Clear vs Coated Drum Heads: Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best

Are you ready to take your drumming to the next level with your bass drums? Well, it’s time to make a decision about your drumhead choices that will truly amplify your sound. The choice between clear and coated ply drumheads can make all the difference. These two options offer distinct characteristics that can shape your overall sound in ways you never imagined.

Clear drum heads are a popular choice for drummers looking for a bright and vibrant tone. They are especially great for bass drums and kick drums. On the other hand, coated drum heads offer a warmer and more focused sound, adding depth and richness to your playing. The impact of these drumhead choices should not be underestimated; they can define your style and set you apart from the crowd.

So whether you’re after explosive power or subtle finesse, choosing between clear and coated drum heads, as well as different ply drumhead choices, is crucial for achieving the focused tones and high end overtones you desire. Get ready to unleash your true potential behind the kit!

Factors to Consider When Choosing Between Coated and Clear Drum Heads:

Sound Preference: Let Your Ears Decide

Sound is everything when it comes to drumming. The choice between coated and clear drum heads ultimately boils down to personal preference and the desired tonal characteristics. Coated drum heads offer a warmer and more focused tone with enhanced low-end response, making them ideal for genres like jazz or ballads where subtlety is key. On the other hand, clear drum heads provide a brighter and more open sound with increased sustain and projection, which are often favored in rock or pop music for their crisp attack and cutting power. When it comes to drumhead choices, tuning is also an important factor to consider.

Playing Style and Genre: Match the Beat

Consider your playing style and the genre of music you primarily perform when deciding between coated and clear drum heads. If you’re a heavy hitter who enjoys powerful beats, clear drumhead choices might be your best bet as they can withstand aggressive playing without losing their clarity. However, if you have a lighter touch or prefer intricate ghost notes, coated drumhead choices might be more suitable as they provide better control over dynamics. Don’t forget to experiment with different tuning and dampening systems to achieve the focused tones you desire.

Different genres of music also demand different characteristics from drumheads. For example, the tones produced by the drumheads need to be in tune with the rest of the instruments, and the volume should be appropriate for the style of music being played.

Jazz drummers have a variety of drumhead choices available to them, including clear drumheads and coated heads for their snare drum. Coated heads are particularly popular because they offer warmth and sensitivity, allowing for nuanced playing and enhancing the overall drum tones.
Rock: Clear drumheads deliver the punchy attack needed for bass drum sound to cut through loud guitars and produce the desired drum tones.
Funk music relies on clear drumheads to produce bright tones that enhance the syncopated rhythms. The drum sound, particularly from the bass drum, is crucial in creating the desired funk groove.
Metal music requires drumheads that excel in delivering fast, precise attacks for double bass pedal work. Clear drumheads are ideal for achieving the desired drum sound and tones in metal music.

Durability, Maintenance, and Cost: Practical Considerations

While sound preference is crucial in choosing between coated and clear drumheads for your music, practical factors should not be overlooked. Make sure to consider these factors when shopping for drumheads at a music shop.

Durability:

Coated drumheads: The clear drumheads with coatings add an extra layer of protection to enhance the tones and power of the music. However, these coatings may wear off over time due to stick impact. Fortunately, some modern coatings are designed to last longer.
Clear drumheads, also known as drumheads without any coating, are a popular choice for musicians. These drumheads may show signs of wear sooner due to the lack of protection, but they offer durability against stick marks. Whether you’re playing rock, jazz, or any other genre of music, clear drumheads can provide the ply and tones you need.

Maintenance:

Coated Drum Heads: The clear drumheads with their coating can accumulate dirt and oils from your hands, requiring regular cleaning to maintain optimal sound quality and tones in your music.
Clear drum heads, also known as drumheads, are easier to clean since there is no coating or film to worry about. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth usually does the trick to maintain the clear tones produced by the ply of the drumhead.

Cost:

Coated Evans drumheads: Typically, coated drumheads tend to have slightly more expensive tones due to the additional manufacturing process involved in applying the Evans coating.
Clear Evans drum heads: Since they lack a coating, clear drum heads often come at a lower price point. The ply and tones of the drumhead are not affected by the lack of coating.

