt muffling ring that floats over the head to shorten sustain and control overtones while retaining a bright attack. Such features help achieve a tight, punchy bass drum sound without additional external dampening.
Adjustable Damping Systems
Some advanced bass drum heads, such as those in the Evans EMAD series, offer externally mounted adjustable damping rings. These allow drummers to modify the amount of sustain and attack on the fly without removing the head. This versatility provides precise control over the bass drum sound, making it easier to adapt to different musical contexts and venues.
Thickness and Durability
The thickness of a bass drum head affects both its sound and lifespan. Thicker heads (usually two-ply) withstand heavy hitting better and maintain their tone longer, making them suitable for aggressive playing styles. Thinner heads (single-ply) provide more sensitivity and resonance but may wear out faster under intense use.
Resonant Heads
The resonant head sits opposite the batter head and plays a crucial role in projecting the bass drum’s sound. It contributes to the drum’s sustain, low-end rumble, and overall resonance. Resonant heads can be clear or coated and sometimes include muffling features to control overtones. Choosing the right resonant head that complements your batter head can significantly enhance your bass drum sound.
Top Bass Drum Heads
Remo Powerstroke P3 Clear Bass Drumhead
- 22" diameter
- Thin underlay at the outer edge
- Dampens unwanted overtones
The Remo Powerstroke P3 Clear bass drumhead is a favorite among drummers who seek a punchy, focused sound with excellent durability. Constructed with two plies of 7-mil Mylar film, this drumhead incorporates an integrated 3-mil underlay ring around its edge that effectively dampens high-frequency overtones, resulting in a controlled sound with reduced ringing. This design helps to produce a tight low-end rumble and a clear, articulate attack that works well in both live and studio environments.
Ideal for rock, metal, and other heavier styles, the Powerstroke P3 Clear offers a balanced combination of attack, sustain, and tonal warmth. Its clear finish provides a brighter sound compared to coated heads, making it suitable for cutting through dense mixes. The durable two-ply construction also ensures it can withstand aggressive playing and heavy stick impact, making it an excellent choice for drummers who demand both performance and longevity from their bass drumheads.
Many drummers appreciate the consistency and reliability of the Remo Powerstroke P3 Clear, often pairing it with complementary resonant heads to fine-tune their bass drum sound. Whether used with a coated ambassador reso or a clear resonant head, this batter head adapts well to different setups and playing styles, allowing drummers to achieve their desired sound with ease.
Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head
- EMAD SYSTEM– The Evans Clear Bass Drum Head has an externally mounted...
- LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY – A Level 360 collar allows the clear bass drum head...
- AVAILABLE IN 5 SIZES – Evans EMAD2 clear bass drum heads are available in...
The Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head is a popular choice among drummers seeking a versatile and durable drumhead that delivers a focused and powerful bass drum sound. This model features a two-ply construction combining a 6.5-mil and a 10-mil film, providing enhanced durability and a balanced tone that works well across various music styles, especially rock and metal.
One of the standout features of the EMAD2 is its Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system. This innovative design includes two interchangeable damping rings mounted on the outside of the drumhead, allowing drummers to easily tailor the amount of sustain and attack without removing the head or reaching inside the drum. By adjusting the position or swapping out the rings, players can dial in a tighter, punchier sound or a more open, resonant tone depending on their preferences and the musical context.
The clear finish of the EMAD2 contributes to a brighter sound with more attack and sustain compared to coated heads, making it ideal for cutting through dense mixes in live or studio settings. Its two-ply construction also ensures excellent resistance to heavy hitting, making it a reliable choice for drummers who play aggressively or use double bass techniques.
Aquarian Regulator RSM16BK
- Regulator Gloss Black
- 10mil thick drumhead
- 10" centered felt muffle ring
The Aquarian Regulator RSM16BK is a popular choice among drummers seeking a powerful and focused bass drum sound. This two-ply drumhead features two 7-mil plies of New Brite film, providing excellent durability and a thick, punchy tone suited for rock and metal styles. What sets the Regulator apart is its patented Floating Muffling System, which includes a narrow felt strip attached to the inside of the head. This muffling system effectively controls unwanted overtones and excessive sustain, resulting in a tight, controlled sound with a sharp attack.
