Ever hit a snare drum and wished it had that perfect *crack*? That bright, sharp sound that cuts through the music? The snare drum is the heartbeat of so many songs, and its head is what makes that magic happen. But if you’ve ever shopped for a new snare drum head, you know it’s not as simple as it sounds. There are so many brands, materials, and thicknesses, it can feel like trying to find a needle in a haystack!
Choosing the right 14-inch snare drum head can make a huge difference in your sound. Do you want a loud, punchy tone for rock music, or a softer, more controlled sound for jazz? The wrong head can leave your snare sounding dull or muddy, no matter how hard you hit it. This can be frustrating when you’re trying to get the best out of your instrument.
But don’t worry! In this post, we’ll dive deep into the world of 14-inch snare drum heads. We’ll break down what makes them unique and help you understand what to look for. By the end, you’ll know exactly which head will give your snare drum that killer sound you’ve been dreaming of. Let’s get started on finding your perfect match!
Our Top 5 14 Inch Snare Drum Head Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 14 Inch Snare Drum Head Detailed Reviews
1. Evans Genera HD Dry Snare Drum Head – 14 Snare Drum Head – Featuring Vent Holes to Control Sustain & Tighten Sound – Overtone Control – Coated with 2 Plies – 14 Inch
Rating: 8.6/10
The Evans Genera HD Dry Snare Drum Head is a fantastic choice for drummers looking for a controlled and focused snare sound. This 14-inch head is built tough with two plies of film, giving you a powerful rimshot and a balanced tone. It’s designed to cut through the mix, whether you’re playing live or recording in the studio.
What We Like:
- Two plies of film (5mil outer, 7.5mil inner) create an aggressive rimshot and a well-balanced sound.
- Vent holes around the edge help get rid of extra ringing, making the sound tighter and more controlled.
- An attached overtone control ring on the bottom stops too much ringing and keeps the sustain in check.
- Level 360 Technology makes tuning easier and gives you a wider range of good sounds, perfect for studio recordings.
- Proudly made in the USA by Evans, a company with over 60 years of experience in drum head innovation, ensuring high quality and consistency.
What Could Be Improved:
- The overtone control ring, while effective, might make the head feel slightly less responsive for drummers who prefer a very open snare sound.
- For those seeking a very bright and open snare tone, the inherent control of this head might require some experimentation with tuning to achieve that specific sound.
This drum head delivers a punchy, controlled sound that is perfect for many musical styles. If you want a snare drum that barks when you hit it hard but stays clean and focused, this is a great option.
2. Evans Heavyweight Coated Drumhead – Coated Snare Drum Head – Reverse Dot for Durability
Rating: 8.6/10
The Evans Heavyweight Coated Drumhead is a powerhouse for your snare drum. It’s built tough for serious drummers. This 14-inch head brings a serious punch to your sound.
What We Like:
- Durability and Tone: Made with two layers of thick film and a special reverse dot in the middle, this head can take a beating. It also gives your snare a focused, powerful sound with great attack.
- Easy Tuning: Evans’ Level 360 Technology makes tuning super simple. You’ll get a wider range of notes and a better overall sound.
- Earn Rewards: You can collect points by registering a code that comes with the head. This is a nice bonus for loyal players.
- American Made: Every Evans drumhead is designed and made right here in the USA. That means quality you can trust.
What Could Be Improved:
- Potential for Overkill: For lighter playing styles or jazz drummers, this “heavyweight” head might be a bit too much. It’s designed for impact.
- Cost: While the quality is high, it might be a bit more expensive than some other options.
This Evans Heavyweight Coated Drumhead is a fantastic choice for drummers who need a durable and impactful snare sound. It’s a solid investment for any rock, metal, or hard-hitting player.
3. Evans EC Reverse Dot Snare Drum Head – 14 Snare Drum Head – Featuring Reverse Dot for Durability
Rating: 9.1/10
The Evans EC Reverse Dot Snare Drum Head is a 14-inch coated drum head designed to give your snare drum a great sound. It uses two layers of strong film to make it last longer. This head is made in the USA by Evans, a company that has been making drum heads for a long time.
What We Like:
- It has a special “Reverse Dot” on the bottom. This makes the drum head tougher and gives it a clearer, more powerful sound.
- The “Edge Control” technology helps get rid of annoying extra sounds, so your snare drum sounds cleaner.
- It’s made with two plies of film (a 7mil outer and a 10mil inner), which makes it durable and gives it a rich tone.
- The reverse dot doesn’t get in the way if you play with brushes.
- Evans drum heads are known for being high quality and consistent.
What Could Be Improved:
- This specific version is coated; some drummers might prefer a clear head.
- It’s a two-ply head, and there are also single-ply and two-ply versions without the reverse dot available, which might offer slightly different tonal characteristics.
If you want a snare drum head that sounds good and lasts a long time, the Evans EC Reverse Dot is a solid choice. Its smart design helps you get a focused and powerful sound from your snare drum.
4. Evans Hydraulic Red Coated Snare
Rating: 8.8/10
The Evans Hydraulic Red Coated Snare, 14-Inch (B14HR) is a drumhead that gives your snare drum a special sound. It’s designed to make your drumming sound more controlled and powerful. This drumhead is built tough and made to last through many practice sessions and performances.
What We Like:
- It has a 14-inch size, which is standard for many snare drums.
- The thin layer of oil inside helps to cut down on extra ringing sounds. This makes the sound cleaner.
- The special red coating is very strong. It won’t wear out easily.
- It has two layers of film. This makes it last longer and sound the same every time you play.
- It creates a deep and short sound. This is the kind of sound that made 1970s rock music so cool.
- You can also get this drumhead in black and blue colors.
What Could Be Improved:
- The oil layer, while good for controlling overtones, might not be everyone’s preferred sound. Some drummers like more natural resonance.
