Drum Heads & Skins Australia

What are drum skins & drum heads?

Drum skins and drum heads are two terms used interchangeably to refer to the thin membranes or playing surfaces that cover the top and sometimes the bottom of a drum. These components are crucial for producing sound in most types of drums. They come in various materials and thicknesses, and their quality can significantly impact the tone and playability of the instrument.

1. Drum Skin/Drum Head: A drum head (also known as a drum skin) is a circular membrane made of various materials, stretched tightly over the drum shell. It is the part of the drum that is struck to produce sound. When the drum head is hit with a drumstick, mallet, or hand, it vibrates, and the resulting vibrations create sound waves, which we hear as the drum's tone.

2. Types of Drum Heads: There are different types of drum heads available, and the choice of head significantly influences the drum's sound. Some common types of drum heads include:

• Single-ply: These drum heads consist of a single layer of material, making them thinner and more responsive. They generally produce bright and open sounds, with more sustain.

• Double-ply: Double-ply drum heads are made of two layers of material. They are more durable and produce a warmer and more focused sound with reduced overtones.

• Coated: Coated drum heads have an additional coating on the playing surface, which can provide a slightly drier and warmer sound. The coating can also influence the drum's response to brushes and certain playing techniques.

• Clear: Clear drum heads are transparent and allow more sustain and brighter tones with pronounced overtones.

• Hydraulic: Hydraulic drum heads have oil or gel between the plies, which dampens the vibrations, resulting in a shorter sustain and a more controlled sound.

• Remo Pinstripe: The Remo Pinstripe drum heads are a specific type of double-ply heads with a dampening ring around the edge. They are known for producing a focused, deep sound.

The choice of drum head depends on the drummer's preferences, the musical genre, and the desired sound for the drum.

It's important to note that the term "skin" or "drum skin" is somewhat traditional and might be less commonly used in modern drumming circles. Most drummers nowadays refer to these components as "drum heads."

How do drum skins & drum heads work?

Drum skins and drum heads work by converting the kinetic energy from striking or hitting the surface into vibrations that create sound waves. Here's how they work:

1. Construction: Drum heads are usually made of synthetic materials like Mylar (polyester film), Kevlar, or other plastics. Some traditional drums may use natural materials like animal hides (such as cowhide or goatskin), though these are less common in modern drumming. The material is selected for its durability, consistency, and ability to resonate and vibrate effectively.

2. Tension and Tuning: The drum head is stretched tightly over the drum shell, which can be made of wood, metal, or other materials. The tension applied to the drum head plays a crucial role in determining the drum's pitch and sound characteristics. By tightening or loosening the tension rods or tuning lugs around the drum's rim, drummers can change the drum head's pitch. Higher tension produces a higher pitch, while lower tension creates a lower pitch.

3. Striking the Drum Head: When the drummer strikes the drum head with a drumstick, mallet, brush, or any other percussion implement, the surface of the drum head deforms and then quickly rebounds. This deformation and rebound process create vibrations in the drum head.

4. Vibration and Sound Production: The vibrations generated in the drum head travel through the drum shell and into the air as sound waves. The size, shape, and material of the drum shell contribute to shaping the sound, and the resonating air inside the drum also affects the tone and timbre of the sound.

5. Overtones and Harmonics: The thickness and construction of the drum head influence the production of overtones and harmonics. Thicker drum heads produce more focused and lower-pitched sounds with fewer overtones. Thinner drum heads tend to have more overtones and a brighter sound.

6. Dampening and Muffling: Drummers can further control the sound by using dampening techniques or accessories. Dampening rings, gels, or other materials can be added to the drum head's surface to reduce unwanted overtones and control sustain. Some drum heads come pre-coated or pre-dampened to provide specific sound characteristics.

7. Bottom Drum Head (Resonant Head): In some drums, like snare drums and toms, there is a second drum head on the bottom side of the drum called the resonant head. This head does not usually receive direct strikes but instead helps to shape the drum's overall sound and adds depth to the tones produced by the top head.