The Regulator’s design allows drummers to achieve a balanced bass drum sound that cuts through the mix without overwhelming other instruments. Its construction makes it resilient to heavy hitting, making it a great option for drummers who play aggressively or use double bass techniques. The black finish not only adds a sleek aesthetic but also contributes to the head’s slightly warmer tone compared to clear heads.
Ktaxon 5 Pieces Drum Heads
- 【Multi-Size Drumhead Set of 5】Our PET drum heads are designed to fit...
- 【Durability and Reliability】This drum head kit is manufactured using a...
- 【Exceptional Sound Quality】Whether you're recording in the studio or...
The Ktaxon 5 Pieces Drum Heads set is a versatile and budget-friendly option for drummers looking to replace or upgrade their drumheads. This set typically includes heads for various drum sizes, covering most standard drum kits. Made from durable materials, these drumheads offer a balanced combination of attack, sustain, and tone suitable for a wide range of musical styles.
Designed with quality and affordability in mind, Ktaxon drumheads are crafted to provide consistent tuning and reliable performance. They are suitable for beginners and intermediate players who want to achieve a great sound without breaking the bank. The heads are generally single-ply, offering a bright and resonant tone, which can be enhanced with additional muffling if desired.
Ktaxon drumheads are compatible with various drum types, including snare drums, toms, and bass drums, making them a practical choice for those seeking an all-in-one solution. Their construction allows for decent durability, though they may not withstand the heavy hitting typical of metal or hard rock genres as well as thicker, two-ply heads.
For drummers experimenting with different sounds, the Ktaxon 5 Pieces Drum Heads provide a good starting point. They respond well to tuning adjustments and can be paired with different resonant heads to tailor the bass drum sound to personal preferences. While not featuring advanced damping systems like the Evans EMAD series, these heads can still deliver a solid performance for practice sessions, rehearsals, and live gigs in less demanding settings.
Conclusion
Choosing the bass drum heads ultimately comes down to personal taste and playing style. Experimenting with different heads and combinations, including batter side and resonant heads, can help you find the perfect balance of attack, sustain, and resonant sound for your setup. Adjustable damping systems like those found in Evans EMAD heads provide versatile control over your drum’s tone without the need to remove the head, making fine-tuning easier.
FAQ
What is the difference between a batter head and a resonant head?
The batter head is the drumhead that you strike with the pedal beater or drumsticks. It directly affects the attack and initial sound of the bass drum. The resonant head, located on the opposite side, helps project the sound, adds low-end rumble, and influences the drum’s sustain and resonance.
Should I choose a single ply or two ply bass drum head?
Single ply heads are thinner and produce a brighter sound with more sustain, making them ideal for softer music styles like jazz or acoustic settings. Two ply heads are thicker and more durable, offering a focused attack and controlled sound preferred in rock, metal, and heavier playing styles.
What are the benefits of coated versus clear bass drum heads?
Coated heads have a textured surface that slightly dampens high-frequency overtones, resulting in a warmer, mellower tone. Clear heads provide a brighter sound with more sustain and attack, which helps cut through dense mixes, especially in louder music genres.
What is the Evans EMAD system?
The Evans EMAD (Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping) system features an adjustable ring mounted on the outside of the drumhead, allowing drummers to fine-tune the amount of damping and attack without removing the head. This system provides extreme durability and precise control over the bass drum sound.
How important is tuning for bass drum heads?
Tuning greatly affects the pitch, sustain, and overall bass drum sound. Even tension around the drumhead and the balance between batter and resonant heads can change the tone and resonance. Proper tuning is essential for achieving the desired attack and low-end rumble.