Pros and Cons of Using Coated Drum Heads:

Warm Tone with Reduced Overtones

Coated drum heads, such as the ones from Evans, are a popular choice among drummers looking to achieve a warmer tone with reduced overtones. The added coating on the drumhead dampens the vibrations, resulting in a more controlled sound. This is particularly desirable in genres such as jazz or ballads, where a softer and mellower tone is often preferred.

The coating on these drum heads acts as a muffler, absorbing some of the higher frequencies and producing a smoother sound. It helps to eliminate unwanted ringing and enhances the overall musicality of the drums. Whether you’re playing in a small venue or recording in a studio, the ply of coated drum heads can help you achieve that warm and rich sound that complements various musical styles.

Enhanced Stick Response and Grip

One of the key advantages of using Evans coated drumheads is their textured surface, which provides enhanced stick response and grip. The coating adds friction between the sticks and the drumhead, allowing for better control and precision during your performance.

When striking a coated drumhead, you’ll notice an increased bounce-back from the surface due to its slightly tacky texture. This responsiveness allows for greater articulation of tones, making it easier to execute intricate patterns or ghost notes with finesse. The improved grip ensures that your sticks won’t slip out of your hands even during intense playing sessions. Coated drumheads have ply heads and batter heads.

Faster Wear Compared to Clear Drum Heads

While there are many benefits to using coated drumheads, one drawback is that they tend to wear out faster compared to clear drumheads. The coating on these drumheads is more susceptible to damage from regular use, such as stick marks or scratches.

Over time, the wear on the drumhead can affect both its appearance and sound quality. The drum head’s coating deteriorates, reducing its effectiveness at reducing overtones and stick response. Drummers who frequently play with vigor may need to replace their coated drumheads more often than clear ones.

It’s important to note that the lifespan of a coated drumhead can vary depending on factors such as playing style, frequency of use, and maintenance. Regularly cleaning your drumheads and using appropriate stick techniques can help prolong their durability.

Pros and Cons of Using Clear Drum Heads:

Brighter Tones and More Sustain

Clear drum heads, also known as drumheads, are popular for their ability to produce bright tones with enhanced sustain. When you strike a clear drumhead, the sound is crisp and vibrant, cutting through the mix with clarity. The transparent nature of these drumheads allows for a more pronounced attack and increased resonance. Whether you’re playing live or in the studio, clear drumheads can help your drums stand out in the mix and provide that extra punch to your sound.

Increased Durability

One major advantage of using clear drum heads is their durability. These drumheads are typically constructed from thicker materials compared to their coated counterparts. This added thickness makes them more resistant to wear and tear, allowing them to withstand heavy hitting without breaking or showing signs of damage. If you’re a drummer who plays with intensity or prefer a harder-hitting style, clear drum heads can be a reliable choice that will last longer than coated options.

Lack of Warmth in Certain Musical Styles

While clear drum heads excel at delivering bright tones, they may not be ideal for every musical style, such as jazz or certain types of acoustic music, where warmth and depth are desired. Coated drum heads, with their textured surface, tend to produce warmer sounds due to added dampening effect. If you find yourself playing predominantly in these genres or seeking a more mellow sound, coated drum heads might better suit your needs.

Enhancing Kick Drum Performance with a Port Hole Accessory:

Adding a port hole to your kick drumhead, especially if it’s coated, can greatly enhance your drumming experience. Not only does it allow for better microphone placement during recording or live performances, but it also helps achieve a controlled balance between attack, resonance, and volume. Let’s dive into the details of how this simple accessory can take your kick drum with coated heads to the next level.

Microphone Placement Made Easy

One of the key advantages of using a port hole on your coated drumhead is the improved microphone placement. By having a designated opening in the front head, you can position your microphone inside the drum without any obstructions. This ensures that you capture the true sound of your kick drum without interference from other elements in your kit.

Finding the Perfect Balance

The size and position of the port hole on your drumhead play a crucial role in shaping the overall sound produced by your kick drum. Experimenting with different sizes and placements allows you to fine-tune the balance between attack, resonance, and volume according to your preferences and playing style. Whether you have a ply head or a coated batter head, the size and position of the port hole can make a significant difference in the sound of your drum.

