Comparing Drumheads

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**
 
Several Head Comparison Techniques
  • Compare product specs
  • Check out comparison tables
  • Ask opinions of other drummers (keep in mind that this is all subjective)
  • Try heads out in person! - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED OVER ALL OTHERS

DO!
  • Widdle down your choices to two heads via specs
  • Purchase one of each head in the same size (It's an investment worth making!)
  • Tune the heads up on drums and use your ears! (It's all about sound in the end, right?)

DON'T!
  • Simply walk up to a pair of drums in a shop and make your comparison
  • Assume that because a certain model of head sounds great on a kit in store that it will sound great on your kit
 
Hi Wayne,

Yes, I'm the Percussion Product Specialist for D'Addario/Evans Drumheads. I'm active on several drum forums to help offer advice, more public customer service, etc. I've made it clear in the past the I'm not here to sell anything, I'm here to contribute to the drum community and offer my perspective and experience.

Cheers!
 
Good to have you around. I recently purchased a Tama SC Bubinga. Are the Evans G2/G1Tama logo heads of equal quality than over the counter heads. They are marked "Made in USA". We were recently debating this at my dealers store.
Wayne
 
Hi Wayne,

Yes, I'm the Percussion Product Specialist for D'Addario/Evans Drumheads. I'm active on several drum forums to help offer advice, more public customer service, etc. I've made it clear in the past the I'm not here to sell anything, I'm here to contribute to the drum community and offer my perspective and experience.

Cheers!

just wondering, as I am comparing coated g2 against coated Super 2's in another thread...

If you're testing a head, and end up not using it, will that brief test run affect its quality or anything else? Will it have been "seated"? (I read that somewhere)
 
Hi Wayne,

Yes, I'm the Percussion Product Specialist for D'Addario/Evans Drumheads. I'm active on several drum forums to help offer advice, more public customer service, etc. I've made it clear in the past the I'm not here to sell anything, I'm here to contribute to the drum community and offer my perspective and experience.

Cheers!

What reso heads go best with EC2s.
I like a medium amount os resonence.
Did they discontinue the heads with the silver tape for rings?. (I heard it comes off).
 
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