The bass drumhead is a crucial component of any drum kit, significantly impacting the instrument's overall tone and feel. Selecting the right head can transform your sound, from punchy and articulate to deep and resonant. This guide will help you navigate the options to find the perfect match for your playing style and musical genre.
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Discover now our comparison of the best Bass Drumheads. It is never easy to choose from the wide range of offers. On the market, you will find an incalculable number of models, all at different prices. And as you will discover, the best Bass Drumheads are not always the ones at the highest prices! Many criteria are used, and they make the richness and relevance of this comparison.
To help you make the best choice among the hundreds of products available, we have decided to offer you a comparison of the Bass Drumheads in order to find the best quality/price ratio. In this ranking, you will find products listed according to their price, but also their characteristics and the opinions of other customers. Also discover our comparisons by categories. You won’t have to choose your products at random anymore.
- EMAD SYSTEM– The Evans batter bass drumhead and resonant drumhead have an externally mounted adjustable damping system (EMAD) that allows each player to control the attack and focus of the drum head by choosing one of two removable foam damping rings.
- EMAD BATTER BASS - The Evans EMAD system value pack includes one 22” EMAD batter bass drumhead featuring a single ply of 10mil film providing an ideal balance of punch, power and low-end.
- REMAD RESONANT BASS – The set also includes 1, 22” REMAD resonant drumhead featuring an offset 4" microphone port in a single ply of 10mil film .
- LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY – A Level 360 collar allows the Evans bass drumheads to seat properly and in turn provides heads that are easier to tune and a wider tonal range for a sound that is studio ready.
- MADE IN THE USA - For over 60 years, Evans has been a pioneer in drum head manufacturing and design. Regarded for high quality and consistency all Evans drumheads are proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality...
- 18" drum head for resonant or batter use
- Calftone is a synthetic alternative that embodies the look and sound of traditional calfskin
- Made using a blend of unique materials to produce warm, full, and rich tones
- Exclusive Level 360 Technology collar design ensures proper contact between drum head and drum shell
- Bring out the best of a vintage kit and evoke a classic appearance and sound from modern drum
- EMAD SYSTEM– The Evans Clear Bass Drum Head has an externally mounted adjustable damping system to control the attack and focus of the drum head by choosing one of two removable foam rings. The 18” drum head has an outer ply of 6.5mil and an inner ply...
- LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY – A Level 360 collar allows the clear bass drum head to seat itself properly and in turn provides a head that is easier to tune and a wider tonal range for a sound that is studio ready.
- AVAILABLE IN 5 SIZES – Evans EMAD2 clear bass drum heads are available in sizes 18” to 26” with multiple thickness and coating options.
- FOR ALL MUSIC GENRES – The EMAD2 bass drum head is extremely versatile for all music genres. A true working drummer’s choice, the adjustable damping caters to all bass drum tones.
- MADE IN THE USA - For over 60 years, Evans has been a pioneer in drum head manufacturing and design. Regarded for high quality and consistency all Evans drumheads are proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality...
- 20" resonant drum head made using a single ply of 7mil film
- A fixed, internal overtone control ring is made to be microphone friendly, from the studio to arena
- The 5" offset mic port features a plastic sleeve focuses pitch and enhances the attach while providing protection for the port
- Available in a frosted, onyx, smooth white and coated white version
- All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
- 22" diameter
- Thin underlay at the outer edge
- Dampens unwanted overtones
- Near-perfect balance of response and tone control
- EMAD SYSTEM– The Evans Clear Bass Drum Head has an externally mounted adjustable damping system to control the attack and focus of the drum head by choosing one of two removable foam rings. The 24” drum head has an outer ply of 6.5mil and an inner ply...
- LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY – A Level 360 collar allows the clear bass drum head to seat itself properly and in turn provides a head that is easier to tune and a wider tonal range for a sound that is studio ready.
