6 Best Bass Drum Heads

Best Bass Drum Heads

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Replacing your bass drum head is an essential part of keeping your drum kit sounding its best. Installing a fresh kick drum head will improve the attack, projection, and overall tone of your bass drum.

Bass drum heads feature different materials and thicknesses, which lends them to be better suited for particular styles of music and musical scenarios.

In this article, I’ll share the best bass drum heads on the market, as well as some tips on how to choose the right one for your needs.

What are the Best Bass Drum Heads?

Image Recommended ProductsProduct Features Price
Best for rock
evans emad 2
  • Two ply drum head - 10mil + 7mil
  • Top choice for professional drummers
  • Strong attack and focused sound
Best durability
Aquarian Super Kick 2 Clear Bass Drum Head
  • Two ply drum head - 7mil + 7mil
  • Patented floating felt muffle ring
  • Industry best seller
Best value
Evans EQ4 Clear Bass Drum Head
  • Single ply drum head - 10mil
  • Versatile for all musical genres
  • Internal overtone control ring
Most versatile
Remo Powerstroke 3 Coated Bass Drum Head
  • Single ply drum head - 10mil
  • Inlay ring helps control overtones
  • Warm and mellow sounding
Best for jazz
Evans Calftone Bass Drum Head
  • 1-ply drumhead 
  • Mylar base with blended materials
  • Evans Level 360 technology
Best controlled tones
Remo Powersonic Clear Bass Drum Head
  • 2-ply head with 7 and 5mil layers 
  • Dampening rings 
  • Snap On Dampening System 

How I Tested and Selected the Best Bass Drum Heads

Throughout my drumming career, I’ve made a habit of replacing my bass drumhead a few times a year to keep the tones as fresh and responsive as possible. 

As I’ve done that, I’ve been able to try out dozens of different designs and sounds. I’ve come to know what makes a good bass drumhead, and I’ve realized which heads work best for certain applications. 

I have a few favorite bass drumheads, but I made sure to select ones that work well in different styles like rock, jazz, country, etc. 

Whenever I test a drumhead, I mainly look at sound quality and durability. Those are the two fundamental things that determine the overall quality and performance of a drumhead. 

I picked all the heads that sounded good but also maintained their structural integrity for a long period. 

I’ll also look at versatility and value. A good bass drumhead should have a decent price tag while also sounding great in all musical styles. 

In-Depth Bass Drum Head Reviews

Best for rock

Evans EMAD 2 Clear Bass Drum Head

Excellent for modern styles of music, the EMAD 2 Clear offers a great balance of punch, power, and low-end thump. The external dampening ring enhances the attack and focus of the kick.
Sounds
5.0
Durability
5.0
Versatility
4.0
Value
4.0

    Evans EMAD 2 Clear Bass Drum Head Review

    The winner of the best bass drum head goes to the legendary Evans EMAD 2. It is the modern drummer’s weapon of choice for achieving a powerful kick drum sound! It’s played on hit records and on festival stages around the world.

    Evans drum heads are played by many of the finest drummers on the planet. They are all made in the USA and feature level 360 technology for high quality and consistency within manufacturing.

    I’ve used this EMAD 2 head on countless albums and studio sessions, and I’ve always loved the attack it adds to my bass drum sound. 

    The Evans EMAD 2 drum head features two plies of film – an outer ply of 7mil and an inner ply of 10mil film. The EMAD system stands for ‘externally mounted adjustable dampening’ and enhances the attack and focus of the kick drum sound.

    I personally swear by the Evans EMAD 2 bass drum head for everything from studio sessions to tours, and it sounds consistently great every time I play. 

    In my opinion, it has the perfect amount of low-end punch as well as some top-end ‘click’ that allows the kick drum to cut through in the mix.

    These Evans drum heads are highly durable and will hold up to very intense playing without compromising any attack or sound quality.

    This is the best bass drum head for almost any genre of music and will make your bass drum sound great in any musical application!

