Best bass drum resonant heads

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Steve Romanoski
Last Updated: Oct 11, 2022

In this article, we've listed the best bass drum resonant heads one can find on the market today. We've analyzed about 53 of bass drum resonant heads and selected the 42 top options by MAONO, LEKATO, UMOMO, Finger Dance. We took the time to do a thorough research and point out some advantages and disadvantages of each of the products we suggest below so that you don't have to dive deep into the topic and spend numerous hours searching for the ideal model on your own.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

TAMA Bass Drum Front Head 22"
#TOP 1
TAMA Bass Drum Front Head 22"
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Tama SW22BMTT Bass Drum Resonant Head 22 Inches White
#TOP 2
Tama SW22BMTT Bass Drum Resonant Head 22 Inches White
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Custom Aquarian 22" Bass Kick Drum Head Front Drumskin Cuffs 1
#TOP 3
Custom Aquarian 22" Bass Kick Drum Head Front Drumskin Cuffs 1
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Top 42 Best bass drum resonant heads Reviews 2022

#TOP 1

TAMA Bass Drum Front Head 22"

Tama

Features

  • Product Dimensions: 3.0 cms (L) x 57.0 cms (W) x 57.0 cms (H)
  • Package Quantity: 1
  • Country Of Origin: China
  • Product Type: Instrument Parts And Accessories
#TOP 2

Tama SW22BMTT Bass Drum Resonant Head 22 Inches White

Tama

Features

  • Single ply
  • Cushioning: damping ring.
  • Resonance skin
  • Coated
  • Bass drum head diameter (inches) 22
#TOP 3

Custom Aquarian 22" Bass Kick Drum Head Front Drumskin Cuffs 1

Greasy Groove

Features

  • We can custom make these heads with any image of your choice -please send us a message if interested.
  • Durability is the same as for a regular drum head skin and will hold up extremely well with normal use and wear and tear.
  • Fabulous custom Drum Head by Greasy Groove Inc.  The graphic is applied using superior quality inks and media to provide great tonal projection and resonant properties.
  • Enhance your identity or your bands look with this high impact eye candy for your Kick Drum.  We use “Aquarian 22" drum heads” and graphical enrichment is applied by Greasy Groove Inc.  The graphical image has a semi-gloss appearance so that light reflection (ie, stage lighting) is kept to a minimum.  Your drum head can be installed and tuned just the same as a regular drum head.
  • Shipping via UPS Ground within North America.
#TOP 4

Evans EMAD System Pack

Evans

Features

  • MADE IN THE USA - For over 60 years, Evans has been a pioneer in drum head manufacturing and design. Regarded for high quality and consistency all Evans drumheads are proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality controls in the industry.
  • REMAD RESONANT BASS – The set also includes 1, 22” REMAD resonant drumhead featuring an offset 4" microphone port in a single ply of 10mil film .
  • LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY – A Level 360 collar allows the Evans bass drumheads to seat properly and in turn provides heads that are easier to tune and a wider tonal range for a sound that is studio ready.
  • EMAD SYSTEM– The Evans batter bass drumhead and resonant drumhead have an externally mounted adjustable damping system (EMAD) that allows each player to control the attack and focus of the drum head by choosing one of two removable foam damping rings.
  • EMAD BATTER BASS - The Evans EMAD system value pack includes one 22” EMAD batter bass drumhead featuring a single ply of 10mil film providing an ideal balance of punch, power and low-end.
#TOP 5

Evans REMAD Resonant Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • The 4" offset mic port features a plastic sleeve focuses pitch and enhances the attach while providing protection for the port
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • 22" resonant drum head made using a single ply 7.5mil film
  • The perfect resonant head for use with the EMAD series batter heads
#TOP 6

Evans EMAD Onyx Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping system allows the player to adjust attack and focus
  • The Onyx version is the perfect aesthetic and sonic compliment to the Onyx tom heads and Onyx bass resonant
  • Very versatile head for all music genre applications, a true working drummer's choice
  • 22" drum head made using a single ply of 10mil film
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
#TOP 7