By understanding the properties of drum heads and how they interact with the drum shell and air, drummers can achieve a wide range of sounds and tones, making drums versatile and expressive instruments in various musical contexts.

When was the drum skin and drum head invented?

The use of drum skins and drum heads dates back thousands of years. The exact origins of drums with skins are challenging to pinpoint due to their ancient history, but they have been integral to human culture and music for a long time.

Drums with animal hide membranes were used in various ancient civilisations and cultures across the world. Some of the earliest evidence of drum-like instruments with skins can be traced back to ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq) around 3000 BCE. Archaeological findings suggest that clay drums with skins were played in Sumerian and Babylonian cultures.

Similarly, ancient Egyptian wall paintings and artefacts dating back to around 2500 BCE depict drums with animal hide membranes. These drums were commonly used in religious ceremonies, rituals, and entertainment.

In East Asia, particularly in China and Japan, there are historical accounts of drum usage with skins dating back to ancient times, as early as 600 BCE.

Indigenous cultures in Africa and the Americas also had a long history of using drums with animal hide membranes in their music and ceremonies.

It's important to note that the early drum heads were made from animal hides, which were stretched and fastened over the drum shell. With advancements in materials and technology, modern drum heads are predominantly made from synthetic materials like Mylar and other plastics, making them more consistent, durable, and versatile.

Overall, the concept of using a membrane or skin to create sound in drums is ancient and can be traced back to some of the earliest civilisations in human history. The design and materials have evolved over time, but the fundamental principle of using a stretched membrane to produce sound remains at the core of drum construction.

What famous artists use drum skins & drum heads?

Many famous artists across various music genres have used drum skins and drum heads from brands like EVANS and REMO. These brands are well-known for producing high-quality drum heads that cater to the needs of professional drummers. Here are some notable artists who have used EVANS and REMO drum heads:

EVANS Drum Heads:

1. Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana): Dave Grohl is known for using EVANS drum heads on his drum kits. His powerful and energetic drumming style demands durable and reliable drum heads, which EVANS provides.

2. Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers): Chad Smith, the drummer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, has been associated with EVANS drum heads. His dynamic playing requires drum heads that can handle both hard-hitting rock beats and more delicate passages.

3. Vinnie Colaiuta: Vinnie Colaiuta, a highly acclaimed studio drummer known for his technical prowess and versatility, has used EVANS drum heads on his drum kits.

4. Dennis Chambers: Renowned drummer Dennis Chambers has been associated with EVANS and is known for his exceptional skills in jazz, funk, and fusion genres.

5. Nikki Glaspie (Beyoncé, Nth Power): Nikki Glaspie, former drummer for Beyoncé and a founding member of the band Nth Power, has used EVANS drum heads during her performances.

REMO Drum Heads:

1. Ringo Starr (The Beatles): Ringo Starr, the iconic drummer of The Beatles, has been known to use REMO drum heads on his drum kits throughout his career.

2. Steve Gadd: Steve Gadd, a highly respected session drummer and performer, has been associated with REMO drum heads for many years.

3. Sheila E.: Sheila E., a renowned drummer, percussionist, and singer, has used REMO drum heads on her drum kits during her performances and recordings.

4. Stewart Copeland (The Police): Stewart Copeland, the drummer for The Police, has been associated with REMO drum heads during his time with the band and beyond.

5. Travis Barker (Blink-182): Travis Barker, the drummer of Blink-182 and a well-known drummer in the punk and rock genres, has been known to use REMO drum heads.

Both EVANS and REMO are respected and trusted brands in the drumming community, and their drum heads are widely used by many professional drummers across different musical genres.

What styles of music are drum skins & drum heads good for?

Drum skins and drum heads are versatile and can be suitable for a wide range of music styles. The choice of drum heads depends on the drummer's preferences, the specific sound they want to achieve, and the musical genre they are playing. Here are some music styles where certain types of drum heads are commonly used:

1. Rock and Pop: Both single-ply and double-ply drum heads are popular in rock and pop music. Single-ply heads offer brighter tones and more resonance, making them suitable for rock music where open and sustained sounds are often desired. Double-ply heads provide more durability and focus, which can be beneficial for hard-hitting rock styles. Rock and pop drum kits are often used in studio gear and love backline kits as they usually cover the most amount of genres.