    Pros

    • Adjustable dampening rings
    • Strong, focused attack
    • Sounds great on every bass drum

    Cons

    • Not ideal for Jazz music
    • Premium price tag
    Best durability

    Aquarian Super Kick 2 Clear Bass Drum Head

    A highly durable bass drum head that is a great choice for rock, pop, metal, gospel, and many more styles of music. Its internal dampening system provides a focused sound with plenty of low-end punch.
    Sounds
    4.5
    Durability
    5.0
    Versatility
    4.0
    Value
    4.0

      Aquarian Super Kick 2 Clear Bass Drum Head Review

      The Aquarian Super Kick 2 drum head is another very popular choice for drummers seeking a great sounding bass drum head. It is one of the industry’s best sellers and a firm favorite amongst professional drummers.

      I saw Eric Moore using this head once. I loved how his kick drum sounded, so I wanted to see if I could emulate the tuning. 

      The bass drum you get is very strong and vibrant. The head also feels incredibly durable, which I really liked. 

      The Super Kick 2 features a patented “Floating Muffling System” which utilizes a narrow band of acoustic felt to achieve a pre-dampened yet natural sound. The felt moves with the drum head to boost low-end whilst eliminating unwanted frequencies and overtones.

      The drum head itself is comprised of two 7mil plies of Nu-Brite film that offers immense durability and strength, in addition to a punchy focused sound.

      This Aquarian Super Kick 2 kick drum head sounds great across different tuning ranges and it produces a punchy yet natural-sounding low-end from a bass drum. It’s a great sounding option that also offers good value for money.

      Pros

      • Patented floating muffling system
      • Powerful yet natural sound
      • Sounds great across all tuning ranges

      Cons

      • Not ideal for Jazz music
      Best value

      Evans EQ4 Clear Bass Drum Head

      A great choice for any style of music, the Evans EQ4 Clear is a versatile single-ply bass drum head that delivers a well-rounded sound with a good amount of attack.
      Sounds
      4.5
      Durability
      4.0
      Versatility
      4.5
      Value
      4.5

        Evans EQ4 Clear Bass Drum Head Review

        The Evans EQ4 Bass Drum Head is an excellent sounding drum head. It has a lot of punch and has an internal ring that offers just the right level of sound dampening.

        Despite the fact it’s a single 10mil ply drum head, it does have a good level of attack and punch which makes this suitable for heavier styles of music as well as popular genres. As far as single-ply bass drum heads go, this is the best bass drum head to go for.

        I found that when I tuned this head low, it delivered a surprisingly fat sounding low end for a single ply drum head. 

        It had great tonal resonance but just enough dampening to control some of those unwanted overtones as well!

        There is not as much dampening on this Evans drum head as opposed to the Evans EMAD – which offers a more focused attack. But it’s down to preference to see which you think you prefer!

        This drum head feels and sounds great to play. It is super versatile and sounds excellent both in the studio and live on stage. It can be tuned up higher for jazz, country, funk or hip-hop; or tuned down low for rock and metal.

        This is a very popular drum head that is a top choice amongst working drummers around the world.

        Pros

        • Sounds great live and in the studio
        • Single ply still provides good attack
        • Works well for lots of musical styles

        Cons

        • Single ply is not as durable as two-ply
        Most versatile

        Remo Powerstroke 3 Coated Bass Drum Head

        A very popular and versatile head for a wide range of musical styles, the Remo Powerstroke 3 is a great option for many different playing situations including live and studio use.
        Sounds
        5.0
        Durability
        4.5
        Versatility
        5.0
        Value
        4.5

          Remo Powerstroke 3 Coated Bass Drum Head Review

          The iconic Remo Powerstroke 3 Drum Head provides an excellent balance of response and tone. This drum head consists of a single-ply 10mil coated film with an additional inlay ring that helps to control some unwanted overtones.

          This Remo bass drum head has a warm and mellow sound that is delightfully musical. 

          I find this head to be very versatile, but it mainly has a vintage touch to it which I enjoy. It makes my bass drum sound big and open, but still strong and punchy. 