Evans Resonant Black Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • 22" resonant drum head with a single ply of 7.5mil film
  • Provides optimal resonance at higher tunings
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Ideal for jazz and bop
  • Single ply of film without control rings or vents in order to maximize resonance
#TOP 8

Evans EQ3 Resonant Coated White Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • A fixed, internal overtone control ring is made to be microphone friendly, from the studio to arena
  • 22" resonant drum head with a single ply of 6.5mil film
  • Available in a frosted, onyx, smooth white and coated white version
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • The 5" offset mic port features a plastic sleeve focuses pitch and enhances the attach while providing protection for the port
#TOP 9

Evans EMAD2 Clear Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • LEVEL 360 TECHNOLOGY – A Level 360 collar allows the clear bass drum head to seat itself properly and in turn provides a head that is easier to tune and a wider tonal range for a sound that is studio ready.
  • AVAILABLE IN 5 SIZES – Evans EMAD2 clear bass drum heads are available in sizes 18” to 26” with multiple thickness and coating options.
  • FOR ALL MUSIC GENRES – The EMAD2 bass drum head is extremely versatile for all music genres. A true working drummer’s choice, the adjustable damping caters to all bass drum tones.
  • EMAD SYSTEM– The Evans Clear Bass Drum Head has an externally mounted adjustable damping system to control the attack and focus of the drum head by choosing one of two removable foam rings. The 22” drum head has an outer ply of 7mil and an inner ply of 10mil film for added durability.
  • MADE IN THE USA - For over 60 years, Evans has been a pioneer in drum head manufacturing and design. Regarded for high quality and consistency all Evans drumheads are proudly designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality controls in the industry.
#TOP 10

Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping system allows the player to adjust attack and focus
  • Also available in a coated version
  • Very versatile head for all music genres; a true working drummer's choice
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • 22" drum head made using a single ply of 10mil film
#TOP 11

Tama Logo Resonant Bass Drum Head 22 in. Black

Tama

Features

  • Styles: Multipurpose
  • Type: Kick
  • Sizes & Purpose
  • Size(s): 22
  • Quantity: Individual
#TOP 12

Evans Black Chrome Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • Uncoated for maximum attack and aesthetic characteristics
  • Opposing films for shorter sustain and accentuated mid/low frequency response
  • Semi-reflective mirror-like appearance
  • 6 to 20-Inch sizes available for all toms or snare drums
  • 16-Inch, 2-ply construction (7mil clear over 7.5mil black film for reliable 2-ply durability)
#TOP 13

Evans Bass Drum Heads

Evans

Features

  • 22" drum head made using two identical plies of 10mil film
  • Very versatile head for all music genres; a true working drummer"s choice
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping system allows the player to adjust attack and focus
#TOP 14

Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Tom Hoop Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • A fixed, internal overtone control ring is made to be microphone friendly, from the studio to arena
  • 16-inch resonant drum head made using a single ply of 10mil film
  • Tom hoop for metal flange counter hoops.
  • No mic port
#TOP 15

Evans EMAD Clear Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • For use with bass drum style hoops
  • Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping (EMAD) system allows the player to adjust attack and focus
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Very versatile head for all music genres; a true working drummer's choice
  • 16" drum head made using a single ply of 10mil film
#TOP 16

Evans Resonant Black Drumhead

Evans

Features

  • Sensitive response and strong projection
  • Short in sustain with a bright tone
  • Also available in glass (clear) version
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • 16" drum head with a single ply of 7.5mil film
#TOP 17

Evans Genera Resonant Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • A single ply offers an open and expressive sound
  • Ideal for enhancing tone when combined with a 2-ply batter head
  • 16" resonant drum head made using a single ply of 10mil film
#TOP 18

Aquarian Drumheads SKPII22BK Super-Kick II Prepack 22-inch Bass Drum Head

AQUARIAN DRUMHEADS

Features

  • 10mil thick drumhead
  • Super-Kick II bass drum pack
  • One clear Super-Kick I and One RSM Regulator Gloss Black
#TOP 19

