Drum Heads
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DRUM HEADS
Explore Our Drum Head Range
Our extensive drum head range includes batter and resonant heads for snare drums, toms and bass drums, alongside complete drum head packs, bass drum systems, logo heads and low-volume mesh options. We stock heads from Remo, Evans and Code, with choices suited to everything from open and resonant acoustic sounds to heavily controlled live setups and quieter home practice.
Changing your drum heads is one of the quickest and most effective ways to alter the sound and feel of a kit. Ply construction, film thickness, coating and built-in dampening can all affect attack, sustain, durability and tuning response. For players replacing several tom heads at once, drum head packs can also provide a simple way to achieve a more consistent sound across the kit.
DRUM HEAD BUYING GUIDE
Complete Drum Head Buying Guide
Learn how ply construction, coated and clear finishes, batter and resonant heads and built-in control affect the sound and feel of your kit.
SNARE HEAD GUIDE
Favourite Snare Drum Heads: Evans and Remo Compared
A closer look at snare batter heads we regularly use and recommend at Graham Russell Drums.
Explore the Six Main Drum Head Categories
Our main drum head range is divided into six useful categories: snare drum heads, tom heads, bass drum heads, logo bass drum heads, drum head packs and mesh drum heads. The examples below provide a simple introduction to each area and show how different head types are designed for different parts of the kit and different playing situations.
Each product is only one example from its category, but together they provide a useful overview of the wider range available from Remo, Evans, Code and leading drum manufacturers.
Snare Drum Heads
Example: Remo 14" Ambassador Coated
Snare batter heads range from open and sensitive single-ply designs to thicker, reinforced and heavily controlled options. The Ambassador Coated is a versatile starting point with clear attack, natural sustain and a broad tuning range.
Tom Heads
Tom heads are available in single and double-ply constructions, with coated, clear and controlled options. The single-ply G1 Clear produces a bright and expressive response and can be used as either a batter or resonant tom head.
Bass Drum Heads
Example: Evans EMAD2 22" System Pack
Bass drum heads range from open single-ply designs to heavily controlled systems. This EMAD2 pack combines a durable double-ply batter, interchangeable dampening rings and a ported resonant head for a focused and adjustable setup.
Logo Bass Drum Heads
Example: Yamaha 22" New Logo Black Head
Logo heads are branded resonant bass drum heads designed to complement a specific manufacturer or kit. They are available in different sizes, colours, finishes and port configurations from brands including Yamaha, DW, Gretsch and Tama.
Drum Head Packs
Example: Evans G2 Clear Standard Tom Pack
Drum head packs group common sizes together, making it easier to replace several heads with matching construction. The double-ply G2 Clear pack provides a practical balance of attack, depth, control and durability across the toms.
Mesh Drum Heads
Example: Evans dB One Standard Tompack
Mesh and low-volume heads reduce acoustic output while retaining a responsive playing surface. They are designed for home practice and other situations where conventional full-volume acoustic heads would be too loud.
These examples are intended to introduce the six main sections of our drum head range rather than define every available option. Within each category you will find further choices in different sizes, finishes, ply constructions and levels of built-in control.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know what size drum head I need?
Drum heads are selected according to the diameter of the drum shell. Check the drum's specification or measure directly across the shell from bearing edge to bearing edge. Do not measure across the outside of the hoop, as this can produce an inaccurate result.
Should I choose single or double-ply drum heads?
Single-ply heads generally provide a more open, resonant and sensitive response. Double-ply heads usually offer greater durability and a more controlled sound with fewer high overtones. Many kits combine double-ply tom batters with single-ply resonant heads.
Are coated or clear drum heads better?
Neither is automatically better. Clear heads generally provide a brighter attack and stronger projection, while coated heads tend to sound warmer and feel slightly smoother and more controlled. Coated heads also provide the textured surface required for traditional brush playing.
Are drum head packs worth buying?
A drum head pack is a convenient option when replacing several tom heads at the same time. Packs normally group common kit sizes together and help ensure that the toms use matching construction, producing a more consistent feel and sound across the kit. Always check that the included sizes match your drums.
Do resonant drum heads need replacing?
Yes. Resonant heads are not struck directly, but they gradually stretch and lose their ability to hold tension and vibrate consistently. An old resonant head can make a drum harder to tune and reduce its sustain and responsiveness, even when the batter head is new.
STILL NOT SURE?
Ask a drummer
If you are unsure which drum head size, construction or level of control suits your kit, give us a call and speak to a member of the team.
Call 01329 834012
