How often do I need to change resonant heads? (if at all)

[ElMosca]

Greetings, Drum people:
Excuse me if this is a very basic question. I couldn't find a similar thread in the forum history. Here it goes:

I haven't changed the resonant heads on my drum kit since the day I got it, three years ago. Once in a while, I fiddle with the tuning, but in general, I rarely touch the bottom heads in this kit. The heads look good as new, of course (no stick marks), but I can't help but wonder whether they are subject to wear and tear from the resonance.

The kit is used heavily in a teaching environment, as well as in recording. I change the (top) heads about once a month. Should I be getting new reso heads periodically? If so, how often should I change them?

Thanks,
++aldo

[chrisso]

Yeah they need changing.
If it's a teaching kit you could probably get away with yearly (even in heavy use). For quality sound I would change them every 6 months, especially as you change the batters monthly.
If this was a heavily used gigging or studio kit I would consider changing them every 3 to 6 months.

[ElMosca]

Excellent. Thank you for your replies.

Now, for the obligatory follow-up question: Is there a specific kind of head you favor for bottom heads? I use Remo coated pinstripes on the batter side.

I'm thinking about getting clear heads for the bottoms, but I don't have a good reason, except that I am replacing clear heads (on the kit from day 1) and the copy on the back of the box reads "[Ambassador] Coated for batter, clear for resonant or batter".

Thanks again for sharing your opinions and experience.

Cheers,
++aldo

[chrisso]

It's all taste isn't it.
Clear is good, and not too thick.

[ElMosca]

Originally Posted by chrisso

It's all taste isn't it.
Clear is good, and not too thick.

Based on this, I would pick Emperors, not Ambassadors (Emperors are thinner, no?).

Regarding taste...I guess it's difficult to rely on my taste for a bottom head if I can't even tell if it's spent or still good...

Thanks again,
++aldo

[Morbid Koala]

Originally Posted by ElMosca

Based on this, I would pick Emperors, not Ambassadors (Emperors are thinner, no?).

Thanks again,
++aldo

Emperors are two ply, Ambassadors are single ply. Most common reso head is Ambassador.

[ElMosca]

Originally Posted by Morbid Koala

Emperors are two ply, Ambassadors are single ply. Most common reso head is Ambassador.

Thanks. I checked the box and, of course, you're right and I had it backwards. I will get Ambassadors.

Thanks again to all!

[ElMosca]

Originally Posted by Jesse Cannon

I notice them go when they start buzzing obviously. But really the best way to tell when they are going is when you feel like the drum isn't doing what it should. I will have a day when I can't get the drum in tune that I tune numerous times a week, and when I have this problem all I do is change the resonant head and usually thats the problem!

This is very important, and obviously, I didn't know about it. My small rack tom (10") has been buzzing for the past month. I dis-re-assembled the entire kit to no avail, but it never occurred to me that adjusting, or better, changing the reso heads would make a difference.

Thanks!

[Monty Sneddon]

Through experience I've found the if you choose the head that is directly before the batter head in weight and use that as the resonant head, you get good results. For example:


Batter Head: Pinstripe Resonant Head: Ambassador
Batter Head: Emperor Resonant Head: Ambassador
Batter Head: Ambassador Resonant Head: Diplomat

[TheArchitect]

Originally Posted by ElMosca

Based on this, I would pick Emperors, not Ambassadors (Emperors are thinner, no?).

Regarding taste...I guess it's difficult to rely on my taste for a bottom head if I can't even tell if it's spent or still good...

Thanks again,
++aldo

Eps are 2 ply. Ambassadors are 10mil 1 ply. Diplomats are 7 mil single ply.

Thicker single ply heads will sustain longer than thinner. 2 ply heads won't sustain as well land generallly are not great choices for resos but there are certainly exceptions

[Jimbo]

A resonant head will last a long time: they're not usually tuned very tight, and they are never struck, so there is really nothing to wear out (don't forget that it's made from mylar).

Three years is a short time for the resonant head.

Don't change it, but do keep it in tune.

If your drum goes BOING when you strike it, then the bottom head needs tuning.