- AVAILABLE IN 5 SIZES – Evans EMAD2 clear bass drum heads are available in sizes 18” to 26” with multiple thickness and coating options.
- FOR ALL MUSIC GENRES – The EMAD2 bass drum head is extremely versatile for all music genres. A true working drummer’s choice, the adjustable damping caters to all bass drum tones.
- MADE IN THE USA - For over 60 years, Evans has been a pioneer in drum head manufacturing and design. Regarded for high quality and consistency all Evans drumheads are proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality...
- SHOCKWEAVE MESH: Made with a single ply of ShockWeave Mesh material
- REDUCES VOLUME: Dramatically reduces playing volume, while maintaining a normal response
- GREAT FOR: Reducing volume or use with drum triggers
- LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY: All Evans drumheads feature Level 360 Technology to provide ease of tuning, extended pitch range, and optimum quality of sound
- MADE IN THE USA: All Evans drumheads are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA
- Super-Kick II bass drum pack
- 10mil thick drumhead
- One clear Super-Kick I and One RSM Regulator Gloss Black
- LAYER OF OIL: 22" drum head with a thin layer of oil between two plies of film to suppress unwanted overtones
- TWO PLIES: Two plies offer consistency and durability for longer playing time
- EARLY ROCK SOUND: A fat, deep and short sound pioneered by early 70's rock and roll
- EXCLUSIVE LEVEL 360: Exclusive Level 360 Technology collar design ensures proper contact between drum head and drum shell
- MADE IN THE USA: All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
- 22" drum head made using two identical plies of 10mil film
- Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping system allows the player to adjust attack and focus
- Very versatile head for all music genres; a true working drummer"s choice
- All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
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Last update on 2026-03-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Bass Drumheads
Understanding Bass Drumhead Construction
Bass drumheads are primarily defined by their material and ply count. Most are made from Mylar, a durable polyester film. Single-ply heads offer a more open and resonant tone, suitable for a natural sound. Two-ply heads provide increased durability and a more focused, punchy attack with less sustain, often preferred for louder genres. Some heads feature internal or external muffling rings (like "O" rings) to control overtones and tighten the sound.
Key Features to Consider
- Material: While Mylar is standard, variations in thickness and layering affect the sound. Thicker heads generally produce a fatter, more powerful sound.
- Ply Count: As mentioned, single-ply heads are brighter and more open, while two-ply heads are more durable and focused.
- Coated vs. Clear: Clear heads tend to be brighter and more resonant with a pronounced attack. Coated heads offer a warmer, more mellow tone with a slightly subdued attack and are excellent for brushes.
- Muffling: Built-in muffling (rings, pads) is common on many heads to reduce unwanted resonance and achieve a more controlled sound right out of the box.
- Ported vs. Unported: Ported heads have a hole (often reinforced) in the front head, which helps with beater attack and mic placement, while also reducing low-end boom. Unported heads offer a fuller, more resonant sound.
Matching Heads to Your Genre and Playing Style
The type of music you play heavily influences the ideal head. Rock and metal drummers often prefer durable two-ply heads for their attack and longevity. Jazz drummers might opt for single-ply, clear or coated heads for a more nuanced and open sound. Funk and R&B players may seek a balance of attack and warmth, often found in coated or internally dampened heads. Consider the environment too; smaller, enclosed spaces might benefit from heads with built-in muffling.
Installation and Maintenance
Proper installation is key to achieving the best sound. Ensure the head is seated evenly on the drum shell. Tune the head by gradually tightening the tension rods in a star pattern. Regularly check tuning, especially after the head has stretched initially. Keep heads clean to maintain their sound quality and appearance; a dry cloth is usually sufficient.
Comparison Tips
- Listen to Sound Demos: Many manufacturers provide audio samples of their drumheads online.
- Read Reviews: User reviews can offer insights into real-world performance and durability.
- Consider Your Drum: The type and size of your bass drum will also affect the final sound.
- Experiment: Don't be afraid to try different types of heads to discover what works best for you.