Evans Calftone Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • Calftone is a synthetic alternative that embodies the look and sound of traditional calfskin
  • Exclusive Level 360 Technology collar design ensures proper contact between drum head and drum shell
  • Made using a blend of unique materials to produce warm, full, and rich tones
  • Bring out the best of a vintage kit and evoke a classic appearance and sound from modern drum
  • 20" drum head for resonant or batter use
#TOP 20

Evans EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drumhead

Generic

Features

  • Genera 13" Resonant Drum Head22" Resonant Black Bass Drum Head
  • Genera Resonant Drumhead - 13 inch: Genera 13" Resonant Drum Head
  • EQ3 Resonant Black Bass Drumhead - 22 inch - With Port Hole: 22" Resonant Black Bass Drum Head
#TOP 21

Evans EQ4 Clear Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Also available in a frosted version
  • 20" drum head made using a special, single ply 10mil film
  • An internal overtone control ring and a removable muffle ring coupled with dry-vents work extremely well with and without a microphone
  • Very versatile head for all music genres; a true working drummer's choice
#TOP 22

Evans Black Hydraulic Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • 22" drum head with a thin layer of oil between two plies of black film to suppress unwanted overtones
  • The only oil-filled drum head on the market
  • Two plies offer consistency and durability for longer playing time
  • A fat, deep and short sound pioneered by early 70's rock and roll
  • Also available in clear (also called glass) and blue versions
#TOP 23

Evans EQ4 Calftone Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • Exclusive Level 360 Technology collar design ensures proper contact between drum head and drum shell
  • A fixed internal overtone control focuses the tonal response of the drum
  • 26" drum head for resonant or batter use
  • Calftone is a synthetic alternative that embodies the look and sound of traditional calfskin
  • Made using a blend of unique materials to produce warm, full, and rich tones
#TOP 24

Evans G2 Clear Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • 20" drum head made using two plies of 7mil film
  • Very versatile head for all music genres; a true working drummer's choice
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Two plies offer consistency and durability for longer playing time
#TOP 25

Evans EQ4 Frosted Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • Also available in a clear version
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Single ply of 10mil film offers full, wide-open tone
  • An internal overtone control ring and a removable muffle ring coupled with dry-vents work extremely well with and without a microphone
  • 18" drum head with fixed internal overtone control ring proportional to the size of the head
#TOP 26

Remo FA1524-00 24-Inch Fiberskyn 3 Ambassador Bass Drum Head

Remo

Features

  • Produce a warm mid range resonant sound with a warm attack
  • 24" bass drum head
  • Medium-weight heads made with a poly-spun fiber single ply 10 mil Mylar film
  • The Fiberskyn 3 Ambassador surface is excellent for sticks, brushes
  • F3 Ambassador heads produce a warm spectrum of sound for snares and tom-toms. They are best known for Jazz and Orchestral applications
#TOP 27

Remo FA1522-00 22-Inch Fiberskyn 3 Ambassador Bass Drum Head

Remo

Features

  • Medium-weight heads made with a poly-spun fiber single ply 10 mil Mylar film
  • 22" bass drum head
  • F3 Ambassador heads produce a warm spectrum of sound for snares and tom-toms. They are best known for Jazz and Orchestral applications
  • Produce a warm mid range resonant sound with a warm attack
  • The Fiberskyn 3 Ambassador surface is excellent for sticks, brushes
#TOP 28

Remo Powerstroke P3 Ebony Bass Drumhead

Remo

Features

  • The Remo Ebony Powerstroke 3 features a thin underlay at the outer edge of the head to subtly dampen unwanted overtones.
#TOP 29

Evans ONYX Resonant Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • 22" resonant drum head made using a single ply of 7mil film coated with a frost matte coating
  • The 5" offset mic port features a plastic sleeve focuses pitch and enhances the attach while providing protection for the port
  • A fixed, internal overtone control ring is made for every microphone situation, from the studio to arena
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Available in a frosted, onyx, smooth white and coated white version
#TOP 30