Size Matters: A larger port hole will provide more air escape, resulting in increased volume and projection. On the other hand, a smaller port hole offers more control over sustain and resonance.
Positioning: Placing the port hole closer to the edge of the head enhances attack and punchiness, while positioning it towards the center emphasizes low-end frequencies and creates a deeper tone.

Achieving Desired Dampening

Port holes also offer an opportunity for incorporating dampening systems into your kick drum setup. These drumhead systems help control unwanted overtones and ringing that may occur when hitting or playing sustained notes on the bass drum.

Dampening Rings: Placing dampening rings or foam inserts around the inside edge of the port hole can effectively reduce excessive ringing while maintaining desired sustain.
External Dampeners: Some drummers prefer using external dampening accessories, such as felt strips or pillows, to further control the drum’s resonance. These can be easily inserted through the port hole and adjusted to achieve the desired sound.

Experimenting with Port Hole Options

There are various options available for drumheads to suit your specific needs and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a drum sound that stands out or a ply drum head that offers durability, there is something for everyone. Consider trying the G2 coated drum head for a versatile and enhanced sound.

Single Port Hole: A single port hole is a common choice for most drummers. It offers simplicity and versatility while providing sufficient access for microphone placement.
Dual Port Holes: For those seeking additional customization, dual port holes allow for even more flexibility in sound shaping. You can experiment with different sizes and positions for each hole to create unique tonal characteristics.
Removable Port Holes: Some drum heads come with removable port holes that offer convenience. This feature allows you to experiment with different configurations without replacing the entire head.

Exploring Different Types of Drumheads for Sound Quality

Construction Matters: Single-Ply, Double-Ply, or Multi-Ply

The construction of drumheads plays a crucial role in determining the sound quality they produce. Whether you opt for single-ply, double-ply, or multi-ply drumheads will significantly impact your overall drum tone.

Single-ply drumheads are known for their enhanced responsiveness and sensitivity. They produce a bright and open sound with excellent resonance. These drumheads are ideal for genres like jazz or pop where a clear and articulate sound is desired.
Double-ply drumheads offer increased durability and control over the sound produced. They provide a warmer tone with reduced sustain and more focused attack. These drumheads work well in rock or metal genres where power and projection are important.
Multi-ply drumheads consist of multiple layers bonded together to create a thicker head. This design offers even greater durability, reduced overtones, and enhanced control over the sound produced. Multi-ply heads excel in situations that require heavy hitting, such as playing hard rock or punk music.

Specialty Materials: Mylar or Kevlar

In addition to construction, specialty materials used in drumhead manufacturing can further alter the tonal characteristics of your drums.

Mylar is a common material used in drumhead production due to its versatility and reliability. It provides balanced tones with controlled sustain across various musical styles.
Kevlar, on the other hand, offers exceptional durability and increased projection capabilities. It produces clear and focused tones while minimizing unwanted overtones.

Experimenting with Different Combinations of drumhead construction types and materials is key to finding your desired sound signature.

Start by selecting the desired ply count for your drumhead based on your preferred genre or playing style. Choose a coated drum head to enhance the drum sound.
Consider whether you want a brighter sound with a single-ply coated drumhead or a warmer sound with a double-ply or multi-ply coated drumhead.
Explore different drumhead materials like Mylar or Kevlar to further customize your drum tone.
Take note of how each drumhead combination affects the overall sound, sustain, and projection of your drums.
Don’t be afraid to try unconventional combinations or mix and match drumheads on different drums within your kit.

By experimenting with various drumhead choices, you can discover unique tones that suit your personal preference and musical style.

Remember, the type of drumhead you choose will have a significant impact on your drumming experience. Take the time to explore different options and find the perfect balance between sound quality, durability, and playability for your specific needs.

