Best Drum Heads For Beginner Drum Kits
Choosing the right drum heads for your beginner drum kit can feel like an overwhelming task, especially if you’re just diving into the world of drumming. With so many options available, it’s crucial to understand the different types of drum heads and how they can affect your overall sound. This guide will help you navigate your choices and find the best drum heads that fit your needs, making your journey as a drummer more enjoyable and effective.
What Are the Best Drum Heads for a Beginner Drum Kit?
Understanding Different Types of Drum Heads
When you’re looking to choose the best drum heads for your kit, it’s important to understand the basics. There are primarily two types of drum heads: batter heads and resonant heads. The batter head is the one you hit, while the resonant head is on the bottom of the drum, allowing the sound to resonate. Each type plays a significant role in the overall drum sound. For beginners, coated drum heads are often recommended, as they provide a warmer tone and more control over overtones. If you’re opting for a snare drum head, a Remo Ambassador or Evans G2 coated drum head can be great options that will enhance your sound without breaking the bank.
Top Brands for Beginner Drumheads
When it comes to choosing the best drumheads, some brands stand out more than others. Remo is a legendary drum head manufacturer, known for their Remo Powerstroke and Remo Emperor series, which are perfect for beginners looking for a combination of durability and good sound. Evans is another reputable brand that offers fantastic options like the Evans G2 coated drum head, which provides great tone and durability. Aquarian is also worth mentioning, especially their mesh heads for electronic kits or practice pads if you’re looking to keep the noise down while you hone your skills. Each of these brands has heads that work well for beginners and will help you get the sound you want.
How to Choose the Best Drum Heads for Your Needs
Choosing the right heads for your kit involves considering your playing style and the type of music you want to play. If you’re into rock or pop, you might lean towards thicker double-ply heads, which provide a punchier sound, while jazz drummers might prefer lighter single-ply heads for a more resonant and articulate tone. Don’t forget to think about the drum shell material; maple shells, for instance, pair well with coated heads for a warm, rich drum tone. Your choice of tom heads and bass drum heads can drastically change the overall sound of your drum set, so take your time and experiment with different options to find what feels right for you.
How Do Drum Heads Affect Your Drum Sound? Best Drum Heads For Beginner Drum Kits
The Role of Batter and Resonant Heads
The interplay between your batter and resonant heads significantly affects your drum sound. The batter head, being the one you hit, directly influences the attack and tone of your drum sound. A thicker batter head will typically produce a more focused sound, while a thinner head allows for more resonance and sustain. On the flip side, resonant heads can enhance the tonal quality of your drums. If you want a more open sound, consider a clear resonant head; however, if you’re looking for a warmer tone, go for a coated resonant head. Balancing these two will help you achieve the sound you’re aiming for.
Impact of Different Ply Designs on Sound
Another aspect to consider is the ply design of the heads. Single-ply drum heads are known for their sensitivity and clarity, making them great for genres like jazz or softer rock. On the other hand, double-ply heads produce a thicker, controlled sound, which is ideal for louder genres like rock or metal. The number of plies directly affects the overtones and sustain, so if you’re a beginner exploring various styles of music, it might be worth trying out both types to discover what fits your sound best.
Choosing the Right Drum Head for Your Style of Music
Your style of music plays a pivotal role in which drum heads will suit your needs best. For instance, if you love playing heavier music, double-ply heads like the Remo Powerstroke could be your best bet due to their durability and attack. Conversely, if you lean toward a lighter sound, a single-ply head like the Remo Ambassador might be more aligned with your musical preferences. It’s essential to consider how the heads you choose will support your playing style and the drum sound you want to achieve.
What Is the Difference Between Coated and Clear Drum Heads?
Benefits of Coated Drum Heads
Coated drum heads offer several benefits that make them popular, especially among beginners. The coating on these heads helps to reduce overtones, allowing for a warmer and more controlled sound. They also tend to provide a better grip for your sticks, which can enhance your playing experience. If you’re just starting out, coated heads can help you achieve a sound that’s easier to control, making it simpler to develop your technique.
When to Use Clear Heads
Clear heads, on the other hand, are excellent for those who want a brighter and more resonant sound. They allow for more overtones to come through, which can be beneficial in styles that require a lot of dynamics and depth. If you’re playing in a rock band and looking for a punchy sound from your kick drum, clear heads might be the way to go. They also tend to be a bit easier to tune, which can be a great advantage for a beginner learning the ropes of drum tuning.
How Coating Affects Overtones
The coating on drum heads significantly affects the overtones produced when you strike them. Coated heads tend to dampen the higher frequencies, resulting in a rounder, warmer sound. This is particularly beneficial for snare and tom heads, as it can help reduce unwanted ringing that can detract from your overall tone. If you’re aiming for a more controlled sound, especially in a live setting, coated heads are likely to provide the consistency you need.
