Drum heads, also known as drum skins, are the thin membranes that cover the top and bottom of a drum shell. They are essential to the sound and playability of a drum, as they vibrate when struck by the drumsticks, producing the sound that we hear.

There are several factors that determine the sound of a drum, including the size and shape of the drum shell, the type of drum heads used, the tension of the drum head, and the type of drumsticks used.

Types of Drum Heads There are two main types of drum heads: single-ply and double-ply. Single-ply drum heads are made of a single layer of material, while double-ply drum heads consist of two layers of material bonded together.

Single-ply: Single-ply drum heads are more responsive and have a brighter sound compared to double-ply drum heads. They are also more sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, which can affect their tuning. Single-ply drum heads are often used in jazz, funk, and pop music.

Double-ply: Double-ply drum heads, on the other hand, are more durable and have a deeper, warmer sound. They are less sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity, which makes them more stable and consistent in their tuning. Double-ply drum heads are often used in rock, metal, and other heavy music genres.

Coated Drum heads: Coated drum heads These have a thin layer of coating on the top that dampens the high-end frequencies, resulting in a warm, muted sound. They are popular in jazz, blues, and rock music. Examples of coated drum head manufacturers include Remo and Evans.

Clear Drum heads: Clear drum heads These have a transparent surface that allows the drum's natural tone to shine. They produce brighter, more resonant sounds than coated drum heads and are often used in pop, funk, and metal music. Manufacturers of clear drum heads include Aquarian and Remo.

Hydraulic Drum heads: Hydraulic drum heads These have a layer of oil sandwiched between two plies of film, which produces a short, punchy sound. They are ideal for rock and metal music and are made by companies like Evans and Aquarian.

Mesh Drum Heads: These are made of synthetic material and are designed to replicate the feel of an acoustic drum while producing minimal noise. They are often used in electronic drum kits and are produced by companies like Roland and Alesis.

Materials: drum heads can be made of several different materials, including animal skins (such as goat, cow, or kangaroo), synthetic materials (such as Mylar, Kevlar, or polyester), or a combination of both. Each material has its own unique characteristics and can affect the sound of the drum.

Animal skin: Animal skin drum heads are typically used in traditional or vintage drum sets, as they produce a warm, natural sound that is highly valued in these genres. However, they require more maintenance and are more sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity.

Synthetic: Synthetic drum heads, on the other hand, are more durable and consistent in their sound. They can produce a wide range of tones and are often preferred by drummers in rock, metal, and other modern music genres.

Tension: The tension of the drum heads also affects the sound of the drum. A tighter drum head will produce a higher pitch and a shorter sustain, while a looser drum head will produce a lower pitch and a longer sustain. The tension of the drum heads can be adjusted using the drum's tuning lugs and key.

In conclusion, the type of drum heads used, the material it is made of, and the tension of the drum heads all play a crucial role in determining the sound and playability of a drum. It is important for drummers to experiment with different types of drum heads and tunings to find the best sound for their playing style and musical genre.

An example of a company that manufactures drum heads is:

Evans Drum Head: Evans Drum Heads are a popular brand of drum heads used by drummers worldwide. They are known for their high-quality construction, consistency, and versatility. Evans drum heads use a unique Level 360 technology that ensures even tension across the drum head's entire surface, resulting in improved tuning stability, easier tuning, and a more extended lifespan. The brand offers a variety of drum heads, including coated, clear, hydraulic, and specialty options. Additionally, Evans drum heads are preferred by drummers of all genres, from jazz to metal, due to their ability to provide a balanced sound with excellent projection and attack. Overall, Evans drum heads are an excellent choice for any drummer looking for reliable and consistent drum heads.

When you purchase any drum heads from Furtados Music, you can expect to receive a high-quality instrument that has been thoroughly inspected and tested by our expert staff.  Overall, Furtados Music is a reputable music retailer that provides high-quality instruments, exceptional customer service, and a wide range of services to help you make the most of your purchase.