FAQ

Drumheads are an essential part of any drum, and they come in two main types:

1. Batter Heads
   This is the top drumhead you hit with your sticks, brushes, mallets, or hands. It’s what creates the sound when you strike it.
2. Resonant Heads
   This is the bottom drumhead, located on the opposite side of the drum. It’s called “resonant” because it helps create the tone and sustain by vibrating with the air inside the drum.

Most drumheads can be used as either batter or resonant heads, but snare-side heads (used for the bottom of a snare drum) should never be used as batter heads. More on that below!

What is "Mil"?
Drumhead thickness is measured in "mil," which stands for thousandths of an inch. For example:

• 1 mil = 1/1000th of an inch.

Batter Heads

Batter heads are designed to be hit, and they come in different styles depending on the sound you want. Here’s a breakdown:

• Thickness Options
  • Thin (7.5-mil): Light and sensitive. Example: Remo Diplomat®.
  • Medium (10-mil): Balanced sound and durability. Example: Remo Ambassador®, Powerstroke® 3.
  • Heavy (14-mil): Loud, durable, and great for powerful playing. Example: Remo Emperor®, Powerstroke® 4, Pinstripe®.
• Other Features
  Some batter heads include special features to adjust tone and reduce overtones:
  • Dampening Rings: Built-in rings to control sound, like in Powerstroke® heads.
  • Laminated Films: Combine different materials for a unique sound, like Fiberskyn®.

Resonant Heads

Resonant heads vibrate in response to the batter head being struck. They are usually thinner and lighter than batter heads to help the drum produce a rich tone.

• Typical Thickness
  • Medium (10-mil): Common for most drums. Example: Remo Ambassador® Clear.
  • Thin (7.5-mil): Vibrates more easily for a brighter sound.
• For Bass Drums
  Bass drum resonant heads often include dampening features, like the Remo Powerstroke® 3, which has a built-in ring to control sound.
• For Snare Drums
  Snare drum resonant heads (also called "snare-side" heads) are much thinner than other resonant heads. This helps the snare wires (the metal strands underneath the drum) create a crisp, sensitive sound.
  • Standard: Remo Ambassador® Hazy (3-mil).
  • Extra-Sensitive: Remo Diplomat® Hazy (2-mil), popular for orchestral drummers.

Key Points for Beginners

• Batter heads are on top; resonant heads are on the bottom.
• Snare-side heads are special and should never be used as batter heads.
• Thickness affects sound: thinner heads are more sensitive, while thicker heads are louder and more durable.

Understanding these basics will help you choose the right drumheads for your sound and style!