A drum skin, also called a drum head, is the plastic membrane stretched over a drum shell, and a worn or dented head is the first thing to replace on a dull sounding kit.
About Drum Skins & Heads
Drum skins, also called drum heads, are the playing surface of every drum and the first thing to replace when your kit sounds dull or shows dents. SWAMP's coated single ply heads come in 12 inch, 14 inch and 16 inch sizes to suit the toms and snares on most standard kits, plus a dedicated 14 inch single ply white snare head. They are a practical, affordable choice for beginner and intermediate kits, and popular with schools, churches and community groups.
New heads make the biggest difference to a tired kit for the least money. Seat the head evenly, tune it up with a drum key from our drum accessories range, and add On Stage dampening tone gels to control overtones. If you're building a setup from scratch, browse our drum kits and drum sticks, or explore the full drum gear range.
Drum Skin & Head FAQs
Are drum skins and drum heads the same thing?
Yes. Drum skin is the everyday term and drum head is the technical one, but both refer to the membrane stretched across the drum shell. Modern heads are made from durable plastic film rather than animal skin.
How do I know what size drum head I need?
Measure the drum's diameter across the top of the shell, not including the rim. Most snare drums are 14 inch, with 12 inch and 16 inch common tom sizes. Match the head to the shell diameter and it will fit any brand of drum with standard hoops.
When should I replace my drum heads?
Replace a head when it is dented, pitted or no longer holds its tuning. Batter heads on a regularly played kit are worth replacing every 6 to 12 months, while lightly used kits can go longer. Fresh heads restore tone more cheaply than any other upgrade.
