Coated vs. Clear Drum Heads: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?
When it comes to dialing in your drum sound, one of the most important choices you’ll make is between coated and clear drum heads. While it might seem like a subtle difference, the choice between these two types of heads can have a significant impact on your tone, feel, and even your playing style.
Whether you’re a beginner just learning your kit or a seasoned player refining your sound, understanding this distinction is key.
What Are Coated Drum Heads?
Coated drum heads have a thin, textured layer (usually white) sprayed onto the surface. This coating slightly dampens the sound and adds a rougher texture compared to clear heads.
- Sound Characteristics: Warm tone, more focused attack, shorter sustain, slightly reduced overtones.
- Best For: Jazz, blues, classic rock, snare drums, and studio use.
- Feel: Slight friction for better articulation—especially with brushes.
Recommended Coated Heads:
- Remo Coated Ambassador – Classic choice with warm, open tone.
- Evans G2 Coated – Great durability with warm attack.
- Aquarian Texture Coated – Smooth feel, especially for jazz and brush work.
What Are Clear Drum Heads?
Clear drum heads are made from transparent Mylar and have no surface coating. They offer a brighter, more open sound compared to coated heads.
- Sound Characteristics: Bright tone, more resonance and sustain, pronounced attack, enhanced overtones.
- Best For: Rock, pop, metal, funk, toms, kick drums, and live performance.
- Feel: Smooth and responsive with more bounce.
Recommended Clear Heads:
- Remo Clear Pinstripe – Excellent for fat, punchy tom sounds.
- Evans G2 Clear – Bright and durable for all-around use.
- Aquarian Super-2 Clear – Balanced attack with controlled overtones.
Coated vs. Clear: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Coated Heads | Clear Heads |
|---|---|---|
| Tone | Warm, controlled | Bright, open |
| Sustain | Shorter | Longer |
| Overtones | More dampened | More pronounced |
| Best Use | Snare, studio, jazz | Toms, kick, live shows |
| Brush Play | Excellent | Poor |
So Which Should You Choose?
There’s no right or wrong answer—just what fits your style and sound. Many drummers mix and match: coated heads on the snare for warmth and articulation, and clear heads on the toms and kick for more power and sustain.
If you’re chasing that vintage, fat snare sound with minimal ring, start with coated. Want your toms to sing and your kick to punch through the mix? Clear heads are your best friend.
Final Thoughts
Your drum heads are like the strings on a guitar or the reed in a saxophone—critical to your tone. Swapping out heads can transform your entire kit, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Try both coated and clear heads and see how your sound—and your playing—responds.
Got a favorite drum head setup? Drop it in the comments below!
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