How to Tune Your Drum Heads for Optimal Performance?
Tuning Techniques for Snare Drum Heads
Tuning your snare drum head properly is crucial for achieving that crisp, snappy sound that snare drums are known for. Start by loosening all the tension rods around the drum head before gradually tightening them. A good technique is to tune each rod a quarter turn at a time, working your way around the drum to keep the tension even. This ensures that you get an even pitch across the drum, giving you a clean and consistent sound every time you hit it.
How to Tune a Bass Drum Head
Tuning a bass drum head can be a bit trickier, but it’s essential for getting that deep, punchy sound. Start by loosening the tension on the resonant head slightly more than the batter head. This will allow for more resonance and sustain. As with snare heads, tighten each tension rod gradually and evenly. You might also want to experiment with adding a little damping material inside the kick drum to control overtones without losing that booming sound. Finding the right balance can take some time, but it’s all part of the learning process.
Adjusting Tension for Different Styles of Play
Adjusting the tension of your drum heads can drastically change your sound, depending on your playing style. If you’re playing something fast-paced like punk, you might want to tighten your heads for more attack and punch. If you’re going for a softer sound, like in jazz, loosening them a bit will give you more warmth and resonance. Understanding how to tune and adjust tension allows you to tailor your drum sound to fit your style, making it an essential skill for any drummer.
Are Double-Ply Heads Better for Beginners?
Advantages of Double-Ply Heads
Double-ply heads are often considered better for beginners for several reasons. They provide a more durable option that can withstand the wear and tear of learning. Plus, they produce a more controlled sound, which can be beneficial as you’re figuring out your technique. The added thickness of double-ply heads also helps minimize overtones, making it easier to achieve a consistent sound, which is perfect for someone just starting their drumming journey.
When to Consider Single-Ply Heads
Despite the advantages of double-ply heads, there are times when single-ply heads might be more appropriate. If you’re leaning towards lighter genres, single-ply heads can offer the sensitivity and articulation needed for styles like jazz or acoustic music. They allow for more resonance, which can be great if you want that open and airy sound. It all boils down to what you’re playing and what sounds best to your ears.
Best Double-Ply Heads for Beginner Drum Kits
For beginners looking to explore double-ply options, the Remo Emperor series is an excellent place to start. These heads are durable and provide a great sound that works well across various music styles. The Evans G2 coated drum head is another fantastic choice, offering durability and a warm tone that complements many different playing styles. Whichever double-ply heads you choose, you’ll find they can enhance your playing experience and improve your overall drum sound.
Q: What are the best drum heads for beginner drum kits?
A: If you’re just starting out, coated heads like the Remo Emperor or Evans G1 are great choices. They provide a warm sound and are versatile for different music styles. Plus, they’re durable enough to handle a beginner’s learning curve!
Q: Why should I change the stock heads on my beginner drum kit?
A: Changing the stock heads can significantly improve your sound. Stock heads are often low-quality, so upgrading to new heads like Evans Hydraulic or Remo Silentstroke can really enhance your playing experience and the overall sound of your drums.
Q: How do different types of heads affect my drum sound?
A: Different heads work for different styles. For instance, 1-ply heads are great for a resonant sound, while double-ply drum heads like the Evans EMAD 2 Clear offer more durability and a punchy tone. Choosing the right heads can really change your drum sound!
Q: Are there specific heads that are better for rock and metal music?
A: Absolutely! For rock and metal, you might want to try 2-ply heads like the Evans Hydraulic heads. They provide a thicker sound and can handle high volumes, making them perfect for those aggressive styles.
Q: What’s the difference between coated and clear drum heads?
A: Coated heads provide a warmer, more controlled sound, while clear heads tend to be brighter and more resonant. Depending on the music you play, you might prefer one over the other. Experimenting can help you find what sounds best for your style!
Q: How often should I change my drum heads?
A: It really depends on how often you play. If you’re jamming regularly, you might consider changing your drum heads every 6 months to a year. However, if you notice a decline in sound quality, it’s probably time to check out the drum heads on the market!
Q: Can I mix different types of heads on my drum kit?
A: Yes, mixing heads can be a great way to customize your sound! For example, you could use a coated head on your snare for warmth and a clear head on your toms for brightness. Just make sure they complement each other for a balanced sound.
Q: What are the best heads for a hybrid drum kit?
A: For hybrid setups, consider using a combination of acoustic drum heads and electronic triggers. Evans heads work well for this purpose, allowing the drum to resonate naturally while still being compatible with electronic setups.
Q: Do I need to buy a whole new set of heads or just a few?
A: It depends on your needs! If your heads are all worn out, it might be worth investing in a new set of heads. But if only a few are damaged, you can just replace those. Just remember, new heads can totally change your drum experience!
