Change tom heads immediately before recording?

[centurymantra]

I've got a big session over the weekend and the drummer will be using my drums. I've got a new snare head (and a couple spares) and was going to change the tom heads as well, though I know I've seen it suggested that tom heads be changed a week or two before a recording session. The heads on their now are not terribly worn out, and will be damped during recording. I'm wondering what the general opinion might be in this situation. Leave the current heads on & tune them well or put new heads on which will not get broken in at all before recording?

I do think I will put a new kick drum head on as I just picked up an Aquarian Super Kick II that I'd like to try out, though I'm open to opinions on that...use a non-broken in kick head for recording?


Just curious...

[Bob Olhsson]

I'd put fresh heads on. Coated Remo Ambassadors with damping sound incredible. The thinner Diplomats sound even better but you'll have to change them every hour or so.

Be sure to "seat" each head by pressing hard in the middle with your palm. They'll be pretty stable after that. I think a lot of what people call "breaking in" is caused by new heads not being stretched evenly across the rim at first. Stretching or seating them by playing is the long way around!

[dtucker]

The drummer I use for my sessions changes heads for every time he hits the studio. He may put them on the day before, sometimes day of...it makes no difference. If you know how to properly seat them you'll have no problems.

Also, this is very important as well: bottom heads! If your bottom (resonant) heads are old or haven't been replaced in a year or more change those suckers too. It will allow for more accurate and stable tuning and the drum as a whole will sound better. Don't forget them bottoms!

[centurymantra]

Thanks Bob...that kindly reinforces what I was planning on doing anyway. I'll definitely be sure to 'seat' them as well. I'm actually using coated Evans G2 heads which should at least approximate that feel/sound of Ambassadors.