How drumheads affect the sound

Different drumheads affect the sound to a very large extent – ​​at least as much as the type of wood or shape of the drum. The choice of head determines how much attack, sustain, tone, warmth and control you get in your sound.

Here is a guide to how different types of drum heads affect the sound and what is best suited for different playing styles.

Factors that shape the drum sound

Factor	How it affects the sound
Number of layers (plush)	More layers give a darker tone, shorter sustain and increased durability.
Surface treatment	Coated heads sound warmer and rounder. Clear heads give a clearer sound with more attack.
Thickness	Thicker skins dampen sustain and reduce harmonics. Thinner skins provide more life and sensitivity.
Damping	Built-in damping or oil reduces sustain and harmonics for a more controlled sound.
Role on the set	The strike head affects attack and playing feel, while the resonance head affects tone, sustain and resonance.

Types of drumheads and their sound characteristics

1. Single Ply

• Example: Remo Ambassador, Evans G1
• Thickness: about 10 mil (0.25 mm)
• Sound: Open and bright with long sustain and high dynamic sensitivity.
• Suitable for: Jazz, pop, acoustic genres and studio use.

2. Double Ply

• Example: Remo Emperor, Evans G2
• Thickness: approximately 14–16 km total
• Sound: Darker and rounder tone with shorter sustain and more control.
• Suitable for: Rock, metal, live and recording where you want power and durability.

3. Coated leather

• Surface: Matte, sandpaper-like texture.
• Sound: Warmer and smoother sound, slightly fewer harmonics and better response for whisks.
• Suitable for: Jazz, studio and vintage sound.

4. Clear (Unwilling/untreated) skins

• Surface: Transparent plastic.
• Sound: Clearer and more focused tone, with clear attack and more harmonics.
• Suitable for: Rock, funk and live performances where the sound needs to cut through.

5. Hydraulic (oil-filled) skins

• Example: Evans Hydraulic, Remo Vintage Pinstripe
• Sound: Dark, very short sustain, almost no overtones and a “fat” controlled sound.
• Suitable for: 70s rock, studio recording and quieter contexts.

6. Damped skins

• Examples: Remo Controlled Sound, Evans EC2
• Features: Built-in damping rings or zones that reduce harmonics and shorten sustain.
• Sound: Controlled tone with focused attack.
• Suitable for: Pop, rock and studio use.

7. Resonance skin (underskin)

• Properties: Thinner than batting, usually single-layer and clear.
• Sound: Affects the drum's sustain, pitch, and harmonics.
• Tip: Change the resonance head at the same time as the percussion head for a smooth and balanced sound.

Summary

Type of leather	Tone character	Sustain	Harmonics	Sustainability	Suitable for
Single Ply, Clear	Open, bright	Long	Very	Low	Jazz, pop, studio
Single Ply, Coated	Warm, round	Long	Means	Low	Jazz, whisks, vintage
Double Ply, Clear	Dark, focused	Short	Get	High	Rock, metal, live
Double Ply, Coated	Warm, controlled	Short	Get	High	Studio, harder game
Hydraulic	Dark, muted	Very short	Almost none	High	Vintage rock, muted sound
Muted	Checked	Short	Get	Medium–high	All-round, pop, rock