Durability and Performance: The Benefits of Black Dot Drumheads

Enhanced Durability and Focused Sound

The black dot on the bottom side of a drumhead is more than just a decorative feature. It serves a crucial purpose in enhancing the durability and focus of the sound produced. By reinforcing the center area of the drumhead, the black dot provides added strength, preventing premature wear and tear. This means that black dot drumheads have a longer lifespan compared to their clear counterparts.

In addition to durability, the black dot also contributes to a more focused sound. When struck, the reinforcement dot absorbs some of the impact energy, resulting in reduced unwanted overtones. This reduction in overtones leads to a cleaner and more controlled sound quality. Whether you’re playing live on stage or recording in the studio, having a drumhead that can deliver consistent performance is essential.

Improved Attack and Reduced Overtones

One of the standout advantages of using black dot drumheads is their ability to enhance attack. The reinforced center area provides extra resistance when struck, allowing for increased projection and articulation. This makes them particularly popular choices for snare drums where precise attack is crucial.

Moreover, these drumheads excel at reducing unwanted overtones. Overtones can often muddy up the sound and make it harder for individual notes to stand out clearly. With black dot drumheads, you can expect cleaner tones with less interference from lingering overtones. This results in improved clarity across different playing styles and genres.

Popular Choice for Snare Drums

Black dot drumheads are widely favored by many drummers due to their unique characteristics. The enhanced attack and reduced overtones of drumhead make them ideal for achieving that crisp snare crack that cuts through any mix.

Black dot snare heads offer excellent sensitivity while maintaining control over sustain levels. They allow you to achieve tight rimshots with pronounced stick definition while still providing enough resonance for a full-bodied sound. Whether you’re playing jazz, rock, or any other style that requires a versatile snare drum, the black dot option is sure to deliver.

Conclusion

In conclusion, choosing between clear and coated drum heads ultimately comes down to personal preference and the desired sound you want to achieve. Clear drum heads offer a bright and focused tone with enhanced sustain, making them ideal for genres like rock and pop. On the other hand, coated drum heads provide a warmer sound with reduced overtones, making them well-suited for jazz and blues styles.

Considering factors such as playing style, genre, and desired sound is crucial when deciding between the two options. Coated drum heads are known for their increased durability and resistance to wear and tear, while clear drum heads tend to be more responsive and sensitive to touch. It’s important to experiment with both types to find the one that best suits your musical preferences.

Exploring accessories like port holes can greatly enhance kick drum performance by allowing better control of resonance. Different types of drumheads also play a significant role in achieving the desired sound quality. For instance, black dot drumheads offer improved durability and focus due to their reinforced center dot.

To make an informed decision about clear vs coated drum heads, it’s essential to consider your specific needs as a drummer. Experimentation is key in finding the perfect balance between tone, responsiveness, durability, and overall performance.

Remember that everyone’s preferences may vary based on individual playing styles and musical genres. Take into account expert advice from experienced musicians or consult fellow drummers who have experience with different types of drum heads.

So whether you’re looking for a brighter tone with sustain or a warmer sound with reduced overtones, understanding the pros and cons of clear vs coated drum heads will help you make an informed choice that aligns with your musical goals.

FAQs

Q: Are coated drum heads more suitable for beginners?

Coated drum heads can be suitable for beginners as they provide a warmer tone with reduced overtones that can be easier to control. However, it ultimately depends on personal preference and the desired sound.

Q: Do clear drum heads offer better durability?

Clear drum heads are generally more responsive and sensitive to touch, but they may not offer the same level of durability as coated drum heads. It’s important to consider your playing style and genre when making a decision.

Q: Can port hole accessories be added to both clear and coated drum heads?

Yes, port hole accessories can be added to both clear and coated drum heads. They provide better control over kick drum resonance, regardless of the type of head you choose.

Q: Which type of drum head is best for rock music?

Clear drum heads are often preferred for rock music due to their bright tone, enhanced sustain, and increased responsiveness. However, it ultimately depends on personal preference and the specific sound you want to achieve.

Q: Are black dot drumheads suitable for all genres?

Black dot drumheads are known for their reinforced center dot, which provides improved durability and focus. While they can be used in various genres, they may be particularly beneficial in styles that require a controlled sound with reduced overtones.