Surprisingly, the drum head may be the most essential part of a bass drummer’s equipment. It doesn’t matter how good of a drummer the bass drummer is, without a good bass drum head he will not perform to his full potential. The easiest way avoid bad sound is to invest in a superior bass drum head. The task of selecting a drum head can be daunting because there is a lot of competition in the market place. There a few things to take into consideration when looking for a replacement drum head.
One thing that you have to think about when choosing a replacement bass drum head is that this is a very personal choice. Every drummer has their own taste, whether it is a brand or style. You will likely find one type of drum head that you favor over the rest. This is fine and this is normal. Picking out a drum head is very personal, so listen to the advice of others, but ultimately you have to choose the drum head that performs for you.
The options in bass drum heads are pretty much infinite. In fact, all the choices can make it very overwhelming. You can choose one ply or two ply, coated or not coated. You will also have several sizes and brands of drum heads. You will want to look into the advantages of every option.
Single or double ply and self muting are some of the common options. Usually bass drums come with single ply drum heads installed which have a very universal sound. An upgrade from single is double ply drum heads. They are great for rock music and are more durable. High pitches and shorten sustains are controlled through self muting drum heads.
As you go about your search you will find drum heads with different features. You will see that some create better tones, some are more long-lasting and others may offer different characteristics that appeal to you. Each option adds something different to the mix. Size is not the only choice. You will select a drum head that fits with your style of playing and will provide the type of sound that you like.
To some it may be apparent when it is time to buy a new base drum head, but for others it may not be so plain. Usually when sound quality starts to drop it can be directly linked to the drum head. If you have never replaced your drum head then it may be time for a new one. If the drum head looks beaten up or worn this is another good sign that replacement is needed.
You will, most importantly, need to replace your drum head when it no longer produces a sound that is compatible with the style of music you are playing. You always want your drum to compliment the music you create with the right sound. It does not matter how new or in what condition you find your drum head, if the sound no longer compliments your manner of playing it is time to change it.
Before you invest in a new bass drum head see Jeffrey’s site for more hints on replacing your marching bass drum head.
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