EvansSpecialist
Silver Member
Normally I try to stay from posting duplicate content between forums but I believe that this is important enough to post here as well. (Originally posted on the Harmony Central Forum)
Hey everyone,
This is probably going to be a long-winded post so I'm going to post a "reader's digest" version right below this one in case you don't wish to read my full post.
I've noticed that there are tons of threads comparing drumheads on all the drum forums out there. While I definitely support using comparison tables, specs, graphs and the help of fellow drummers, the best way to compare drumheads is by testing them in person. Use the specs to nail it down to two heads then purchase one each. I know that this may not always be feasible (do to economics and many other factors) but it's worth considering as an investment.
If you're going to outfit all of your toms with new batter heads and have to chose between two different models, it's worth it to buy the 1 of both models in the same size.
Simultaneous
As far as the comparison goes, you can compare simultaneously or back to back. Either way, you should be aiming to get the heads on identical drums (if you really want to make a sonic comparison, you should be controlling the other elements). Since it's not likely that you own two of the same drum, you'll likely have to do this at a drum shop. If you're friendly with the local drum dealer, you can probably convince them to let you purchase the comparison heads and tune them up on a pair of drums.
Back-To-Back
Back to back comparison would likely be done on your own drums. The purpose would be to hear the heads on your kit (which may not be the same as whatever the local drum shop has hanging around). The issue with this is that you can't have the two heads mounted simultaneously. Still, you should be able to make a decent comparison. Use a decent recording device to help if you need to.
It's possible that neither of these options will work for you. You may be stuck trying out a 12" G2 on a maple Pearl rack tom and a 16" EC2 on a Tama floor tom. Just please tune the drums up from scratch yourself!
It amazes me how many people I've seen compare the sound of drumheads in a store without even pulling out a drum key. The last person to tune the drums might have been out of their mind or have very little tuning expertise. Regardless, the drums just might not be tuned the way you like. That's not something that factor into drumhead choice.
Just a thoughtful perspective from someone who spends their days around lots of drumheads and is constantly experimenting with heads. :wave:
**See next post for "Reader's Digest" version**
Hey everyone,
This is probably going to be a long-winded post so I'm going to post a "reader's digest" version right below this one in case you don't wish to read my full post.
I've noticed that there are tons of threads comparing drumheads on all the drum forums out there. While I definitely support using comparison tables, specs, graphs and the help of fellow drummers, the best way to compare drumheads is by testing them in person. Use the specs to nail it down to two heads then purchase one each. I know that this may not always be feasible (do to economics and many other factors) but it's worth considering as an investment.
If you're going to outfit all of your toms with new batter heads and have to chose between two different models, it's worth it to buy the 1 of both models in the same size.
Simultaneous
As far as the comparison goes, you can compare simultaneously or back to back. Either way, you should be aiming to get the heads on identical drums (if you really want to make a sonic comparison, you should be controlling the other elements). Since it's not likely that you own two of the same drum, you'll likely have to do this at a drum shop. If you're friendly with the local drum dealer, you can probably convince them to let you purchase the comparison heads and tune them up on a pair of drums.
Back-To-Back
Back to back comparison would likely be done on your own drums. The purpose would be to hear the heads on your kit (which may not be the same as whatever the local drum shop has hanging around). The issue with this is that you can't have the two heads mounted simultaneously. Still, you should be able to make a decent comparison. Use a decent recording device to help if you need to.
It's possible that neither of these options will work for you. You may be stuck trying out a 12" G2 on a maple Pearl rack tom and a 16" EC2 on a Tama floor tom. Just please tune the drums up from scratch yourself!
It amazes me how many people I've seen compare the sound of drumheads in a store without even pulling out a drum key. The last person to tune the drums might have been out of their mind or have very little tuning expertise. Regardless, the drums just might not be tuned the way you like. That's not something that factor into drumhead choice.
Just a thoughtful perspective from someone who spends their days around lots of drumheads and is constantly experimenting with heads. :wave:
**See next post for "Reader's Digest" version**