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| Drumhead Selection by: Carl Nelson August, 2002 Drumhead replacement and selection are often overlooked. Many individuals think the head needs to be replaced only when it breaks. Heads wear out the same as reeds and strings. Ideally, they should be replaced every year, more or less, depending on the amount of playing and how hard the drum is being played. With the vast assortment of brands and models, it is easy to become confused when purchasing replacement drumheads. Various materials are used today in the production of heads combined with different manufacturing techniques. There is a wide array of different tones you have for a drum today. The head suggestions below are the most common and readily available heads. There are many other types of heads that produce different tones on the drums, depending on how they are tuned. If different heads are preferred, we suggest contacting your local Marshall Music representative or store to check on availability or to place an order long before you need them. There are a few manufacturers of heads who supply the entire country (and the world in many cases). They occasionally fall behind in their production creating shortages for the retailer, and consequently, to the customer. To avoid backorders you might consider stocking extra heads yourself. Then, if a head breaks just before a performance you will be prepared. Generally, stock one spare batter and snare head for every three snare drums and one spare head for each of your tuned bass drums and quad/quint heads. Remember to keep your back-up heads replenished as you use them. Competing bands may need to keep more spare heads on hand. This will give the music dealer more lead time when you request a specific head that may be on backorder through the manufacturer. Here is a list of general head types for common concert and marching drums. Concert Toms batter: medium weight clear Bass smooth white medium weight or Fiberskyn™ bass head. Timpani: Timpani heads pose an odd challenge in both selection and in tuning. Different models of drums use different sizes of heads, so a 23” timpani may not use a 23” head. Examine your manufacturer’s instructions as to the proper replacement head type or contact your local representative or store. Marching Extreme high tension snare drums Traditional snare drums (with lug casings mounted on the shell) Toms batter: marching pinstripe Bass smooth white medium weight marching bass Finally, take time to learn which heads are available and what type of sounds are available from them. Remo and Evans are the two largest manufacturers today. Aquarian, Attack, and Ludwig also make good quality heads. Talk to percussion instructors and educators, as well as clinicians and adjudicators regarding their preferences on heads and tuning. Their insight can only benefit your ensemble with better tone production from your percussion section. For more information contact your local Marshall Music store or rep. Feel free to contact me at the Grand Rapids branch at 1-800-242-4705 or at mgr@marshallmusic.com. Educational Articles ● School Service Articles ● Product Articles ● Here's an Idea |
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