FAQ

For centuries, animal rawhide drumheads have been the traditional choice for drums like the drum set, djembe, conga, and bongo. While they are still used today, modern drummers are increasingly switching to synthetic alternatives for their enhanced performance and ease of use. Below, we outline the key challenges of animal rawhide drumheads and the benefits of Remo synthetic drumheads.

Challenges of Animal Rawhide Drumheads

1. Highly sensitive to moisture – Animal rawhide drumheads loosen in humid conditions, such as at the beach or on rainy days, causing the drum’s pitch to drop.
2. Affected by heat and dryness – In hot and dry environments, the rawhide tightens, raising the pitch and sometimes causing the head to split.
3. Requires regular maintenance – Rawhide drumheads need to be loosened after each use to preserve their condition and prevent damage.
4. Constant re-tuning – Players often need to re-tune rawhide drumheads when exposed to heat or moisture, which can be time-consuming and frustrating.
5. Hard to find high-quality skins – Sourcing superior-quality animal rawhide skins for drumheads can be difficult and costly.
6. Can cause hand pain – Varying quality of rawhide skins can require more force to produce a quality tone, potentially leading to hand pain.
7. Dries out hands – The natural oils from the hands are absorbed by the rawhide, leading to dry, cracked skin on the fingers over time.

Remo continues to break new ground in drumhead film technologies, offering advanced head replacements for traditional drum sets as well as revolutionary innovations for congas, bongos, djembes, and a wide range of hand percussion instruments. The world’s top percussionists rely on Remo drumheads for their superior sound, feel, and low maintenance. While animal rawhide drumheads present several challenges, Remo's innovative synthetic drumheads provide modern drummers with a range of benefits.

Benefits of Remo Synthetic Drumheads

1. Superior sound quality – Remo synthetic drumheads offer consistent and superior sound without the fluctuation in pitch due to weather conditions.
2. Weather resistance – Unlike animal rawhide, synthetic heads are resistant to changes in moisture and temperature, ensuring stable tuning in all environments.
3. Durable construction – These drumheads are designed to withstand wear and tear, reducing the need for frequent replacements or repairs.
4. Easy maintenance & tuning – Synthetic heads require minimal maintenance and tuning compared to natural rawhide, saving time and effort.
5. Lively overtones – Remo synthetic drumheads produce bright and rich overtones, enhancing the overall musical experience.
6. Easy slap tones – These heads make it easier to produce sharp, crisp slap tones, which is particularly important for percussion styles.
7. Easy on your hands – Synthetic drumheads are softer on the hands, reducing the likelihood of hand pain or skin damage during extended playing sessions