The Ultimate Guide for Drummers
Your drumheads are the heartbeat of your sound. You can spend a fortune on shells and cymbals, but if your heads aren’t right, the tone won’t sing. The right drumhead shapes everything — attack, sustain, warmth, projection, and even how it feels to play.
Clear vs Coated Drumheads
Clear Heads
Bright, open and punchy. They let your shell’s natural tone speak. Great for rock, pop and funk where projection matters. Almost alway used where resonant heads are concerned but a clear double ply head is a beast for fatter tones. Particularly something with built in tone control like the Remo Pinstripe.
Try:
- Remo Clear Emperor – classic double-ply roundness and resonance.
- Evans G2 Clear – crisp, articulate response that keeps toms alive on stage.
- Remo Pinstripe Clear - the sound of Rock for generations.
- Evans EC2 - modern control for modern players
Coated Heads
A touch warmer, smoother and more controlled thanks to that textured finish. Perfect for recording, brushwork and classic tones.
Try:
- Remo Coated Emperor – the industry standard for balanced warmth.
- Evans G2 Coated – rounder tone with attack to cut through a mix.
- Evans Calftone – a modern head with vintage feel; warm, organic and beautifully balanced for acoustic or roots players.
- Remo Powerstroke 3/4 - single or double ply with built in tone control for fat, fat tones
Single-Ply vs Double-Ply
Single-Ply
One layer (usually 10 mil). Bright, resonant and sensitive — ideal for lighter touch and studio work. Perfect for resonant heads.
Examples: Remo Ambassador, Evans G1.
Double-Ply
Two layers (often 7 mil each). More focus, less sustain, longer life. Built for rounder tones and heavier hitters.
Examples: Remo Emperor, Evans G2.
Why not try the Remo Colortone Heads for extra sound control and sick looks!
Sound Control Rings, Pinholes & Dampening
Control Rings / Built-in Damping
These tame overtones without killing tone — giving that tight, pre-EQ’d studio sound.
- Evans EC2 SST – dual-ply with Sound Shaping Technology™ for modern punch.
- Evans Power Centre Reverse Dot - centre control for added durability and control.
- Remo Pinstripe – often imitated, the legendary warm, focused tone that defined 80s/90s rock.
- Remo Controlled Sound – single-ply with a reinforced centre dot: open around the edge, powerful in the middle, perfect for snare drums.
Pinholes / Dry Vents
Tiny vent holes release excess air for a drier, more articulate sound.
- Evans Genera HD Dry – double-ply with precision vents around the edge; reduces ring, boosts crack and control. Ideal for tight, crisp snare tones and super fat tom tones with low resonance.
Bass Drum Dampening & Resonance Control
Kick drums have their own flavour of tone control.
- Evans EMAD – an industry favourite with interchangeable foam rings so you can dial in perfect punch and focus.
- Remo Powerstroke 3/4 – built-in damping ring for deep, controlled lows without losing warmth.
- Remo SMT Bass Heads – pre-mounted muffling system gives a balanced low end and plenty of projection for live work.
How Often to Replace Drumheads
- Snare: every 3–6 months
- Toms: 6–12 months
- Bass: yearly or when low-end fades
- Resonant heads: 1–2 years
Our Top Picks at Musicmaker Dublin
- Remo Vintage Emperor – classic tone for any genre.
- Evans Black Chrome/Onyx Heads – great control and super fat sound for heavy hitters
- Remo Controlled Sound Black Dot – balanced and focused sound. The sound of classic rock.
- Evans EC2 SST – modern clarity and focus.
- Remo SMT Bass Head – deep, musical thump for live or studio. External damping provides options.
- Evans EMAD Bass Head – customisable damping for every stage or studio.
FAQ
Q. What’s the difference between clear and coated drumheads?
A. Clear heads are brighter and louder; coated heads are warmer and smoother, perfect for recording or brushes.
Q. What do control rings and vents do?
A. They tame overtones and tighten sustain. Heads like Evans EC2 or Genera HD Dry and Remo Controlled Sound use them for studio-ready control.
Q. What drumheads are best for bass drums?
A. The Remo Powerstroke 3, Remo SMT and Evans EMAD all deliver deep, punchy lows with built-in damping.
Q. Which heads give a vintage sound?
A. Evans Calftone and Remo Calftone series recreate that warm, classic tone with modern consistency.
Final Beat
Changing heads can transform your kit overnight — more volume, richer tone, tighter control. At Musicmaker Dublin, we stock the full range of Remo and Evans drumheads, ready to suit every drummer and every genre. Drop in, chat to our drum team, and find your perfect sound
Browse all our drumhead stock HERE.
Got any questions about these heads? About other heads? About the human head?
Why not get in touch via the Intercom button below, we are always happy to help out.
