The 5 Best Quiet Drum Heads of (2024)

Whether you’re recording in the studio or just drumming in your living room, there’s never been a better time to invest in some quiet drum heads. Here are the top five options that are sure to keep the volume down.

I absolutely love using quiet drum heads for my practice sessions. I initially turned to using mesh heads for practicing when in a downstairs apartment, and I was having issues with disturbing my neighbors. But with the quiet drum heads, I was able to practice without anyone complaining about the noise. 

My main recommended drum head is the Remo Silentstroke 14″. With a durable 1-ply mesh construction, making it perfect for quiet practice sessions.

Another great option is the Roland Dual-Ply Mesh Head (MH2-8). This dual-ply mesh head is perfect for home practice as it is very quiet when played. It is also available in six different sizes for snares and toms, as well as three sizes for bass drums.

The 5 Best Quiet Drum Heads of (2024)

1. Remo Silentstroke 14"
Top Pick - Extremely low-volume one-ply drum heads from a great brand.
2. Roland Dual-Ply Mesh Head (MH2-8)
Very durable heads with a great feel.
3. Evans SoundOff Drumhead 20"
Single-ply mesh material for quiet volume.
4. RTOM Low Volume Mesh Drumhead Set - 5 Pieces
Professional sound at bedroom levels.
5. Pearl 8" Black Mesh Head
Affordable quiet drumhead from Pearl.

Let’s compare these in more detail.

1. Remo Silentstroke 14"

Top Pick
Extremely low-volume one-ply drum heads from a great brand.
View Price at SweetwaterView Price at Amazon

The Remo Silentstroke 14″ is a great solution for anyone who wants to play their drum set without disturbing others. These one-ply drum heads are fantastic for their extremely low volume.

Pros

  • Great for practicing in small spaces
  • Effective at lowering the volume
  • Durable and long-lasting
  • Perfect for both practicing as well as DIY hybrid drum setups
  • Works great well with low-volume cymbals

Cons

  • Bouncy feel not ideal for some drummers
  • May not last long with heavy playing
  • May be too quiet for some!

The Remo Ambassador Silentstroke drumheads are available in various sizes ranging from 6″ to 24″, allowing you to choose the ideal size for your drum kit. Furthermore, they are adaptable to external electronic triggers, which makes them versatile and an excellent option for drummers who want to use these to create hybrid kits.

Mesh heads, in general, don’t produce rebound in the same way that regular acoustic heads do, however, they are a practical and effective solution for those who need to practice quietly. They’re still not nicer than using drum mutes, and they work very well with drum triggers if you’d like to use them.

As a trusted and respected drumhead manufacturer in the industry for over 6 decades, Remo’s reputation precedes them.

2. Roland Dual-Ply Mesh Head (MH2-8)

Durable
Very durable heads with a great feel.
View Price at SweetwaterView Price at Amazon

Roland definitely knows how to make mesh heads. After all, they’ve been a leader in this field for quite some time. Made of high-quality materials, the Roland Dual-Ply Mesh Head (MH2-8) is highly durable and able to withstand frequent use. They also feel a bit less bouncy than single-ply mesh heads.

Pros

  • Very durable mesh head
  • Provides good response to triggers.
  • Quiet and suitable for home practice.
  • Available in multiple sizes for snares, toms, and bass drums.
  • Great value for the price.

Cons

  • Thicker dual-ply construction may result in a slightly louder sound.

This is a similar type of material that Roland uses on their popular electronic drum kits. For those concerned about finding the appropriate size for their drum kit, the product offers a range of sizes to choose from, ensuring a suitable fit.

These heads have garnered a significant amount of positive feedback from drummers, particularly for their durability. Overall, this mesh head is an excellent choice for any drummer looking for a reliable, affordable, and high-quality quiet drum head for their drum kit.

3. Evans SoundOff Drumhead 20"

Solid, Single-ply
Single-ply mesh material for quiet volume.
View Price at SweetwaterView Price at Amazon

Evans Drumheads is a subsidiary of D’Addario which is a huge musical instrument and accessory manufacturer. Needless to say, the drumheads are of top-notch quality.

Pros

  • Excellent and extremely quiet
  • Made with a single-ply material
  • Can be used with electronic drum setups
  • Designed to reduce volume dramatically

Cons

  • A bit bouncy in comparison to thicker mesh heads

The Evans SoundOff drumheads are a great option if you’re looking for a drum head that produces minimal noise. These drumheads use single-ply mesh head material, which significantly reduces the volume produced when playing, making them perfect for practicing without disturbing those around you.

They’re quite similar to the Remo Silentstroke heads but come at a slightly higher price tag, however, they make for a suitable option as well.

4. RTOM Low Volume Mesh Drumhead Set - 5 Pieces

5-pack
Professional sound at bedroom levels.
View Price at SweetwaterView Price at Amazon

The RTOM low-volume mesh drum heads are designed to reduce the volume of your drums significantly while maintaining a better feel and response to regular mesh heads. The black hole in the center of each head adds a bit more tone to the sound than regular mesh heads.

