Best Drum Heads 2023

If you’re a drummer, you know that your drum kit is only as good as the drum heads you put on it. One of the easiest ways to affect the sound of your drums is by simply switching out drum heads, so it’s important to find the right ones for your kit, your playing style, and your sound. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve rounded up the best drum heads for a variety of playing styles and needs.

Read on for our list of the best drum heads.

Our Editor’s Best Drum Heads Reviews


Evans EC Reverse Dot Snare Drum Head, 14 Inch

 Evans EC Reverse Dot Snare Drum Head, 14 Inch

Key Features:

  • This drum head is for a snare batter drum and is made using two plies of film. The outer ply is 7mil and the inner ply is 10mil film. This head provides a great deal of attack and snap.

  • These drum heads have been designed to help remove mid-range overtones that can muddy the sound of a snare drum. The Edge Control technology pre-EQs the sound, making it easier to produce a clear, crisp sound.

  • Drum heads with a reverse dot are designed for durability, focus, and attack. The reverse dot is mounted on the underside of the head, so it does not get in the way of brushes.

  • There are three different types of drum heads available for purchase – a single ply version with the reversed dot, a two-ply version without the reversed dot, and a three-ply version with the reversed dot.

  • The Evans drum heads are designed to be used on drums to produce a sound. They are engineered and manufactured in the USA to ensure quality.


Remo Controlled Sound Coated Drum Head with Reverse Black Dot – 14 Inch

 Remo Controlled Sound Coated Drum Head with Reverse Black Dot - 14 Inch

Key Features:

  • This is a 14″ diameter snare/tom drum head.

  • These drumheads are designed for medium to heavy-duty playing and have characteristics that make them ideal for that type of playing. They are typically thicker than other drumheads, which makes them more durable and able to withstand more abuse. They also have a higher tension, which gives them a higher pitch and a more cutting sound.

  • This drum head is designed for a shopper who wants a mid-range tone with a durable center. The laminated center dot adds durability and tonal focus to the head.

  • The Remo Coated Controlled Sound drum head is a great choice for snare drums, offering a warm and round sound. The coated finish provides durability and a great look.

  • These are drum heads that have a black dot on the bottom. They are designed to provide a softer, warmer sound.


Evans Hybrid Coated Snare Batter Drum Head, 14 Inch

 Evans Hybrid Coated Snare Batter Drum Head, 14 Inch

Key Features:

  • This is a 14″ drum head that is made for extreme durability. It is designed to withstand a lot of wear and tear, and will last a long time.

  • These are tough drum heads that can take a beating.

  • This is a drum head that is textured and woven, ideal for brush players who are seeking maximum articulation.

  • These are drum heads that are meant to be used on a drum set’s snare drums. They are usually made from a durable material like plastic or metal, and have a smooth surface to produce a clear sound.

  • Evans drum heads are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA. They are made from high-quality materials and offer a great sound.


Evans Genera HD Dry Drum Head, 14 Inch

 Evans Genera HD Dry Drum Head, 14 Inch

Key Features:

  • The Evans Genera HD Dry coated snare drum head is made from two layers of film – a 5mil outer ply and a 7.5mil inner ply. This results in a sharper rimshot and a more balanced response.

  • The drum heads have small holes around the edge that help to control the sound.

  • This is a description of a drum head that is designed to reduce overtones and sustain. It is made with a 2mil overtone control ring that “floats” with the head.

  • This is a description of a product called Level 360 Technology. This technology allows the white snare 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.

  • The Evans drum heads are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality controls in the industry.


Evans EQ Pad Bass Drum Damper

 Evans EQ Pad Bass Drum Damper

Key Features:

  • These are drum heads that attach to the bass drum shell with Velcro. They are made from durable material and come in a variety of sizes.

  • This is a description of a hinged drum head, which allows the head to sustain vibrations for a longer period of time before returning to dampen the head.

  • This is a description of a drum head with a smaller pad on the opposite end that can be used on smaller drums or for minimal damping.

  • The Evans drum heads are designed for durability and quality sound. They are manufactured to the most stringent quality controls in the industry.


In My Head I’m Playing My Drums Funny Drummer T-Shirt

 In My Head I'm Playing My Drums Funny Drummer T-Shirt

Key Features:

  • These are drum heads for a shopper who loves drum sets and drumsticks. The design is vintage and reads “In My Head I’m Playing My Drums.”

  • These drum heads are perfect for anyone who loves to play the drums! They are great for concerts, band practice, rehearsals, parties, and more. They make a great gift for any drummer, music lover, or percussionist in your life.

  • These drum heads are lightweight and fit comfortably. They have double-needled sleeves and bottoms for durability.


Remo Ambassador Coated Drum Head – 14 Inch

 Remo Ambassador Coated Drum Head - 14 Inch

Key Features:

  • This is a drum head that is 14″ in diameter.

  • These are drum heads that are made with a coated single-ply 10-mil Mylar film. They are of a medium weight.

  • Drum heads that produce a warm open, bright, and resonant sound with a warm attack are ideal for shoppers who want a drum with a rich sound. These heads are perfect for those who want a drum that can fill a room with sound.

  • The drum heads are high quality and will work well in both live and recording situations.

  • The drum heads are for a snare or tom and are made to be struck with a drumstick. They are made of a material that will vibrate to create sound.


Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22” – Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping System Allows Player to Adjust Attack and Focus – 2 Foam Damping Rings for Sound Options – Versatile for All Music Genres

 Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head, 22” – Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping System Allows Player to Adjust Attack and Focus – 2 Foam Damping Rings for Sound Options - Versatile for All Music Genres

Key Features:

  • The Evans Clear Bass Drum Head is a durable head with an externally mounted adjustable damping system to control the attack and focus of the drum. The head is made of an outer ply of 7mil and an inner ply of 10mil film.

