Drum Heads,drum Head
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When we consider the abuse that a drum head is subjected to, it is not difficult to see why they will eventually need to be changed. A drum head is pulled tautly over the base of the drum so it can be rhythmically pounded until it is eventually stretched and grows slack or even dented, whereupon it will be tuned by being pulled tight once more so it might be once again slammed by sticks repeatedly. It is not an easy life.
Yet for all the abuse a drum head is subjected to maintenance is not the only reason that you might choose to change the heads on your drums. Yes, they can eventually crack or scuff and can become stretched to the point where they can no longer be properly tuned. But the biggest single reason you may choose to switch the drum heads is the musical sound that you are looking for them to create. |
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The style of music that you are going to play will be a major factor in your choice. An example can be rock drumming and jazz drumming. A drummer in a rock band may lean towards a loud sound with lots of sustain. Their drum head of choice would most likely be a single ply. A drummer in a jazz quartet on the other hand could prefer a warmer sound with greater depth and lead towards a double ply set of drum heads
Single and double ply are just one of the choices a drummer must make. Additionally there are coated or non-coated drum heads. Coated skins will increase the texture and grip that the drummer will get with his sticks. Coated skins will not have as long a sustain but have a warmer sound. This again will come down the drummer’s preference. |
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The drum head material can also effect the sound produced. Drum heads were historically made from animal skin. You will still find calfskin used on some of the large drums in classical music such as Timpani’s. Natural skins are also still used in many hand drums like congas. Most drum sets now use Mylar drum heads. Mylar drum heads are generally clear, white or black. Beyond the cosmetics each of these skins has their own characteristics. Kevlar is another material being used in drum heads due to its extreme durability. This toughness did prove to be problematic for some drummers, causing tendinitis and other injuries.
Drummers have always personalized their sets to get a particular sound, such as placing duct tape on a drum head or stuffing foam or pillows inside a bass drum. There many specialty drum heads that can meet any need you might have. You can find pinstriped heads, which have epoxy between skin layers or hydraulic skins which have oil between the plies. |
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