Related Articles
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
Whether you’ve just invested in a new set or you’re looking to convert your current acoustic kit into one with the option of electronics, mesh drumheads may be the way to go. These provide a similar feel to an acoustic drumhead without the loudness, allowing you to practice in private — even in crowded living spaces. Mesh heads are crafted with layers of woven material, and the soft sound may surprise you if you’ve never played them before.
Buying Guide: What to Know About Mesh Drumheads
Drumming is endlessly fun to learn at any level, especially when you can play near-silently indoors, but consider these points before selecting the right mesh drumhead for you.
1, 2, and 3-Ply: Every mesh head has either one, two, or three layers, and that’s going to significantly affect everything from sound and tone to feel and bounce-back. One-ply mesh heads can also have two varying versions: thin and thick. Two-ply are going to be the safest bet for most drummers. They generally have a nice mid-range, and are comfortably bouncy. Three-ply heads are tough to categorize since there’s a wide array of results across the board, but they’ll usually deliver a nice combination of low bounce and low volume.
Noise Levels: The big difference is that thin sounds quiet (with a bouncier rebound). Thin one-ply heads also don’t last as long, may wear out sooner, and can require more messing with the drum’s trigger since it’s prone to move around with each hit. Thicker options noticeably reduce bounce-back, but are also louder. These can also be a big help if you have an electronic kit but want to tamp down the acoustic volume to not disturb the people around you. That said, you’ll still have full audio through your headphones.
Rebound: These mesh drumheads are ideal for providing a more realistic rebound effect than rubber. Mesh drumheads also help diffuse each hit, and can keep you playing longer comfortably.
Other Types: There are also mylar heads, which more traditional drumheads are made from. Though they often have an additional layer of foam behind them, dampening the tone, they still end up being quite loud. We recommend giving mesh a try first.
What are the Best Mesh Drumheads?
Here are our top picks for the best mesh drumheads to try right now.