  • The Level 360 Technology is a feature that allows the clear bass drum head to seat properly and provides a wider tonal range for a sound that is studio ready.

  • The Evans EMAD2 clear bass drum heads are available in sizes 18” to 26” with multiple thickness and coating options.

  • The EMAD2 bass drum head is a versatile and adjustable head that is great for all music genres.

  • Evans is a brand of drum heads that are made in the USA. The heads are designed and engineered to be of high quality and consistent in performance.


Evans Hydraulic Drum Heads – ETP-HYDGL-R – 3 Piece Tompack – Supresses Unwanted Overtones – Ideal for Rock, Metal, & Funk – Glass (Clear), Rock (10 inch, 12 inch, 16 inch)

 Evans Hydraulic Drum Heads - ETP-HYDGL-R - 3 Piece Tompack - Supresses Unwanted Overtones - Ideal for Rock, Metal, & Funk - Glass (Clear), Rock (10 inch, 12 inch, 16 inch)

Key Features:

  • These are drum heads that have a thin layer of oil between two plies of film. This is supposed to help suppress unwanted overtones. They come in sizes 10″, 12″, and 16″.

  • Drum heads with two plies are designed for durability and consistency. They can withstand longer playing time without wearing out.

  • The drum heads are for a shopper who wants an early rock sound. They are fat, deep, and short, and were pioneered by early 70’s rock and roll.

  • The drum heads are designed to ensure proper contact between the head and the shell.

  • Evans drum heads are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA.


Evans Hydraulic Drum Heads – TT12HBG – Drum Head with Layer of Oil – Supresses Unwanted Overtones – Ideal for Rock, Metal, & Funk – Black, 12 Inch

 Evans Hydraulic Drum Heads - TT12HBG - Drum Head with Layer of Oil - Supresses Unwanted Overtones - Ideal for Rock, Metal, & Funk - Black, 12 Inch

Key Features:

  • This drum head is designed to produce less unwanted overtones, and is made with two plies of film with a thin layer of oil between them. It is 12″ in size.

  • These are drum heads that are made of two layers, or plies. They are designed to be durable and to last longer than other drum heads.

  • These drum heads are for a shopper who is looking for an early rock sound. These heads are fat, deep, and short, and were pioneered by early 70’s rock and roll.

  • The drum heads have an exclusive level 360 technology collar design that ensures proper contact between the drum head and drum shell.

  • The Evans drum heads are made in the USA. They are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA.


Best Drum Heads Buying Guide

1. Size: The most important thing to consider is the size of the drum head that you need. The size of the drum head is usually written on the drum itself or on the packaging of the drum head.

You can also measure the diameter of your drum from the top part of the drum hoop to the bottom part. This measurement will tell you the diameter of the drum head that you need. There are drum heads available in different sizes, like 13 inch drum heads, 14 inch drum heads, 15 inch drum heads, 16 inch drum heads, etc.

2. Tone: The drum head that you choose will also depend on the sound that you want to produce. Different drum heads produce different sounds. For example, Evans heads produce a sharp tone while Aquarian heads produce a warm tone.

3. Material: Drum heads are made in different materials. These materials include synthetic heads, single-ply drum heads, two-ply drum heads, single-ply coated drum heads, etc.

Synthetic drum heads are very affordable and produce a bright sound. Single-ply drum heads produce a balanced sound while two-ply drum heads produce a warm tone.

Coated drum heads are usually more expensive than the other heads. They are also very durable. Drum heads are also available in different materials, like rubber drum heads, coated drum heads, etc.

4. Sound Quality: The sound quality of a drum head depends on the materials used to make it. For example, a drum head made from a single layer of rubber will produce a bright sound while a coated drum head will produce a balanced sound.

5. Price: Drum heads vary in prices, depending on the materials used. For example, single-ply drum heads are the cheapest while coated drum heads are the most expensive.

6. Durability: The drum head that you choose should be durable. Drum heads are made in different materials and with different qualities, so it’s important to choose one that will last you long.

For example, Evans heads are very durable while Remo heads are not as durable. Drum heads are also available in different degrees of durability, like medium-grade drum heads, high-grade drum heads, etc.


Drum Heads FAQs

1. What are the different types of drum heads?

The different types of drum heads are clear, single-ply, coated, and double-ply.

2. How do I choose the right drum head for my drums?

The three most important factors to consider when choosing a drum head are: 1) the type of music you’ll be playing; 2) the size and shape of your drums; and 3) your personal playing style. If you’re unsure about which head to choose, it’s always best to consult with a professional drummer or drum teacher.

3. How do I install a drum head?

To install a drum head, you first need to remove the old drum head. To do this, loosen the tension rods around the circumference of the drum. Once the old drum head is removed, clean the drum shell with a damp cloth. Place the new drum head on the drum shell, and then tighten the tension rods to secure it in place.

4. How do I tune my drum heads?

There are a few ways to tune your drum heads, but the most common is to use a drum key. Start by loosening all of the tuning screws on the drum head. Once they are all loose, strike the drum in the center with your hand. Listen to the sound of the drum and decide which note you would like it to be. Once you have decided on the note, tighten the tuning screw that is closest to that note. Strike the drum again and see if it has reached the desired note. If not, continue to adjust that tuning screw until the drum is tuned to the desired note. Repeat this process for the other tuning screws on the drum head.

5. How often should I replace my drum heads?

Drum heads should be replaced when they start to lose their resonance or when they develop cracks.


Conclusion

There are many great drum heads on the market. Our list of the best drum heads will help you save time researching and choosing the best one for you.