Evans Calftone Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • 22" drum head for resonant or batter use
  • Bring out the best of a vintage kit and evoke a classic appearance and sound from modern drum
  • Calftone is a synthetic alternative that embodies the look and sound of traditional calfskin
  • Exclusive Level 360 Technology collar design ensures proper contact between drum head and drum shell
  • Made using a blend of unique materials to produce warm, full, and rich tones
#TOP 31

Evans G1 Coated Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • 22" drum head with a single ply of 10mil film offers a full, wide-open tone
  • Very versatile head for all musical genres; a true working drummer's choice
  • Unrestricted single ply resonates freely at a wide range of tunings
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Also available in a clear version
#TOP 32

Evans Heads BD22RSW-NP 22-Inch EQ3 Resonant Smooth Bass Drum Heads

Evans

Features

  • No mic port
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Available in a frosted, onyx, smooth white, coated white, and mic port version
  • A fixed, internal overtone control ring is made to be microphone friendly, from the studio to arena
  • 22-Inch resonant drum head with a single ply of 7.5mil film
#TOP 33

Evans Heads BD22RGCW-NP 22-Inch EQ3 Resonant Coated Bass Drum Heads

Evans

Features

  • 22-Inch resonant drum head with a single ply of 6.5mil film
  • No mic port
  • Available in a frosted, onyx, smooth white, coated white, and mic port version
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • A fixed, internal overtone control ring is made to be microphone friendly, from the studio to arena
#TOP 34

Evans EQ1 Resonant Black Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • 22" drum head with single ply of 7.5mil film and a fixed internal overtone control ring
  • Also available in a coated version
  • Dry vents allow air to escape and reduce overtones
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Wide tuning range
#TOP 35

Aquarian Drumheads RSM16WH Regulator White 16-inch Bass Drum Head

AQUARIAN DRUMHEADS

Features

  • Small 4 3/4" offset hole
  • 10" centered felt muffle ring
  • Resonant side bass drumhead
  • 10mil thick drumhead
  • Regulator Gloss White
#TOP 36

Evans EQ3 Resonant Smooth White Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • A fixed, internal overtone control ring is made to be microphone friendly, from the studio to arena
  • Bass hoop for standard bass drum counter hoops.
  • 16-inch resonant drum head with a single ply of 7.5mil film
  • No mic port
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
#TOP 37

Evans Drum Heads - dB One Snare Batter Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • MADE IN THE USA - All Evans drumheads are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA
  • SIMILAR FEEL & RESPONSE - Play as you normally would a traditional drumhead, without having changing your technique and achieve similar feel and sonic response
  • NATURAL ACOUSTIC TONE & FEEL - Natural, acoustic tone and a more natural acoustic feel
  • SHOCKWEAVE MESH -2-ply construction that combines a top layer of EVANS ShockWeave Mesh with an all new Snare Sim Technology to mimic the sound of traditional snare wires
  • REINFORCED STRIKING SURFACE - Impact Patches added to reinforce the striking surface and enhance the audible attack and articulation
#TOP 38

Evans Retro Screen Resonant Bass Drum Head

Evans

Features

  • Available in a frosted, onyx, smooth white and coated white version
  • 22" resonant drum head with a single ply of black mesh screen
  • All Evans drum heads are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA
  • Offers the retro sound of a bass drum without the resonant head
  • Keeps drum shell in round
#TOP 39

Remo FA1520-00 20-Inch Fiberskyn 3 Ambassador Bass Drum Head

Remo

Features

  • Medium-weight heads made with a poly-spun fiber single ply 10 mil Mylar film
  • The Fiberskyn 3 Ambassador surface is excellent for sticks, brushes
  • Produce a warm mid range resonant sound with a warm attack
  • 20" bass drum head
  • F3 Ambassador heads produce a warm spectrum of sound for snares and tom-toms. They are best known for Jazz and Orchestral applications
#TOP 40

Evans EMAD Resonant Bass Drum Head 26 in.

