Different Heads for Live vs. Recording???

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WERNER 1

WERNER 1

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I've been looking at heads for this cheapO' kit that I've got, and while I'm not a drummer I'd still like to get some thing decent for when guys come over and use it.

I keep hearing that you want to use different heads for recording than you would for a live performance. Is this correct? If so, could someone explain a little about the different heads, and there specific applications in regards to how they effect the sound of the drums. :o

Also, what is the advantage of Coated vs. clear/non-coated?

Thanks,
Rick
 
While some people may use different heads live than in the studio, most drummers use heads that they feel sounds best on a given kit and which the drummer feels responds well to that drummers playing technique.

Thee are many good heads, but in a studio, in particular with a cheap kit - I would suggest Evans G2 on the tom batter an either a EQ or an Emad on the kick. I really like the Evans Dry vented on the snare batter.

Remo Pinstripes on the toms and a coated Ambassador on the snare would also be a good option.

Regarding coated vs. clear - on the sanre batter the coated is needed if the drummer plays with brushes. I think the coated heads provide just the slightest extra dryness and allow just a little less stick attack - but the difference is very subtle.

In general, drum heads are single ply (one sheet of plastic), double ply (2 sheets of plastic), hydraulic (2 sheets of plastic with oil in between the sheets or some other specialty head (parade marching drums, etc).

In general, a single play head allows a little more resonance and a brighter attack, a 2 ply creates a slightly more 'muted" sound - a dryer sound, and hydraulics do not allow hardly any resonance (somethimes called "ring"

Often jazz drummers like the more open sound of single play whereas rock drummers want the driy sound of 2 ply.

Naturally these are very general statments - I sure someone will debate something, the 1 ply vs. 2 ply debate can be endless.
 
Mikeh is dead on. Either the Evans G2's or the Remo Pinstripes will work great in the studio. I use the G2's and love them I also use the Emad kick drum head and its amazing and everyone I know that uses it loves it. Stay away from hydralics IMO they kill way to much sound.
 
Thanks guys!! This is the type of stuff I've been lookin for!!

More info please...:)

Rick
 
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