Drumheads: Snare, Tom & Bass Drum Heads

Fresh heads change the sound of a kit more than anything else for the outlay, and they are the first thing to wear out on house kits, rehearsal room kits and hire backline. This section is all Evans and is split into Snare Drum Heads, Tom Heads and Bass Drum Heads.

The range covers the main Evans families: G1 in clear and coated, G2 Coated, EC2 Clear, and UV1 and UV2 coated heads; HD Dry, EC Reverse Dot and the Hazy 300 Snare Side for snares; and EMAD, EMAD2 and EMAD Heavyweight on the kick. Tom heads come as singles from 10″ to 16″ or as Rock Packs of 10″, 12″ and 16″, and the EMAD2 is also available as a 22″ batter and reso pair.

Two choices shape the sound. First is ply count, and in the G, UV and EC2 families the number in the name tells you it. Single-ply heads such as the G1 are more open and resonant with longer sustain and more sensitivity. Two-ply heads such as the G2 and EC2 are thicker, with a shorter, punchier note and better tolerance of heavy hitting. Second is finish: coated heads sound warmer and give brushes something to work against, while clear heads are brighter with more attack.

Always buy by drum diameter, measured across the shell, rather than reading the size off an old head. Each subcategory goes into the choice for that drum.

Drumheads FAQs

What is the difference between a batter head and a resonant head? The batter head is the one you hit; the resonant head sits on the other side of the drum and shapes sustain and tone. Most heads here are batter heads, with the Hazy 300 Snare Side and the EMAD2 pack’s reso head the resonant options.

Should I choose clear or coated heads? Clear heads are brighter with more attack, coated heads are warmer and work with brushes. Many drummers use coated on the snare and choose either on the toms depending on the music.