18th and 19th century drums were equipped with animal hide drum heads – often referred to as “parchments” before being lapped onto the flesh hoop.
These heads could be made out of calf, goat, or sheep skin. Which animal hide you should choose depends on which impression (nationality and era) you’re doing and whether you’re making a snare or batter head.
Regardless of material, the snare head must be thinner than the batter head as the batter head must be thick enough to endure being played on and the snare head must be thin enough to vibrate properly against the snares in order to produce a good sound (Bruce & Emmett, 4).
French 18th Century Drum Heads
Mersenne (1636) notes that the heads should be made of sheepskin.
Margaret Fortier notes that purchase orders from Fortress Louisbourg suggest French drummers originally preferred sheepskin. However, in 1741 and 1752, Louisbourg requested quality goatskin. Later in 1757, Prévost of Fortress Louisbourg ordered good calfskin.
Howe (American; 1862) questions the durability of sheepskin for batter heads and perhaps this is what the French were experimenting with in mid-18th century North America.
17th century and early 18th century French: I would recommend medium to heavy sheepskin for the batter head and thin sheepskin for the snare head.
Mid-18th century French (F&I): I would recommend medium to heavy goatskin or calfskin for the batter head and thin goatskin for the snare head.
Late-F&I and late-18th century French: I would recommend medium to heavy calfskin for the battery head and thin goatskin or calfskin for the snare head.
British 18th Century Drum Heads
Currently, I have yet to find information in British sources that state which types of animal hide are preferred. Any suggestions for the Americans or French would be appropriate until further research uncovers an answer.
Do you have any resources that describe British practices? If so, please contact me or comment below.
American 1812 & Civil War Drum Heads
According to Howe (1862), the batter head should be calfskin while the snare head should be sheepskin (2).
Bruce considers calfskin heads to be best “on account of their strength and elasticity” (4).
A drum order form from Fort McHenry (1813) confirms Howe’s suggestion.
I would recommend medium or thick calfskin for the batter head and thin sheepskin for the snare head.
Where to purchase animal hide drum heads?
Pergamena
- High Quality Calfskin and Goatskin
- They do not tuck heads
Ensoulmusic
- Lower Quality Calfskin and Goatskin
- Decent heads for very cheap
- They do not tuck heads?
Stern Tanning
- High Quality Calfskin
- They will tuck heads.
Cooperman Drum Co.
- High Quality Calfskin
- They will tuck heads.
- Can easily purchase a pre-made head. Only recommended if you have a Cooperman drum.
Do you have a calf skin / goat skin / sheep skin drum head supplier? Leave a comment or contact me to let us know.
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