2. Jazz: Jazz drummers often prefer thinner single-ply drum heads for their warm, sensitive, and articulate sound. Coated drum heads can also be favoured in jazz to achieve a slightly drier and warmer tone.

3. Funk: Funk drummers typically go for clear single-ply or double-ply drum heads to get a bright and cutting sound with the beater attack. The clarity of single-ply heads helps to accentuate intricate rhythms and ghost notes.

4. Blues: In blues music, drummers may use coated single-ply heads to produce a warmer and slightly more subdued tone and warm attack that complements the genre's overall feel.

5. Metal: In heavy metal music, drummers often use double-ply or hydraulic drum heads to get a powerful enhanced attack and focused sound with reduced overtones and sustain.

6. Country: For country music, drummers may opt for clear single-ply drum heads to achieve a bright, open sound that complements the genre's rhythmic patterns.

7. Latin and Afro-Cuban: In Latin and Afro-Cuban styles, drummers often use thin single-ply heads to produce the vibrant and resonant sounds required for the intricate rhythms.

8. Fusion and Progressive: Drummers in fusion and progressive music may experiment with various types of drum heads, including coated and clear heads, to achieve a wide range of tones and textures.

9. Orchestral and Symphonic: In orchestral settings, drummers may use specialised drum heads made from materials like calf skin for traditional timpani drums to achieve specific tonal qualities required in classical music.

It's important to note that these are general guidelines, and many drummers might mix and match different types of drum heads to create their unique sound. The choice of drum heads is a personal preference, and experienced drummers often explore various options to find the perfect match for their playing style and musical genre.

What types of drum skins & drum heads are there?

There are several types of drum skins and drum heads available, each with its unique characteristics that cater to different playing styles and musical genres. Drum heads can vary based on their construction, material, thickness, and surface coating. Here are some common types of drum heads:

1. Single-Ply Drum Heads: Single-ply drum heads consist of a single layer of material, usually Mylar or other synthetic materials. They are known for their sensitivity and resonance, producing bright and open tones with more sustain. They are versatile and are suitable for various music styles, including rock, pop, and jazz.

2. Double-Ply Drum Heads: Double-ply drum heads are constructed with two layers of material, providing increased durability and focus. They produce a warmer and more controlled sound with reduced sustain and overtones. Double-ply heads are often preferred in styles like rock, metal, and heavy-hitting genres.

3. Coated Drum Heads: Coated drum heads have an additional layer of coating on the playing surface, typically made of a thin layer of paint or other materials. The coating adds some texture to the head, resulting in a slightly drier and warmer sound. Coated heads are commonly used in jazz, blues, and certain rock styles.

4. Clear Drum Heads: Clear drum heads are transparent, and their construction allows for more sustain and brighter tones with pronounced overtones. They are popular in various music styles, including rock, pop, and fusion.

5. Hydraulic Drum Heads: Hydraulic drum heads feature an oil or gel between the plies (layers). This dampens the vibrations, resulting in a shorter sustain and a more controlled sound. Hydraulic heads are suitable for genres like rock and heavy metal.

6. Ebony (Black) Drum Heads: Ebony drum heads have a dark, opaque appearance and are designed to provide a slightly warmer and more focused sound compared to clear heads. They are popular in certain rock and fusion styles.

7. Vintage (Calfskin) Drum Heads: Vintage drum heads replicate the look and feel of traditional calf skin heads used on older drums. They have a warm and organic sound but require more maintenance and are less durable than synthetic heads. They are sometimes used in jazz and traditional settings.

8. Pre-Muffled or Pre-Dampened Drum Heads: These drum heads come with built-in dampening, either in the form of a ring or an internal muffling system. They are designed to control overtones and produce a more focused sound. They can be useful in various music styles where controlled sustain is desired.

