Top Drum Heads for Professional Sound
As a drummer, the sound of your kit is everything. Over the years, I’ve come to understand how important it is to choose the right drum heads to create that perfect, professional sound. Whether you're in a studio recording session or playing live, the drum heads you select can make or break your sound. I’ve had the chance to experiment with different brands and types of drum heads, and in this article, I’ll share my experiences and recommendations for the top drum heads that deliver the best sound for professional drummers.
1. Remo Emperor Series: The All-Rounder for Punch and Clarity
One of the first drum heads I ever tried was the Remo Emperor, and I’ve been hooked ever since. The Remo Emperor series features a two-ply design that provides a deep, warm tone with controlled sustain. The dual-ply construction also helps reduce overtones, giving your drums a focused, punchy sound—ideal for live performances or recording. I personally use the Remo Emperor Coated heads on my toms, and the difference in sound is immediately noticeable. They offer a balanced mix of attack and resonance that works well in both rock and jazz settings.
The Remo Emperor heads are versatile and durable, which makes them a popular choice among professional drummers. They stand up well to heavy playing, and the coating gives them a slightly muted tone, which I find perfect for creating a classic drum sound. I’ve used them for years and they always provide a consistent, rich sound that’s perfect for any genre of music.
2. Evans G2: Perfect for Versatility and Durability
Another favorite of mine is the Evans G2 series. What sets the G2 apart is its combination of durability and versatility. Made with two plies of 7-mil film, these heads produce a punchy sound with clear attack and long sustain. I’ve used the Evans G2 on my snare and toms, and I love how they handle a wide variety of musical styles. Whether I’m playing light jazz or heavy rock, the G2 heads maintain excellent tone and balance throughout the performance.
One of the things I appreciate about the G2 heads is their ability to tune easily and maintain that tuning throughout the gig. They offer a great balance of resonance and muffling, so you get the right amount of sustain without too much ringing. Plus, they’re built to last. I’ve played these heads through countless rehearsals and performances, and they still sound as fresh as the day I installed them.
3. Aquarian Performance II: A Top Pick for Deep Tone and Durability
For drummers who need a bit more depth and warmth in their sound, the Aquarian Performance II series is a fantastic choice. I first tried these heads after a recommendation from a fellow drummer, and I was immediately impressed by the rich, full tone they produce. The two-ply design provides a thicker, darker sound that works wonders for heavier styles like metal or rock. But what really sold me was the durability—these heads can handle intense hits without losing their crisp, controlled sound.
The Aquarian Performance II heads are excellent for low-end punch, making them ideal for kick drums and floor toms. If you’re looking to achieve a deep, resonant sound, these heads won’t disappoint. I use them on my bass drum and floor tom, and the tone is always tight and focused, perfect for low-end punch that cuts through the mix without being too boomy.
4. Remo Ambassador Coated: The Classic Choice for Crisp Tone
If you’re looking for a classic, versatile drum head, the Remo Ambassador Coated heads are a fantastic choice. These single-ply heads are known for their crisp, bright tone and wide dynamic range. I’ve used them on everything from my snare drum to my toms, and they always deliver a sharp, articulate sound that’s ideal for a wide range of genres, from rock to jazz. The coated surface adds a bit of warmth to the attack, which I personally love for jazz or acoustic performances where a more natural, resonant sound is needed.
One of the things I love most about the Remo Ambassador Coated heads is their ability to produce a wide range of tones, from sharp and articulate to more resonant and warm. Whether I’m playing with brushes or sticks, the sound is always clean and clear. They’re also incredibly easy to tune, which makes them a great option for drummers who prefer a head that’s quick to adjust but still holds its tone for long periods of time.
5. Evans Hydraulics: Ideal for Mellow Tone and Warmth
For drummers who prefer a warmer, slightly muted tone, the Evans Hydraulics series is a fantastic option. These heads use a unique hydraulic design that incorporates a thin layer of oil between two plies of drumhead film. The result is a head that’s incredibly smooth with a controlled, deep tone and minimal overtones. I used the Evans Hydraulic heads on my floor toms and found that they produced a perfect, punchy sound with a darker, more focused tone that I really enjoyed, especially in live performances.
The Evans Hydraulics heads are ideal for drummers who want a low, fat sound with minimal sustain. They’re great for rock and heavier genres, where you need the drums to sound full and rich without too much resonance. I’ve found these heads to be incredibly durable, even after heavy hits, and the warm, controlled sound they produce really complements the punch of my kit.
6. Choosing the Right Drum Heads for Your Playing Style
When it comes to choosing the right drum heads, it’s important to consider your playing style. For example, if you’re a hard hitter like I am, you’ll want a head that can stand up to heavy use and still maintain its tone. That’s why I prefer two-ply heads like the Remo Emperor or Evans G2 for my toms—they can take a beating while delivering a consistent, clear sound. If you’re someone who plays with a lighter touch, a single-ply head like the Remo Ambassador might be a better choice, as it offers a brighter, more resonant tone with less sustain.
Another factor to consider is the type of music you play. For heavier genres like metal, thicker heads like the Aquarian Performance II or Evans Hydraulics are great for producing a deep, punchy sound with controlled overtones. For jazz or other lighter genres, thinner heads will help you achieve a sharper, more articulate sound that allows for more nuance in your playing.
