Top Drum Heads for Professional Sound: A Drummer's Guide to Choosing the Best
As a drummer, I’ve learned over the years that the drum heads you choose play a huge role in shaping the sound of your kit. Whether you’re playing live on stage or recording in the studio, the quality and type of drum head you use can make all the difference in achieving that perfect, professional sound. After experimenting with different brands and types of drum heads, I can confidently say that the right drum head not only enhances the tonal quality of your drums but also improves your overall performance. Let me share my journey with you and guide you through the best drum heads for a professional sound.
1. Why Drum Heads Matter
It might seem like drum heads are just a surface you hit with a stick, but they actually affect the sound in a profound way. A drum head is the “voice” of your drum, and much like how different strings on a guitar offer distinct tones, different drum heads can create a variety of sounds. I learned early on that choosing the right drum head involves understanding not only the materials they’re made from but also how they respond to your playing style, whether you’re playing a jazz, rock, or metal groove.
There are two main types of drum heads: batter heads (the ones you hit) and resonant heads (the ones on the bottom). Each type serves a different purpose, and selecting the right combination can truly elevate the sound of your drums. In my experience, it’s essential to focus on both the batter and resonant heads, as they work together to create the overall tone and resonance of each drum.
2. The Best Drum Heads for a Professional Sound
After years of playing and experimenting with different brands and types, I’ve narrowed down a few of my favorite drum heads that help create that professional sound. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced drummer, these choices will cover a range of sounds, styles, and preferences:
2.1 Remo Ambassador Coated Drum Heads
The Remo Ambassador Coated drum heads are often my go-to choice for snare and toms. These heads offer a balanced tone with a bright attack, ideal for genres like rock and pop where clarity and projection are crucial. The coating on the head adds warmth and a vintage feel, while still providing plenty of attack for sharp backbeats. I’ve used these heads in live performances and recording sessions, and they’ve never let me down in terms of sound consistency and durability.
These heads are versatile enough to suit various playing styles, but they particularly excel in the hands of drummers who play with more energy and power. The Ambassador Coated drum heads are also known for their sensitivity, making them perfect for drummers who love to get creative with ghost notes or rim shots. The coating helps to smooth out the tone, giving it a warmer and more controlled sound, which I find invaluable in certain musical contexts.
2.2 Evans G2 Coated Drum Heads
If you’re looking for a drum head that provides a little more durability without sacrificing tone, the Evans G2 Coated drum heads are an excellent option. These heads offer a slightly thicker build compared to the Remo Ambassadors, which gives them a punchier sound and greater durability. I’ve used these drum heads extensively for both live gigs and recording, and they’ve proven to be a solid choice for rock, fusion, and heavier genres.
The Evans G2 Coated heads produce a deeper, warmer tone, making them great for drummers who want a fat, rounded sound with more sustain. The added thickness makes them more resistant to wear and tear, which is important if you’re a heavy hitter like me. They offer a controlled response, which helps reduce unwanted overtones, giving your drums a clean and defined sound in both the studio and on stage.
2.3 Aquarian Super-2 Drum Heads
For drummers who play with a lot of intensity, the Aquarian Super-2 drum heads are a fantastic choice. These heads are known for their durability and for providing a bright, responsive tone without sacrificing warmth. I love how these heads balance sharp attack with smooth, controlled resonance. Aquarian Super-2 heads are especially effective in genres like metal, progressive rock, and any other style that requires a powerful, dynamic sound.
The Aquarian Super-2 heads feature a dual-ply construction that offers more durability than single-ply heads, making them ideal for high-energy performances. They also tend to stay in tune longer and handle high-impact playing without losing their tone. What I particularly appreciate about the Super-2 heads is how they combine the best of both worlds: they’re durable enough for heavy playing while still providing a rich, full-bodied sound that works well in both studio and live environments.
2.4 Attack Drum Heads – Attack 2-ply Clear
If you’re looking for an affordable yet high-quality drum head, I highly recommend the Attack 2-ply Clear heads. These heads are a great option for drummers who want a clear, focused tone with plenty of projection. I’ve used these heads on my toms and bass drum, and they have always delivered a bright, punchy sound that cuts through the mix. They’re especially great for high-volume gigs and drummers who need their drums to be heard in a crowded soundscape.
What sets Attack drum heads apart is their affordability without compromising on quality. They offer a very punchy and defined sound, which is great for genres where the drums need to stand out. The 2-ply construction ensures durability, while the clear finish provides a more focused and direct sound compared to coated heads. These heads are an excellent option for those looking for performance-driven drums at a lower price point.
2.5 Ludwig Atlas Pro Drum Heads
When it comes to snare drums, the Ludwig Atlas Pro drum heads stand out for their crisp, snappy response. I use these heads when I want a sharp attack with just the right amount of body and sustain. The Ludwig Atlas Pro heads have been designed to bring out the full potential of snare drums, giving them a sharp crack without being too harsh. Whether you’re playing in a jazz band or a rock group, these heads can give you that extra level of precision and control.
The Atlas Pro heads are built with high-quality materials that resist stretching, ensuring they hold up well over time. The snare sound they produce is both sharp and articulate, which I love for live performances where clarity is essential. The durability of the heads also means less frequent replacements, making them a cost-effective choice for professional drummers.
3. Choosing the Right Drum Heads for Your Style
While all the drum heads mentioned above are great for professional sound, the best choice for you depends on your playing style, genre, and how hard you hit your drums. Here are a few things I consider when choosing the right drum heads for my setup:
3.1 Consider Your Playing Style
If you’re a drummer who plays with a lot of power and intensity, you’ll want drum heads that can handle the impact. Thicker, dual-ply heads like the Evans G2 or Aquarian Super-2 are built for heavy playing. On the other hand, if you prefer a lighter, more controlled playing style, thinner heads like the Remo Ambassador Coated might be a better option.
3.2 Think About the Genre
The genre you play will also influence your choice of drum heads. For instance, jazz drummers tend to favor single-ply heads for their bright, resonant tone. If you play rock or metal, thicker, more durable heads like the Aquarian Super-2 or Attack 2-ply are ideal for handling high-impact playing and producing a powerful sound. Each genre has its ideal drum head characteristics, so it’s worth experimenting with different options to find what works best for you.
3.3 Don't Forget Tuning
The drum heads you choose will interact with the tuning of your drums. Higher-tuned heads give you a sharper, more defined tone, while lower-tuned heads offer a deeper, rounder sound. I’ve found that experimenting with both the drum heads and tuning can drastically alter the sound, so it’s important to test different combinations until you achieve your desired tone.
4. Conclusion
Choosing the right drum heads for a professional sound is all about matching the right materials and construction to your playing style and musical needs. Whether you prefer a punchy, bright sound or a deeper, more resonant tone, there’s a drum head out there that’s perfect for you. After testing various brands and types, I’ve come to rely on a combination of Remo, Evans, Aquarian, and Attack drum heads to suit my diverse drumming needs. With the right heads, you can elevate the sound of your drums and ensure that every beat resonates with power and clarity.
