New Heads to buy

[Mysterious Stan]

Hi, I currently have an old practise kit with equally old heads which are very badly dented and generally smashed up. I want to buy some new ones but am a complete newby on heads and suchlike. Does anyone have any ideas? I play mostly metal and hardcore typed music so will need something fairly durable, low to moderately priced

[backtodrum]

well with no more information than you have given, for metal music I would choose a two ply head from any of the major drum head companies. if you want a fairly non resonant type head an aquarian performance II would fit the bill, they are fairly thick two ply heads so they don't have a lot of ring or sustain. you can work up from there. The two ply heads are fairly dent resistant and seem to be the preferred head for metal players.

[sonor]

Hey man
Check out the remo pinstrips!!

[Pearldrummer13]

i play remo pinstripes and they work great

[32ndHeartBeat]

I would support Bactodrum's choice, but the Aquarian's make live performance really dull and often times you can barely hear. They are really good for studio work and practice sets, though I suggest if you don't own multiple sets to stick with a flexible head. The Remo Pinstripes are one top choice for metal and then there are the Emperors which I will probably be picking up soon, they are so far the best heads I've used in all settings from Evans G1, EC2, and Remo Weatherking.

[A.C.]

I would support Bactodrum's choice, but the Aquarian's make live performance really dull and often times you can barely hear. They are really good for studio work and practice sets, though I suggest if you don't own multiple sets to stick with a flexible head. The Remo Pinstripes are one top choice for metal and then there are the Emperors which I will probably be picking up soon, they are so far the best heads I've used in all settings from Evans G1, EC2, and Remo Weatherking.

I agree with 32'

Pinstripes never fail to work well. I've heard mixed things on the Aquarians, but have used several Evans series heads but for toms, I really prefer the Pinstripes.

Speaking of Evans, I might as well throw this in here, but if you find yourself wanting to replace your bass batter head, you should really check out the Evans EMAD 2 batter head. I love that thing with passion

Also, if you can, visit your local music store and check out the floor drum kits and test out the heads that are on them. You might find yourself mixing and matching, or getting each seperately, or even getting a package set. It's always best to test something for yourself because we all have different opinions and you should make your decision with the item that you are happy with and have tested

All the best,
-AC

[totti]

Remo and Evans could be your option, mate....

[Mysterious Stan]

Thanks for all the advice guys. I thought i should add i have a premier (not sure of the model) 5 peice with 16" floor tom, 12 and 13" toms and a 14" snare. I dont think i will bother replacing the bass drum head.

[Mysterious Stan]

Also the heads on the bottom are also in bad condition. Would it give a different or better sound changing them as well?

[funkymcstain]

an old premier huh? you should find out what it is. it might be worth more than you'd expect. alot of good advice here. for metal, i would go with a clear 2ply of sorts. on a higher end kit...remo emporors or evans g2. on cheaper kit... the more dampened heads like evans ec2 and aquarian performance 2 heads can really make a lesser kit sound fairly good.

pinstripes are good too, they just remind me of the sound that i have really been trying to get away from for the last several years. i may have grown up in the 80s, but that dont mean i want to sound lilke it.

[funkymcstain]

Also the heads on the bottom are also in bad condition. Would it give a different or better sound changing them as well?

yes, if they have been used and beaten up, new heads will be a DRAMATIC change. i would go with a singe ply clear like remo ambassadores or evans g1.

[Stevo42w]

i like coated heads they add more thump and less ring perfect for rock and metal