What Are Mesh Drum Heads?
Mesh heads are like the introverts of the drumming world – they’re quiet, unassuming, and yet incredibly effective. These specialised drum heads aim to replicate the feel of traditional acoustic drum heads while keeping the volume down. So, if you want to practice without waking up the entire neighbourhood or trigger your electronic drum kit with finesse, mesh heads are your go-to choice.
Here’s the secret sauce: Unlike regular drum heads made from layers of mylar sheets, mesh heads are crafted from woven material. Picture a finely woven fabric stretched across your drum shell. Because of those tiny holes in the mesh, they don’t produce the booming sound you’d expect from a typical drum head. In fact, they’re almost silent.
Why Choose Mesh Heads?
- Noise Reduction: If you’re on a mission to hush your drum kit, mesh heads are your silent superheroes. Swap out your standard drum heads for mesh ones, and voilà—the volume drops dramatically. For even more stealth mode, consider replacing your resonant heads with mesh versions too.
- Electric Drum Kits: Mesh heads are the darlings of electronic drum kits. They’re quiet, responsive, and perfect for triggering with your drum module. If you own an e-kit, chances are it already came with mesh heads. And the best part? With proper care, you won’t need to replace them often—maybe once every couple of years.
The Ply Game: 1, 2, or 3?
Now, let’s talk about the layers. Mesh heads come in different flavors, categorized by the number of plies. Here’s the scoop:
1-Ply Mesh Heads: These are the lightweight contenders. They’re bouncy and responsive, making them great for smaller drums. If you’re rocking a 12-inch drum or smaller, a 1-ply head strikes a sweet balance between price and ‘springiness’.
2-Ply Mesh Heads: Slightly thicker than their 1-ply cousins, these heads offer a bit more durability. They’re still quiet and responsive, making them a solid choice for most drummers. If you’ve got Roland drum pads, 2-ply heads are often a direct replacement (except for the 14-inch digital snare and 14-inch VAD floor toms).
3-Ply Mesh Heads: These are the heavyweight champs. While not as springy as real acoustic drum heads, they’re sturdier and more durable. Expect a touch more volume compared to the 1-ply and 2-ply options, but they’ll still keep things pleasantly quiet. Plus, they play nicely with drum triggers.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it—the lowdown on mesh drum heads, with a spotlight on the mighty 3-ply variety. Whether you’re practicing late at night, jamming with your electronic kit, or just craving that unique feel, mesh heads have your back.
We are super excited to be the UK’s first official distributors for UD3 – professional 3-ply mesh drum heads and we stock the full range on our website, all with free UK delivery.
Remember, drumming is all about finding your rhythm, whether it’s in the beat or the silence in between. Happy drumming!