Artist Unknown

Features

  • 5mil fixed internal control ring
  • EMAD Resonant Bass Drum Head 26 in
  • 5mil black film with a 6
  • It comes with an Externally Mounted Adjustable Damping system installed around the 4" offset microphone port that allows the user to manipulate attack, tone, and sustain without the need for internal damping
  • With accentuated low-end response, the EMAD Resonant is constructed using a 7
#TOP 41

DW 20" Fiberskyn Bass Drum Head

Drum Workshop

Features

  • Fiberskyn resonant logo head featuring exclusive DW Microvents for optimal resonance.
#TOP 42

Bass Drum O's Ebony Resonant Bass Drumhead

Bass

Features

  • 22" Bass Drum Resonant Head with 6" Hole
  • Reinforcement Ring - Ebony/Chrome

Choosing the Ideal bass drum resonant heads: What to Keep in Mind

How do you choose a resonant drum head?

Drum heads come in single- or two-ply construction. Generally, jazz, light rock, and acoustic players prefer the increased resonance and sustain of one-ply heads, while heavy hitters playing louder rock, funk, or R&B usually prefer the focused sound and durability of heavier double-ply heads.

What does putting a blanket in a bass drum do?

The bass drum will eventually sound dead and flat – not what you want. The trick is to put a small amount of muffling in there. Try placing one pillow or blanket resting on the bottom of the drum. This way you get bit more control of the air flow, as well as the resonance on the drum head without killing the sound.

How tight should resonant heads be?

While, in general, Drum Center advises tuning your resonant head tighter than your batter head, it's a common mistake to over-tighten snare wire tension. This can choke the sound of the snare drum. Go the Goldilocks way: not too tight, not too loose, but a happy medium.

Should I put a towel in my bass drum?

To muffle a bass drum, remove the resonant head and install muffling within the drum. Towels, pillows, acoustic foam, and muffling pads can all be used to muffle a bass drum. Muffling removes undesirable attributes of the drum tone and sculpts it to the drummers' tone preferences.

Why do you put a pillow in a bass drum?

The bass drum will eventually sound dead and flat – not what you want. The trick is to put a small amount of muffling in there. Try placing one pillow or blanket resting on the bottom of the drum. This way you get bit more control of the air flow, as well as the resonance on the drum head without killing the sound.

How do you EQ a bass drum?

7 Steps to a Perfect Kick
  1. 7 Steps to a Perfect Kick. ...
  2. Step 1 | HP Filter around 50 Hz.
  3. Step 2 | Boost for “Thump” at 60 – 90 Hz.
  4. Step 3 | Cut for “Unpleasantness” at 100 – 150 Hz.
  5. Step 4 | Cut for “Unpleasantness” at 200 – 250 Hz.
  6. Step 5 | Boost around 1.5 kHz for more “Beater” OR Cut around 2 kHz for less “Plastic”

Which is the resonant head on a bass drum?

The striking side of the drum is known as the batter head, and the bottom head, or non-striking surface, is called the resonant head. The latter affects the tone and how long the drum rings. The side on which a bass drum beater hits the drum is the batter head, and the front of the bass drum has a resonant head.

How do you get deep bass?

For deep bass, you're going to want to use a low-pass filter to cut out the higher frequencies of the bass notes, and then shape it with the filter and amplitude envelopes. Using the low-pass filter cutoff, we cut the higher frequencies out. Next, played with the filter resonance to add some depth and color.

How do you make a punchy kick drum sound?

Typical mic positioning for a live kick drum is the standard, just inside the hole on the rear head. To get a punchier sound with better attack, try deeper in the drum (closer to the beater). To get a warmer sound, try just outside the sound hole.

Editor's Notes

In total, our testing team spent 47 hours on the research prior to come up with the compilation of the 42 best bass drum resonant heads on the market. We've read 1422 reviews, on 7 different trusted resources and made this compilation of the customers' favorites. These products have the average rating of 393, and, we've also analyzed the price range: on average, the selected bass drum resonant heads are available at $2035.

Steve Romanoski Avatar
Written by

Steve Romanoski

Steve loves music. Steve Romanoski and his wife live in Alaska. They are always on the go, exploring new places and trying out new products (especially those which can help them enjoy the great musics even more). When he's not writing about products, Steve Romanoski enjoys reading books about history and science. He likes to think of himself as a renaissance man, but his wife would probably say that he's just a big kid at heart.