Pros

  • Maintains some tonal quality even at low volumes
  • Provides a quiet drumming experience for neighbors and roommates
  • High-quality performance for bedroom volumes
  • Comes in a 5-piece low-volume mesh drumhead pack

Cons

  • The drum silencer pads are not completely silent and may still produce some tone.
  • This may not be ideal for those looking for a completely silent practice solution.

These are a good option for drummers who are not satisfied with the sound provided by other mesh heads. Though they will still provide some level of noise.

Another alternative option that’s different from the RTOM ones mentioned here is the RTOM Black Hole Mesh Practice Set which you can just place on top of your regular heads and they’re tunable from a single point. They bring down the volume to about 20% of the volume.

5. Pearl 8" Black Mesh Head

Budget-friendly
Affordable quiet drumhead from Pearl.
View Price at Amazon

The Pearl 8″ Mesh Heads are another excellent option for drummers looking to reduce the volume of their acoustic drum kits. While they may not be as well-known as other quiet mesh head options like the Remo Silentstroke or Evans Soundoff, these mesh heads still provide excellent performance and durability.

Pros

  • Affordable and great value for money
  • Easy to install and replace old heads
  • Great rebound and feels like an acoustic head
  • Quieter than rubber pads and reduces acoustic sound
  • Perfect fit for kits and works well with triggers
  • Durable and long-lasting

Cons

  • Not as durable as two or three-ply mesh drum heads.

In particular, they excel at low volumes, and they’re a great choice for drummers who want to convert a tom drum into a practice pad.

With their high-quality construction and superior sound reduction, the Pearl 8″ Mesh Heads are a fantastic choice for any drummer looking to improve their practice setup or reduce the volume of their acoustic drum kit without sacrificing playing feel or response.

What Are Quiet Drum Heads?

A quiet drum head is a type of drum head, usually made from mesh material, that is designed to produce far less volume when struck by a drumstick. This is achieved through the use of specialized materials and construction techniques that dampen the sound of the drum. They are designed to lessen the noise and lessen the chances of disturbing others while practicing or performing at home.

Features to Look For in Quiet Drum Heads

If you’re in the market for a quiet drum head, there are a few things you should consider before making a purchase. These decision factors will help ensure that you get the right product for your needs, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned musician. 

Factors such as material, thickness, and dampening techniques can all play a role in the sound produced by these specialized drum heads. In this section, I’ll be walking you through the methodology, features, and decision-making process involved in selecting the perfect quiet drum head. So let’s get started!

As a musician who understands the importance of practicing without disturbing the neighbors, I can attest to the fact that buying quiet drum heads can save the day. If you’re looking to get some quiet drum heads to use, you need to consider the following:

Size: Mesh drum heads come in many different sizes. Make sure you know your drum’s size before making a purchase.

Material: The type of material used on the drum head will affect the sound. Mesh heads are typically made of synthetic material and have a unique sound that can be adjusted using drum-triggering technology. Dual and triple-ply mesh heads offer a more realistic feel and can be tuned to produce a more natural drum sound.

Thickness: Mesh heads are typically only available in 3 types (one-ply, two-ply, and three-ply). One-ply heads tend to be quieter, but less durable, and the cost of being more bouncy. Two and three-ply heads are a bit less bouncy and more durable but can be slightly louder.

Durability: Two and three-ply mesh heads tend to be more durable. If you’re a heavy hitter then one-ply drum heads might rip a lot quicker than other types.

Brand: Some of the best brands for quiet drum heads are Remo, Evans, and Roland.

Noise Reduction: One-ply mesh heads tend to be the quietest option.

Cost: Mesh heads can range in price from affordable to more expensive. Consider your budget and the features you need when making a purchase, keeping in mind that thinner mesh heads may need to be replaced more often. So factor the long-term cost into account also.

Triggering: One-ply heads are the thinnest and tend to be the quietest, which means they require less force to trigger a sound. They’re also great if you’re planning to use triggers, as drummers tend to prefer one-ply heads for this purpose. Dual-ply heads are more durable but at the cost of being just a bit louder. They can also be slightly less bouncy than one-ply heads.

Quiet Drum Heads FAQs

Can Quiet Drum Heads Be Used With Any Drum Set?

Yes, quiet drum heads can be used with any drum set. They are designed to fit most standard drum sizes and can be customized to fit specific drum configurations.

Are Quiet Drum Heads Durable?

Quiet drum heads are generally made with durable materials that can withstand repeated use, but they can tear. Two and three-ply mesh heads are the most durable, whereas single-ply heads tend to tear quicker, especially for heavy hitters.

Conclusion

In conclusion, quiet drum heads are a must-have for drummers who want to practice without disturbing others. These 5 quiet drum heads are a great investment for drum students, apartment dwellers, and anyone who wants to practice regularly without disturbing the neighbors.

My top pick is the Remo Silentstroke 14″ drumhead for its ultimate low-volume, 1-ply mesh construction, and great feel.

My second pick is the Roland Dual-Ply Mesh Head (MH2-8) which is highly durable, very quiet, and perfect for home practice, though at the cost of being slightly louder.

Mike O'Connor
Mike O'Connor

I've been playing drums for over 18 years. I work as both a session drummer and a drum teacher, and I love to share my knowledge and tips on this site. You can also find me on the Electronic Drum Advisor YouTube channel.

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