          This bass drum head is perfect for pop music, rock, country, R&B, hip-hop, and other popular musical genres.

          There is not as much muffling in this Remo bass drum head as the Aquarian Super Kick 2 or Evans EMAD, so there are more mid and low range overtones that are produced from this drum head. It is the ideal drum head if you are looking for a classic, warmer sound.

          Overall it is a great sounding option that has immense playability and really adds a rich and mellow sound to your bass drum.

          Pros

          • Warm sounding coated bass drum head
          • Versatile for lots of musical genres Legendary
          • Remo quality

          Cons

          • Lacks focus and attack
          • Expensive
          • Single ply is not as durable as two-ply
          Best for jazz

          Evans Calftone Bass Drum Head

          A great single-ply bass drumhead that gives your kick vintage-style tones. You get warm and open sounds that are best-suited for jazz and other similar styles. The calfskin aesthetic is also fantastic.
          Sounds
          4.5
          Durability
          3.5
          Versatility
          3.5
          Value
          4.0

            Evans Calftone Bass Drum Head Review

            If you’re looking for a good bass drumhead for jazz, look no further than the Evans Calftone. These Evans drumheads have been incredibly popular since their introduction to the market, as they blend vintage tones with modern durability. 

            The tones I get from my bass drum with this head are warm and open. I get plenty of resonance, along with a blend of power and subtlety. 

            It’s a single-ply head, so it’s really sensitive to varying levels of dynamics. This makes it the perfect drumhead to play soft feathering techniques. It also works really well when you use a softer-than-usual bass drum beater. 

            The Evans brand is always creating products with modern innovation, though, and that’s what you get here from the Level 360 technology. While this is a vintage head, it has the same durability and playability that you get from a modern drumhead. 

            Vintage heads also tend to go out of tune quickly, whereas this drumhead holds its tuning incredibly well. 

            I just wouldn’t recommend getting it if you’re a drummer who plays hard. This head is all about musicality and finesse, whereas a thicker head would be better for hard hitters. Unfortunately, it’s just not very versatile. That’s why I’d only recommend it for jazz drummers.

            Pros

            • One of the best bass drumheads for jazz bass sounds
            • Surprisingly durable for a single-ply head
            • Great vintage drumhead aesthetic
            • Good modern option for vintage drum kits

            Cons

            • Not versatile, as you mostly get vintage tones from this drumhead
            Best controlled tones

            Remo Powersonic Clear Bass Drum Head

            One of the most adjustable bass drumheads available. It has a powerful and clean sound, and the snap-on dampening system allows you to adjust the tones without removing the head or altering the tuning.
            Sounds
            4.5
            Durability
            5.0
            Versatility
            5.0
            Value
            4.0

              Remo Powersonic Clear Bass Drum Head Review

              The Remo Powersonic Clear Bass Drumhead is one of the most underrated drumheads that Remo offers. The Powerstrokes tend to take the front stage, while this head often goes unnoticed. 

              However, I think it’s an incredible option that more drummers should know about. At first glance, you’ll see that it looks very different from typical drumheads. 

              Like the Evans EMAD, it has built-in dampening. This gives you a strong and short tone that works perfectly for modern music. It takes things a step further, though, as the head comes with another dampening piece that snaps onto the bottom. 

              This piece can easily be removed, giving you a tool to quickly change the sound of your bass drum without needing to alter the tuning or take the head off of the shell. 

              With so much dampening on the surface, I find that I don’t need to place anything inside my bass drum shell. It allows me to get a cleaner sound. 

              If you don’t like how much the snap-on dampener cuts the tones down, you don’t need to use it. But it’s always good to have more options for when you need them! 

              Overall, I’d say that this is an excellent drumhead for styles like pop, rock, metal, and country. It sounds fantastic, and it beats all the other drumheads when it comes to adjustability. 