9. Specialised Drum Heads: Some drum heads are designed for specific purposes, such as bass drum heads with a port hole for microphone placement, marching drum heads with reinforced materials for outdoor use, or timpani heads made from natural calf skin for orchestral settings.

These are just a few examples of the types of drum skins and drum heads available. Drummers often experiment with different combinations to find the sound that best suits their playing style and musical preferences.

What kind of drumheads are there? 

There are several types of drum heads available, each with its unique construction, material, and characteristics. Here are some common types of drum heads:

1. Single-Ply Drumheads: 1-Ply drumheads consist of a single layer of material, typically Mylar or other synthetic materials. 1-Ply Heads

   are known for their sensitivity and resonance, producing bright and open tones with more sustain. Single-ply heads are versatile and are suitable for various music styles, including rock, pop, and jazz, and are usually a really Durable Drumhead.

2. Double-Ply Drum Heads: 2-Ply drumheads are constructed with two layers of material, providing increased durability and focus. They produce a warmer and more controlled sound with reduced sustain and overtones. Double-ply heads are often preferred in styles like rock, metal, and heavy-hitting genres and make great All-Round Drumheads.

3. Coated Drumheads: Coated drum heads have an additional layer of coating on the playing surface, typically made of a thin layer of paint or other materials. The coating adds some texture to the head, resulting in a slightly drier and warmer sound. Coated heads are commonly used in jazz, blues, and certain rock styles and are ideal heads for kick drum heads.

4. Clear Drumheads: Clear drum heads are transparent, and their construction allows for more sustain and brighter tones with pronounced overtones. They are popular in various music styles, including rock, pop, and fusion. just be sure to use quality drumheads even when they are clear as there are many crappy Drumheads out there that sound terrible and won't last long.

5. Hydraulic Drum Heads: Hydraulic drum heads feature an oil or gel substance sandwiched between the plies (layers). This dampens the vibrations and produces a shorter sustain and controlled sound. Hydraulic heads are suitable for genres like rock and heavy metal and allow for tighter Drumhead Tension across the head.

6. Ebony (Black) Drum Heads: Ebony drum heads have a dark, opaque appearance and are designed to provide a slightly warmer and more focused sound compared to clear heads. They are popular in certain rock and fusion styles.

7. Vintage (Calfskin) Drum Heads: Vintage drum heads replicate the look and feel of traditional calf skin heads used on older drums. They have a warm and organic sound but require more maintenance and are less durable than synthetic heads. They are sometimes used in jazz and traditional settings and are often more premium drum heads.

8. Pre-Muffled or Pre-Dampened Drum Heads: These drum heads come with built-in dampening, either in the form of a ring or an internal muffling system. They are designed to control overtones and produce a more focused sound. They can be useful in various music styles where controlled sustain is desired.

9. Specialty Materials and Designs: Some drum heads incorporate specialty materials, technologies, or designs, such as Evans' Level 360 technology, which allows the head to sit more flush on the drum shell, resulting in better tuning stability and improved contact between the head and the bearing edge. 

Each type of drum head, like synthetic skin drumhead, thicker drumheads, thinner drumheads, coated snare drumhead choices - all offer unique sonic properties, responsiveness, and performance characteristics, allowing drummers to choose the ones that best suit their playing style and musical preferences.

Is an high-end drum skins & drum heads worth it in Australia? 

Whether high-end drum skins and drum heads are worth it in Australia (or anywhere else) depends on several factors, including the drummer's skill level, playing style, musical goals, and budget. Both EVANS and REMO are reputable brands known for producing high-quality drum heads, and they offer a range of products catering to various needs. Here are some considerations to help you decide:

1. Sound Quality: High-end drum heads from EVANS and REMO are designed to deliver superior sound quality. They often provide better tonal characteristics, improved sensitivity, and reduced overtones. If you are a professional drummer, a serious enthusiast, or playing in a high-profile band, investing in high-quality drum heads can help you achieve the exact sound you desire for your performances and recordings.

2. Durability: High-end drum heads are typically made from premium materials and constructed with more attention to detail. This can result in increased durability, allowing the drum heads to withstand heavy playing and last longer. If you are a gigging musician or play frequently, investing in durable drum heads can save you money in the long run by reducing the need for frequent replacements.

