Compare
0
/ 4
Drum Heads at Drum Center of Portsmouth
Drum heads are essential when getting the sound we want out of our drums. At the Drum Center of Portsmouth, we stock hundreds of high-quality drum heads to suit the type of music you play. You can easily browse through and filter our wide selection depending on your preferred brand, series, finish, or size. Whatever skin you need, we're sure DCP has it.
We stock popular brands like Aquarian, Remo, and Evans because we know that these manufacturers deliver reliable quality every time when it comes to high-quality drum heads.
We carry options in various finishes to best suit your needs, whether you want a finish that's black, clear, or white. As for size, you can expect to find whatever size you're looking for, from tiny 6" styles to massive 32" bass drums.
Don't see what you need? Give us a call, and we'll help you find it.
Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting, finding the right gear can be confusing. We get it, which is why we want to make the process of finding the right equipment as easy as possible. Get in touch with the DCP team today if you have any questions or need some friendly advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Drum Head FAQs
What's the difference between batter and resonant drum heads?
The batter head is the one you hit - it shapes attack, tone, and feel. The resonant head is on the bottom of toms and snares (and the front of bass drums) and shapes sustain, pitch, and projection. Most drummers replace batter heads more often than resonants.
Should I use single-ply or two-ply drum heads?
Single-ply heads (like Remo Ambassador or Evans G1) are bright, open, and sensitive - great for jazz, light pop, and most snare batters. Two-ply heads (like Remo Emperor or Evans G2) are darker, more durable, and better for harder hitters and rock playing.
Coated vs clear drum heads - which should I pick?
Coated heads produce a warmer tone with reduced overtones - the standard for snare batters and for tom heads in jazz, pop, and acoustic music. Clear heads are brighter and more open - common on tom batters in rock and metal. Snare resonants are almost always thin and clear.
What's the best batter head for a snare drum?
The Remo Coated Ambassador and Evans G1 Coated are the two most-used snare batters in recorded music history - balanced, sensitive, and forgiving across most styles. For harder hitters, the Evans Heavyweight or Remo Powerstroke 77 add durability and focus.
What's the best bass drum head?
For tone control and recording, the Evans EMAD and Aquarian Super-Kick II are top choices. For pure resonance, the Remo Powerstroke 3 has been the industry standard for decades. The right pick depends on whether you mic the kick and how much sustain you want.
How often should I replace drum heads?
Snare and bass drum batter heads see the most stress - working drummers often replace them every few months. Tom heads can last much longer, sometimes a year or more. Resonant heads rarely need replacement unless damaged. The clearest sign it's time: the head loses tuning stability or develops dents and pitting at the strike zone.
Are there different drum heads for jazz vs rock?
Yes. Jazz drummers favor thinner, single-ply coated heads for open, sensitive response. Rock drummers usually choose two-ply or reinforced heads for durability and a more focused, controlled tone under harder playing.
Which drum head brand is the best?
Remo, Evans, and Aquarian are the three industry-standard brands - each makes excellent heads at every price point. The choice often comes down to specific models and tonal preference rather than brand. Many pros mix brands across their kit.
Does DCP carry hard-to-find drum head sizes?
Yes. We stock common sizes (10 inch to 22 inch) deeply, and we can special-order anything from 6 inch piccolo heads up to 32 inch concert bass drum heads. If you don't see your size, call us.