Church worship music isn’t the same as other music genres. Worship music encompasses many different genres instead of one particular sound. Therefore, you need the perfect instruments for church worship music, starting with drum heads. When purchasing drum heads, you must consider many things, such as the volume the singers need to hear themselves. You must also consider the type of instrument (the snare drum sound is different from the bass drum, for example). The right kind of drumming equipment can make your worship music sound amazing. That's why we have compiled a list of the four best drum heads for the church in 2022. We will also review what to look for when buying the best drum gear.
Our top picks:
- Best value and sound versatility: Evans EC2 Tompack
- Best for church worship: Remo Fyberskin Powerstroke 3
- Best for its classic sound: Attack Royal2 Series 16”
- Best for low volume settings: Aquarian Ice White Reflector Superkick Bass Drum head 22”
1. Evans EC2 Tompack, Clear, Standard (12-inch, 13-inch, 16-inch)
One of the most efficient ways to buy drum heads is in multipacks, which is why we love this multipack from Evans. This pack includes three individually-sized, which is the best way to save money when purchasing drum heads.
Specifications
- Three individually-sized drum heads (12”, 13”, and 16”)
- Made with two plies of 7mil film
- Exclusive Sound Shaping Technology (SST) Edge Control ring delivers pre-equalized sound
- Level 360 technology extends level playing surface of drum head
- Vertically-enhanced collar design for ease of tuning and extended pitch range
PROS
- Multipack of toms saves money
- SST provides ideal dampening for each head
- Level 360 technology ensures proper contact between head and shell
- Clear or coated finish options
CONS
- Not as long-lasting as other options
Verdict
The Evans EC2 Tompack of three differently-sized drum heads is great for the money because you’re getting three for the price of one. The different sizes let you try out various head sizes while the SST edge control and Level 360 technology keep the sound crisp and clean. This is a great church worship tom head and one of the best drum heads because it’s a value pack with great sound versatility.
2. Remo Fyberskin Powerstroke 3 18-Inch Drum Head – Ambassador Weight
The Remo Fyberskin Powerstroke 3 gives warm midrange and low end-tones thanks to the calfskin-like material. It’s also added overtone control for a full and warm sound.
Specifications
- Available in two weights, 7.5 mil Diplomat and 10 mil Ambassador
- 3 mil polyspun fiber laminated top coating
- 2 mil inlay ring
- Material made to look and feel like calfskin
- Vertically-enhanced collar design for ease of tuning and extended pitch range
PROS
- Moderate, controlled sustain thanks to the inlay ring
- Reduced overtones due to inlay ring and fiber coating
- Boosted midrange and low-end frequencies
- Great for moderate-volume playing, making it perfect for church
CONS
- Not for loud volume music
Verdict
This Remo head is perfect for playing indoors in a close worship setting thanks to its material, inlay ring, and fiber coating. It’s got a moderate but not loud volume, so church worship singers can still hear themselves singing. When you compare this head to its sibling, the Fiberskyn Diplomat, this head creates a warmer and more controlled sound. We recommend this head for church worship settings and all other indoor settings.
3. Attack Royal2 Series 16” Medium Coated S Film 2-Ply Drum Head
Every head in the Attack Royal2 series is great for the money. However, we have to point out the 2-ply medium coated S Film 16” drum head. It’s got a classic sound that’s great for a church worship setting, it’s not extremely loud, and it’s great in any genre, making our list for the best drum heads.
Specifications
- Timeless Golden Logo
- Two plies of 10 mil for a controlled tone
- Has Attack U.S. Duracoat coating
- Made with Dupont S film
- Large 16” diameter
PROS
- Controlled tone
- Durable
- Classic sound
- Shines in gospel settings
CONS
- Not for loud music
Verdict
We recommend this head for church worship settings because it’s a perfect size but not extremely loud. The classic sound makes it perfect for church worship settings, but it’s also great for pop, jazz, funk, rock, and other genres.
4. Aquarian Ice White Reflector Superkick Bass Drum head 22”
This unique 2-ply bass drum head inspired by drumming legend Eric Moore delivers quality sound and responsiveness. Even when playing in quieter settings like a church, the bass drum head delivers perfect tone and resonance. It’s warm, resonant, and musical at the low volume required in a church.
Specifications
- 2-ply hybrid construction
- Ice White reflective surface
- 7 mil top/10 mil bottom
- Muffle ring built in for additional control
- Top layer is Aquarian’s Classic Nu-Brite film for warmth
PROS
- Great for any genre
- “Touch-sensitive” response
- Ice white color goes with any set
- Muffle ring is included but not needed
- Range of expression and dynamics
CONS
- Pricier option than other bass drum heads
- For bass drum only
Verdict
Although they’re a bit pricier than what you can get for cheaper, these bass drum heads are incredible. Eric Moore himself has said that they’re responsive, have perfect tone and resonance when playing quietly, and don’t choke up even when playing loud. These features make them one of the best drum heads for church worship applications.