- The unique sound profile might not fit every musical style. It’s best for rock or genres that want that specific punch.
If you want a snare drum sound that is fat, deep, and controlled, this Evans Hydraulic Red drumhead is an excellent choice. It brings a classic rock sound and is built to withstand serious drumming.
5. Evans Clear 500 Snare Side Drum Head – Single Ply 5mil Film Drumhead – Ideal for Deep Drums or Heavy Rock – 14 Inch
Rating: 9.3/10
The Evans Clear 500 Snare Side Drum Head is a 14-inch drumhead designed for drummers who want a clear, bright snare sound. It’s made with a single layer of 5mil film, which makes it light and responsive. This drumhead is especially good for deep snare drums or when you play loud, heavy rock music. It helps your snare drum sound great, even when you hit it hard.
What We Like:
- Single Ply Film: It uses one layer of 5mil film, making it simple and effective.
- Great Response: The thin film gives you a quick and clear response, especially when you play loudly.
- Ideal for Deep Drums or Heavy Rock: This head works really well for snare drums with deeper shells or for rock music where you need a punchy sound.
- Level 360 Technology: Evans uses special technology to make tuning easier and give you a wider range of notes. This means your drum will sound better.
- Made in the USA: All Evans drumheads are made in the United States, so you know they are built with quality.
What Could Be Improved:
- Durability for Extreme Playing: While it’s good for heavy rock, very intense or aggressive playing might wear it out faster than thicker heads.
- Not for Every Style: Its bright and punchy sound might not be the best choice for softer musical styles like jazz or folk.
This Evans Clear 500 Snare Side Drum Head is a solid choice for rock drummers. It delivers a bright, responsive sound that cuts through the mix.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Your 14-Inch Snare Drum Head Explained
So, you’re looking to give your snare drum a fresh sound? A new drumhead can make a huge difference! This guide will help you pick the perfect 14-inch snare drum head for your needs.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping, keep these important things in mind:
- Ply: This tells you how many layers of material the drumhead has. Single-ply heads are thinner and bright. Double-ply heads are thicker and warmer. Some heads have three plies for even more thickness and durability.
- Coated vs. Clear: Coated heads have a thin coating on top. This coating makes the drum sound warmer and helps with brushes. Clear heads are shiny and give a brighter, more open sound.
- Dot: Some heads have an extra layer of material in the center, called a dot. This dot makes the drum louder and more focused. It also helps the head last longer.
- Thickness (Mil): This is how thick the material is. Thinner heads (like 2-3 mil) are more responsive. Thicker heads (like 5-10 mil) are more durable and have a fatter sound.
Important Materials
Most snare drum heads are made from a special plastic called Mylar. It’s strong and can handle a lot of hitting.
- Mylar: This is the main material. It’s chosen for its strength and ability to create different sounds.
- Coatings: Special coatings are added to some heads. These coatings can be made from different materials to change the sound.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The way a drumhead is made really matters.
- Manufacturing Process: Good quality heads are made with care. The Mylar is cut precisely, and the edges are smooth. This helps the head sit on the drum evenly.
- Thickness Consistency: If the Mylar is the same thickness all over, the drum will sound better. Uneven thickness can make the sound muddy.
- Durability: A good drumhead will last a long time, even with hard playing. Cheaply made heads might crack or lose their sound quickly.
- Tuning Stability: A quality head will stay in tune. This means you won’t have to adjust it constantly while you’re playing.
User Experience and Use Cases
Who uses these heads and why?
- Beginners: Many beginners start with a single-ply coated head. They are easy to tune and give a nice, versatile sound.
- Rock Drummers: Rock players often like double-ply heads. They are loud and durable, perfect for powerful drumming. Some prefer heads with a center dot for extra punch.
- Jazz Drummers: Jazz drummers might choose a single-ply clear head. These heads have a bright, responsive sound that works well for fast playing and subtle dynamics.
- Orchestral Drummers: For orchestral music, a thin, single-ply coated head is often preferred. It offers a warm and controlled sound.
Choosing the right drumhead is like choosing the right shoes for running. The right ones help you play your best!
Frequently Asked Questions about 14-Inch Snare Drum Heads
Q: What is the difference between a coated and a clear snare drum head?
A: A coated head has a thin layer on top, which makes the sound warmer and helps when using drum brushes. A clear head is shiny and gives a brighter, more open sound.
Q: How many plies should I look for in a snare drum head?
A: Single-ply heads are thinner and brighter. Double-ply heads are thicker and warmer. The number of plies affects the sound and durability.
Q: What does the “dot” on a snare drum head do?
A: The dot is an extra layer in the center. It makes the drum louder and more focused. It also helps the head last longer.
Q: Is Mylar a good material for drum heads?
A: Yes, Mylar is a strong plastic that is perfect for drum heads. It can create many different sounds.
Q: How does the thickness of a drum head affect its sound?
A: Thinner heads are more responsive. Thicker heads are more durable and have a fatter sound.
Q: What kind of snare drum head is good for beginners?
A: A single-ply coated head is often a good choice for beginners. It’s easy to tune and sounds good for many types of music.
Q: Which drum heads do rock drummers usually prefer?
A: Rock drummers often like double-ply heads because they are loud and strong. Some also like heads with a center dot for extra power.
Q: What are jazz drummers looking for in a snare drum head?
A: Jazz drummers often choose single-ply clear heads for their bright and responsive sound, which is good for fast playing.
Q: Does the way a drum head is made matter?
A: Yes, the manufacturing process is important. Good quality heads are made precisely, which helps them sound better and stay in tune.
Q: How do I know if a drum head is high quality?
A: High-quality heads are made with consistent thickness, have smooth edges, and stay in tune well. They also tend to last longer.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.