Head Choices for a Damaged Bearing Edge

G

gravyface

Member
Currently sourcing a drum repair specialist to get the bearing edge re-cut, but in the meantime, I'm wondering if there are more forgiving heads out there than the usually Ambassador single ply coated heads I use. It's about 1/8" of an inch slanted gash.

Evans Level 360, perhaps? Pinstripes? Hydraulics? Lots of choices out there now.
 
I'd try the Evans EC2S. It might mute the odd harmonics.
 
Yeah, I have to crank up those two lugs to get the wrinkle out right now... I'm mad at myself for not checking before buying the drums, I know better.
 
I would suggest Evans or aquarian because they both have a larger hoop design that is intended to be more forgiving on a wider variety of drums, including those in not so great condition. As far as type of head, that's a matter of preference. Keep in mind damage like that will cause all sorts of problems so it may be best to stick to "easy tuning" heads like the hydraulics, EC2's, G2's, or onyx. Evans describes the hydraulics as being "good for problem drums" (or something like that).

Not to sound snobby but if it were me I would much rather put the money towards repairing or replacing the offending drums. A set of heads for a basic kit is easily $100+.
 
roncadillac said:
I would suggest Evans or aquarian because they both have a larger hoop design that is intended to be more forgiving on a wider variety of drums, including those in not so great condition. As far as type of head, that's a matter of preference. Keep in mind damage like that will cause all sorts of problems so it may be best to stick to "easy tuning" heads like the hydraulics, EC2's, G2's, or onyx. Evans describes the hydraulics as being "good for problem drums" (or something like that).

Not to sound snobby but if it were me I would much rather put the money towards repairing or replacing the offending drums. A set of heads for a basic kit is easily $100+.
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I am, but I can afford a set of heads that I'll end up using anyways. Finding a competent drum restorer is another problem.
 
gravyface said:
I am, but I can afford a set of heads that I'll end up using anyways. Finding a competent drum restorer is another problem.
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Tell us where you are and we may be able to point you to someone.

Pics of the damage would be cool too.
 
What's the diameter of the drum? Do you typically tune on the lower or higher end of the spectrum? This may be a dumb question, but are you hearing the bearing edge issue when you play the drum? If so, what does it sound like to you and have you experimented with tuning to mitigate the issue? I'd recommend trying that before trying a different drumhead.
 
BenOBrienSmith said:
What's the diameter of the drum? Do you typically tune on the lower or higher end of the spectrum? This may be a dumb question, but are you hearing the bearing edge issue when you play the drum? If so, what does it sound like to you and have you experimented with tuning to mitigate the issue? I'd recommend trying that before trying a different drumhead.
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With single ply head, it just takes an inordinate amount of tension rod cranking to get the wrinkle out where the bearing edge is damaged, so way way up on a floor tom. I can detune the other lugs, but only so far. It really needs to be addressed with a re-cut of the bearing edge.

With an Evans Hydraulic head, I was able to get it reasonable tuned up, but that's just a stop gap (sounds cool though, not so much for live).
 
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