              Pros

              • Very durable
              • Strong kick drum tones fit for all modern styles of music
              • The sounds can easily be adjusted with the snap-on dampening system
              • Easy to tune

              Cons

              • This head may dampen the kick drum too much for some people’s liking

              Bass Drum Head Buying Guide

              The sound of a bass drum is the heartbeat of the music! It beats the rhythm like a heartbeat, and it’s one of the single most vital parts of the drum set. If the snare drum is the brain of the drum set, then the kick drum really is the heart.

              A bass drum provides the essential groove within a song. It channels enormous energy through to a listener that allows them to connect with a song physically through the power of rhythm. Without a bass drum, a song would have no feel, power, or rhythmic intensity that allows people to dance and truly enjoy the music.

              The bass drum lays down the central beat on the ‘1’ and ‘3’ of a song. This conducts a listener to the timekeeping and rhythm of a song. The bass drum is an understated part of music, but the reality is that it lays down the foundation of the entire song.

              What Makes The Best Bass Drum Head?

              A drum head is responsible for 70% of a drum’s sound. Therefore it’s important to play the best bass drum head you can afford to achieve the best possible sound from a drum. A bass drum head will be directly responsible for achieving the best sounding low end providing the punch that people come to expect from a bass drum whether it’s live or on a record.

              All of the drum heads within this guide are professional quality drum heads that perform great for all musical applications. The drum heads in this guide are all produced by the three largest and best drum head manufacturers in the world – Evans, Remo, and Aquarian. All professional drummers in the world play these three brands. They make the best bass drum heads.

              Single Ply Or Two-Ply Bass Drum Heads?

              The number of plies and the thickness of a drum head directly alters its acoustic sound properties. A thinner drum skin has a clear tonal resonance and straight-talking response. Single-ply drum heads sound more open and resonant than their two-ply counterparts.

              For bass drum heads, singly ply heads are popular for styles of music that require a warmer and open sounding bass drum. Jazz, swing, country, folk, and acoustic are a few examples of genres that will be more suited to a single-ply bass drum head.

              Two-ply drum heads have a fatter sound and lower pitch. This is because more mass is being moved when the beater strikes the skin. Two-ply bass drum heads also have a faster decay and a more focused sound. Most contemporary drummers play two-ply bass drum heads because of their punchier low end that simply works so well live when mic’d up through a PA.

              Bass Drum Head Dampening

              The best bass drum head products on the market all utilize a form of internal dampening. Typically drummers like to use pillows, towels, or dedicated bass drum pillows to help deaden the sound of a bass drum. Luckily, modern drum head manufacturers have designed bass drum heads that incorporate sound muffling technology.

              The reason why drummers like to dampen the bass drum is to eliminate unwanted overtones, resulting in a focused and punchier sound.

              The internal dampening used within different bass drum heads vary. The Aquarian Super Kick 2 utilizes a patented floating felt muffle ring that is built into the head, and the Evans EMAD 2 includes two sizes of dampening rings to choose from which affix to the drum head.

              Tuning A Bass Drum Head

              Tuning a bass drum is not too difficult. It requires the bass drum to be taken out from the drum set and placed down on the floor (resonant side flat on the floor) so you can easily access the lugs and tuning rods.

              Firstly you will need to remove the old bass drum head by detuning the tuning rods progressively around the drum and removing the bass drum hoop. You will then need to place the new drum head on the bearing edge and then align up the bass drum claws and lugs to fit again onto the hoop.

              Start by tightening the tension rods around the bass drum hoop by using your fingers and not a drum key. Turn all of the rods around the drum in order until you’ve removed all of the wrinkles you can see from the bass drum head.

              Once there are no more loose tension rods, use a drum key to slowly adjust the tension progressively around the drum with a quarter of a turn of the drum key each time. Lots of drummers (including myself) like a low tuned kick drum, so be mindful not to over tighten the bass drum.

              Make sure that the pitch is even all the way around the drum by tapping around the head. Whether you choose to tune your bass drum low, medium, or high it’s important the tension is even around the drum!

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