3. Performance: Advanced drummers with refined techniques may benefit from high-end drum heads, as they can respond better to nuanced playing and showcase the drummer's skills more effectively. These drum heads can offer a more dynamic range and improved playability, enhancing your overall performance.

4. Musical Style: The type of music you play also plays a role in determining the value of high-end drum heads. If you play in genres where drum tone and sensitivity are crucial, such as jazz, fusion, or recording sessions, investing in top-quality drum heads can make a noticeable difference.

5. Budget: High-end drum heads can be more expensive than entry-level or mid-range options. Consider your budget and how much you are willing to spend on drum heads. Keep in mind that even mid-range drum heads from reputable brands like EVANS and REMO can offer excellent performance and sound quality.

6. Personal Preference: Ultimately, drumming is a personal experience, and the right drum heads for you depend on your preferences. Some drummers may find that high-end drum heads suit their playing style and musical goals, while others may be satisfied with more affordable options that still deliver good performance. Achieving professional drum head tuning is important though if you are recording.

In summary, high-end drum skins and drum heads from brands like EVANS and REMO can be worth it for professional drummers, serious enthusiasts, or those seeking the best possible sound quality and durability. However, less expensive options can still offer satisfactory performance for hobbyists and drummers on a budget. It's essential to try out different drum heads, if possible, to find the ones that best match your style and sound preferences.

What materials are drum skins & drum heads made from?

Drum skins and drum heads are typically made from various materials, each offering different characteristics that influence the drum's sound and performance. The choice of material can significantly impact the drum's tone, durability, and responsiveness. Here are some common materials used for drum skins and drum heads:

1. Mylar (Polyester Film): Mylar is one of the most popular materials used in modern drum heads. It is a type of polyester film known for its consistency, durability, and versatility. Mylar drum heads come in different thicknesses, with single-ply heads offering more resonance and sustain, while double-ply heads provide enhanced durability and focus.

2. Kevlar: Kevlar is a synthetic material known for its high strength and resistance to wear and tear. For durability drumheads, Kevlar drum heads are particularly popular for snare drums in marching bands and high-tension situations, as they can withstand heavy use and produce a bright, cutting sound.

3. Calfskin (Natural Animal Hide): Calfskin drum heads are made from the hides of young cows. They were commonly used on drums before the advent of synthetic materials. Calfskin heads produce warm and organic tones but are a more sensitive head that require more maintenance and are less durable compared to synthetic heads. They are still used in traditional and historical settings, especially for orchestral and world percussion instruments.

4. Fiberskyn (Fiberglass Film): Fiberskyn is a synthetic material designed to replicate the look and feel of traditional animal hide heads. It offers warm and vintage tones similar to calf skin but with greater durability and stability in various weather conditions. Fiberskyn heads are commonly used in ethnic and folk percussion instruments.

5. Hydraulic Oil: Some drum heads, particularly hydraulic drum heads, feature an oil or gel substance sandwiched between the plies. This dampens the vibrations and produces a shorter sustain and controlled sound.

6. Coating: Drum heads can also have coatings applied to the playing surface. Coatings can be made from various materials, such as paint or a thin layer of gel. Coated heads provide a slightly drier and warmer sound compared to clear heads.

7. Other Specialty Materials: Some drum heads incorporate specialty materials or designs, such as Evans' Level 360 technology, which allows the head to sit more flush on the drum shell, resulting in better tuning stability and improved contact between the head and the bearing edge.

Each material offers its unique sonic properties and performance characteristics, and drummers often experiment with different drum heads to find the best match for their playing style and musical preferences.

Where can I buy drum skins & drum heads in Australia?

At Coleman’s Music Store Melbourne CBD of course, or buy online from anywhere in Australia including Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Hobart. We have a huge range of drums skins and drum heads at a great price range and a super friendly team of drum experts.

If you have any questions on our range of drum heads, please just give us a call on (03) 9799 5400 with any questions, we’re always happy to help!