What to Look for When Choosing Suitable Drum Heads for Church
Choosing the right heads for what you need can be difficult if you’re a beginner, but it’s time well-spent. It makes the difference between an instrument that creates nice percussion and one that elevates the room spiritually. If you’re new to playing drums, know the variety of heads that are on the market. Single ply versus double, coated or clear, thick or thin–the options can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve made this guide for choosing which heads are the best drum heads for you. If you’re reading this, you likely need heads for church worship applications, which comes with its own set of challenges. Let’s dive into the buyer’s guide for choosing heads.
Single Ply vs. Double ply
Single ply drum heads are the thinnest, simplest heads on the market. They’re usually created from a single layer of 10 mil Mylar. There are other thicknesses in single ply drum heads, anywhere from 3 mil to 7 mil. However, 10 mil are the most commonly used. You should choose single ply drum heads if you want a better resonating sound, but they’re not as durable as 2-ply heads. 2-ply heads are more durable and exhibit much more attack and a shorter sustain. They’re great for rock music and any other style where articulation is needed. Most double ply heads come with outer rings to control overtones, as well as extra inlay rings of Mylar.
Coated vs. Clear
The coating on heads muffles the sound, but clear heads sound brighter and more open. The style that is right for you depends on your taste and what you need to use the drum for:
- If you want a warmer, drier, and darker tone, go for a coated one.
- If you want a sound with more attack and “wetness”, go with a clear head.
You can get more recommendations for clear vs. coated by getting in touch with our team at DCP.
Specialty Finishes
As you’ve read above from the Remo fiberskyn head, there are other finishes apart from clear and coated. Fiberskyn coatings offer the physical appearance of real animal skin and have a similar response to coated heads, but with more warmth and fewer overtones. They tend to be warm, dark, and dry. Other specialty finishes include an ebony/black finish, which is similar in tone to clear heads but with a black appearance. These are bright and have a long sustain, as well as a fast attack.
Thick vs. Thin
Most head brands like Remo and Evans will have options for both thick and thin. Here’s what makes them different:
- Thick heads will be much more durable, louder, less sensitive, and have more attack.
- Thin ones will be less durable, quieter, more sensitive, and have less attack.
You’ll likely want a thinner head unless you need it to be louder and have more attack for quiet church worship applications and settings.
Dampening
Dampening refers to how much the overtones are controlled. Several drums currently on the market have features designed to dampen the sound without needing to apply additional dampening, such as tape or gel. For instance, some 2-ply Remo heads are glued together with thick plastic, which offers natural dampening. Different drums require different types and amounts of dampening. We recommend dampening your heads if you’ll be in a close church worship setting.
Frequently Asked Questions
You might not know what to ask when you’re purchasing drum heads from a music store. It can be difficult and even awkward to ask a store employee for help. At DCP, we believe that asking questions makes you a better player. Here are some of the questions that people ask most when buying drum heads and some you should ask when purchasing.
What are drum heads used for?
The original use for a Mylar drum head was to protect animal skin drums from the elements. However, now they are used to eliminate overtones and sharpen the overall tone. The top of the drum head is called the batter head because this is the part you hit with the drumstick. The bottom part is the resonant head, which gives the instrument its tone.
How often do you need to change drum heads?
You should change your drum heads when you see the coating on the head show a lot of wear, such as dents and markings. Generally, you can stick to a schedule like this one:
- Change snare drum heads every six months
- Change TomTom heads every three months
- Change bass drum batter head every six months
- The bass resonant head does not get changed
- Tom and snare drum resonant heads should be changed every year
How do you clean snare and bass heads?
You would rarely need to clean your snare drum or bass heads. Bass and snare drum models are made of Mylar (plastic), so they can’t tolerate anything with petroleum. If your heads get exceptionally dirty, we recommend using mild soap and water but nothing else.
Are batter heads and resonant heads interchangeable?
No. Batter drum heads with a bad sound are usually worn, but you cannot replace your batter head with a resonant head. The good news is that resonant heads do not need to be changed often, so if your batter head has a bad sound, you do not need to replace both components.
I’m completely new at drumming. What should I select?
If you’re totally new to drumming and unsure of which to buy, we recommend getting heads that aren’t too thick and have little to no dampening. This type of drum head will give you a wide range of sound options and lets you learn how to tune. You can apply dampening later if you want to control ringing and make the sound warmer, but you can’t remove the dampening if it comes built-in.
Conclusion
There is no one way to tune, play, or sound a bass or snare drum. More importantly, there is no one way to choose the absolute best drum heads for church worship. It’s best to start at a baseline (medium thickness with no dampening) and experiment with it, then try different drum heads and tuning to find a configuration that suits you and the venue you’ll be playing in. Once you’ve wrapped your head around the important stuff, you can start branching out and trying new things with your heads! If you need help looking for the best drum heads for your bass or snare drum, get in touch with our team at Drum Center of Portsmouth. We can help you find the products you need for your equipment and church venue!