What are drum skins made of? Are animal skins used for drums? If you are planning to replace your drumheads and looking for the best option that you can have, then wait and read the article first, as we believe that we can greatly help you in your dilemma. The materials used in making the drumhead can be a huge factor in your sound, so always be knowledgeable about what suits your playing style.
These are the different materials that are typically used in making drum skins or drumheads:
Animal Skin
One of the oldest materials that are commonly used in making drumheads is animal skin. Drumheads made of animal skin have been used for centuries and are still famous by many drummers today. Animal skins, such as calfskin, goat skin, and sheepskin, are usually used to make drumheads, and each type of skin produces a different sound and tone, giving them unique characteristics that suit different types of genres for playing drums.
One of the most popular animal skins used to make drumheads is calfskin. Calfskin drumheads are renowned for their sensitivity, warm tone, and excellent response to dynamics. They are commonly used on jazz drums, as they produce a soft and muted sound that complements the style of jazz music.
Another famous animal skin used to make drumheads is goat skin. Goat skin drumheads are renowned for their bright tone and excellent projection. They are typically used on drums that are usually used by tribes, such as the djembe or conga and many more, as they produce a sound that is authentic to the traditional music of those instruments.
The third type of animal skin that is usually used in making drumheads is sheepskin. Sheepskin drumheads are less common than cowhide or goatskin, but some drummers still use them. These drumheads are known to deliver a warm, rich tone, making them commonly used in orchestral percussion instruments, such as timpani.
When it comes to animal skin drumheads, they really need some special care to maintain their sound and durability. They need to be regularly tuned and cleaned by using a damp cloth to prevent dirt and oil buildup. It is also important to note that animal skin drumheads are affected by changes in temperature and humidity, which can cause them to stretch or shrink. So to prevent this, drummers are required to store their drums in a climate-controlled environment and avoid exposing them to extreme temperatures or humidity levels, allowing for optimal playing conditions for the drumhead.
All in all, animal-skin drumheads are a go-to choice for those drummers that are looking for a warm, natural sound. They require special care to maintain their sound and durability, but they can last for many years with proper maintenance, so it still depends on the owner how long before you have to replace an animal-skin drumhead.
Synthetic Drumhead
As times evolve and change, the technology in making drumheads is also getting more advanced as the years go by. Drum manufacturers began to use synthetic materials to make drum skins, and it has revolutionized the world of drumming, offering drummers a more consistent and durable option than traditional animal skin drumheads.
Synthetic drumheads are made of materials such as Mylar, Kevlar, or polyester film. These materials have become more popular than animal skins due to their durability, consistency, and affordability.
Mylar
One of the most common synthetic materials that are used in making drumheads is mylar. It is a polyester film that is commonly used to make drumheads. It is a popular material because it is durable and can withstand heavy playing. Mylar drumheads are also very consistent in their sound and tone, making them a go-to choice for drummers who always seek consistency in their performances.
Mylar drumheads are available in different thicknesses, and each thickness produces a different sound. Thin Mylar drumheads produce a bright, resonant tone, while thicker drumheads produce a deeper, more controlled sound. They make such a great option for genres like rock, pop, and fusion music.
Kevlar
The second material that is typically used in manufacturing drumheads is kevlar. Although it is a famous material in the manufacturing of bulletproof vests, it is also a solid material that is also used in the production of drumheads. Kevlar drumheads are very durable and can withstand heavy playing. They are perfect for playing rock and metal music, where heavy playing is usually required, and they bring out a sharp, bright tone that is ideal for hard-hitting music. They are also known for their excellent projection, making them a favorite among drummers who play in large venues.
Polyester Film
The third synthetic material that is usually used in making drumheads is polyester film. It is a popular material for being affordable, and it delivers a bright, resonant tone, which is perfect for entry-level drumming. Polyester drumheads are commonly used in entry-level drum kits. These drumheads are available in different thicknesses, and each thickness produces a different sound. Thin polyester drumheads produce a bright, resonant tone, while on the other hand, thicker drumheads produce a deeper, more controlled sound.
Hybrid Material
Made from a mix of different materials, the hybrid drumheads have become increasingly popular among drummers in recent years, as they offer a unique combination of the tonal qualities of natural animal skin and the durability and consistency of synthetic materials. These drumheads are usually made of two or more layers of different materials, each contributing to the overall sound and response of the drumhead.
Here are some of the drumheads models that are made of hybrid materials:
Remo Powerstroke 3
The first on the list, this drumhead has a layer of Mylar film on the top and bottom, with a thin layer of damping material sandwiched in between. The drumhead also has a small porthole near the edge, allowing for better microphone placement and increased control over the sound.
It is one of the go-to options for drummers in various genres, as it offers a warm, focused sound with plenty of attacks and sustains. The Mylar film provides a consistent and durable surface for striking, while the damping material helps to reduce unwanted overtones and ringing. The port hole allows drummers to customize their sound by either opening or to close it for different levels of sustain and resonance.
Evans EMAD
The second hybrid drumhead on our list is the Evans EMAD. This drumhead has a layer of Mylar film on the top, with a layer of interchangeable damping rings that can be adjusted to fine-tune the sound. The EMAD also features a removable plastic insert, allowing for increased control over the amount of attack and sustain.
The Evans EMAD is a famous drumhead option among drummers in heavy metal and hard rock genres, as it offers a powerful and aggressive sound with plenty of low-end punch. The Mylar film provides a consistent and durable surface for striking, while the damping rings help to reduce unwanted overtones and enhance the overall sound. The plastic insert can be removed or adjusted to customize the sound further, allowing drummers to achieve the perfect balance of attack, sustain, and tone.
So, what are drum skins made of? Are animal skins used for drums? Yes, there are some drumheads that are made of animal skins. There are also some that are made of synthetic materials, such as mylar, kevlar, and polyester film, while there are also some that are made of hybrid materials.
