Drum heads play a crucial role in determining the sound and volume of a drum. When it comes to volume, some drum heads are simply louder than others. If you’re looking for a drum head that will help you make your presence felt on stage or in the studio, you’ll want to choose the loudest option possible.
In this article, I wanted to take a look at what makes a drum head loud, and explore some of the loudest drum heads available on the market today. From clear, single-ply heads to thicker, more complex heads, we’ll help you find the perfect drum head to help you make your mark in the world of music.
So, if you’re ready to take your drumming to the next level, keep reading to learn more about the loudest drum heads.
What Are The Loudest Drum Heads
The loudest drum heads are typically those made of clear or single-ply material. This is because they have less internal dampening compared to thicker drum heads. Single-ply heads are also favored by some drummers because they allow the natural tone of the drum shell to shine through.
Clear heads, specifically, provide good projection and sustain, making them an excellent option for live performances or recording sessions.
Another factor that contributes to the loudness of a drum head is its tension. Higher tension equates to higher volume, as the head will vibrate more freely and produce a brighter, more focused sound. However, this also makes the head more difficult to play, so finding the right balance between tension and playability is essential for many drummers.
Aside from the materials and tension of the drum head, the type of drum also affects its volume. For example, a bass drum is naturally louder than a snare drum, so using a clear, high-tension head on a bass drum will result in a louder and more powerful sound compared to the same setup on a snare drum.
What Specific Brands Or Type Of Drum Head Is Loudest
There are specific brands and types of drum heads that are known for their loudness and projection. Some of the most popular brands are Remo, Evans, and Ludwig, and their clear or single-ply options are highly regarded for their volume.
One specific type of drum head that is known for its loudness is the Remo PDP Coated Emperor drum head. This head is made of a single ply of 10-mil film, providing a bright and resonant sound with good projection.
Another popular option is the Evans Genera HD Dry drum head, which has a single ply of 7-mil film and a coated surface that provides a balance of attack and sustain.
Ludwig also offers several clear and single-ply drum heads, such as the Ludwig Clear Classic drum head and the Ludwig Clear PDP snare drum head, which are known for their bright tone and projection.
Drum heads come down to personal taste and preference. If you have the option to get into a shop that has different heads already on some drums, try them out and see which you prefer.
Which Drums Are These Designed For
These clear or single-ply drum heads are designed for various types of drums, including snare, bass, toms, and even some marching drums. They are popular for their ability to provide a bright tone with good projection and sustain, making them ideal for live performances and recording sessions.
- Snare Drums – One of the most common types of drums to use clear or single-ply heads, as they are known to provide a sharp, punchy sound that cuts through the mix of a full drum set.
- Bass Drums – These also benefit from clear or single-ply heads, as they provide a powerful, resonant tone that can be felt as well as heard.
- Toms – Perfect for single-ply or clear heads, as they provide a sustained, bright and focused tone that fits with many musical genres.
Are Thicker Drum Heads Louder?
Thicker drum heads, in general, tend to have more internal dampening, which can result in a more controlled, balanced tone with less sustain. This can make them seem quieter than clear or single-ply heads, which provide more projection and sustain.
However, the overall volume of a drum is determined by many factors we went into above, including the type of drum, the tension of the head, and the player’s technique.
For example, a highly-tensioned, thick drum head may still produce a loud sound, particularly on larger drums such as bass drums, where the head has more surface area to vibrate. On the other hand, a low-tension, thick drum head may produce a less resonant sound, even on smaller drums.
Different players have different preferences and styles, and the “loudness” of a drum head is subjective, which I’ll dive into a bit more below. For those who prefer a snappy, percussive sound, the clear or single-ply heads might be for them. Those wanting a controlled and balanced tone may find it in thicker drumheads.
Is The Loudness Of A Drum Head Subjective Or Objective?
The loudness of a drum head is subjective and depends on several factors, including the player’s perspective and musical needs. Some players may prefer the punchy, sharp tone of a clear or single-ply head, while others may prefer the controlled, balanced tone of a thicker head.
Subjectivity also comes into play when considering the type of drum, the head tension, and the player’s technique. For example, a player may consider a drum with a highly-tensioned, thick head to be loud, while another player may consider the same drum to be quiet.
The volume of a drum can also vary depending on the type of music being played and the overall sound of the drum set. For example, in a rock or metal band, a clear or single-ply snare head may be preferred for its ability to cut through the mix, while in a jazz or blues setting, a thicker head may be preferred for its more controlled tone.
What Factors Should Be Considered When Choosing A Drum Head For Maximum Volume?
When choosing a drum head for maximum volume, several factors should be taken into consideration:
- Type of Drum – Depending on the shape and size of the drum, you may need to adjust head types and tensions to achieve optimal sound resonance and volume.
- Head Material – Single-ply heads not only sound brighter, but they also offer more projection and sustain than thicker heads. On the other hand, heavier drumheads yield a more controlled tone due to their higher internal dampening properties.
- Head Tension – If you’re looking to achieve a bright, powerful sound with increased projection and sustain, opt for higher head tension. Conversely, if you want something warmer and more resonant in tone choose lower head tension…it will provide an even looser and less responsive feel that compliments the ensuing produced timbre.
- Playing Style – The player’s technique and playing style can influence the optimal head tension and type of drumhead to achieve maximum sound quality. For instance, if you’re a heavy-hitting drummer, then it is suggested that you use thicker heads with low tension for more durability against your strong impact. On the other hand, light-handed players might prefer clear or single-ply heads with stiffer tensions for increased projection on their drums.
- Overall Sound – The desired overall sound of the drum set should also be taken into consideration when choosing a drum head for maximum volume. For example, in a rock or metal band, a clear or single-ply snare head may be preferred for its ability to cut through the mix, while in a jazz or blues setting, a thicker head may be preferred for its more controlled tone.
To sum up, selecting a drum head for maximum volume necessitates evaluating the kind of drum, its head material, tension level when played, playing strategy used, and overall sound quality of your drum set. Experimenting with various kinds and tensions is essential to discover the suitable setup that fits your requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Materials Are The Loudest Drum Heads Made Of?
Single-ply drum heads made from Mylar or similar material are renowned for providing an intensely bright and resonant sound with excellent projection and sustain. Even though they may appear to be louder than thicker, multi-layered alternatives that naturally include more internal dampening, creating a much tamer yet balanced tone.
How Does The Tension Of A Drum Head Affect Its Volume?
Higher drum head tension results in a sound that is tighter and more responsive, producing a brighter, punchier sound with more projection and sustain. This can make the drum seem louder.
On the other hand, reduced head tension results in a drum skin that is more flexible and less responsive. This leads to a warmer tone with decreased resonance, projection and sustain, making the instrument sound quieter overall.