4. Heads for Toms
Single-Ply Heads for Long Sustain and Transparent Attack
For toms and floor toms, the rules for choosing heads are pretty similar to those for snare drums. Given their design, toms naturally have a longer sustain, so the choice of heads and their sound characteristics play a big role. Single-ply heads have the least mass and thus respond the quickest. They generally sustain longer than their double-ply or pre-dampened counterparts, so you need to be more precise with tuning since any errors can lead to unwanted overtones. However, the reward is an open, dynamic sound that reflects the drum shell’s natural characteristics. Besides classics like Remo Ambassador and Evans G1, many drummers experiment with specialized heads such as Remo Suede, Remo Renaissance, Aquarian Modern Vintage, or Evans Calftone. Combining these with different resonant heads offers countless ways to personalize your tom sound. You can also use additional external dampening products to further shape your sound.
Not Just for Rock and Metal – Double-Ply and Pre-Dampened Tom Heads
If single-ply heads sound too lively or if you need more durability, double-ply models might be the way to go. With higher mass and friction between the two Mylar layers, these heads produce a sound that is perceived as fuller or bassier. The extra layer also absorbs harder hits better than single-ply versions. As with snare and bass drum heads, a coating adds a slightly softer, more rounded attack tone. This can be beneficial in the studio for better signal control.
Natural and Imitation Animal Skin Heads
Why are drum heads called "heads"? The answer is simple: before today’s synthetic films, people used shaved animal skins. Up until the 1960s, snares, bass drums, and toms were covered with calf or goat skins, with drum shops offering this service. In the 1970s, synthetic heads replaced natural ones, offering several advantages. The biggest was their resistance to weather conditions – as indicated by the "Weather King" label on heads from pioneer Remo Belli. Modern drum heads are unaffected by humidity and temperature changes, making production and tuning easier. While natural skins are still used in classical percussion and some hand drums, they nearly vanished from drum sets, which many drummers regret due to their warm, organic sound. Manufacturers eventually created synthetic imitations. In jazz and acoustic music, heads like Remo Fiberskyn, Evans Calftone, and Aquarian Modern Vintage are popular. There are even pre-dampened bass drum heads available in these styles.
Real animal skins are also making a comeback. Kentville Drums from Australia processes kangaroo hides into heads for snares, bass drums, and toms. These heads offer a full, organic sound, though they still have the structural disadvantages of being weather-sensitive. The company assures that the animals are not killed solely for the heads, which might comfort vegans.
