If you are a drummer, you know how important it is to choose the right drum heads for your kit. Drum heads can affect the sound, feel and durability of your drums, and they can also express your personal style and taste.
But how do you decide which drum heads to buy? There are many factors to consider, such as the size, shape, material and thickness of the drum heads. But one of the most common questions that drummers ask is: clear vs coated drum heads, which is best?
Clear and coated drum heads are the two main types of drum heads that you can find on the market. They have different characteristics and advantages that suit different styles and preferences. In this blog post, I will explain the differences between clear and coated drum heads, and help you decide which one is best for you.
What are Clear Drum Heads?
Clear drum heads are drum heads that have no coating or texture on their surface. They are made of a single or double layer of transparent plastic film, usually Mylar or polyester.
Clear drum heads have more attack and sound brighter than coated drum heads. They are less warm than coated drum heads. They can sound less muted than clear heads, or in other words have more sustain or resonance.
Clear drum heads are ideal for genres that require a punchy and powerful sound, such as rock, metal, pop or funk. They are also great for drums that have a lot of overtones, such as toms or bass drums.
examples of clear drum heads:
- Remo Ambassador Clear :
- Evans G2 Clear:
- Aquarian Super Kick II :
What are Coated Drum Heads?
Coated drum heads are drum heads that have a thin layer of coating or texture on their surface. The coating is usually white or black, and it can be sprayed or applied by hand.
Coated drum heads produce a warmer tone and sound more mellow than clear drum heads. They have less attack than clear drum heads. They can sound more muted than clear heads, or in other words they’ll have less sustain or resonance.
Coated drum heads are ideal for genres that require a smooth and subtle sound, such as jazz, blues, country or folk. They are also great for drums that need more control and definition, such as snare drums or brushes.
Examples of coated drum heads:
- Remo Ambassador Coated : This is one of the most popular and versatile coated drum heads on the market. It is made of a single ply of 10-mil Mylar film, which gives it a medium weight and durability. It has a warm and open sound with a balanced response and sustain. It can be used on any type of drum, but it is especially good for snare drums and toms.
- Evans G1 Coated : This is another classic coated drum head that is similar to the Remo Ambassador Coated. It is also made of a single ply of 10-mil film, but it has a slightly brighter and crisper sound than the Remo. It has a full and expressive tone with a moderate sustain. It can also be used on any type of drum, but it is particularly suited for snare drums and toms
- Aquarian Texture Coated: This is a coated drum head that has a unique texture on its surface. It is made of a single ply of 10-mil film with a satin finish that gives it a soft and smooth feel. It has a warm and resonant sound with a controlled sustain. It can be used on any type of drum, but it is especially good for snare drums and toms.
Clear vs Coated Drum Heads: Which is Best?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on your personal preference and playing style. However, here are some general guidelines that can help you make a decision:
- If you want a bright and punchy sound with more attack and sustain, go for clear drum heads.
- If you want a warm and smooth sound with less attack and sustain, go for coated drum heads.
- If you play mostly with sticks, you can use either clear or coated drum heads depending on your genre and taste.
- If you play mostly with brushes, you should use coated drum heads as they provide more friction and response.
- If you want to experiment with different sounds and effects, you can mix and match clear and coated drum heads on different drums.
The best way to find out which type of drum head suits you best is to try them out yourself. You can visit your local music store or order online from reputable brands like Remo, Evans or Aquarian. You can also watch videos or listen to recordings of other drummers who use different types of drum heads.
Difference between coated and clear drum
The drum heads rock is mainly in their sound and feel. Coated drum heads have a warmer and smoother sound with less attack and sustain, while clear drum heads have a brighter and punchier sound with more attack and sustain.
Coated drum heads are more suitable for genres that require a subtle and controlled sound, such as jazz, blues or folk. Clear drum heads are more suitable for genres that require a powerful and aggressive sound, such as rock, metal or pop. Coated drum heads are also better for playing with brushes, while clear drum heads are better for playing with sticks.
Clear or coated drum heads for metal
The choice between clear or coated drum heads for metal depends on your personal preference and the sound you want to achieve. Here are some general differences between them:
- Clear drum heads have more attack and sound brighter than coated drum heads. They are less warm than coated drum heads. They can sound less muted than clear heads, or in other words have more sustain or resonance. They are suitable for metal genres that require a punchy and aggressive sound, such as thrash, death, or black metal.
- Coated drum heads produce a warmer tone and sound more mellow than clear drum heads. They have less attack than clear drum heads. They can sound more muted than clear heads, or in other words they’ll have less sustain or resonance. Because of their texture they are great for playing on with brushes. They are suitable for metal genres that require a softer and smoother sound, such as doom, gothic, or progressive metal.
You can also consider other factors such as the number of plies, the material, and the durability of the drum heads. For example, double-ply heads will have greater attack, deeper tone, and more durability than single-ply heads. Mylar is the most common material for drum heads, but Kevlar and Fiberglass are also available for more strength and durability.
The best way to find the right drum heads for metal is to experiment with different combinations and see what sounds best to you. You can also check out some reviews and recommendations from other metal drummers online. I hope this helps you make a decision. Happy drumming!
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about Clear vs Coated Drum Heads:
How often should I change my drum heads?
There is no fixed rule on how often you should change your drum heads, as it depends on how much and how hard you play them. However, some signs that indicate that your drum heads need to be changed are:
- They sound dull or flat
- They have dents or cracks
- They have lost their tuning stability
- They have dirt or stains
As a general rule of thumb, you should change your batter (top) heads more often than your resonant (bottom) heads, as they get more wear and tear. You should also change your snare head more often than your tom or bass head, as it gets more impact.
How do I tune my drum heads?
Tuning your drum heads is an essential skill for any drummer, as it affects the sound and feel of your drums. Tuning your drum heads involves adjusting the tension of the lugs (screws) around the rim of the drum, using a drum key or a tuning device.
There is no one right way to tune your drum heads, as it depends on your personal preference and musical style. However, here are some general tips that can help you tune your drum heads:
- Start with a low tension and gradually increase it until you find the desired pitch and tone.
- Tune each lug in a star pattern, moving across the drum head rather than in a circle.
- Use a tuner or a pitch pipe to check the pitch of each lug and make sure they are in tune with each other.
- Tune both the batter and the resonant head of each drum, and make sure they are in harmony with each other.
- Experiment with different tunings and find what works best for you and your drums.
How do I clean my drum heads?
Cleaning your drum heads is important to maintain their sound quality and appearance. Cleaning your drum heads involves removing any dust, dirt or stains from their surface, using a cloth or a brush.
Here are some steps that can help you clean your drum heads:
- Remove the drum head from the drum and place it on a flat surface.
- Wipe the surface of the drum head with a damp cloth or a soft brush, using mild soap or water if needed.
- Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasives that can damage the coating or the film of the drum head.
- Dry the surface of the drum head with a clean cloth or a hair dryer, making sure there is no moisture left.
- Reinstall the drum head on the drum and tune it as desired.
